Incredible Things to Do in Copenhagen, Denmark in 3 Days

Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. We decided to visit Copenhagen on our trip across northern Europe. We arrived via plane and then we took the 15-minute train ride from the airport to the city center. The ticket costs 36 DKK per person.

When we got into the city it was late at night and we headed straight to the Urban House Hotel for a good nights sleep.

The most important part of our Copenhagen travel guide is to mention the weather. We visited the city in September, and you must pack an umbrella and rain boots! We did not bring them, but owned a new set before leaving the city.

➳ Disclaimer: At the end of our trip we got all of our stuff robbed including our camera with all of our beautiful photos.

What to Do in Copenhagen in 3 days:

Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park

In order to get anywhere in Copenhagen from our hotel, we had to pass the Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park. It is not your traditional amusement park, but so much more. There are Shows etc, don’t even need to pay for rides if it doesn’t interest you, or you can pay per ride. It is so popular it is busy even in the colder months.

Copenhagen City Hall

Our first stop was the Copenhagen City Hall and the surrounding commercial area. The area is full with shops, restaurants and nightlife options making it a great stop at any point throughout the day. It is also close to the central station.

In the autumn, the backdrop of the bright blue sky full of white clouds make for amazing photos.

Trinitatis Complex

After some time walking around the City Hall area, we went to the Trinitatis Complex. Within the complex is the Trinitatis Church, the Rundetårn astronomical observatory tower, Europe’s oldest functioning observatory, and the Copenhagen University Library.

The Church is open daily 9:30AM to 4:30PM with free entrance.

Rosenberg Castle

We then walked to the 400-year-old Rosenberg Castle. Surrounding the Renaissance castle are some nice gardens. Mid-September was the end of flower season, with most blooms past their peak. Any later in September and they are gone from the cold.

They are open daily from 10AM to 3PM.

Tickets cost:

• • Adults: DKK 105

• • Students: DKK 70
  • Children: Free

Alexander Nevsky Church

While walking to our next destination we passed the Alexander Nevsky Church. It is the only Russian Orthodox in the city. It’s three onion domes and ornate facades make for a cool view.

Frederik’s Church

Our next stop was the Frederik’s Church, also known as the Marble Church. This church was built with inspiration from St. Peter’s Basilica, giving it a beautiful interior and exterior.

Make sure to go to the front of the church, as behind it is a long term metro construction project.

Amalienborg Royal Palace

Right in front of the church is the Amalienborg Royal Palace, the winter home of the royal family of Denmark. There are actually four different palaces surrounding a square. One of the palaces is open as a museum, while the others are still being used to live.

It is very interesting to see how the royal family lives, but everything is not overly ornate like many other palaces you encounter in other countries.

You can get a joint ticket for the Amalienborg Royal Palace and Rosenberg Castle for 145DKK.

Copenhagen Opera House

Across the harbor from the Amalienborg Royal Palace is the Copenhagen Opera House. To just enjoy  the architecture of the building, you can view it from the dock in front of the palace.

We then follow the harbor north towards the Little Mermaid statue.

Gefion Fojntian

Along the harbor we first reached the Gefion Fojntian, the largest fountain in the city. The fountain features many large animals being driven by the Norse goddess Gefjun. This fountain is also used a wishing fountain for those who can use a little more good luck in life.

Kakstellet Fort

Behind the fountain is the Kakstellet Fort. It is still used as military offices, but the historical buildings and cannons remain intact, along with really cool windmill.

There are a few flocks of swans as well, so look out for them in the surrounding moat.

Little Mermaid Statue

Along the harbor, a short walk past the Kakstellet Fort is a statue of the Little Mermaid. The statue on the bank of the river was built in honor of the homeland of the story’s author, Hans Christian Andersen.

The statue is a busy tourist attraction, so there can be a bit of a crowd to get your photo with the statue. Just beware of slippery rocks to avoid injury.

Christiansborg Palace

We walked back towards town to the Christiansborg Palace. The palace is home to the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister’s Office and the Supreme Court of Denmark.

Tickets cost:

• • Adults: 120 DKK

• • Students: 100 DKK
  • Children: 60 DKK

Lille Mølle Windmill

We then walked well out of the way to visit the Lille Mølle Windmill. When we arrived it turns out that only the building has survived, the windmill itself has been gone for many years.

There is a small museum and cafe inside, but we do not think it is worth going. However, it is adjacent to a pleasant park if you want to a nice park.

Church of Our Savior

After the disappointing lack of a windmill we walked to the Church of Our Savior. The church is well known for its spire, which reaches 90 meters high. You can climb the 400 steps to the top, for a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

The spire is open from February 27th to December 15th.

Tickets cost:

• • Weekday: DKK 40
  • Weekend: DKK 45

Any inclement of weather, including heavy rainfalls, snow or wind and the tower closes temporarily for safety reasons.

Nyhavn Canal

We went to walk along the historical Nyhavn Canal. The canal is lined with really beautiful and colorful houses and touristy restaurants. The docks are lined with many historical and modern boats, making for a fantastic sunset spot. This area is also the hub of canal tours, if you are looking to see the city by boat.

Royal Danish Theatre

The Royal Danish Theatre is home to the country’s national Opera, Orchestra, and Ballet. The building is beautiful both inside and out. They do offer guided tours of the theaters, but they are often rehearsals and performances that change tour availability.

Magasin du Nord

Across the street from the Royal Theatre is the beautiful Magasin du Nord. While the building does make for a great photo opportunity, at the time of our visit lots of construction in the area blocked a full view. Inside is a premier shopping center, perfect for a rainy day.

Danish Jewish Museum

We then went to the Danish Jewish Museum is split up into two main expositions, Jews of Copenhagen and WWII. The skewed walls and floors lead you on an almost dizzying looking into the history of Jewish life and Jews in Denmark.

Next door is an exposition of the national effort that Denmark undertook to save nearly 99% of its Jewish population from the gripe of Nazi Germany. If you are looking for the most inspiring Holocaust museum, do not miss this.

Tickets cost:

• • Adults: DKK 50 for one exhibition – DKK 75 for both exhibitions
  • Students & seniors: DKK 40 for one exhibition – DKK 65 for both exhibitions

Where to sleep in Copenhagen:

Urban House

The Urban House Hotel takes a modern flare of the hostel experience. It is basically hostel prices for hotel accommodations. They have a large kitchen to cook your own meals or a restaurant if you are too tired to cook at the end of the day. There is also a lounge, movie room, billiards and more.

Located just across the street from Trivoli and a block from the train station it is the perfect spot! Great prices and atmosphere, means we highly recommend it.

Copenhagen Card

The Copenhagen Card will help you save time and money in the Danish capital, and includes free entry to 79 museums and monuments, as well as unlimited use of public transport!

The Copenhagen Card means priority access to the best museums and monuments in the Danish capital, skipping the lines as you go.

Get the Copenhagen Card here!

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