Denmark Archives - Around Europe

Wondering how much you can see in one day in Copenhagen? Is it enough? Where to start? We've crafted a one-day itinerary that hits Copenhagen’s must-sees, hidden gems, great views, good food, and the kind of places that make you fall a little bit in love—even if you’re only here for 24 hours. Whether you're popping in on a layover, adding Copenhagen as a quick stop on a longer Scandinavian trip, or just looking to make the most of a tight schedule, we've got you covered. Let’s get into it. Note: This post contains links to Google Maps One Day in Copenhagen - MapIs Tivoli Worth It? Maybe — But Not If You Only Have One DayMorning: Coffee, City Squares, and Danish DesignStart with a coffee or teaWalk Past Tivoli (without going in!) and Through City Hall SquareStop at the Royal Library – The Black DiamondVisit the Christiansborg Tower for Panoramic ViewsOptional: Detour to Freetown ChristianiaMidday: NyhavnEarly Afternoon: Bridges, Boats, and a Foodie HeavenStroll Across the Bridge or Take in the Opera House ViewTake the Water Bus to Reffen Street Food MarketLate Afternoon: Mermaids, Castles, and CourtyardsThe Little Mermaid via KastelletRoyal Copenhagen: Amalienborg and MoreRelax at The King’s Gardens and Rosenborg CastleFinal Tips for Visiting CopenhagenConclusion The Danish capital is a city that effortlessly blends sleek Nordic design with deep-rooted history, colourful harbourside charm with minimalist modernism, and cosy hygge vibes with a buzzing urban scene. It’s compact enough to navigate in a day, but packed with enough character and variety to fill a week. I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice—once in the blustery chill of March and once in the golden glow of June—and both times, I found myself thinking, I could totally live here. But let’s be honest: not everyone has a week to wander around pretending they’re a local. Sometimes, all you have is one day, and you want to make it count. Planning a bigger trip to Denmark? Find out what to see in Denmark's third-biggest city and the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen - Odense: Fairytale Odense - Here's how to make most of your time Planning a big Scandinavia trip? Check out: how you can spend one day in Finland's capital, Helsinki One Day in Copenhagen - Map Is Tivoli Worth It? Maybe — But Not If You Only Have One Day Copenhagen is packed with things to see and do, and while Tivoli Gardens may sound tempting, it’s probably not the best choice if you only have one day in the city. Don't get me wrong—Tivoli has its charm, especially if you're into amusement parks and fairground nostalgia—but there are a couple of reasons why we chose to skip it. First, Copenhagen is packed with fascinating things to see, and if you’re trying to see it in just a day, spending half of it in Tivoli doesn’t really make sense. Second, tickets are pricey. At the time of writing, entry with unlimited rides costs around 400 DKK (~€54), and it's even more during peak season. If you're going to pay that much, you'd want to spend the whole day there—not rush through it. If you're still curious, though, a cheaper compromise is to purchase an entrance-only ticket to walk around the gardens without the rides. That’s about 170 DKK (~22 EUR) and might be worth it if you're into historic amusement parks. Otherwise, this itinerary will help you see more of Copenhagen's charm in just one day. Tivoli Gardens Gate Morning: Coffee, City Squares, and Danish Design Start with a coffee or tea If you're arriving by train, a great place to begin your day is Social Brew at Vester Farimagsgade 3. It's close to the station and serves up solid coffee and breakfast options in a relaxed, modern space. If that’s too far for you, check out: Sonny – cosy, central, and excellent for a quick breakfast bite. The Coffee Collective – ethically sourced, expertly brewed. Pair your coffee with a Danish cinnamon bun (kanelsnegle) and fuel up well — there’s plenty of walking ahead. Walk Past Tivoli (without going in!) and Through City Hall Square Even if you're skipping Tivoli, you’ll pass by its charming old-world entrance. Take a minute to admire the facade and the buzz of the surrounding area. Then make your way through Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square). This square is one of the city's central meeting points, flanked by bold architecture and filled with life. You’ll see the impressive City Hall, a mix of National Romantic and Italian Renaissance styles, and maybe catch a glimpse of local demonstrations or pop-up art events. City Hall Square Head to the Danish Architecture Center From the square, walk toward the canal and the Danish Architecture Center (DAC). It's a great stop if you are interested in Danish architecture. Tickets cost 125 DKK (~17 EUR), and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the innovative designs that shape the city. The exhibitions are interactive and frequently updated, and the building itself — BLOX — is an architectural marvel. 👉 Tip: Check out the rooftop DAC café for a great view of the harbour and the city’s layered skyline. Stop at the Royal Library – The Black Diamond A short stroll away along the waterfront is the Royal Library, or the Black Diamond. It’s free to enter and an absolute gem — the exterior is strikingly modern, while the interior blends seamlessly with the old library. Step inside for a peek at the soaring atrium and quiet reading rooms. There’s also a café inside if you’re craving another coffee. Then, head out the back exit toward Christiansborg Palace. Danish Royal Library Visit the Christiansborg Tower for Panoramic Views Once home to kings and now housing the Danish Parliament, Christiansborg Palace is a stunning blend of function and history. Best part? The tower is free to enter, and it offers one of the best views of Copenhagen. No need to book ahead — just queue. It's open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays), usually 11 AM – 9 PM, though hours may vary seasonally. Up to 40 people are allowed on the platform at a time, so the line moves steadily. Check the latest times and access info on the official website. View from Christiansborg Tower Optional: Detour to Freetown Christiania If you’re curious, you’re now close to Christiania, Copenhagen’s self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood and one of its more controversial attractions. It’s known for its alternative lifestyle, street art and relaxed attitude toward cannabis, though it’s still officially illegal in Denmark. If you go: Be respectful Photos are not allowed in certain areas. Know that tensions have been high lately, especially after some police-related incidents. The vibe can be edgy, eclectic, or uncomfortable, depending on your perspective. If you do go, keep a respectful distance, stay aware, and don’t expect a polished tourist experience. Midday: Nyhavn Whether or not you stopped by Christiania, continue along the canal toward Nyhavn — easily the most photogenic and iconic part of the city. It’s picture-perfect but very touristy, so expect a lot of foot traffic there, as it's the place everyone wants to see and take a picture of in Copenhagen What you will see: Bright, colourful 17th-century houses Tall-masted wooden boats bobbing in the water Crowds snapping photos and sipping drinks Nyhavn While there are a lot of little bars and restaurants there, you will pay a premium because of the location. That is why we don't recommend having lunch here, however, grabbing a treat isn’t a bad idea. We tried: Rajissimo – Great ice cream, freshly made waffle cones, and quirky offerings like churros & ice cream. Elis Copenhagen – A little off the main street but super friendly with a solid selection with great coffee and desserts in a quieter spot. Early Afternoon: Bridges, Boats, and a Foodie Heaven Stroll Across the Bridge or Take in the Opera House View You can cross the Inderhavnsbroen pedestrian bridge to the Royal Opera House, which offers great city views and impressive modern architecture. Alternatively, stay on this side and enjoy the view from the Royal Danish Playhouse, with its wide wooden deck perfect for relaxing. The Royal Playhouse By this time, you've probably worked up an appetite! Take the Water Bus to Reffen Street Food Market From Nyhavn ferry stop, hop on a harbour water bus to Refshaleøen. It’s a scenic ride and you’ll get dropped right near Reffen Street Food Market, one of our favorite spots in the city. Once you get off, it’s a quick walk over a pedestrian bridge to Reffen. This open-air food court in an old industrial space offers: Global cuisine from all corners of the world Funky recycled decor and vibrant energy A mix of locals, expats, and food-loving tourists Some of the things we've tried include: Argentine empanadas Moroccan tagines Nepalese momos Italian pastas and wood-fired pizza Budget around 100–150 DKK (€13–20) for a meal and grab a picnic table or find a perch by the waterfront. Reffen Street Food Market by News Oresund, CC BY 2.0 Late Afternoon: Mermaids, Castles, and Courtyards The Little Mermaid via Kastellet Take the water bus back to the other side and get off at Nordre Toldbod, the first stop after Reffen heading toward the city. You’ll be at the edge of Kastellet, a star-shaped 17th-century fortress that’s still used by the military. Walk along the ramparts and follow the crowds to the Little Mermaid statue. Fair warning: She’s small. Really small. In fact, if there are no people around (which wouldn't happen), you might really miss it. But it’s one of those things people feel they have to see, so snap a photo and enjoy the coastal breeze — just don’t expect to be blown away. The Little Mermaid Statue Royal Copenhagen: Amalienborg and More When you're done and have walked around the fortress, head back toward the city and stop at Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family. The central square is flanked by four identical rococo palaces. On the way, consider a quick stop at The Danish Design Museum – a treat for lovers of Scandinavian design. Right next to the palace is Frederik’s Church (aka the Marble Church), known for its large green dome and serene, echoing interior. Amalienborg Palace Relax at The King’s Gardens and Rosenborg Castle Wrap up the afternoon at the King’s Gardens, Copenhagen’s oldest royal gardens. They’re lush, peaceful, and perfect for a rest. Grab a coffee or pastry from a nearby café and unwind. If time permits, visit Rosenborg Castle — home to the Danish crown jewels. Even if the castle is closed, the park itself is worth it. Evening: Dining and Wind-Down Options For dinner, you’ve got plenty of options depending on your mood: Back to Reffen – It’s lively at night and great for casual dining. Torvehallerne – It's gourmet food market with both sit-down and takeaway options near Rosenborg Castle with a wide selection of local bites and global options. Høst – A refined New Nordic spot with moody interiors and inventive cuisine, part of Cofoco collective. One of the other Cofoco restaurants – Upscale but not outrageously expensive. Book in advance. 👉 Tip: Sunset Strolls and Evening Drinks Cap off your day with a walk across the Inderhavnsbroen again or enjoy a quiet drink by the water. In summer, Copenhagen's golden hour stretches late — perfect for soaking in the city one last time. Final Tips for Visiting Copenhagen Wind warning: I’ve visited twice (March & June), and both times it was super windy. A windbreaker is essential. Plan wisely – The city is bigger than it seems. You won’t see everything in a day, so prioritize your interests. Got more time? Consider: Tivoli Gardens (with more than a day to explore) Carlsberg Brewery – A short trip from the center, but nice for beer lovers Frederiksberg – Lovely streets, boutique shops, and green spaces Conclusion Copenhagen has so much to offer. With thoughtful planning, you can experience the best of the city in just one day. Copenhagen is a city that truly has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, food, or just soaking in the local culture, you'll find plenty to love. Enjoy your day in this wonderful city, and safe travels!