How Can You Experience Copenhagen in 1 Day?

Copenhagen can be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. As the capital and largest city of Denmark, it’s filled with plenty of sightseeing, gorgeous parks and lakes, plenty of shops, and delicious restaurants. However, the abundance of things to do means it can be hard to cram everything into just one day. This means taking some strategic planning and knowing the best places to go, so here’s how to experience Copenhagen in one day to make the most of your time in this magical and vibrant city.

The Best Way to Get Around

One of the best ways to get around Copenhagen is to use the public transit system. The city is served by both buses and metro trains, which make getting around quick and easy. Public transit can take you to all of the main attractions, shopping areas, and sights within the city, and it’s generally inexpensive and reliable. Copenhagen also has a great selection of bike paths, so you can rent a bike for the day for a healthier and more environmentally friendly way to get around.

Sightseeing

Copenhagen is filled with plenty of historical landmarks and iconic sights. While it might not be possible to see every attraction in one day, some of the major sights should be normally possible. Begin by exploring two of the most famous landmarks: The Round Tower (Rundetårn) and The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue), located on the waterfront of Langelinie. From here you can also visit the beautiful Rosenborg Castle (Rosenborg Slot) and its lovely gardens, as well as explore majestic Nyhavn, the picturesque old harbor. While here in Nyhavn, don’t miss the chance to explore the quirky shops and browse the outdoor market stalls that are set up here in the summer months. If you’re looking for souvenirs, this is one of the best places in Copenhagen to find them. Then check out Kings Garden (Kongens Have), an expansive royal park originally created for King Christian IV 400 years ago. One of Copenhagen’s highlights is a walk across its lakes and canals. Though now it’s a great spot for an afternoon stroll through its manicured gardens and colorful tulips, back then it was built as a defensive system against potential attack by enemies.

Museums & Shopping

Copenhagen is also home to many excellent museums, including those dedicated to design, zoology, naval history, and the Resistance Museum honouring those who fought on the Danish side during World War II. The National Museum is especially impressive, with its vast collection of works from famous Danish painters from the 19th century like Vilhelm Hammershoi and Christian Krohg—along with a huge collection of Viking artifacts as well. There’s also plenty of shopping to be done in Copenhagen—whether you’re looking for jewelry, designer items or vintage shops—and there’s even a good selection of organic food markets for those who want to pick up some fresh produce.

Food & Nightlife

Copenhagen is known for its amazing food scene, with an abundance of traditional Nordic cuisine along with plenty of other dishes from around the world. Smørrebrød sandwiches are a Danish specialty you won’t want to miss, as well as hot dogs from popular street vendors. There are also some excellent seafood spots around Nyhavn where you can grab a bite after a day of sightseeing. Once it gets dark out, Copenhagen offers up plenty of nightlife options to choose from—ranging from beer hall pubs to nightclubs pulsing with techno beats. It’s possible – if you plan carefully – to experience the best of Copenhagen in one day, although it helps if you’ve done your research. By following a good itinerary, taking advantage of public transportation or bike rentals, and using your time wisely, it is absolutely possible to get a great overview of this fascinating city. A single day trip won’t be quite long enough to do everything on your list – but at least it’s an excellent starting point and may even leave you wanting more. If need more information about what you can see during your 1 day in Copenhagen and how to get around efficiently without wasting your time during your travels, check out this comprehensive guide.

A Local’s Guide to Experiencing Copenhagen in 1 Day

Copenhagen is a vibrant and charming metropolis that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Although it’s impossible to see everything the city has to offer in just one day, it’s possible to capture its essence. In this insider’s guide, we’ll unveil some of Copenhagen’s hidden gems, mouth-watering local cuisine, cultural experiences, and captivating stories from its past. Let’s start our journey!

Local Attractions: Discover the Hidden Gems

While Tivoli Gardens and The Little Mermaid are fascinating attractions, Copenhagen is full of hidden gems that only locals know. Start your day by exploring the iconic streets of Christianshavn, a charming and picturesque neighborhood. Take a walk along the canal and admire the colorful houses and boats, and visit Our Savior’s Church with its iconic spiral staircase offering a fantastic view of the city.

Next, head to Assistens Cemetery, a peaceful and beautiful park-like cemetery, where you can pay tribute to Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard. The cemetery is a popular spot for picnics and sunbathing, and it’s the perfect place for a quiet break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Finally, end your day in Refshaleøen, Copenhagen’s former industrial area that has been transformed into a vibrant and contemporary hub for art, culture, and nightlife. Here, you’ll find Reffen, a bustling food market with an incredible selection of street food from all over the world.

Dining Spots: Taste the Local Cuisine

Copenhagen offers a unique culinary experience that showcases fresh and local ingredients. To start your day, head to Grød, a cozy and trendy porridge bar, where you can indulge in a bowl of sweet or savory porridge topped with fruits, nuts, and spices.

For lunch, head to Papirøen, a street food market where you can sample the best of Danish cuisine. Try some Danish Smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches with various toppings such as fish, meat, and vegetables. For dessert, head to Lagkagehuset, a Danish bakery chain, and try their famous pastry called wienerbrød or Danish pastry.

Finally, end your day at La Banchina, a seaside restaurant, and bar where you can enjoy a delicious dinner with a view of the harbor. Try their catch of the day, grilled to perfection and served with potatoes and vegetables.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture

Copenhagen is a city rich in culture and tradition. To get a taste of its cultural side, start your day by visiting the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a stunning art museum with an impressive collection of ancient and modern art.

For a unique cultural experience, head to Torvehallerne, a bustling market full of local and international delicacies. Try some Danish cheese and beer while mingling with the locals.

Finally, end your day at the Royal Danish Opera House, a stunning piece of modern architecture that hosts world-class opera performances. Even if you’re not an opera lover, the building is worth a visit for its stunning design and incredible waterfront location.

Local History: Uncover the Captivating Stories

Copenhagen has a fascinating and rich history that spans over a thousand years. To uncover some of its captivating stories, start your day by visiting the Rosenborg Castle, which was built in the 17th century and houses the Danish Crown Jewels.

Next, head to the Royal Library Garden, a beautiful hidden gem in the heart of Copenhagen. The garden dates back to the 17th century and is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.

Finally, end your day at the Round Tower, a unique and iconic tower that dates back to 1642. The tower was built as an astronomical observatory and offers a fantastic view of the city from its 360-degree platform.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Embrace the Unconventional

If you’re looking for something unique and unconventional, Copenhagen has a lot to offer. Start your day at Superkilen, a colorful and eclectic park that showcases cultural artifacts from all over the world.

Next, head to The Red Square, a former military barracks turned hipster hangout with street art, cafes, and food trucks.

Finally, end your day with a bike tour of Copenhagen’s hidden gems, with daily guided tours that take you off the beaten path and show you the city’s most authentic corners.

In conclusion, although one day isn’t enough to fully experience Copenhagen, our insider’s guide has given you a glimpse of the city’s hidden gems, mouth-watering cuisine, cultural experiences, captivating stories, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions. We hope you enjoyed this journey and look forward to your next visit to our beautiful city.