Make the most of your trip with our 4-day Copenhagen guide, featuring all the must-see sights, must-try eats, and must-do experiences. 

Copenhagen, Denmark

4-day-guide to Copenhagen

When exploring a new city, you'll likely want to check out its iconic landmarks, the ones featured in travel guides and Instagram feeds. But beyond the well-known sights, there is something special about discovering hidden gems, the kind only locals know about. 

Day 1: Indre By. The historic heart of Copenhagen 

Indre By is perhaps the Copenhagen you have seen in photos and videos. The city's historic heart. It's where centuries-old landmarks blend with modern cafés and cultural institutions. Home to the royal family, grand palaces, colourful townhouses, and charming streets and canals. It is no surprise that we are starting our guide here. 

From Andersen & Maillard, take a short walk to Nyhavn, Copenhagen's most iconic harbour. Lined with colourful 17th-century townhouses, the picturesque waterfront is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The area, which was once a sailors' district, is now filled with cozy cafés, restaurants, and historic wooden ships. 

Just nearby, you'll find Marmorkirken, The Marble Church, an architectural gem with its grand dome reminiscent of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. 

A few minutes' walk from Marmorkirken, you'll find Kongens Have - The King's Garden, which is Copenhagen's oldest and most beautiful park. 

Kongens Have surrounds Rosenborg Castle, home to Denmark's Crown Jewels. Whether you take a peaceful walk, sit on a bench with a coffee, or buy a ticket and tour the Castle, this is a great place to soak in the city's atmosphere. 

A short walk away is Rundetårnet, The Round Tower, a 17th-century observatory offering stunning panoramic view of the city. The spiral ramp leading to the top is a unique experience ein itself. 

After your morning explorations, indulge in a classic Danish smørrebrød lunch at Restaurant Palægade - a renowned spot known for its high-quality open-faced sandwiches topped with delicacies like pickled herring, hand-peeled shrimp, or crispy pork. Pair it with a glass of snaps for the full Danish experience. 

ARK is a plant-based fine dining experience with a focus on sustainability and Nordic ingredients, ideal for those looking for an innovative meal on their first night in the Danish capital. 

Both restaurants promise an exceptional dining experience that's well worth it. Given their popularity, it's a good idea to book a table in advance to secure your spot. 

Day 2: Nørrebro & Nordvest. Vibrant, creative, and bustling 

Day 3: Østerbro, Nordhavn & Refshaleøen. Elegance, Futurism, and Maritime Charm

Day 4: Frederiksberg and Vesterbro. Green spaces and trendy streets 

From Frederiksberg, head to BaneGaarden, a hidden gem located in repurposed railway building. This sustainable food and culture hub is home to a fantastic organic café, where you can enjoy freshly baked bread, seasonal dishes, and excellent coffee in a rustic yet modern setting. It’s a perfect spot to experience Copenhagen’s eco-conscious food scene.

Right behind Christiansborg Palace is Bibliotekshaven, The Garden of the Royal Library. The charming garden is easy to miss but absolutely worth a visit on a sunny day. Take a moment to relax before you head to our next sight. 

A short walk from the charming garden you'll find The Royal Library, often called The Black Diamond due to its sleek, modern facade. Inside, you can explore exhibitions, admire the architecture, or simply relax at the waterfront and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine or coffee. 

If you have time for one more cultural stop before dinner, we recommend Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, or simply Glyptoteket as Danes call it. Glyptoteket is a stunning art museum founded by the Carlsberg family, housing an impressive collection of sculptures, Danish paintings, and a beautiful indoor winter garden. 

Take your time to admire the symmetri and scale of Grundtvigs Kirke before you head to Flere Fugle to have breakfast. Flere Fugle is a cozy and artistic café that perfectly captures the laid-back atmosphere of Nordvest.  The spot is known for its freshly baked goods, great coffee, and relaxed ambiance. Try their sourdough bread with butter and cheese, or go for their cardamom buns for a simple but delicious morning treat. 

After breakfast, it is time to head towards nearby Nørrebro. Nørrebro is one of the city's liveliest districts, home to an exciting mix of independent boutiques, trendy cafés, and colourful street art. It's a place where old working-class traditions meet contemporary urban culture, making it a hotspot for young creatives and food lovers alike.  

Just a short bike-ride from Superkilen lies Assistens Kirkegård. The cemetery is one of the most beautiful and historic cemeteries in Copenhagen, and not least a peaceful park where locals come to relax. Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kirkegaard are among the notable Danish figures who have are resting here. Take a quiet stroll along the tree-lined paths before heading to lunch. 

After lunch, head back to Nørrebro to explore the creative side of the area. Wander through the small streets filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and contemporary art galleries. 

From Assistens Kirkegård, head towards Torvehallerne, Copenhagen's vibrant food market. Here, you can choose from an incredible variety of food stalls, offering everything from fresh seafood and gourmet sandwiches to traditional Danish smørrebrød. Grab your food and find a spot to sit and enjoy the lively atmosphere. 

Since it's a takeaway bakery, grab your treats from Juno and a quality coffee to-go from Prolog Coffee Bar nearby, and enjoy your breakfast in the nearby Olufsvej. 

In about 10 minutes, you'll arrive at Refshaleøen, an old industrial island that has become a hotspot for artists, entrepreneurs, and food lovers. The area brings together a maritime, bohemian charm with historic canals and a buzzing food scene, making it the perfect place to end the day. 

Once you arrive in Refshaleøen, you have two exciting options. You may want to do both, one, or none of them - but the options remain: CopenHill and Copenhagen Contemporary. 

Copenhagen Contemporary is a large contemporary art museum housed in a former industrial warehouse, featuring exhibitions from Danish and international artists. If you enjoy immersive installations and thought-provoking modern art, this is a must-visit. 

Just a short walk from either Copenhagen Contemporary or CopenHill is Reffen - one of the best places in the city for a casual yet delicious dinner. This vibrant street food market offers over 50 food stalls serving dishes from around the world, from Danish seafood to Thai curries and Mexican tacos. Find a spot by the water and enjoy the lively atmosphere as the sun sets over the harbour. 

SMK, or The National Gallery of Denmark, is the country's largest art museum, featuring an impressive collection of Danish and international works, from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art. If you enjoy immersing yourself in thought-provoking exhibitions and beautifully curated collections, SMK is a must-visit.

Thorvaldsens Museum, meanwhile, is dedicated to the works of Bertel Thorvaldsen, Denmark’s most famous sculptor. The museum’s neoclassical architecture, serene courtyards, and stunning sculptures offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century artistry and craftsmanship.

Thus, we have created this guide to help you experience the best of both worlds. It may be your first time in Copenhagen, it may as well be your 3rd or 4th. This 4-day guide takes you through the heart of the city and beyond, offering a mix of cultural landmarks, green spaces, and exceptional dining experiences. 

As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at either Levantin or Delphine, two restaurants offering flavourful, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Levantin specialises in Middle Eastern mezze, freshly baked pita, and vibrant, spice-rich dishes, perfect for sharing.

Once you have taken in the views, snapped some photos, and soaked up the lively atmosphere of Nyhavn, continue your walk towards Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family. If you arrive around noon, you can witness the changing of the guard, a daily tradition. 

After lunch, make your way to Christiansborg Palace. Once, Christiansborg was home to the royal family but today it houses the Danish Parliament. You can buy a ticket to tour the Palace and get a sense of history. 

We have dedicated each day to a different area, to ensure that you get a well-rounded impression of Copenhagen's charms and contrasts. 

If you have not already had your midday-coffee at Kongens Have, it must be time for a coffee break now. Head to La Cabra Coffee, a Danish specialty coffee roaster famous for its light-roasted and minimalistic aesthetics. 

The area you'll discover on Day 2 stands as a stark contrast to the picturesque view of yesterday's historic Copenhagen. Nørrebro and Nordvest offer a completely different side of Copenhagen. They are known for their diversity, creativity, and community-driven atmosphere.

Begin your day at Grundtvigs Kirke, or Grundtvig's Church, one of Copenhagen's most striking architectural landmarks. This unique church, built in the early 20th century, is a masterpiece of Danish expressionist architecture. Its towering brick facade and vast interior, illuminated by natural light, create an almost surreal atmosphere. 

For your first dinner in Copenhagen, we let you choose between two of our top restaurant recommendations. 

Selma is a Michelin-recommended restaurant offering elevated smørrebrød, perfect if you want a modern take on classic Danish flavours. However, if you have already had smørrebrød for lunch at Restaurant Palægade, you may want to go for our second recommendation. 

Before dinner, you may want to stop for a drink at one of Nørrebro's best spots. Head to BRUS if you are feeling like beer. BRUS is a trendy brewpub with house-made craft beers and a relaxed atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, ideal for warm and sunny days. 

If you fancy a glass of natural wines, then you should visit Pompette - a small but charming wine bar specialising in natural wines. 

Finish your day with dinner and cocktails at Lago, an intimate Italian restaurant next to the Lakes, serving simple yet beautifully executed dishes. Their handmade pasta and seasonal small plates are a perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring Nørrebro and Nordvest. 

On Day 3, you'll experience three distinct neighbourhoods that each offer a different perspective on Copenhagen. We start the day in Østerbro, one of Copenhagen's most elegant and family friendly areas, known for its wide boulevards, green parks, and stylish cafés. It's a peaceful retreat compared to the vibrant and bustling streets of Nørrebro.

Before getting going, you may want to rent a bike and go from A to B in the most Scandinavian way possible. The city offers several options when it comes to renting bikes, but Donkey Republic may be the most easily available and accessible bikes which you can find at every corner and recognise by their orange colour. 

Make sure to download their app before you head out to find a bike.

Our second day starts in Nordvest, the outskirts of Copenhagen. Nordvest is a rapidly evolving neighbourhood that still retains its raw, industrial edge. Once overlooked, it's now filled with hidden gems and some of the city's best local hangouts. 

From Flere Fugle, bike to the nearby Superkilen Park, one of the city's most unique urban parks. Designed as a celebration of multiculturalism, the park is divided into three distinct areas, each filled with design elements and objects from around the world. 

Start your day with a top-tier Danish pastry at Andersen & Maillard. The bakery is know for its buttery, cube-shaped croissants with pistachio and house-roasted coffee. It's located in a stylish, minimalist space, and is the perfect place to fuel up for a first day of exploring Copenhagen.

Start your day at Juno the Bakery, a small but world-renowned bakery in Østerbro. Known for its flaky cardamom buns, perfectly laminated croissants, and rich pistachio slices, Juno has become a must-visit spot for pastry lovers. 

After breakfast, take a short walk around Østerbro to soak in the neighbourhood's relaxed and upscale atmosphere. From here, make your way to Nordhavn, the city's ultramodern waterfront district. This once-industrial harbour has been transformed into a futuristic urban area filled with modern apartment buildings, floating saunas, and sleek cafés. 

Olufsvej is without doubt one of Copenhagen's most charming streets lined with colourful houses. It's a gem few tourists know about. 

Walk along Sandkaj, where you'll see locals swimming year-round in the harbour's clean waters. 

After exploring Nordhavn, take a lunch break at Audo House, a beautifully designed hybrid space that combines a boutique hotel, café, garden, and design showroom. The café offers a seasonal, Nordic-inspired menu with fresh salads, tartines, and expertly brewed coffee. It's the perfect spot to relax and soak in Copenhagen's famous design culture. 

4-day-guide to Copenhagen

Buy to unlock full guide