2 Days in Copenhagen | Ultimate Budget-friendly Guide to Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city worth visiting for many reasons, so 2 days in Copenhagen is just about where ‘enough’ starts.

The younger generation may know this city for the popular TikTok trend, ‘how to dress for Copenhagen Fashion Week,’ but it offers much more than its fashionable locals.

The Danish capital brings together slow living (hygge lifestyle), culinary delights, inspiring architecture, picturesque canals, and bike culture all in one place.

If you’re spending 2 days in Copenhagen, this guide will help you see the most of the city, while traveling on a budget. In time, you’ll get a picture of why the beautiful city has had the #1 position as the world’s happiest city for a long time.

Without further ado, here are some of the best things to do in Copenhagen in two days.

Is Copenhagen worth visiting?

Without a doubt! Copenhagen is worth visiting because it has lots to offer travelers of all interests. It’s also quite different from many European capitals as it gives the best city life and slow living.

The architecture is marvelous, and the history is fascinating. Places like the Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn give the city scenic views, and the green spaces are like paradise.

Is 2 days in Copenhagen enough?

While more than 2 days in Copenhagen is needed to experience the best of the city, it’s still enough time to visit the main attractions, get a feel for the Danish lifestyle, and indulge in local treats and experiences such as biking with Danes.

How many days is best in Copenhagen?

4 to 5 days in Copenhagen is ample time to explore the city leisurely. In 4 days, you can visit all the main attractions and indulge in more local experiences, such as sunbathing in the city or enjoying a drink outdoors at Nyhavn.

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How to get to Copenhagen

TRAIN 🚆

There are several ways to get to Copenhagen, depending on where you’re visiting from. If you’re flying into Copenhagen International Airport (CPH), you can take the train, the quickest way to get to the city center. The airport is located 8 kilometers southeast of the city, so expect to arrive in just 13 minutes.

METRO 🚄

If you opt for another mode of transportation, such as the metro, take the M2 line, which departs from Terminal 3. The metro leaves every 10 minutes and gets you to Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport Station in about 15 minutes.

You can purchase train and metro tickets from the ticket machines at the airport or by downloading the ‘ DOT Tickets’ app. A one-way ticket for both the metro and train from Copenhagen (CPH) airport to Copenhagen Central Station in the city center costs €4.80 (36 DKK). 

BUS 🚍

Another way of getting to the city center is by taking the bus. This option is much cheaper and, therefore, more budget-friendly, but takes the longest. The ride is 30-35 minutes long, so it’s doable if you’re not in a rush.

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Budget-friendly tip

Another way of making your trip to Copenhagen even cheaper is by flying into Malmö instead. Malmö is a Swedish city located just 30 kilometers from the Danish capital and accessible through the Øresund Bridge, which connects the two. Trains run often, and the ride is only 35 minutes!

A ticket will set you back €14, so depending on the costs of flights, you could fly into Malmö Airport to save some money.

If you’re wondering if Malmö is worth visiting, it certainly is! It’s the third-largest city in Sweden and definitely makes for a great day trip from Copenhagen.

Like Copenhagen, it’s known for its striking architecture, rich history, modern art, cultural diversity, and proximity to Copenhagen.

Need more reasons?

READ: Reasons to Visit Malmö

You may also like:

Malmö Architecture | 6 Amazing Buildings Not to Miss

The Best Things to Do in Malmö, Sweden

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How to get around Copenhagen during your 2 days there

BIKING

If you want to get around the city like a local, the best way to do it’s by biking. The city has so many impressive bike lanes, and during my time there, I was stunned by how elegantly people cycled.

I could never do it myself.

I was so intimidated by how effortlessly they rode, but I’d highly recommend doing it once or twice.

WALKING

For non-cyclers like me, walking around the city does just fine, even if you only have two days in Copenhagen! The city has a flat terrain, so you can easily walk around.

It’s also very pleasurable to take in the city views as you go from A to B.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Another alternative would be public transportation, which works based on geographical zones. You’ll mostly have to travel between two zones to see most of the city, but it could also be three, depending on how far out you go.

COPENHAGEN CITY PASS

If you purchase the Copenhagen City Pass, you can access all public transportation, including the ones going to the airport, and also get FREE access to several attractions in the city.

Some of the attractions include:

• Round Tower
• Canal Tours Copenhagen
• Tivoli Gardens
• Copenhagen Zoo
• The National Museum
• Rosenberg Castle
• Danish Architecture Center
• The Black Diamond

….more attractions

Best things to do in Copenhagen in 2 days

With 2 days in Copenhagen, you have to do some of the best, most unique things to do in the city.

You could switch out some of these with activities in this ‘2 days in Copenhagen itinerary’, or decide to stay longer than two days to get the whole experience.

• Ski at CopenHill
• Ride the Harbour Bus or Netto Boats
• Visit Absalon
• Go up the Round Tower
• Take an alternative dark-side tour
• Sunbathe in the city center
• Visit the Forgotten Giants
• Borrow a kayak for free and help clean the water
• Try Gasoline Grill, the most popular burger joint
• Admire Amager

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2 days in Copenhagen budget-friendly itinerary

Here’s my full itinerary on how to make the most of your two days in Copenhagen. Your first day will include some of Denmark’s most popular attractions and places you have to see in the Danish capital.

Day 1

Some of the places you can see on day one in Copenhagen include:

• Nyhavn
• Amalienborg
• Designmuseum Danmark
• The Little Mermaid
• Rosenborg Castle
•  Nørrebro

Morning 🌅

1. Nyhavn

Start your day bright and early by visiting Nyhavn Harbor. This captivating sight dates back millennia and was a commercial port where seamen docked their boats. Inside these colorful buildings, the men visited pubs, alehouses, and ladies of the night.

Today, you’ll find many restaurants housed in these special buildings and tour boats along the canal, ready to take you on an adventure.

Once you’ve taken a few pictures here to remember your two days in Copenhagen, head over to the tour boats post and take a ride around the city. If you’ve purchased the Copenhagen City Card, you can take these guided, hour-long tours for free.

2. Designmuseum Danmark

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Next up on your 2 days in Copenhagen itinerary is Designmuseum Danmark. Danish art is stunning, and I put this item on the list for art enthusiasts. Not only is it one of the best museums to visit in Copenhagen, but it also makes for a fantastic activity on a rainy day.

The museum, which was once a hospital, is a collection of decorative arts, crafts, and industrial design. Some from the Western world and others from Asia, all dating from hundreds of years ago up until the present day.

If you’re visiting this museum on foot, you should drop by Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Royal Family. While you may not get to hang out in their living room, you could still visit the museum and also catch the changing of the guards.

3. The Little Mermaid & Kastellet

You may already know the world-famous story of the Little Mermaid that Hans Christian Andersen wrote. Carl Jacobsen, a Danish brewer, gifted the sculpture of the Little Mermaid to the city of Copenhagen after falling in love with the character of the Little Mermaid from a ballet performance he saw.

While the icon sculpture is quite an iconic attraction in Copenhagen, it’s, in fact, small. So don’t be taken aback by its size. Regardless, it’s still one of the places worth seeing as you spend two days in Copenhagen.

Lunch

While you’re on Kastellet, you could drop by Seafood & Bar for lunch fresh out of the sea.

Tip: If you’re interested in Danish history, it could be worth heading toward Nyboder, a site with orange-colored houses built for the Royal Danish Navy and their families.

While not too much happens in this neighborhood, it can be a fun place to take some artistic pictures to remember your 2 days in Copenhagen.

Afternoon ☀️

4. The Rose Garden

Depending on how much time you have and how exhausted you’re, you could museum-hop in The Rose Garden. There are three museums here that are worth seeing, so you could see all of them or just the ones that pique your interest.

Hirschsprung Collection

The Hirschsprung Collection is a small art gallery displaying Danish art and sculptures. The museum has been open since 1911 and offers a unique perspective into the modern art of that time.

SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst

This is also an art museum with temporary and permanent exhibitions showcasing artworks of famous Danish artists. The masterpieces date back to 1300 and also feature more recent work.

Museum of Natural History

Another alternative for an artsy 2 days in Copenhagen is to visit the Museum of Natural History. This museum features dinosaur and mineral exhibits, making it extra fun if you’re visiting with little ones.

5. Rosenborg Castle

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Your two days in Copenhagen would only be complete with a visit to Rosenborg Castle. To many, this is the best castle in Copenhagen because of its intricate attention to detail in the display and exhibitions and also in the overall experience.

The castle is built in classic Dutch Renaissance style and also features an expansive garden called the King’s Garden.

Keep in mind that the museum closes at 5 pm each day, so may need to choose between visiting the castle and the museums in Rose Garden.

Evening 🌆

6. Discover Nørrebro

This Copenhagen itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Nørrebro, Copenhagen’s most vibrant and multicultural neighborhood. For instance, they host a yearly kebab championship, and for two years in a row, Kösem at Nørrebrogade 186 has come in first place, so if you visit them around dinner time, go hungry.

Besides award-winning kebab shops, there are several other chill spots you can visit in the neighborhood. Just walking around the vibrant street, you’re bound to stumble upon somewhere cool to have a drink or two.

If you’re not too creeped out by graveyards, Assistens Cemetery is a beautiful place to visit, especially during summer. You can take a stroll in this green oasis or grab a beer, and people watch. However, if you really want to make the most of your 2 days in Copenhagen, there are way more exciting things you can do in Nørrebro.

Some of the best streets in Nørrebro:

• Elmegade – the best place to shop
• Jægersborggade – the best place to eat
• Blågårdsgade – a great place to eat

Where to eat Nørrebro:

• BRUS 
•  Grød
• La Neta 
• Bæst
• Silberbauers Bistro
• Sasaa 

What not to miss in Nørrebro:

• Superkilen – an Instagrammable spot and recreational space
• BaNanna Park – to get a feel of the local community
• Assistens Cemetery – hang-out spot for most locals

Day 2

Day one of this 2 days in Copenhagen itinerary was about seeing some of the most popular sites in Copenhagen.

You spent a lot of time outdoors, and on your second day, you’ll see the more artistic side of the city.

You’ll get the chance to visit a couple of museums, visit a unique neighborhood, and explore some of the architectural wonders of the city.

What you’ll see:

• The Royal Gardens
• Christiansborg Palace
• Royal Library
• Christiania
• Church of our Savior
• Christianshavn
• BLOX
• Tivoli Gardens

Morning🌅

1. The Royal Library Gardens

For day 2 of your Copenhagen trip, you’ll start with The Royal Library Gardens. This garden, now open to the public, was built in 1920 and sits atop Tøjhushavnen, Christian IV’s old naval port. While it’s not a huge garden, it’s a lovely place to kick off your day with a slow morning.

The garden is located between Christiansborg Palace and the Royal Library, and for this reason, it has somewhat of a hidden spot feeling.

You can enjoy some coffee here or simply wander through and admire the architecture of the surrounding buildings and statues.

2. Christiansborg Palace

Website Address

While you’re in the area, why not visit the palace next door?

This palace, once home to the royal family, now houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State, making it quite an important building and a notable place to visit.

During your visit here, you can walk through several luxurious rooms that are still used by the royal family today. Some of these lavish rooms include The Tower Room and The Oval Throne Room, where foreign ambassadors are received by the Queen.

One room to attend here is the Queen’s Tapestries. These represent over 1,000 years of Danish history and were a gift to the queen in 1990. During your visit, you’ll also get to see the ruins discovered underneath the palace. They date back to the Middle Ages, and this experience has been designed to be as realistic as can be.

3. Royal Library

Website Address

Your next stop on this ‘2 days in Copenhagen’ itinerary is the Royal Library. I’m not sure about what comes to your mind when you think of the Royal Library, but it’s certainly not a classical brick building.

It resembles a black diamond, hence it’s other name, The Black Diamond. We can thank the building’s shiny facade for this cool nickname. This glass structure and it’s irregular shape reflect the sky and the water’s image, creating this glittering facade that resembles a shiny diamond.

The building is an architectural marvel and one you cannot miss during your two days in Copenhagen. It’s a waterfront building and an extension of the Royal Library but with a modern spin to it.

It has a bookshop, restaurant, cafe, and even a music hall. The interior is also a beautiful combination of old meets new with its beautiful union of classical and modern fixtures.

If you’re into photography, you can also step inside the National Museum of Photography, which is nestled inside the Black Diamond.

4. Christiania

After a fabulous time of experiencing architecture and history, it’s time for you to see a different side of Copenhagen. A lot of people tend to miss out on Christiania because they either don’t know about it or are not sure about how safe it is.

As someone who’s visited Christiania, I can assure you there’s nothing to worry about. In fact, I wish I could have gone earlier!

So, here’s the thing about Christiania: a couple of years ago, in 1971, some squatters moved into these military barracks and made it their home. Soon after, it got really popular because of Pusher Street, where hash and pot are sold.

Now, it’s important to note that dealing, buying, and possessing illegal substances in any form is against Danish legislation.

But in 2021, an agreement was met between Christiania and the State, and it became a free town and led under the foundation of Freetown Christiania. About 1,000 people live there today, and nearly 500,000 people visit annually.

You can explore the area by yourself or take part in a guided tour if you’d like to know about the area and its history. If you’re going to visit Christiania during your 2 days in Copenhagen, I suggest doing this during the day, just to stay extra cautious.

Afternoon ☀️

5. Church of Our Savior

If you can still push through before lunch, I highly recommend visiting the Church of our Savior. It’s one of the most beautiful churches in Copenhagen and a unique spot to get a panoramic view of the city. The only thing you need to do to earn those views is climb up 400 steps.

From the iconic tower, not only can you see the royal city of Copenhagen, but you hear, up close, the beautiful melodies that come from the Church. The Tower has six large bells and a carillon with as many as 48 bells.

If you’re set on visiting this church and climbing up the tower during your 2-day trip to Copenhagen, I suggest getting your tickets beforehand. Due to the size of the steps, visitations are limited during the busy hours of the day, so reserving a spot will save you a lot of time.

While there, don’t miss out on the beautiful Baroque interior that can be visited for free of charge. Keep in mind that the church is closed for sightseeing during services, and you may not be allowed up the tower during bad weather conditions.

6. Christianshavn

You’re probably now hungry, so the first thing you may want to do is grab a bite. I believe that when you’re in a Nordic country, you have to eat seafood at least once. Fiskerestaurant Hooked Christianshavn has a wonderful menu and great ratings, so its worth giving a try. They serve a variety of seafood, and they’re just one of the great places you can check out.

Other top-rated food spots in Christianshavn are:

• Barr – a joint for Nordic culinary treats
• Popl – for juicy burgers
• No. 2 – also for Nordic gastronomy
• Hart Holmen – for baked goods
• Donda – Larin American and seafood fusion

If you’re looking for even more unique dining options, what do you think of communal dining like a local? Kanalhuset, a big, yellow historical building you’ll likely stumble upon, serves as a hotel and communal dining spot. They have a daily menu with vegetarian options and are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You can dine inside the waterfront building or dine outside on one of the public benches with a view of the canal.

More to do in Christianshavn

After you’ve wined and dined, it’s time to see more of the neighborhood. Christianshavn has a rich maritime history and a down-to-earth atmosphere. Just admiring the canals and the beautiful houses adorned on the tree-lined streets is enough to make you go ‘WOW’. But you can get even more of that wow factor during your 2 days in Copenhagen by:

• taking a canal cruise
• visiting the Institute for Contemporary Art
• exploring the North Atlantic House
• Crossing the Inner Harbor Bridge

7. BLOX / Danish Architectural Center

Website Address

If you happen to be a modern architecture enthusiast, BLOX will naturally grab your attention. This multi-story building features the Danish Architecture Center, a restaurant, a gym, and even apartments on its top floors.

A fun fact is that I actually got to not only visit BLOX but stay in one of the penthouses during my time in Copenhagen. The experience still blows me away. To find out more, you’ll need to check out my Travel Journal, where I share my couchsurfing experiences, plus more!

To visit DAC (Danish Architecture Center), you’ll need to purchase a ticket and begin your tour, which starts from historic Danish Architecture, up until the modern works.

It’s a beautifully crafted museum designed by OMA and well-curated, thanks to many other architecture firms. My 2 days in Copenhagen wouldn’t have been the same if I hadn’t visited DAC, so I highly recommend it.

8. DAC Alternative

Just in case, for some reason, architecture doesn’t quite tickle your fancy, there are three other museums you can visit in the area.

You can visit the National Museum of Denmark, which is all about history or culture, or you can visit the Museum of Copenhagen, which is also a history museum.

If you prefer art museums, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is nearby and has a full arsenal of French and Danish art.

Evening 🌆

9. Tivoli Gardens

Your 2 days in Copenhagen wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Tivoli Gardens. This is one of the most popular places in Copenhagen, and with good reason! Tivoli isn’t just Copenhagen’s central theme park, but it’s also one of the oldest in the world.

The gardens first opened in 1843 and inspired the likes of Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney.

If you’re not going for rides, be sure to go for the food. Tivoli has a food court that serves various local and international cuisine, so there’s something for everybody.

For the perfect time at Tivoli, you can get some food and ten explore the gardens. During summer, you’ll likely to find a concert or an outdoor movie, adding to the whimsical feel of this place.

In case you’re leaving Copenhagen right away, Tivoli is a wonderful place to end your 2 days in Copenhagen because it’s right across the Central Station, making it super convenient.

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More than 2 days in Copenhagen

Spending more than 2 days in Copenhagen? Here are a couple of other places worth adding to your Copenhagen itinerary.

• The Round Tower (Rundetaarn): Climb to the top of this historic tower for panoramic city views.
• Torvehallerne: Satisfy your taste buds at this food market, offering a wide range of Danish and international delicacies.
• Strøget: Stroll along Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, and shop for Danish and international brands.
• Experimentarium: Ideal for families, this interactive science museum offers a fun and educational experience for all ages.
• Copenhagen Zoo: Get up close to a wide variety of animals at this well-maintained zoo.
• Copenhagen Street Food: Visit Reffen or Papirøen, vibrant street food markets, to savor a variety of culinary delights.
• The Workers Museum: Learn about the working-class history of Denmark through interactive exhibits.
• Copenhagen Opera House: Enjoy a performance at the Copenhagen Opera House, known for its modern design and stunning views of the harbor.
• Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Take a day trip from Copenhagen to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, located just north of the city. It features a remarkable collection of contemporary art and a beautiful seaside setting.
• Copenhagen Street Art: Take a self-guided tour of the city’s vibrant street art scene. You can find colorful murals, graffiti, and installations throughout neighborhoods like Nørrebro and Vesterbro.

Copenhagen Card

You may be wondering whether the Copenhagen Card is worth it, and I’d have to say yes. If you’re spending two or more days in Copenhagen, it’s worth getting this card to make the most of your time in the Danish capital.

Here are a few perks that come with having a Copenhagen Card:

• free access to over 89 attractions
• free public transportation

More than half of the places on this ‘2 days in Copenhagen’ list require a ticket to visit, but with the Copenhagen Card, you won’t have to worry about multiple purchases. It will also save you some cash, so it’s definitely worth purchasing.

Ticket validity varies, so you can get one for 24, 48, 78, 96, and even 120 hours if you decide to stay much longer.

You can find out more and purchase the ticket here.

Copenhagen good-to-know

If you haven’t been to Copenhagen, there are a couple of things that may be good to know before visiting. I’ll just list a couple:

• You’ll get by comfortably with just English.
• It’s a walking city, and you’ll get around just fine on foot.
• Food can be costly.
• Accommodation too!
• It’s one of the safest cities in the world.
• There are many castles in and close to Copenhagen.
• There are LOTS of cyclists.
• Most places allow both card and cash (Danish Krone) payment.

Copenhagen day trips

While Copenhagen is an absolute delight, there are a few other cool places near Copenhagen that are absolutely worth visiting. A couple other places you may want to add to your Copenhagen itinerary include:

• Frederiksborg Castle: Located in Hillerød and about a 40-minute train ride from Copenhagen. It’s a stunning Renaissance palace surrounded by beautiful gardens and houses the Museum of National History.
• Roskilde: A 30-minute train ride from Copenhagen and known for its UNESCO-listed Roskilde Cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum, where you can see ancient Viking ships.
• Dragør: A picturesque fishing village where you can stroll through cobbled streets, admire colorful houses, and enjoy fresh seafood at the local restaurants.
• Elsinore (Helsingør) Maritime Museum: Located in Helsingør, this museum is dedicated to the maritime history of Denmark and features interactive exhibits, historic ships, and interesting insights into Denmark’s seafaring past.
• The Cliffs of Møn (Møns Klint): A longer day trip, but worth it for nature enthusiasts. These are stunning white chalk cliffs on the island of Møn offer breathtaking views and picturesque hiking trails.

While this next suggestion isn’t in Denmark, it’s super close to Copenhagen. Malmö, Sweden’s third largest city, is less than an hour away via the Øresund Bridge. You can take a train or get there by car and explore the city’s charming old town, admire some iconic architecture, and try local delicacies.

While it’s fitting for a day trip from Copenhagen, Malmö is also worth visiting for a couple of days.

More reading on Malmö

• Reasons to visit Malmö
• 2 days in Malmö
• The Best things to do in Malmö
• Malmö Architecture – 6 amazing buildings not to miss

2 days in Copenhagen

Whether you’re visiting in summer or for Christmas, Copenhagen is an absolute delight and well worth the visit. A trip there will cost you more than it might to visit other countries in Europe, but as soon as you experience the city, you’ll get an idea why.

If you enjoyed this article or have any questions on visiting Copenhagen, please feel free to leave a comment. You could also stay in touch with me on Instagram at undoubtedlyhazy where I share real-life moments of my adventures in Budapest and abroad.

I can also help you plan a custom itinerary to destinations in Europe and Zambia, my home country. Find me on Thatch.

Until then, have a great 2 days in Copenhagen.