Heading to Denmark? Well, no trip to Denmark is complete without visiting Copenhagen, the illustrious capital. It’s one of those cities that’s easy to fall in love with—clean, walkable, full of history, and packed with cool little spots around every corner. Whether you’re into castles, canals, food, or just wandering pretty streets, this place has a bit of everything.

You don’t need a full week here either. With just two days, you can see the city’s top sights, try some great food, and even check out a few places most tourists miss. And while you can certainly follow your own itinerary, we’ve got the perfect guide to spend two days in Copenhagen:

Choosing the Perfect Season

Currently, Copenhagen is experiencing Spring, which means you’ve got only a short few months left to travel if you’re planning on hitting up its gardens and streets. Most tourists usually try to visit Copenhagen during the warmer months since winter can be a touch too cold, although Copenhagen’s Christmas markets and snowy escapades make for a more exciting trip. You’re free to pick the season, but we recommend visiting during Spring to enhance your experience.

Day One: Exploring Popular Tourist Destinations

Most tourists want to escape tourist traps and head for the hidden gems, but don’t fret yet; you’ve got a whole day, and coupled with jet lag, it’s best to visit places that are close to you and won’t tire you too much. Here are some of the most popular destinations in Copenhagen:

Frederik’s Church

Designed in 1740 but completed more than a century later, Frederik or Marble Church is a remarkable piece of architecture. We recommend visiting early in the morning, since tourists start huddling during midday. You want to make a beeline for the guided tour, which takes you through the extensive history of the church.

Amalienborg Palace

Next, visit the Amalienborg Palace. This is one of those destinations you could visit anytime, but we recommend visiting close to noon or noon since that’s when the changing of the guard occurs. The Amalienborg Palace has been the home of the Danish royal family since the 1750s, but several parts of it are open to the public, including the central courtyard, from which you can spot the Copenhagen Opera House (another interesting spot).

King’s New Square

Kongens Nytorv, or King’s New Square, is the stunning main square that quickly becomes crowded. Therefore, we recommend hitting it up early and quickly, so you can catch a glimpse of the 17th-century statue of King Christian V. Plenty of other attractions like the Royal Danish Theatre and Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts are close by.

Nyhavn

Straight from King’s New Square lies the Nyhavn, which has a controversial history. This old harbour once used to have shady bodegas, but now it has turned a leaf and presents tourists with an interesting trip. Honestly, it’s one of those spots you quickly skim over after taking a picture, because though simple, it’s just a small highlight.

The Little Mermaid

Is a trip to Copenhagen even complete if you haven’t seen the Little Mermaid Statue? It might sound amazing, but beware; many tourists think it can be underwhelming, so quickly take a picture and walk away. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

Canal Tour

Tie the day off by visiting the canal and getting a tour. Sure, it’s a little pricey, but it’ll be relaxing and you’ll get gorgeous scenery to make it worth it. Don’t forget that the tour usually comes with scrumptious seafood, so you’ll be energised enough to explore the city the next day.

Day Two: Hitting the Hidden Gems

Once you’ve woken up the next day, it’s time to hit those spots that usually go unnoticed by the crowds of tourists rushing by. These hidden gems aren’t often so hidden; some of them lie in plain sight but go ignored because tourists are more focused on mainstream destinations.

Sydhavn Graffiti Spot

The Sydhavn neighbourhood could take you the whole day to explore, but skip the tourist traps and make a beeline for the hidden spot behind HC Ørstedsværket. That’s where you’ll find an area behind the power plant, long abandoned by people, but not by artists. From unique art to downright funny graffiti, this is one of those hidden gems that delights artists.

Royal Library Garden

This one isn’t so hidden, but the Royal Library Garden is a delight for naturalists and readers alike. The park is cosy and relaxing, but the real gems are its various attractions, marking architectural marvels. These include the Royal Library itself, which has a vast and rare collection; the Tøjhus Museum of Military arms and the Jewish Museum.

Illutron

This is one of those destinations most itineraries wouldn’t have taken you to, but they’re worth the trip. Illutron is a floating culture house, where visitors can learn about Denmark’s historic and modern arts. This interactive art studio is perfect for families who are looking for places that are more than just a historical landmark; it’s fun, it’s different, and it’s equally exciting for people of all ages.

Optional Add-On: Cisternerne or Assistens Cemetery

If you’ve still got some energy left by the end of the day, you’ve got two calm, nearby options to choose from.

The first is The Cisterns, located in Frederiksberg. It’s an old underground water reservoir that’s been turned into a moody art space. The air is cool and damp, and the exhibitions often play with sound and light. It’s unlike anything else in the city.

The second is Assistens Cemetery, which sounds gloomy but is actually one of the city’s most peaceful green spaces. Locals come here to walk or read, and it’s also where famous Danes like Hans Christian Andersen are buried. It’s quiet, beautiful, and perfect for a slow end to your day.

Helpful Tips Before You Go

• Grab a Copenhagen Card if you want to save a bit. It covers buses, metro, and entry to a bunch of popular sights.
• You don’t need a car. Most places are close enough to walk, or you can rent a bike like the locals do.
• Try to start your day early. Touristy spots like Nyhavn and The Little Mermaid get very crowded after 11 AM.
• The weather can change quickly. Even in spring or summer, it’s smart to bring a light jacket or a small umbrella.
• Book ahead for busy spots. Places like canal tours or popular restaurants can sell out fast, especially in warmer months.
• Tap water is completely safe. Bring a refillable bottle with you, as water in Copenhagen is safe to drink.

Copenhagen might not be the biggest city, but it really knows how to pack in a lot of charm. In just two days, you can explore its royal side, stroll along colourful harbours, try fresh seafood, and still have time to discover local hangouts most tourists miss.

Day one gives you a solid taste of everything the city is known for, while day two lets you take it slower and see the more creative, quieter side of Copenhagen. It’s the kind of trip that leaves you wanting to come back, not because you missed something, but because it felt that good.

Copenhagen is a beautiful city, and even two days are not enough to see everything it has to offer. To know about more exciting things to see and do, visit the official website.