Copenhagen in one day
Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Beautiful parks, intriguing monuments, including several royal palaces, art galleries, and of course, LEGO cannot be missed! There are thousands of bicycles on the streets and very few cars, with cleanliness everywhere. All attractions are concentrated in the city center and can easily be visited on foot or by bike.
Table of contents:
- How to get from the airport to the city center of Copenhagen?
- City Pass and Copenhagen Card
- Copenhagen sightseeing plan + map
- Ferry tour
- Accommodation in Copenhagen
- Useful information
- Copenhagen – Summary
How to get from the airport to the city center of Copenhagen?
Copenhagen has one airport – Copenhagen-Kastrup. The easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is by metro, train, or bus (I recommend the metro). Tickets can be purchased from machines before entering the platform. NOTE! There are two types of ticket machines – one for tickets to Sweden by train and another for the metro, so make sure to pay attention. You can also buy tickets online by purchasing the City Pass, which you can read about HERE!
The M2 metro line can take you to Christiania Island, near Nyhavn Street (the most famous street with colorful buildings and boats); Norreport Island (the center), and the line ends at Vanlose. Only one metro line runs from the airport, so it’s hard to go wrong. Personally, I consider this the easiest and fastest way to get to the city center. The waiting time for the metro is just a few minutes.
Trains 802, 803, 804, and bus 5C also head towards Norreport and run every 20-30 minutes. If you need to get to the train station, bus or train would be a better option, as the metro doesn’t reach the station.
City Pass and Copenhagen Card
If we plan to visit Copenhagen for several days, it’s worth investing in the City Pass or Copenhagen Card. The first option is a ticket for public transportation, while the second option includes both public transportation and attractions. Before purchasing tickets, it’s worth considering what we will be visiting in the capital of Denmark and which of the two options is better for us.
City Pass – this is a ticket for public transportation, including trains, buses, and the metro. It allows you to purchase a ticket for 24, 48, 72, 98, and 120 hours. With it, you can freely travel around all of Copenhagen. You will need the DOT Tickets app for this. The app is very easy to use and is available in English. The City Pass Small (Zone 1-4) covers all of Copenhagen, and the costs range from 50-200 PLN depending on the ticket’s validity period. A great convenience is that you can buy a ticket for several or many people, both adults and children, and also choose the date and time when the ticket will be valid. In the app, you can also purchase a single ticket from point A to B. The app will show the nearest and best travel options, with the cost around 30 DKK (17 PLN), and the ticket duration is 2 hours. If you plan to explore on foot and need to get from the airport to your accommodation, this is the best option!
Copenhagen Card – this includes Hop On Hop Off buses, many attractions in Copenhagen, and free public transport. To use these services, you will need the CPH Card app. Depending on whether you plan to visit only the capital or venture outside, you have two options to choose from:
- Hop Card – 40+ attractions, all located in Copenhagen, with access to Hop On Hop Off buses. Prices range from 330-550 PLN.
- Discover Card – 80+ attractions (not all in Copenhagen), free transport in Zone 1-99 (for example, the capital is Zones 1-4), free travel to and from the airport. Prices range from 285-690 PLN depending on the ticket’s validity period.
Ticket prices can be overwhelming, but if your plan includes visiting the Guinness World Records Museum, Tivoli Park, the Amalienborg Museum, or taking a ferry tour along the canals, it’s worth considering whether buying a separate ticket for each attraction might cost you double.
If the apps are not intuitive enough for you and you have trouble navigating them, tickets can also be purchased in advance online. Current prices can be found HERE! and also HERE!
Copenhagen sightseeing plan + map
I walked the entire route on foot (at a leisurely pace) in one day, visiting the most important attractions of Copenhagen. Of course, with breaks for coffee or lunch and a one-hour ferry ride. I didn’t visit any palaces or museums, but I discovered two observation towers and amazing places. See for yourselves!
Østre Anlæg Park
The romantic park captivates with its winding paths, hilly terrain, and lush vegetation along the old defensive walls of Copenhagen. In the park, you can spot the outlines of former fortifications. It was designed in the style of a natural landscape. The winding path leads along a pond. It’s the perfect place for a morning walk with a coffee!
Citadel – Kastellet
The Citadel, completed in 1667, was part of Copenhagen’s fortifications until 1870. The complex is built in the shape of a pentagon, with five bastions. Entry to the citadel is free, and visitors can explore the lower complex and walk along the ramparts. At the top, there is also a stunning windmill. The complex is surrounded by a moat, and you can enter through one of the two bridges. At the main entrance, you’ll encounter guards and a barrier.
Little Mermaid
The life of the Danish mermaid is not an easy one, and I’m not talking about the crowds of tourists at all hours, eager to take a photo with her. The Little Mermaid was unveiled in 1913, and her adventures began 50 years later. The statue was covered in red paint, and a bra was placed on her; shortly afterward, in an act of vandalism, the mermaid lost her head (for the first time). In the 80s and 90s, the statue lost an arm, and a cow’s head was placed on her, and once again, she lost her head. After 2000, the sculpture was damaged in an explosion of explosives, a burqa was placed on it, and even a fake penis was attached to her hand. The Little Mermaid has had a very turbulent history. My impression? Approach to see it and move on. The statue is exceptionally small, there are crowds of tourists at all times, getting closer is almost a miracle, and the mermaid doesn’t really impress with anything extraordinary except her dramatic history.
Gefion Fountain
A beautiful fountain by the harbor in Copenhagen depicting the Nordic goddess plowing the earth and her sons transformed into oxen. During my visit, it was out of order, but I was still captivated by the construction. Right next to it is the Church of St. Alban’s with almost fairytale-like architecture. It’s worth stopping for a moment!
Royal Harbor – Royal Pavilions
Two small pavilions built at the beginning of the 20th century. They are currently used when the royal family passes through the harbor to board the royal yacht HDMY Danneborg.
Amalienborg Palace (must-see at 12:00 – Changing of the Guard)
The four baroque royal palaces of Amalienborg are a must-see in Copenhagen. It’s here that crowds of visitors come daily at 12:00 to witness the famous Changing of the Guard. It’s worth arriving 15 minutes earlier, as the police arrive and arrange people in the square. I managed to stand right in the middle with a perfect view of the approaching Royal Guard. See for yourself!
Amalienborg Royal Palace Museum (Palace of Christian VIII)
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Prices: adults 95 DKK, students 65 DKK, children under 18 enter for free.
Frederick’s Church (Marble Church)
The construction of the church began in the 1750s, initially using Norwegian marble (hence the name), but due to high costs, this idea was abandoned in the 1770s. Soon after, due to a lack of funds, the construction was completely halted, and the temple remained unfinished for 100 years. The Marble Church has the largest dome in Scandinavia, built on 12 columns, which was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Dome visit: adults 50 DKK, children under 12 free.
***Visiting the Frederick’s Church and dome is not possible during services and concerts. Visiting the dome is also not possible during bad weather.
Ophelia Square
Ophelia Square is located in the heart of Copenhagen, covering an area of 13,000 square meters and surrounded by water on three sides. It hosts jazz concerts, football championships on a big screen, theater performances, and many other shows. You can also sit at a café, enjoy a good coffee, and have a snack. It offers a fantastic viewpoint of the Opera House located on the opposite bank.
Royal Danish Opera House
The Copenhagen Opera House is the National Opera of Denmark and one of the most modern opera houses in the world. Interestingly, it is also one of the most expensive, with its construction costing around 2.5 billion DKK. The building can be beautifully admired from Ophelia Square and also during a ferry tour.
Nyhavn Harbor
Nyhavn Harbor is the most famous spot in Copenhagen. Surely everyone has seen a postcard or a photo with colorful houses and a whole bunch of yachts. This is exactly that place. Besides the countless yachts and beautiful colorful buildings, there are plenty of restaurants and… tourists. During the season, and even outside of it, it’s hard to move around there. It’s also the departure point for sightseeing cruises, which you can read more about later in the article.
Guinness World Records Museum
The most incredible records from all over the world. The tallest, the shortest, the fattest person, animal curiosities, and scientific facts. Some may seem strange, some funny, and others surprising. The Guinness World Records Museum is a spot for both young and old travelers. Personally, I didn’t visit the inside, but I consider it an interesting point to explore in Copenhagen and a nice break. Online reviews range from 3.5 to 4/5.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Price: adults 135 DKK, children (4-11 years old) 85 DKK.
Christiansborg Palace (viewing platform)
The former royal castle, now the seat of the Danish parliament, is located on Castle Island. Inside, there are government offices, museums, and access to the observation tower. You can visit the royal stables, kitchen, reception halls, and the ruins of medieval castles for a fee. Access to the observation tower is free, but you need to go through security checks like at the airport. The view from the top is stunning!
Opening hours: usually between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with varying hours depending on the season; it may be closed due to a visit from the royal family. You can check the official website for more information.
Price: Ticket for all attractions (40% savings) – adults 175 DKK, students 155 DKK, children under 18 free. Tickets can also be purchased separately if you are only interested in visiting one specific area.
Old Town – Strøget
The shopping district in Copenhagen, which we also call the Old Town, is about 1.1 km long and stretches between Rådhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv square. It is one of the most crowded places in the Danish capital and the only place where I found souvenir shops. Here, you’ll find stores with exclusive clothing, jewelry, and collectible items, and most importantly, LEGO stores. This is my second visit to Denmark, and for several years now, I have been a proud owner of Danish LEGO.
City Hall Square
City Hall Square is none other than the Town Hall Square located in the center of Copenhagen. Due to its size, it often hosts concerts, demonstrations, and other public events. The square is right next to the Tivoli amusement park.
Tivoli Gardens (Lunapark)
Tivoli Gardens is one of the three oldest amusement parks in the world. Inside, you’ll find a roller coaster, a haunted house, carousels, as well as many restaurants, shops, gardens where concerts are held, a conservatory, and a mime theater. The size of the thrilling attractions and the number of carousels discouraged me from entering, aside from the ticket price. Moreover, online reviews mention that many attractions are geared towards children. The entrance fee is higher than, for example, the German amusement park Heide Park, where you can really let loose. Personally, I believe the entrance is only worth it if you purchase the Copenhagen Card.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
Price: varies depending on the selected pass, which you can purchase HERE! or on the official park website HERE!
- Tivoli Pass (annual) – 399 DKK – allows entry at any time of the year and includes admission for two children aged 3-7 years.
- Entrance and Ride Pass – adults 419 DKK, children aged 3-7 years 209 DKK. Entrance and ride pass in a combined package, includes access to all attractions.
- Entrance – adults 140 DKK, children aged 3-7 years 70 DKK – entry to the gardens.
- Ride Pass – adults 299 DKK, children aged 1-7 years 149 DKK – ticket for all attractions (separate entry fee for the park).
Film Palace
Palads Teatret, more commonly known as Palads, is a cinema operated by Nordisk Film. It is the largest cinema in Denmark, with 17 screening rooms. It’s active all the time, and you can confidently go to watch a film in Danish. Why is it on the list of places to visit? I was simply captivated by the colorful building of the cinema! Just that.
Church of the Holy Trinity and the Round Tower (viewing tower)
The tower, built in 1642, stands at 34.8 meters, and a spiral “ramp” leading to the top is almost 200 meters long, ending with a few steps to reach the summit. Inside, there is an empty core, and you can walk on the glass floor and look down (for the brave). You can also peek into the bell tower or the observatory. Halfway up, there is the Library Hall, which hosts exhibitions.
Opening hours: April-September, daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; October-March, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; closed on December 24th, 25th, and January 1st.
Price: adults 40 DKK, children aged 5-15 years 10 DKK, children under 5 free.
Rosenborg Royal Gardens – Kongens Have
The oldest and most frequently visited park in the center of Copenhagen. The park, dating back to the 17th century, was originally created as private gardens for Rosenborg Castle by King Christian IV. The park features historic barracks, many statues and monuments, as well as a beautiful pavilion with a statue of Hercules.
Ferry tour
The most popular place to catch a ferry is Nyhavn Harbor. The tour lasts 60 minutes and includes a guide who talks about the area in several languages (Danish and English for sure). The ferry passes by the National Opera, the Little Mermaid, the Royal Harbor, through Christianshavn, Castle Island, and under many bridges, sometimes almost touching them. The ferries are partially covered, but it’s worth bringing something to shield yourself from the wind. During the summer, I recommend sunscreen for your face (even though the temperature was 14-15°C, I managed to burn my forehead). The line might seem intimidating, but the ferries run approximately every 30 minutes, and there’s a very good chance of getting on in the first round. Before joining the line, you need to purchase a ticket at the booth by the boat entrance. If you don’t like waiting in line, you can buy tickets online in advance HERE! or HERE!
Opening hours: from mid-May to mid-June, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, from mid-June to mid-August, 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM, from mid-August to mid-September, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, from mid-September to mid-May, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM.
Price: Adults 80 DKK, children 40 DKK. The tour is free with the Copenhagen Card.
Accommodation in Copenhagen
I typically search for accommodation on Booking. Prices start from approximately 22 EUR per night in the city center for a hostel room. Of course, cheaper options like a bed in a shared room are available. This price suited me well, and I had my own room. The hotel was located 10 minutes from the center and 13 minutes from the M2 metro line to the airport. I stayed at Globalhagen Hostel. It’s a nice place with English-speaking staff, a shared lounge and kitchen on the third floor, and a café/bar downstairs open until 9:00 PM. There are many hostels in the city center with similar prices per night. If you choose a hotel, you should expect prices starting from approximately 75 EUR per night and up.
Useful information
Payments in Copenhagen – what really surprised me was that in all places, whether stores, restaurants, or museums, no one asks for cash; they immediately move to card payments. In Denmark, cashless payments are preferred. You can pay in Danish kroner or euros (usually only banknotes are accepted), but Danes prefer cashless transactions.
Toilets – that was the biggest surprise! Used to paid, dirty, smelly public restrooms without toilet paper, here I was completely (positively) surprised. I can confidently say that these are the cleanest public toilets I have ever seen, in any country. The toilets are spotless, fragrant, always stocked with toilet paper, and often there’s a “toilet lady” sitting there. And the best part is, they are completely FREE!
Cleanliness – Copenhagen is a very clean city. Trash bins can be found frequently, there is no litter flying around, and the streets are well-maintained despite the heavy influx of tourists. It’s clear that they really care about cleanliness!
Fines – riding without a ticket or exceeding the speed limit is not a good deal for your wallet. For example, if you’re driving 51-59 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, you could be fined up to 220 EUR, and for riding without a ticket, the fine could be as much as 165 EUR. Before you make a silly mistake, think twice!
English – In restaurants, bars, museums, and stores, you’ll have no problem communicating in English.
Breakfast – Do you like getting up early to start sightseeing? Be prepared to find that most places offering breakfast are open from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Only a few are open from 9:00 AM. Stock up on rolls the day before or consider having a later breakfast!
7Eleven – The most popular stores are open 24/7 every day.
Copenhagen – Summary
Most, if not all, of the places I visited can be explored with the Copenhagen Card, saving you some money. It’s worth considering twice what interests you, how much you’re able to visit, and where it’s better to invest. Whether you’re only visiting observation towers and taking walks, or actively exploring museums, using the Hop On Hop Off buses, Tivoli amusement park, etc. If you’re staying for 2-3 days, I believe it’s worth purchasing the Copenhagen Card for at least one day (preferably on a rainy day) and actively visiting the landmarks inside.
Paid attractions I used: Round Tower, Christiansborg Palace Observation Tower, Ferry Tour.
- Flight from Berlin – 145 EUR
- Accommodation (2 nights) – 48 EUR
- Food – 62 EUR
- Attractions – 21 EUR
- Souvenirs – 24 EUR
- Transport – 20 EUR
Total: 319 EUR (arrival on Friday at 8:30 PM, departure on Sunday at 4:30 PM).)
If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!
