While I wish I had more time in Copenhagen, especially to try more delicious foods, wander more streets, and rent out GoBoats to float through the canals, spending just two days there was absolutely worth it. We saw and experienced so much!

Alberto and I had met up in Paris before heading to Copenhagen, so our flight was short and sweet. We left very early in the morning, giving us the whole first day to explore and embrace the city. We stayed at a family friend’s house in Østerbro, just outside the city center. Thankfully, getting around was super easy thanks to the efficient and timely metro system.

*Linked are map locations

Itinerary at a Glance

Day One
🍓 Visit Torvehallerne Food Market
🌳 Picnic in King’s Garden
☕ Coffee in Højbro Plads Square
🚶‍♀️ Walk the canal to Nyhavn
🏰 Stroll through Amalienborg Palace to Frederik’s Church
🎢 Dinner & rides at Tivoli Gardens – Grøften

Day Two
🥐 Breakfast pastries at Kastellet
💒 See St. Alban’s Church
🚤 Canal tour from Nyhavn
🌭 Classic Danish hotdog stop
🎨 Explore Christiania Town
🌅 End the night at Reffen Food Hall

Day One

Our first stop? Food, of course! I was so excited to try the Torvehallerne Food Market and get some Smørrebrød and coffee. It did not disappoint, it was absolutely delicious. The food hall offers a wide variety, from fresh meats and cheeses to sandwiches, produce, and specialty eateries. Nearby is the King’s Garden, home to Rosenborg Castle. We grabbed some cheese, fruit and pastries then made our way to the garden for a picnic. I even snuck in a little nap, and let me tell you, waking up to a castle view is truly something magical!

After our snack and rest, we headed toward Højbro Plads Square, passing The Round Tower on the way. Visitors can go to the top for an incredible view of the city. We skipped it due to the long line, but I’d definitely recommend it if the wait is short.

Fueled by another coffee, we walked along the canal all the way to Nyhavn, enjoying amazing views and waving to people passing by in boats. Along the way, we found the fun in-ground trampolines at Havnegade Harbour Promenade.

Once in Nyhavn, there’s so much to do. You can browse souvenir shops, sit by the canal and admire the docked boats, or grab drinks and quick bites at one of the sunny-side cafés. On day two, we took a boat tour from here, but on this first day we just soaked in the atmosphere and planned what to explore next.

We continued through Amalienborg Palace to Frederik’s Church. While we didn’t go inside the palace, we spent time in the square watching the guards. Just beyond it, Frederik’s Church was breathtaking. We stood in awe beneath its massive dome, analyzing the designs and marveling at the intricate details.

To end our night, we went to Tivoli Gardens for rides, games, beautiful views, and authentic food. Our family friend took us to Grøften, Tivoli’s oldest restaurant, known for its classic Danish dishes. You can pay per ride, so of course we tried one and it was thrilling! A perfect way to wrap up the night: full bellies and hearts racing from a speedy adventure.

Day Two:

We let ourselves sleep in a little but still had an early start. First stop: a local bakery for some of Copenhagen’s famous pastries. We tried tebirkes (a poppy seed pastry) and cardamom buns. I had my heart set on a cinnamon bun, but they were sold out!

We took our pastries to Kastellet, a historic citadel along the canal, surrounded by greenery and beautiful canal views. It’s peaceful and great for walking the perimeter or having a quiet picnic. Nearby, you’ll find St. Alban’s Church beside the river, with lilypads and ivy climbing its walls. It looks like something out of a fairytale, it was so mystical. 

From there, we returned to Nyhavn and bought tickets on the spot for an hour-long canal tour, only $20 and totally worth it. We learned so much more about Copenhagen’s history and sights.

(Originally, we planned to rent a GoBoat—a small motorboat you can picnic on while cruising the canals—but it was a bit pricey for just two people. We saw lots of larger groups doing it though, and it looked like so much fun! I’d definitely recommend it if you’re traveling with a group.)

After the tour, we hit a hot dog stand and got Danish hot dogs with everything and anything put on it. We really wanted to embrace the hotdog culture! Sitting by the canal and eating those quick, mouthwatering bites was perfect.

Next, we crossed the river to Broens Street Food, and then headed to Christiania. This unique, artistic neighborhood has a hippie vibe and lots of character. I’d recommend taking a guided tour to understand its history better, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. We explored vintage shops with handmade jewelry and clothes, though part of the area was under renovation while we were there.

We ended our day at Reffen Food Hall, a vibrant market made from shipping containers along the canal. The global food options were incredible, I couldn’t choose just one favorite, but the tiramisu from the Italian stand was a standout.

There’s a big seating area next to the food stalls, and as the sun sets, they light bonfires to keep things cozy. It was such a vibe—warm, lively, and the perfect send-off from Copenhagen. I couldn’t have asked for a better goodbye to the city!