We visited Denmark and saw Copenhagen in a day. Even though there is a lot to see, it is totally doable and we had so much fun. Here is how you can do it too.
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On our trip to Europe we did a stopover in Copenhagen. We stayed there for two nights, and we had a one whole day to explore the city. Well, we did stop by at the downtown on the night we arrived too, but mostly just to get dinner and see how the metro line works.
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and the biggest city of the country. It was established in the 10th century and was originally a fishing village of Vikings. Today, there is about 660 000 people living in Copenhagen.
Denmark has been part of European Union already since 1973 but it is important to remember that they do not use Euro. Their currency is Danish Krone.
Copenhagen is very easy to get around and most sites to see are in the downtown, so we were able to see everything we wanted in one day. We had such a great time and the weather was lovely! We also really enjoyed the food in Copenhagen.
THINGS YOU CAN SEE IN COPENHAGEN IN A DAY
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is that famous harbour area from the 17th century, which are always featured in pictures of Copenhagen. It is known for its colourful houses which the oldest one is from 1681.
Today, there are restaurants, cafes and all kinds of shops in the ground level of the houses, and people come there to enjoy a glass of beer or a sandwich. It is definitely a must place when visiting Copenhagen! The cruises in the canal also depart from there.
Looking for a place to stay? Hotel Bethel in downtown is great and it’s along the metro line.
The Little Mermaid
My Danish friend said to us: “The Little Mermaid is the most overrated sites in Copenhagen, but still a must see!” And he was so right!
The statue is sitting on rock the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen and is so small, that it is hard to spot it behind the crowds. But we still would have not have missed it for the world!
The Little Mermaid is a fairytale by Danish author H.C. Andersen. It was first published in 1837 but has since been used in musical theatre, film, ballet, opera, and even in anime.
The statue for Little Mermaid was unveiled in 1913 and it is one of the most known landmarks in Denmark. There are many replicas of it around the world, for example in Japan, Brazil, Spain, Utah and even back home in California. Also the Girl in Wetsuit in Vancouver, Canada is rumoured to have gotten its inspiration from the Little Mermaid.
Amalienborg Palace and the change of Guards
Amalienborg Palace is in the downtown of Copenhagen and just a short walk away from Nyhavn. The palace is used by the Danish royals, and there are four separate buildings.
Even though Denmark is not an absolute monarchy anymore, the royals there are very much respected. The Danish monarchy is one of the oldest in the world, and their main tasks are to represent Denmark abroad and to be figureheads at home.
When visiting, you should aim at being there at noon when the Royal Guard, Den Kongelige Livgarde, is changing new guards in front of the palace. The guarch march to Amalienborg from the Rosenborg Palace. When the royals are home the marching band will join the change of guards.
Rosenborg Palace
Rosenborg Palace was built in 17th century as to Christian IV summer home. Today it is open for public, and they display for example the royal jewels.
The locals like to gather to the park in front of Rosenborg Castle, and we sat there for a while and had a little snack. The Castle Garden has many beautiful flowers, and you can visit the garden and castle yard without a fee.
Kastellet
Just a short walk away from the Little Mermaid is one of the best preserved fort; Kastellet. The buildings are from the 17th century, and the main things to see are two gates with bastions, commander’s house, and the Rows where the commanders resided at some point. There is also a beautiful wind mill in the area.
This area is still used by the army so you can see the solders walking around.
Christiania
Freetown Christiania was developed in the old military area in Copenhagen and is partially autonomous intentional community. It is located in Christianshavn and about 1000 people live there.
You can walk around there, and see colourful buildings and the hippy culture. Just remember that you can’t take photos on the Green Light District. Kannabis is publicly sold there even though buying and selling is not legal.
On other parts of the Christiania you can take photos as long as you ask people first if you take photos of them.
Today, Christiania follows Danish legislation.
TRADITIONAL DANISH TREATS
While in Copenhagen, don’t forget to try some local treats and go out to some of the many cafes in the downtown. All the cafes are selling Danish sandwiches, smørrebrød, which is rye bread with different fillings. Very often it is fish or seafood, or some shrimp and boiled egg.
Most restaurants also offer trendy, international foods and drinks.
And when in Denmark, you must also try the real Danishes which were invented in Denmark in 1860’s.
The most popular ones seemed to be cinnamon danishes, kanelsnegle, which were covered with chocolate. We tried to find the danishes we are used to eating in the U.S. which have some fruit or berry fillings but they were difficult to find.
Where to stay in Copenhagen
Since we arrived in the late afternoon and we also had a morning flight off from Copenhagen, we decided to stay close to the airport. We stayed at Best Western Plus Park Globetrotter Copenhagen Airport. It was along the metro line, only two stops away, and it had a great breakfast.
If you want to be closer to downtown I would recommend Hotel Bethel or Hotel Sanders. They are both close to many sights where you can simply just walk.
Our tip for choosing the hotel is to get something close to a metro station because that will make it is very easy to go to places in Copenhagen.
How to get around in COPENHAGEN
It is so easy to go around in Copenhagen. Starting from the airport we had no issues finding out how to get around even though we had some luggage, kids and a stroller with us.
From the airport you can take a metro to downtown, or like we did, to a hotel nearby. The metro station is on terminal 3, and there were some staff members helping people to buy tickets. Metro is fairly easy to understand since there is only two lines; yellow and green.
If you plan to use the metro more than ones a day, you should consider getting a day pass which is valid for 24 hours, and also works in buses. The kids were free in the metro while traveling with adults.
It seemed like everything in downtown was close enough to walk, but if you want to be like a local, get a bicycle! They were all over! I think it was the most bikes I have ever seen in one place. And no wonder, since about 60% of locals bike to work everyday.
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Copenhagen was such a nice and compact city. It was easy to go around and see the sights. Even though we managed to see most of the things on our list in a day, we would love to stay a little longer next time and have a more detailed itinerary.
There is a little Danish town in California called Solvang which we really love visiting. But it was great to be able to finally see the real Denmark and spend some time in Copenhagen. We really enjoyed our time there!
Copenhagen felt very safe and the airport is close to the downtown, so it is easy to do a stopover like we did.
We managed to break the jet lag by stopping in Denmark, and then flew over to Finland to enjoy the Midsummer and the Nightless Night. We stayed in Helsinki for a while and did few day trips from there, and then went to visit some family.
But we wont be forgetting the beautiful Copenhagen!
Have you been to Copenhagen? Did you like it?
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I never got a chance to drop down to Copenhagen though I had a transit at its airport for couple of times. But I would love to visit this beautiful place for having some authentic Danish tarts and delicacies. The harbor area of Nyhavn from 17th century really looks pretty with colorful houses and canals.
Originally we were just going to transfer too but since staying there didn’t add on the price, we decided to stay and explore.
I went to Denmark a few years ago and got to see many of these sights. Christiana was one place I didn’t get to. That would have been interesting to visit. One of my favorite parts was eating a lot of Danish treats. The one with the chocolate on top was my favorite!
Eating is always one of my favorite things on trips too! 😋
I have been to Copenhagen many years ago when I was more or less a teen and boy!! I can see that the city hasn’t lost its charm. I love the vibe of the city, especially the festival vibe. I remember visiting NYHAVN while I was there and it was a beautiful harbor in the midst of winter.
Nyhavn is probably something that most people remember from this city. 🙂
I’m off to Copenhagen again in December to see the Christmas markets so it’s great to find some other things to do. I love the look of all those Danishes – definitely looking forward to trying the original. I remember going to Christiania years ago so it will be interesting to see how much it has changed.
Oh, I wish I could be there for the Christmas market. Enjoy! 🙂
We were in Copenhagen last winter and absolutely loved it. I think it’s a city you can do in a day if stretched. We managed to see everything on your list including the touristy, but what the hey, Little Mermaid. I definitely wouldn’t say not to a return trip.
It is such a cool and compact city, it is easy to go around and see most famous sites.
I have always wanted to visit Copenhagen. I am glad you shared such a compact, doable itinerary for spending a day in the city. I would love to visit Nyhavn – have seen so many pictures of this. And the Rosenborg Castle too. Then finish my day with some traditional Danish treats. That cinnamon swirl looks delicious.
Nyhavn is for sure something everyone should visit while in Copenhagen. And try some Danishes! 😂
I did a daytrip to Copenhagen a couple years back and your post brought back some fond memories.
Nyhavn is indeed postcard picture perfect! Btw, if you think Mermaid is small, then you should visit the Mannekin Pis in Brussels. That’s smaller than mermaid!!!!
I loved Rosenberg and walking around Kastellet.
I haven’t heard of Christiania, so far. I should look about it and may be if I visit there next time, I’ll head there.
That is funny! I haven’t been Brussels but hopefully we get to visit soon.
I’ve always wanted to visit Copenhagen. Your sunset photo by the water is gorgeous, and those photos have always drawn me to the city. Christiania looks like a neat place to go- so full of military history. I hope to go soon, and I will definitely use this post as reference.
Thank you Leah! 😊 Christiania was very interesting.