3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary for First Timers

Ideally, a week is required to feel the pulse of Copenhagen, Denmark. However, you can explore the best of Copenhagen in 3 days if you plan well! Here’s an ultimate family-friendly Copenhagen itinerary for spending 3 days in Copenhagen.

Have you ever found yourself inspired to travel to a place just because you saw it in a movie? It happens to me all the time!

Copenhagen is one such movie. The movie not only moved a piece of my heart in a way I never thought anything could, but also instilled in me the desire to visit the happy and beautiful capital of Denmark – Copenhagen <3

I mentally planned the trip before the movie was even over.

It was in 2015. Three years later, one of my most cherished dreams of visiting Copenhagen finally came true.

Read More: Best Day Trips from Copenhagen

The day I chalked out the Europe (Nordics) itinerary, I chose Copenhagen as my first European destination, for three major reasons.

First, as I told you, the movie inspiration, second, Denmark is the perfect gateway to Scandinavia, and last but not least, the family-friendly vibes of the city.

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3 Days in Copenhagen: An Ultimate Copenhagen Itinerary

I crafted this itinerary while planning our trip to Copenhagen. It involved extensive research and hard work. As an avid traveler, I know an itinerary can make or break a trip, so it’s essential to have a smart, practical one.

I read whatever was available online about Copenhagen, consulted fellow travelers who had lived in the city, and did everything I could to become acquainted with the city before I set foot there.

Planning our time and money efficiently to get the most out of our 72 hours in Copenhagen was the goal as we created the three-day itinerary.

Our friends (a family of 4) joined us on the Nordics trip, and I was responsible for the itinerary.

Managing the flights, stay, and itinerary for 7 people demands a hell of a lot of effort. Imagine the pressure that comes with it! You are to blame if the trip doesn’t go as planned. And everyone knows travel plans fail all the time!

Anyway, our Copenhagen itinerary turned out to be a success, luckily, and well, I realized that pressure makes me work efficiently 🙂

With a solid itinerary in hand, I could explore Copenhagen effortlessly. It was like I’d been here before, feeling.

I made a few amendments to the itinerary after coming back, based on my first-hand experience, before sharing. It’s not your usual guidebook plan – all recommendations are based on my own experience.

All right – let’s get to work. Here’s an itinerary for exploring the best of Copenhagen in 3 days.

Day 0 of 3 Day Copenhagen Itinerary: Arrival in Copenhagen

We boarded the Air India flight at 2 pm and arrived in Copenhagen at around 6 pm.

A free shuttle from the airport dropped us at the Europcar Kiosk in Terminal 1, P1 parking, to pick up the car we had already booked online through Discover Cars.

We trust and recommend Discover Cars for all your car rental needs abroad.

Kids relieved their fatigue (from sitting continuously for 8 hours on a flight) by running around the kiosk while we were busy completing the paperwork.

As soon as we got our black Toyota Avensis, the kids screamed with hunger.

We headed to Laundromat Cafe to grab a bite before driving to our Airbnb apartment in Kokkedal, about an hour outside of Copenhagen.

The setting and food at the Laundromat resonated so well with the kids. They loved their Latin Avocado Sandwich and Veggie Burger. The kid’s portion is ample and can easily be shared by two young kids.

The drive from Copenhagen to Kokkedal was lovely. It was 10 at night, but the sun was yet to set.

That’s the plus point of traveling to Scandinavia in summer – the long daylight hours make the whole experience pleasant and relaxed.

The Midnight Sun. It’s not only a beloved summer event but a feeling.

Denmark isn’t technically the land of the Midnight Sun. The places above the Arctic Circle enjoy this title. However, Denmark gets pretty close. The sun here sets at around 11 pm.

We experienced the Midnight Sun in the Land of the Midnight Sun, Finnish Lapland. The sun does not set at all during the Arctic summer.

Day 1 of 3 Day Copenhagen Itinerary: Explore the Indre By Neighborhood (Copenhagen City Center)

We woke up bright and early to beat the crowds to some of Copenhagen’s most popular sights. After having an early English breakfast at Airbnb, it was time to hit the exploration button.

PS: You can have a healthy and delectable breakfast at Bowl Market Copenhagen in Vesterbro. It’s famous for its diverse food options, decent portion sizes, chic interiors, and welcoming staff. A great place for breakfast or mid-day snacks!

We did a self-guided walking tour of the city. If you don’t want to take the hassle of doing it on your own, you can choose to join a free walking tour or a guided walking tour of the city to explore the top sights.

Some of the top walking tours in Copenhagen are:

Nyhavn

Nyhavn was our first stop. It had to be. Nyhavn is to Copenhagen as the Taj Mahal is to Agra or the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.

Visualize Copenhagen, and the picture of colorful 17th-century Danish houses comes to your mind. We were excited to see live what we had seen in pictures till now.

Most of the attractions in Copenhagen are along its boundless waterfronts.

After walking along the colorful waterfront and taking photographs to our heart’s content, we boarded the Grand Canal Boat Tour to explore the Danish capital from the water.

Copenhagen Canal Tour: Best Introduction to the Danish Capital

One of the most classic ways to discover Copenhagen is from the water, sailing down its prepossessing canals. We loved the traditional guided boat tour along the Copenhagen harbor. The tours depart from Nyhavn or Gammel Strand.

It takes you through Copenhagen’s famous attractions, including the Copenhagen Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, the Black Diamond Library, and the Little Mermaid.

We caught a brief look at the Little Mermaid’s back from the boat tour and didn’t visit the statue, actually.

The best part is the environmentally friendly boats that support Responsible and Sustainable Tourism.

The commentary in Danish, English, and another third language is quite informative and interesting.

drum roll, please!

We were told that Copenhagen burns garbage to generate power. Interestingly, Copenhagen doesn’t have enough garbage to produce power, so it imports garbage from other countries. Being an Indian, it was natural for us to be gobsmacked by this fact.

No wonder Denmark is the leader in sustainability.

The tour ticket costs 85 DKK for an adult and 43 DKK for a child (ages 6 to 15). The family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) costs 250 DKK.

The tour that departs from Gammel Strand is free with the Copenhagen Card.

The tour duration is one hour.

Book your Canal Boat Tour!

The Marble Church (Frederik’s Kirke)

A 10-minute walk from the harbor took us to the gorgeous church on Frederiksgade Street.

One of the most impressive churches in Copenhagen, The Marble Church is officially called Frederik’s Kirke. You’ll fall in love with the church’s copper-green dome. And the views over the city from the top are to die for!

Entrance Ticket: The church is free to enter; however, there’s a 50 DKK fee per person to visit the dome for the best views over the city. You can buy a ticket only at the ticket counter.

Opening Hours: The church is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Friday and Sunday, when it opens from 12 pm to 5 pm and 12:30 pm to 5 pm, respectively, due to wedding ceremonies. A visit to the dome is open every day at 1 pm. Also, the church and the dome remain closed during services, concerts, rehearsals, and other events. Check the official website for more information.

Amalienborg Palace

Right across the street from the Marble Church is Amalienborg Palace, the home of the Danish Royal Family.

We were just in time for the changing of the Royal Guard (Den Kongelige Livgarde) Ceremony. It takes place every day at noon.

A visit to the Amalienborg Palace is a beautiful experience in the royal history of Denmark. The royal family of Denmark still resides in the palace.

Amalienborg consists of a palace square with a statue of King Frederik V and four identical palaces – Christian VII’s Palace (Moltke’s Palace), Frederik VIII’s Palace (Brockdorff’s Palace), Christian IX’s Palace (Schack’s Palace), and Christian VIII’s Palace (Levetzau’s Palace).

While you can’t visit Frederik VIII’s Palace and Christian IX’s Palace as they are occupied by the royal family, you can visit Christian VII’s Palace and Christian VIII’s Palace, which house the Amalienborg Museum.

Christian VII’s Palace can only be explored on a guided tour. A guided tour takes about 90 minutes and costs 269 DKK per adult, including admission to the museum. The tour starts at 1:30 pm.

Christian VIII’s Palace can be visited by purchasing an entrance ticket for 120 DKK per adult and free for children under 18. The opening hours vary by season and day, so please check the official website before planning a visit.

Hansens Is & Ice Cream Copenhagen

As planned while making the itinerary, we were off to taste the best ice cream in Copenhagen. You can’t leave Copenhagen without tasting organic Hansen’s Ice cream at Hansens Is.

Ultimate treat to the senses!

I wish I could put the picture of the ice cream here, but as always, I realized much later, after we gobbled the whole ice cream, that I needed to click the picture 🙁

Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Gardens

We strolled through the city over to the Rosenborg Castle. An integral part of Danish history, Rosenborg Castle is a Renaissance castle built by Christian IV.

The castle is enveloped by the King’s Garden, also known as Copenhagen’s Central Park.

The oldest royal garden in Denmark, the King’s Gardens, is popular among Copenhageners as a relaxing place for grown-ups and a playing area for kids.

Opening Hours: Vary by month and day of the week, so it’s best to check their official website before planning.

Entrance Ticket: 130 DKK per adult; free for children up to 17 years.

Note: You can buy a combined ticket (only available at the ticket window) for Amalienborg & Rosenborg for DKK 200.

Parkmuseerne – Copenhagen’s Green Museum District

Our next stop was the Statens Naturhistoriske Museum, located in the Botanical Gardens.

The museum houses a Zoological, Geological, and Botanic Museum and a Central Library. The Butterfly House in the Botanical Gardens is a must-visit during the butterfly season.

There are six museums (The David Collection, the Hirschsprung Collection, the Cinematheque, Rosenborg Castle, SMK – National Gallery of Denmark, and the Natural History Museum of Denmark) located in and around three of the city’s beautiful parks – The King’s Garden, The Botanical Garden, and the Østre Anlæg Park.

SMK – National Gallery of Denmark and The Natural History Museum of Denmark are worth visiting with kids. We couldn’t cover the SMK – National Gallery of Denmark.

If you and your kids are museum lovers and don’t have a Copenhagen Card, I strongly recommend buying the Parkmuseerne Ticket.

Just one Parkmuseerne ticket gives access to six museums in the area and saves a lot of money.

We spent some time relaxing in the Botanical Garden’s green surroundings.

The Botanical Garden, with its wide variety of flowers, plants, and trees, is a perfect place to relax when you are tired of all the sightseeing and walking. There is a series of lovely glasshouses and a lake too.

Lunch at Torvehallerne

It was time for lunch! We headed to Torvehallerne Street Food Market, a set of around 80 shops offering fresh fruits and vegetables, plus restaurants.

We tried the Smørrebrød (Danish open-faced sandwiches), one of the popular traditional foods around the world, at Hallernes and Oat Porridge at Grød, a gourmet porridge outlet.

How could a coffee lover like me miss the world-class coffee experience at The Coffee Collective? Apart from Torvehallerne, The Coffee Collective has outlets at Jægersborggade, Bernikow, Broens Gadekøkken, and Gothåbsvej.

Round Tower – Latin Quarter

After lounging and lazing with a cup of coffee, we headed over to the Round Tower.

Rundetaarn, built in the 17th century by Christian IV, is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.

Wind up the spiral walkway to climb the tower and cherish the beautiful 360-degree views of Copenhagen.

There’s a floating glass floor in the Round Tower where you can stand to see the core of the tower as you look down. Kids enjoyed but it scared the hell out of me.

Opening Timings: The tower is open every day from 10 am to 8 pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and from 10 am to 9 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between October and March. During summer (April to September), it remains open from 10 am to 8 pm every day. Please note the tower remains closed on 24th and 25th December, and 1st January, and closes early at 3 pm on 31st December.

Entrance Ticket: 40 DKK per adult and 10 DKK per child aged 5 to 15 years

Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Trinitatis Church, part of the Trinitatis Complex, along with the Round Tower. Entry is free.

The tourists normally overlook the cathedral because they enter through a different side door.

Stroll Strøget

We ambled along the Strøget, a famous pedestrian shopping street in Indre By, with tons of shopping opportunities.

Strøget is one of the world’s longest and oldest pedestrian streets. A shopper’s paradise is famous for Danish design.

Kids didn’t allow me to shop much, but I somehow managed to buy a few fridge magnets. Obviously, kids don’t have much patience for shopping activities, so we had to give up on that.

As we sidestepped most of it, the kids stopped as they saw a street vendor roasting something.

The board read “brændte mandler. As we neared, the smell of roasted almonds simply filled our senses.

We were told Brændte Mandler translates to roasted almonds. A bag cost us 30 DKK, and they were Mmmmmh.

As we walked from one end of the Strøget to the other with a bag of Brændte Mandler, we explored many squares, fountains, and historic buildings.

At the rear end is Rådhuspladsen, which joins Vestrobrogade and Strøget and houses the city’s iconic sights like Copenhagen’s City Hall, Jens Olsen’s World Clock, Dragon Fountain, the statue of Hans Christian Andersen, Vesterport (the West Gate), Stork Fountain (Storkespringvandet), and the Church of the holy spirit (Helligåndskirken).

We stopped by a lovely public square at the end of Strøget, King’s New Square (Kongens Nytorv), featuring quite a number of architecturally pretty and historically fascinating buildings along its cobblestone-covered main area. A lot of photo opportunities, of course.

Coffee and Snacks at ILLUM Rooftop

Coffee with the view!

A perfect cup of coffee at Original Coffee, exquisite rooftop views of Copenhagen, and the magical interior – they are sure to make you feel hygge.

Palaeo at ILLUM Rooftop serves delicious egg wraps and strawberry smoothies to kids’ tastes.

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace was our last stop for the day.

Located on Slotsholmen Island, the palace houses the Supreme Court, the Ministry of State, and the Danish Parliament, Folketinget. We could only visit the Parliament due to time constraints.

The palace’s parts can be closed for official functions, and the opening hours differ accordingly. Visit the official website for ticket and timing details.

Dinner at Riz Raz

The kids were tired, hungry, and cranky by now. Luckily, we bumped into this lovely Mediterranean restaurant, Riz Raz, while searching for a place to eat.

Just 5 minutes from Nørreport station, Riz Raz is charming and laid-back. A buffet of Mediterranean favorites is perfect for Vegans.

The children’s buffet costs just 89 DKK while the Mediterranean dinner buffet costs 185 DKK – super value for money.

Plus point: it’s open till midnight.

Kids slept in the car on our way back to the Airbnb as we ended late

Day 2 of 3 Day Copenhagen Itinerary – Explore the Frederiksberg and Nørrebro neighborhoods

After a hearty Indian breakfast at our Airbnb made by yours truly, we jumped into our cars with crisp excitement.

Was it hygge? We loved the heartland for hygge – Copenhagen.

PS: You can start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Torvehallerne Market, an indoor market with more than 80 shops and stalls. It’s open from 10 am to 7 pm (Monday to Friday) and 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday and Sunday).

Copenhagen Zoo

We began the day at the Copenhagen Zoo alongside Frederiksberg Gardens. It’s like any other zoo, with a variety of animals, including kangaroos, lions, giraffes, elephants, monkeys, and tigers.

I’m not a fan of zoos, but this one’s not your typical zoo. You and the kids will be smiling all the way, believe me.

Kids loved the experience because of the proximity to the animals I mean at some places they could actually go over the animal cages.

The polar bear exhibit stands out. Kids can easily spend their whole day here.

Opening Hours: The zoo is open every day, 365 days a year. The opening hours vary by season and day. You can check the details on their official website.

Entrance Ticket: 239 DKK per adult and 139 DKK per child aged 3 to 11 years.

Frederiksberg Palace and Gardens (Frederiksberg Have)

Frederiksberg is a favorite picnic spot for Copenhageners.

If you are visiting in summer, take a boat tour operated by Svendsen’s Boat Service (Svendsens Bådfart) that takes you through Frederiksberg Palace atop the hill, beautiful bridges, and the Chinese pavilion.

We admired the palace from the outside while the kids ran around its extensive garden. If you want to visit the palace, join a guided tour of Frederiksberg Palace on the last Saturday of each month at 11 am and 1 pm, except in July and December.

The palace is open every day throughout the year from 10 am to 5 pm from April to October and from 11 am to 3 pm from November to March.

The entrance fee is 110 DKK for an adult. Visit the Frederiksberg Palace’s official website for more details.

Just across the Frederiksberg Palace, The Cisterns is the former water reservoir under Søndermarken Park. Once the source of drinking water for Copenhagen, it’s now a part of Frederiksberg Museums.

We walked in because the entry is free with the Copenhagen Card (the entrance costs 115 DKK per adult), but we came out as soon as the kids became restless. It can be easily skipped with kids. It’s open from 11 am to 6 pm from Tuesday to Sunday and from 11 am to 8 pm on Thursday.

A Quick-Bite at Saks Corner

A hot cup of coffee with croissants, cakes, and sandwiches was all we needed to carry the day. Saks Corner turned out to be one of the best places to chill with kids.

It was time to explore Nørrebro, one of Copenhagen’s most famous neighborhoods, known for its ethnic diversity. It’s just across Queen Louise’s bridge from Indre By.

Assistens Cemetery

We drove to the Assistens Cemetery in Nørrebro. It’s the gravesite of Denmark’s beloved writer, Hans Christian Andersen.

The area is lush green, and you’ll find many locals taking a stroll. You can also see the writer’s works at Fairy-Tale House on Rådhuspladsen.

Jægersborggade

Located between Assistens Cemetery and Nørrebro Park, this small, lovely street features specialty shops, studios, and cafes.

The street carries a quirky aura. You’ll find many potters and artists selling their work here.

Light lunch (Brunch) at the Sixteen Twelve

Since we already had sandwiches with coffee at Saks Corner, we planned to have light snacks for lunch at Sixteen Twelve, and the place turned out to be a hidden gem! The food is good for your health, excellent for your taste buds, and amazing for your eyes (presentation matters). You must try their avocado smash.

Superkilen Park

If you want to see something out of the box, head to Superkilen Public Park in Nørrebro.

Kids can have fun at the swings while you stroll through the park’s main areas – Green Park, Black Square, and Red Square.

Experimentarium

Hands down, Experimentarium is the best thing to do in Copenhagen with kids.

One of the most highly interactive science centers we have ever been to. As kids walked from one exhibit to another, we realized the importance of learning through play.

The place is perfect for kids of all ages, from 1 to 17.  The entry is quite costly, so this is a must-visit place where having the Copenhagen card will feel like a blessing.

The entry ticket costs 149 DKK per child aged 2 to 11 years and 239 DKK per person aged 12 or older. It’s free with the Copenhagen Card.

Indian Food at our Airbnb

A quick shower helped us pull ourselves out of the exhaustion. We cooked daal, jeera rice, and chapati. Cooking on your own while on a holiday is a refreshing change.

The best thing about staying at an Airbnb is having a kitchen where you can cook your own meals instead of eating out every time.

Having breakfast and dinner at home saves a lot of time and money while traveling. Also, the comfort and ease of eating can make you feel relaxed on your vacation.

PS: You can head to the South Indian Frederiksberg for authentic South Indian food.

Day 3 of 3 Day Copenhagen Itinerary – Explore the Free town of Christiania,  Østerbro, and Vesterbro neighborhoods

After making a quick early-morning visit to a supermarket near our Airbnb and devouring a superfast breakfast (bread, butter, and jam), we drove to Copenhagen to make the most of our last day in the city.

PS: Try Morgenstedet for breakfast.

Freetown  Christiana

On the way to Christiania, we briefly stopped by the Church of Our Saviour, Copenhagen Opera House, and the Christianshavn waterfront.

If you can spare some time, the views from the Church of Our Saviour are breathtaking!

The entrance ticket costs 69 DKK per adult and 20 DKK per child under 15 years. The opening hours differ with the season. Check the official website for more information.

One can take a tour of the beautiful Christianshavn canals or rent a boat or kayak to enjoy the clean waters, surrounded by greenery and a peaceful environment.

Christiana is a self-proclaimed autonomous zone within Copenhagen.

In 1971, colonists created an alternative society in a dumped military base. The communal settlement has exempted itself from the laws enforced by the city, the country, and the EU.

Thus, inappropriate graffiti and the selling of cannabis run wild here.

We had a creepy feeling as we walked along its streets with the kids. The area, especially Pusher Street, is brimming with stunning street art. Photography is PROHIBITED.

We had heard a lot about the street art in the area, but didn’t know about its infamous character, so we planned a visit here. I’d recommend skipping this place when traveling with kids.

Brunch at Reffen

Reffen is a Copenhagen Street Food venue in the Refshaleøen neighborhood, just behind Paper Island. This market replaces the Copenhagen Street Food Market at Papirøen.

It’s an awesome agglomeration of around 50 food stalls from all around the world. The market offers organic and sustainable food and services.

The food stalls are open from 12 pm to 8 pm, while Reffen Coffee Bar is open from 10 am to 8 pm, and the bars are open from 12 pm to 12 am (Sunday to Thursday) and 12 pm to 2 am (Friday and Saturday).

Kastellet (Copenhagen Citadel)

Kastellet is a star-shaped fortress near the Little Mermaid statue. Walking around the walled expanse with a chapel and windmill is beautiful and relaxing.

Gefion Fountain

Just next to Kastellet is Gefion Fountain, a large sculpture depicting the pagan goddess Gefion, or Gejfun. They say that if you toss a coin to make a wish, it comes true.

The Workers Museum

The Workers Museum lets you sneak a peek into the daily life of Copenhageners during the 1950s.

The museum has a separate section for kids specifically for 3 to 12-year-olds. It’s real learning with a fun experience for children.

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily

Entrance Ticket: 103 DKK per adult, and is free for children under 18

The Copenhagen Lakes

Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful and striking areas in Copenhagen.

There’s a row of 3 narrow lakes – Sortedams Sø, Peblinge Sø, and Sankt Jørgens Sø in a gentle arc stretching from Østerbro to Nørrebro, Frederiksberg, and Vesterbro.

Sit at a cafe with outdoor seating along the promenade in the evening and enjoy the lakes shimmering in the city lights.

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli is magical, with many amazing rides for kids of all ages. An absolute fairytale-like setting. Even adults are sure to revel in the old-world charm of the iconic amusement park in Copenhagen.

You wouldn’t have seen a playground as unique as Rumpus Klump.

Entrance Ticket: 155 DKK for visitors above 8 years old and 70 DKK per child aged 3 to 7 years

*The entrance ticket does not give access to the rides at Tivoli. You can buy one of the Tivoli Packages that offer entrance and unlimited ride tickets.

Opening Timings: Opening hours vary by season and day, so check Tivoli Gardens’ official website for updated information.

PS: Don’t leave Tivoli before 12 am if you’re visiting on any Saturday from May to September. The fireworks show at 23:45 is worth a wait!

Here are some of the top Tivoli Gardens experiences

Dinner at Tivoli Food Hall

We literally filled our mouths with the delicious and unique Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) at Groften, a traditional restaurant in Tivoli. Must try!

Following the routine, we visited the supermarket Rema 1000 on our way to Airbnb to buy eggs, bread, cakes, milk, and fruit for breakfast the next day.

Note: We skipped the visits to Carlsberg and Kalvebod Bølge in Vesterbro because we didn’t find them worth it for the kids. If you love beer or want to see how it’s made, then plan a visit to Carlsberg Brewery.

Hope this Copenhagen itinerary helps you plan a perfect trip to the Danish capital with your family!

More Travel Resources to Plan Your Denmark Trip

• Beautiful places in Denmark
• 10-day Denmark itinerary
• Day Trip to Dragør from Copenhagen
• Copenhagen travel guide
• Free things to do in Copenhagen
• Where to stay in Copenhagen
• Best Day Trips from Copenhagen

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