Copenhagen in one day? It’s not impossible! Even if you only have a single day in this amazing city, you can still see a lot and soak up the atmosphere that makes Copenhagen consistently one of the happiest cities in the world.
I’ve gathered the most important sights, some bonus suggestions, and even a sample one-day itinerary with a map.
Must-Sees You Shouldn’t Miss
If you’re fitting Copenhagen into a single day, you’ll probably want to check off as many major landmarks as possible. I’ll show you the top attractions, plus a full itinerary later on.
But beyond all the sights and must-visit places, there’s one thing you really shouldn’t skip:
Give yourself at least an hour somewhere to just sit down with a coffee, a glass of wine, or a slice of cake. Whether you’re traveling alone or with someone, this hour will easily fit into your one-day visit — and it’ll give you a much deeper feel for the real Copenhagen than simply rushing through landmarks.
You’ll find a few specific suggestions for great spots to do this at the end of the article.
Copenhagen in One Day: The Top Attractions
What you can see in a day depends a bit on your personal pace and preferences. But some places just shouldn’t be missed. First, because they’re classics — if you’re here, you’ve got to see them. And second — maybe even more importantly — they help you feel what this city is really about.
The good news is, you can fit all of these into a one-day itinerary!
Nyhavn
Nyhavn [pronounced something like “new-hown”], or “New Harbor,” with its colorful buildings, is the most iconic spot in Copenhagen. Today, it’s mostly tourists who crowd the area, but the charm and the view still make it totally worth it.
Whether you just walk along the harbor or sit down for a drink or lunch, it’ll be a highlight of your one-day trip.
Be sure to walk both sides of the harbor — one side gives you a close-up view of the lively buildings, and the other side gives you that perfect postcard photo.
Kongens Nytorv
Right near Nyhavn, you’ll come across Kongens Nytorv [pronounced something like “kongens new-tor”]. Literally “The King’s New Square,” it was built around the same time as Nyhavn and modeled after Paris. Even if you don’t spend much time here, it’s a great spot to feel Copenhagen’s peaceful yet urban vibe.
Strøget
Leading directly into Kongens Nytorv is Strøget [pronounced roughly “stroeh”], one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe and reportedly the world’s first car-free shopping street (since 1962). It’s a must for any first-time visitor.
The Little Mermaid
A bit out of the way, but still one of Copenhagen’s most iconic sights, is the statue of The Little Mermaid. It’s doable in a one-day itinerary.
You can walk there from Kongens Nytorv — passing by the Royal Palace — or take a two-stop ride on the local harbor bus. Either way, allow about an hour for the visit, and expect crowds at the statue.
The Royal Palace – Amalienborg
On its own, Amalienborg might not be the most exciting attraction, but it’s on the way between The Little Mermaid and other top spots.
And honestly, if you’re visiting Denmark, you’ll probably want to see at least one royal residence. You don’t need to go inside — just a walk through the square will do.
If you’re there at noon, you can catch the famous changing of the guard. But truth be told, it’s more famous than thrilling — big crowds, not much visibility unless you’re in front, and it’s not very impressive if the royal family isn’t in residence.
Rosenborg Castle and The King’s Garden
Rosenborg Castle (Rosenborg Slot) and the King’s Garden (Kongens Have) are worth visiting even without stepping inside the museum.
Take a walk through the park, grab a coffee at the Hercules Pavilion, or simply walk around the castle — it’ll add a nice touch to your Copenhagen day.
If you’re a museum lover, this might be the one to include in your one-day Copenhagen plan. This Renaissance castle houses the crown jewels, royal thrones, and other treasures of Danish monarchy. The exhibition isn’t too long, so you can squeeze it in — especially if you’re into royal history.
Canal Cruise
Since Copenhagen is often called the Venice of the North (along with a few other cities), a canal cruise is a must.
There are two main ways to enjoy it, and either is perfect for a one-day visit:
- Canal Tours: The classic paid tour that takes about an hour and covers both large and small canals, showing off the main sights from the water.
- Public harbor bus (lines 991 and 992): Covered by your normal transit pass or day ticket, this is a great experience too — plus, you can hop off anywhere, making it perfect for traveling between Nyhavn and The Little Mermaid.
A Few Extra Tips
Besides the must-see sights, here are a few other suggestions worth considering. Many are food-related — but hey, this site is called “The Flavors of the Journey,” after all. These aren’t off-the-beaten-path places, but they can definitely enhance your local experience.
- Broens Street Food – Just a short walk from Nyhavn across a wide pedestrian and bike bridge. Adds an extra bit of fun to your day.
- Magasin du Nord – A 7-story department store right on Kongens Nytorv. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to visit.
- Reffen – A massive street food market featuring cuisines from around the world. It’s a bit farther out but totally worth it. Open seasonally.
- TorvehallerneKBH – Copenhagen’s “market.” Mainly for tourists now, but the fresh produce and wide variety of food make it memorable.
- The Round Tower (Rundetaarn) – Easy to fit into a downtown walk. Great views from the top, though there’s usually a line.
- Kastellet – Still an active military site, this star-shaped fortress near The Little Mermaid is perfect for a 30-minute stroll.
- Marmorkirken – Officially called Frederik’s Church, but known locally by it’s nickname as The Marble Church, this beautiful place offers a peaceful 10-minute retreat — great for recharging during a busy one-day visit.
- A well-known bakery – Copenhagen is famous for its top-quality pastries. Some world-renowned bakeries are worth a visit on their own: Juno the Bakery, Hart, Andersen.
- Kødbyen (Meatpacking District) – Right next to the central station, this old industrial district is now home to cool restaurants and bars. A great place for lunch, drinks, or checking out local flavor. You find a Hart bakery here, or our favorite, Comé RIC Kitchen.
- Christianshavn – Across the harbor, this neighborhood offers a charming, more local feel with beautiful canals.
- Christiania – Copenhagen’s legendary hippie neighborhood. You’ll either love it or won’t — but if you’re curious, it fits into a one-day itinerary.
Where to Spend That One Hour with Yourself
Whether you’re visiting solo or with others, don’t just rush from one major attraction to the next.
Even with only one day in town, make space to feel Copenhagen’s vibe and spirit.
Here are a few places where you’re likely to pass by anyway — and where you can sit down for coffee, a drink, or dessert.
These are all personal recommendations: not only is the service and food excellent, but you’ll also really feel the city’s rhythm and charm.
- Espresso House by Rådhuspladsen
- Any restaurant in Nyhavn – It’s super touristy, but worth trying once.
- COFFEE CLUB CPH – On the 5th floor of Magasin du Nord at Kongens Nytorv. In my opinion, the best coffee in town.
- Espresso House across Rådhuspladsen, on the corner of Vesterbrogade and H. C. Andersens Blvd.
- Any vendor inside TorvehallerneKBH
- Any eatery in Tivoli Food Hall – You can sit in the back garden overlooking the iconic Tivoli courtyard without paying an entrance fee.
- Hercules Pavilion – A café inside the King’s Garden.
- Pretty much anywhere in Kødbyen
- Hart Bakery behind the Opera House
Copenhagen in One Day – A Sample Itinerary
Starting from and ending at Copenhagen Central Station (København H), here’s a perfect one-day route for exploring the city. You can easily add in a few more things from the earlier extra tips or sitting-down suggestions along the way.
- Walk along Vesterbrogade, past the main entrance of Tivoli, until you reach Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square).
- From Rådhuspladsen, stroll along Strøget, the pedestrian shopping street, all the way to Kongens Nytorv.
- From Kongens Nytorv, walk along the Nyhavn harbor.
- At the end of Nyhavn, near the Royal Theater, hop on the 992 harbor bus.
- Ride the boat two stops — passing by the Royal Opera House — and get off at Nordre Toldbod (Københavns Havn).
- Walk a few minutes to The Little Mermaid statue.
- Walk back toward the Amalienborg Palace.
- Take a short walk to Marmorkirken (The Marble Church). It’s worth stepping inside.
- Walk a few minutes to the King’s Garden (Kongens Have) and Rosenborg Castle (Rosenborg Slot). If you’d like, you can visit the museum and see the Danish crown jewels.
- Walk through Nørreport Metro and train station to the TorvehallerneKBH market.
- From Nørreport, take the S-Tog (commuter train) back two stops to Copenhagen Central Station (København H).
Note: The TorvehallerneKBH market closes at 7 PM on weekdays and 6 PM on weekends — time your visit accordingly. If you’re starting later in the day or finishing late, you can easily reverse this itinerary and do it in the opposite order.