What To Do in Copenhagen in 36 Hours

This article has links to products that we may make commission from.

Copenhagen, Denmark, is one of the most frequented cruise ship ports for a Northern Europe or Scandinavia cruise. It’s a top destination for travelers who want to go somewhere exciting and new without getting too far off the beaten path.

It’s a great place to visit because it has so much to offer, including good food and great weather. You can certainly fill a week’s time with activities, but even if you only have a long weekend, you can accomplish a lot and see some pretty great things in Copenhagen in 36 hours.

Copenhagen waterway
Copenhagen in 36 hours

So you have 3 days in Copenhagen. What are you going to do?  Below is a run down of the top things to see and do, that can all easily be done within a short 2 or 3 days in Copenhagen.

Choose what you want to see in Copenhagen and in what order, then spend your time wisely and you can get a lot done.

The best time to visit Copenhagen is in the summer so you can take advantage of the long days of sunshine and mild temperatures. Spring and fall are also nice, and there are decidedly less crowds to contend with.

⇒ Need more help planning your trip to Copenhagen? Check out our shortcut travel guide for more top spots.

Travel Tips for Visiting Copenhagen

  • Copenhagen is known for being a bike-friendly city. Consider renting a bike to explore the city like a local. There are dedicated bike lanes, and it’s an eco-friendly and efficient way to get around.
  • If you plan to visit multiple attractions, consider getting a Copenhagen Card. It provides free entry to many museums and attractions, as well as unlimited use of public transportation.
  • Copenhagen weather can be unpredictable. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket, especially if you plan to explore outdoors or during the cooler months.
  • Some museums in Copenhagen have specific closing days, often on Mondays. Check the opening hours and days in advance to plan your visit and activity accordingly.
  • While many Danes speak English fluently, learning a few basic Danish phrases can enhance your experience and show appreciation for the local culture

Things to Do in Copenhagen in 36 Hours

Eat at Reffen for Copenhagen’s Street Food

copenhagen street food

Located on the old industrial island of Refshaleøen, across the canal from Nyhavn, Reffen is Copenhagen’s street food conglomeration of start-ups – including food stalls, bars, and workshops located inside the large industrial space.

The food ranges from amazing pulled pork sandwiches to bowls of crispy duck and rice to inventive and delicious pizza and tacos. It’s a bit like walking through a food wonderland. Go there hungry or you’ll surely regret it! We spent 2-3 hours wandering around, sampling a bit of everything.

Get there in just 10 minutes on a canal cruise from the Nyhavn, on the harbor boat, on bus 9A, or via taxi. Check their website for opening hours and current stalls. They are closed during the winter.

Indulge at One of Copenhagen’s Michelin Star Restaurants

Ceviche of trout with cucumbers
Ceviche of trout with cucumbers

Michelin-star restaurants are almost synonymous with Copenhagen these days. There are plenty of them, there are currently at least 17 restaurants in the city that hold stars. If you only have one or two nights to enjoy the food of Copenhagen, we definitely recommend making one of them a fine dining experience.

We had a very nice 7-course, unpretentious dinner at Relae while we were there and found it to be an exceptional dining experience. Be prepared to make reservations at these restaurants well in advance, and always have a backup plan when you can’t get in. Try one of these top restaurants:

Visit Nyhavn

Nyhavn - be sure to visit during your 2 days in Copenhagen
Nyhavn – be sure to visit during your 2 days in Copenhagen

Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s most recognizable locations, due to the row of colorful townhouses that line the canal. The view is exceptional and you can hop on a canal cruise from here or hop across to the Opera House or Reffen, making it just about the most convenient hub in the city.

But beware, the crowds can be overwhelming and the food served at the dozen or so restaurants along the way are often overpriced. It’s clearly a tourist mecca. If you want to find exceptional food, I wouldn’t bother eating there, but you can always sit down for a drink.

Laugh and Play at Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park – the second oldest in the world – located right in the heart of the city. They have antique roller coasters, replica Japanese gardens, various entertainment venues, and even an aquarium, it it one of Copengagen’s most popular tourist spots.

If you’re really into amusement parks, then plan to spend at least 6 of your 36 hours in Copenhagen enjoying the park. You could definitely spend an entire day there if you have more time. And if you don’t think you can fit it in, it’s also fun just to stroll by it and look at the lights at night.

Tickets cost 130-140 DKK for 8+ (younger kids are 60 DKK). Once you’re in the park, you can choose from rides, entertainment, music, a food hall — there’s a ton to do in there. 

★ Get your skip the line entry ticket to Tivoli in advance

Visit the (Totally Overrated) Little Mermaid Statue

Little Mermaid Statue
Little Mermaid Statue

Yes, I said it. It’s completely overrated, but the Little Mermaid statue by Hans Christian Anderson is still one of the most viewed statues in Copenhagen. People seek it out like there’s something magical about it. The truth is, when you see it in person, it’s very underwhelming.

To make up for it, the stroll along the waterfront harbour that leads from Nyhavn all the way down to the cruise ports, is a fantastic walk, and well worth doing, even if the statue isn’t everything you thought it would be.

Take a Tour of the Carlsberg Brewery

carlsberg brewery1
Visit the Carlsberg Brewery

You have to hop on a bus from the city and go a few miles southwest of the downtown area to get to Copenhagen’s Carlsberg Brewery, but if you’re a beer fan or are just looking for a nice place to hang out for a few hours, the extra effort to get to the brewery is worth it.

They have a large beer garden where they pour a handful of Carlsberg beers alongside some really tasty-looking hamburgers. They also offer guided tours that will let you in on a bit of the long history of the brewery.

To get there, hop on the 1A bus in the center and get off at the Carlsberg Street Stop. It’s about an 8 minute walk from there, but there are signs along the way to make sure you get there easily.

7. Go on a Bike Tour of the City

copenhagen bike riding
Biking is the way to get around Copenhagen

Biking is definitely the way to get around in Copenhagen. We were told by a local that it’s very costly to own a car in the city, so everyone bikes instead. It’s one of the safest places to bike that I’ve ever seen. People even leave their bikes unlocked on the street.

A bike tour of the city is a great way to see the major sights and learn a bit of history along the way. The tour is easy, on flat roads.  If you’re not into biking, there are a lot of walking tours offered from the town square, as well.

We recommend the bike tour below because it’s a private tour so you can set your own pace and not feel stressed about riding in an unfamiliar city whilst sightseeing.

★ Book your bike tour in advance

8. Take a Canal Cruise

copenhagen canal tour
A canal cruise down the narrow canals of Copenhagen

There are many narrow canals around the heart of Copenhagen, so one of the best, albeit touristy, ways to see the collection of attractions in the city and get your bearing for where things are is to take a canal cruise. You certainly won’t be the only one getting in line for this experience, but it’s worth it.

On a 45-minute ride around the waterways, you’ll catch a glimpse of all the top areas that you’ll probably be wanting to go back to later. You pass by beautiful architecture, and get a chance to see the city from the water.

I really enjoyed watching the boat drivers navigating the narrow canals, especially when another boat came by in the other direction.

The canal tour is about $15-20. If you want to avoid the lines and having to get a ticket for much later in the day, be sure to book in advance.

★ Book your canal tour in advance

9. Eat a Typical Copenhagen Lunch

copenhagen lunch
A traditional Copenhagen lunch of breaded fish topped with shrimp (photo by Savored Journeys)

A typical lunch in Copenhagen is smørrebrød – an open-faced sandwich. If you don’t mind being a total tourist, a great place to grab a truly Copenhagen lunch is at one of the busy restaurants along Nyhavn. You’ll be right in the thick of things, have a gorgeous view from the outdoor seating, and get to try any version of smørrebrød you want.

Another popular choice is a fish filet with remoulade and shrimp on top. See what other foods you’re likely to encounter while eating in Copenhagen in this guide to Danish food.

10. Go On a Food Tour

Copenhagen food items
Copenhagen food items (photo by Alex Berger CC2.0)

If you’re wanting to try a taste of Scandinavian food, or are just plain curious what type of foods are eaten in Denmark, your best course of action is to go on a food tour with Copenhagen Food Tours. Their 2-hr Nordic Essentials tour will introduce you to the emerging trends in Nordic food.

You’ll try cheese and wine, licorice candies, jams and other local products, and you don’t have to worry about it overlapping with your traditional smørrebrød lunch because open-faced sandwiches are not on the menu!

If that tour doesn’t work for you, here’s a private food tour and the art of baking Danish pastry for all the foodies out there.

Tours to Book:

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Want to get a headstart on your planning? Here are three affordable luxury hotels in Copenhagen that we recommend. Copenhagen’s public transport is very useful for getting around to all parts of the city, so don’t think you need to stay in the City Center to see everything. In fact, things are a bit too spread out to walk everywhere, so a bus or bike rental will be necessary anyway.

Book your hotels or read more reviews by clicking these links:

(Note: these are affiliate links, which cost you nothing to use, but may earn us a small commission).

Frequently Asked Questions on Visiting Copenhagen

What’s the best way to get around Copenhagen for a short visit?

Copenhagen is bike-friendly, and renting a bike is a convenient way to explore the city quickly. Public transportation, including buses, train, and the metro (train), is also efficient and well-connected.

Can I purchase a Copenhagen Card for a short visit?

The Copenhagen Card offers free entry to many attractions and unlimited public transportation, but evaluate if it suits your 36-hour itinerary. It may be more cost-effective for longer stays.

Are there scenic spots for photography in Copenhagen?

Capture beautiful shots at the Kastellet fortress, along the Nyhavn waterfront, and from the top of the Rundetårn (Round Tower) for panoramic views of the city.

Can I use credit cards in most places in Copenhagen?

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Copenhagen. However, it’s advisable to have some Danish kroner for smaller establishments or street vendors.

What can I expect to see in Christiania?

Christiania is known for its colorful street art, unique architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. You’ll find artist workshops, quirky homes, and a relaxed, bohemian vibe. The Pusher Street market location is famous for its alternative shops.

CONCLUSION

See all these fun things to do in Copenhagen? There are more than enough things to keep you busy for your 3 days in Copenhagen.  Makes you want to book a trip right now, doesn’t it? We highly encourage this spontaneous behavior! Already been to Copenhagen? Tell us what your favorite things are to do in the city.

Be Prepared For Travel
Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest?
FOLLOW US on PinterestInstagramFacebook for more great travel inspiration and tips.

What To Do in Copenhagen in 36 Hours

17 thoughts on “What To Do in Copenhagen in 36 Hours

  1. Anne | Girl Chasing Sunshine says:

    I must agree that the Little Mermaidd statue is a wee bit underwhelming. 🙁 But if only for Nyhavn, I’d love to visit Copenhagen soon!

  2. Karilyn says:

    Im totally clueless about cruises and never realized Copenhagen was a big stop! I’ve been interested in taking a cruise lately to see what all the fuss is about.. maybe I should do a nordic cruise! Sounds like you fit a ton of stuff in during your visit!

    • Laura Lynch says:

      Yes, it’s a big cruise port. But there’s so much to do that making it a destination on its own is perfect too. It’s really easy to get around to all the stuff to do.

  3. Karla says:

    I’d be game for a bicycle tour☺ I agree with the little mermaid. It did feel very underwhelming. I did however try to do the mermaid swimming lessons( back home ) that felt more apt for living the mermaid dream compared to this statue.

    • Laura Lynch says:

      Hah. I can see how that would be true. I mean, it’s a lovely statue, but I can’t understand the cult status.

  4. Jennifer says:

    I’m in for all of those! And thanks for the advice about skipping the mermaid statue… The food looks fantastic (you have made me very hungry)

  5. antonette - we12travel says:

    I’ve been kind of hesitant to go to Copenhagen because I heard it’s soooo expensive. However, since I love nordic destinations, I’m sure I’ll end up there one day, anyway. Thanks for the useful guide!

    • Laura Lynch says:

      Sure, it’s a bit more expensive than other places in Europe, but you can always find ways to cut costs. It is a great destination.

  6. Tatiana / The Happy Jetlagger says:

    Never thought of food tours in Copenhagen! I’m keeping it in mind for my next visit! Thank you for the great tips!

  7. Jolanta says:

    Yum, you made me hungry with all those photos of food! 🙂 And since we’re talking about visiting Copenhagen next year, I’m going to have to save your post for future reference. A bike trip around the city certainly sounds like the way to go. I’ll have to make sure my daughter is very comfortable on her bike by then, though.

    • Laura Lynch says:

      You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bike around Copenhagen. They have dedicated lanes for bikes. It’s a dream.

  8. Lieurene Tran says:

    Wow, you certainly did a lot in 36 hours! I would love to try the bike and the food tours if I ever find myself there. The food looks so good! I actually had no idea that there was a little mermaid statue in Copenhagen, but even if it is overrated, it is still nice to check it out for the first time.

    • Laura Lynch says:

      Hi Lieurene – It’s true about the statue, you have to see it at least once, even if it’s overrated. The bike and food tours are awesome though!

  9. Pingback: Northern Europe Cruises: Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning | Savored Journeys

  10. Pingback: 25 Epic Vacation Spots Around the World | Savored Journeys

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *