Did you imagine Copenhagen as a pretty city, where 1001-colored terraced houses line the Frederiksholm Canal? That's it... and so much more! Two or three days won't be enough to discover the many wonders of this beautiful Danish city. Discover what to do in Copenhagen in 3 days with our itinerary tips. Soon, you too will be adopting hygge, that Scandinavian state of mind conducive to joie de vivre and daily positivity.
Petit Futé tip: Want to save money during your stay in Copenhagen while visiting several? Take advantage of free admission to over 80 museums and attractions by booking your Copenhagen city card here . Free public transport by bus, metro, train and harbor bus in Greater Copenhagen is also included.
Day 1: What to do in Copenhagen in 3 days? City Hall and Christiana
Immerse yourself in the heart of Copenhagen and soak up its relaxed atmosphere!
Morning: City Hall, Slotsholmen Island and the Stock Exchange
Your first morning in Copenhagen begins at Radhus, thecity hall, with its 106-meter-high belfry. The tour has a few surprises in store, including a glass-roofed salle des pas perdus and Jens Olsen's astronomical clock.
Good to know: for self-guided tours, the Radhus is open Monday to Friday, 11am to 2pm, and Saturday at 12pm. For guided tours, book your visit at 1 p.m. Monday to Friday and at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Think ahead!
It's time to explore Slotsholmen, the historic islet where Copenhagen's first royal castle was built in 1167. The Christiansborg building now houses the Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office and the Supreme Court. Finally, take a breath of fresh air in the adjoining gardens, a veritable oasis of greenery.
Stay a little longer on Slotsholmen to finish off your morning. Make your way to the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, Børsen, famous for its astonishing spiral tower of dragon tails. The Stock Exchange is not open to the public, but its exterior architecture remains impressive.
To book: a bike tour of Copenhagen is a must during your stay! We particularly recommend this 3-hour guided bike tour , which will take you to all the must-see places in the city.
Afternoon: from the canal to the free city, Christiana
Did you know? Nyhavn is the canal in the center of Copenhagen. Its name means "new port". As you can see, your second morning in Copenhagen begins in Nyhavn, where you stroll along the canal lined with charming, colorful houses. Once a trading port, this is now a lively place, thanks in part to the restaurants and cafés that have sprung up. Admire some old boats, before contemplating the Anchor Memorial, dedicated to the Danish sailors who died in the Second World War. It's also the ideal starting point for a canal cruise!
To book: Discover the sights of Copenhagen ona canal cruise bookable right here , which will take you from the city center and admire the city'sarchitecture from the water.
Then head for Christiania, nicknamed the Free City, in the heart of Christianshavn. Born in the 70s as a community ideal, it is still made up of atypical dwellings, surrounded here and there by colorful street art. But beware! It's forbidden to take photos in Pusher Street.
Have you got a bit of time left? We invite you to end your afternoon at the Church of Our Saviour. You'll need to save some strength for this final visit, however, as a 150-step climb awaits you to reach its black-and-gold spiral spire, offering panoramic views over Copenhagen.
Good to know the view from the spire is so extraordinary, it inspired Jules Verne himself to write his Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Day 2: The Little Mermaid and Tivoli Gardens
Get on your bikes like real Danes and continue your tour of downtown Copenhagen, a must-see eco-destination.
Morning: the changing of the guard and the Little Mermaid
As mentioned in our article on free things to do in London, you can also watch the Changing of the Guard in Copenhagen. Head to Amalienborg, the royal family's winter residence, to witness this daily event around the statue of Frederick V.
Two kilometers from Amalienborg, head for Kastellet, a star-shaped citadel that still houses military buildings. Open to the public, this area offers an interesting visit, as well as walks in its gardens and around the red windmill, 100% local color!
Opposite Kastellet, you can then explore the Nyboder district, best known for its striking uniform orange houses. Built in 1620 to house soldiers of the Royal Navy, they reflect the history of the builder king Christian IV.
You've been waiting for it, and now it's here: end your morning by admiring the Little Mermaidcopenhagen's landmark, inspired by Andersen's fairy tale. Despite her small size and the crowds, she's still a must-see. For the record, she was sculpted in 1913 by Edvard Eriksen, at the request of Carl Jacobsen, who wished to engrave in stone Ellen Price, prima ballerina at the Royal Theatre (and incidentally his mistress...).
Read the article: Copenhagen Launches Initiative to Reward Eco-Responsible Tourists
Afternoon: Tivoli Gardens, the must-see amusement park in Copenhagen in 3 days
The gigantic and superb Tivoli amusement park is another must-see in Copenhagen, especially if you're traveling with children. Tivoli Gardens, open since 1843, is one of Europe's oldest amusement parks, located right in the heart of Copenhagen. This emblematic site, which inspired Mr Walt Disney himself, plunges you into a unique atmosphere, filled with colorful attractions, roller coasters and thrill rides like The Star Flyer. Children will be the happiest here, thanks to age-appropriate rides, a haunted castle and enchanting backdrops.
What to book : Discover Copenhagen's famous Tivoli Gardens, the world's second oldest amusement park , by booking your tickethere. The ideal option for saving time and avoiding the wait at the entrance.
Good to know: Tivoli adapts its atmosphere to the seasons and festivities, especially at Halloween and Christmas.
Day 3: What to do in Copenhagen in 3 days? The Royal Castle, Nørrebro and the Round Tower
If Copenhagen is an ideal shopping destination, it's not least for its Nørrebro district. Let's discover it, and much more besides.
Morning: Rosenborg Castle and Nørrebro
Your last morning in Copenhagen begins at rosenborg Castlebuilt in 1606 in the Flemish and Dutch Renaissance style. It was once the summer residence of King Christian IV, before becoming a repository for the crown jewels. You can visit this architectural marvel and admire the royal chambers and crowns. The tour continues in the King's Gardens, free of charge.
Continue your visit to the Botanical Garden, created by Christian IV to cultivate medicinal plants, as was often done in the past. Over 13,000 species can still be admired here!
Finally, your morning ends in Nørrebro, a must-see in Copenhagen in 3 days. This trendy district blends historic and modern architecture, with designer boutiques and bohemian cafés alike. In fact, it was voted the world's coolest district in 2021!
Afternoon: Copenhagen's Round Tower and Royal Library
Round off your 3 days in Copenhagen with a visit to the 36-metre-high Round Tower, or Rundetårn in Danish. Its spiral ramp once gave horses access to the astronomical observatory. I promise you, your efforts won't be in vain: at the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the historic center and visit Europe's oldest observatory!
If you still have a little time before flying back to France, don't hesitate to explore Copenhagen's University Library. Its high stacks, arranged over several floors, are as dazzling as they are stunning.
Good to know the University Library is only accessible on guided tours in English.
Where to stay in Copenhagen for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
To sleep in Copenhagen, the city center (near Tivoli Gardens) is ideal for its location, but expensive. You'll find more affordable options in the Christianshavn and Vesterbro districts, conveniently located close to the historic center.
- The most luxurious
Looking for a luxurious weekend in Copenhagen?Hotel Kong Arthur offers all the luxurious comforts you'd expect from a prestigious establishment. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, it offers appreciable calm and top-of-the-range services. Are you tempted? Click here to book your room.
- The best location
The modern decor of The Square hotel offers a change of scenery at a very competitive price. Close to the historic heart of the city, this hotel is ideally located in downtown Copenhagen. Justclick here to book your stay!
- The most typical
You'll love the location of theAdmiral Hotel, close to the harbor and the opera house. The garden-facing rooms offer pleasant views and calm. Renovated in pure luxury, it promises a living environment halfway between ancient and modern. Book your room in Copenhagenhere.
The article to read: The best destinations less than 2 hours' flight from France
Have you been seduced by the magnificent city of Copenhagen? Discover the 17 must-sees and must-do's in Denmark, for an extended stay! The exceptional landscapes of this land of Vikings boast 1001 treasures to discover step by step. From historic cities to natural wonders, your stay promises to be full of wonderful discoveries.
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