24 Hours in Copenhagen: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary for Denmark's Capital City

Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is a city where history, culture, and quirkiness blend beautifully. If you only have 24 hours to spare, you’ll be surprised at just how much you can see and do. From world-class beer to colourful canals and famous landmarks, here’s how to make the most of a day in Denmark.

Morning: Sweet starts and scenic pedals

Begin your day was an energy filled breakfast. Denmark is world-renowned for its baked goods, and nothing says Copenhagen more than enjoying a flaky, buttery spandauer.

BUKA Bakery is a Danish favourite that prides itself on fresh pastries made from local ingredients. This cosy spot is known for its fresh pastries that perfectly showcase Denmark’s world-class baking traditions. From buttery croissants to flaky Danish pastries filled with custard or fruit, everything is made with care and a touch of creativity. It’s the ideal place to grab a coffee and a pastry before continuing your day of exploring Copenhagen, and a reminder of why Denmark has such a stellar reputation for baked goods.

Fuelled up, hop on an Uber Bike or City Bike (Copenhagen’s modern bike-sharing system). These bikes are easy to find, use, and park, making them the perfect way to explore the city at your own pace. Scroll to the bottom of this post for more tips on renting a bike in Copenhagen.

Pedal your way to Nyhavn, the iconic canal lined with colourful 17th-century houses. It’s one of Copenhagen’s most photographed spots and a perfect place to stop for photos.

From here, it’s a short ride to the Little Mermaid, Denmark’s most famous statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale. While modest in size, it’s a must-see symbol of the city. As this is one of Denmark's top tourist spots, be prepared for large crowds trying to get a shot of the Little Mermaid sitting on the rocks.

Midday: History, nature, and LEGO fun

Cycle over to the Natural History Museum Park (part of the University of Copenhagen’s gardens). It’s a beautiful green escape, with sculptures, historic buildings, and peaceful paths where you can slow down and enjoy nature in the heart of the city.

Spread across 10 hectares, the garden is home to more than 13,000 plant species, including alpine plants, medicinal herbs, and orchids. Whether you’re keen to admire the architecture of the 19th century glasshouse, stroll among the greenery, or simply take a quiet break from sightseeing, the Botanical Garden is a beautiful and budget-friendly (free!) stop that blends history, science, and nature in one.

Next, head to the LEGO Store on Strøget, the main shopping street. Denmark is the birthplace of LEGO, and this flagship store is a wonderland for both kids and adults, with giant LEGO models and plenty of opportunities to play and shop.

Inside, you’ll find impressive life-sized LEGO sculptures, a massive Pick-a-Brick wall where you can fill a cup with bricks in every colour imaginable, and interactive play zones perfect for kids and adults alike. The store also features exclusive LEGO sets that you won’t find anywhere else.

Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, the store is worth a visit for its creative displays and to soak up the playful atmosphere.

The store has lots of classic LEGO, in addition to LEGO based on more modern TV shows, movies, and games.

Afternoon: Street food and alternative culture

Lunchtime is perfect for exploring Torvehallerne KBH, Copenhagen’s famous food hall. Bursting with fresh produce, street food stalls, and gourmet treats, it’s the ultimate spot to sample traditional Danish flavours and soak in the atmosphere. Don’t miss trying open-faced smørrebrød or grabbing another Danish pastry (because one is never enough).

Smørrebrød is considered to be one of Denmark's national dishes, and a must eat when visiting Denmark. The base of the open-faced sandwich is usually made with a slice of dense, dark rye bread (rugbrød), which is then artfully topped with a variety of ingredients. It's common to see smørrebrød topped with pickled herring, shrimp, deli meats, and egg, but other toppings are also available.

Afterwards, head to Christiania, the city’s self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood, established in 1971 when a group of locals took over abandoned military barracks, and turned the area into an alternative free-spirited community with it's own set of rules and way of life.

Known for its street art, creative vibes, and unconventional lifestyle, it offers a totally different side of Copenhagen. Take a walk through the colourful streets, admire murals, stop at a café, and soak in the unique atmosphere. Those wanting to know more about this community can take a guided tour of Christiania with a resident of the area.

Evening: Craft beer and night-time exploration

As the sun sets, make your way to one of Mikkeller's famous bars or tap rooms. Mikkeller has revolutionised the beer scene, offering inventive brews that range from hoppy IPAs to experimental sour beers. It’s the perfect place to relax after a full day of sightseeing. Those wanting to delve deeper into the craft beer scene of Copenhagen can join a tasting session.

If you still have energy, wander the streets nearby and enjoy the city’s cosy night-time atmosphere, or visit the famous Tivoli Gardens - one of the world's oldest amusement parks, originally opening in 1843.

Tivoli Gardens captures visitors with its old-world charm and magic. Inside, you’ll find a mix of nostalgic rides, lush gardens, live music, nighttime illuminations, and world-class dining options, all wrapped up in a fairytale-like atmosphere. As the sun sets, Tivoli transforms into a glowing wonderland with twinkling lights and lanterns, making it the perfect spot to end your day in the city. Whether you want the thrill of the roller coasters or simply a peaceful stroll through the gardens, Tivoli is an iconic part of Copenhagen’s cultural and entertainment scene.

Short on time? Join a bike tour with City Bike Adventures!

One of the best ways to see Copenhagen is on two wheels, and City Bike Adventures makes it easy. Their guided bike tours take you through the city’s most iconic sights and hidden gems while sharing fascinating stories about Danish history and culture. With Copenhagen’s famously bike-friendly streets, it’s a fun and efficient way to cover a lot of ground in just a few hours without having to worry about getting lost.

Whether you’re cruising past colourful canals, stopping by the Little Mermaid, or weaving through local neighbourhoods, a City Bike Adventures tour is a memorable way to experience the city like a true Dane. The tour is a great way to see lots of Copenhagen's top scenic spots in a short amount of time, stopping long enough at each location for you to grab some holiday snaps.

Top tips for visiting Copenhagen

Copenhagen tip number 1

Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, and the best way to get around is by hiring a City Bike or Uber Bike. They’re affordable, easy to use, and let you see the city like a local. Plus, cycling will get you to attractions much faster than walking. You'll need to download an app to begin your ride. Bikes can be picked up from marked bays that are very easy to spot, and must be dropped off in designated bays. Don't forget to stop your ride in the app when finished! While rideshare apps like Uber may be tempting, they’re notoriously expensive in Denmark, so save your kroner and stick to bikes or public transport instead.

Copenhagen tip number 2

When in Copenhagen, don’t miss trying a classic Danish hot dog from one of the city’s many pølsevogn (hot dog stands). They’re quick, tasty, and surprisingly gourmet—with toppings like crispy onions, pickles, and remoulade. Some stalls even have a vegan options. It’s a quick, cheap and delicious way to refuel between sightseeing stops.

Copenhagen tip number 3

Keep an eye out for local vintage markets and craft markets on weekends. I picked up some cute pieces at a couple of markets that we happened to stumble across while biking around the city.

Final thoughts on spending 24 hours in Copenhagen

One day in Copenhagen is just enough to glimpse the city’s charm, and we highly recommend planning ahead to ensure you maximise your time in this beautiful city.

Whether you’re sipping craft beer, exploring alternative neighbourhoods, or cycling past colourful canals, Denmark’s capital will leave you wanting to return.

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