Copenhagen,Denmark: The Perfect 3-day Itinerary

While I stayed in Denmark for 4 months, I believe 3 days is enough to enjoy delicious food, meet new friends, and explore activities in Copenhagen. 

Before exploring, I highly recommend buying either a Copenhagen Card or the unlimited travel City Pass. While ride share is available, it’s expensive and it’s customary to use public transportation which is clean and very reliable. The Copenhagen Card can be purchased for a validity period for 24, 48, 72, or 120 hours and includes all the zones within Copenhagen. In addition to travel, the Copenhagen Card gives you access to over 40+ city-wide attractions with pricing starting at DKK 545 ($78).

Given 3 days is a short stay, you may feel more comfortable with the City Pass. City Pass prices start at DKK 90 ~ $13 USD and offer unlimited travel within the center of Copenhagen for up to 120 hours. An adult can bring two children under the age of 12 aboard for free, and children between 12-15 years old for half price. You can buy tickets online via the DBS App or in-person at metro stations.

Now that our transportation is squared away, let’s get into our itinerary!

Day 1

Breakfast: Next Door Cafe

Located in Larsbjørnstraede, this American style restaurant is quaint and cozy. Featuring a wall of differently shaped mirrors, tables filled with messages and notes from previous customers. Skyler, the co-founder, uses his own recipes for items on the menu. This cafe offers a range of hearty American style dishes like pancakes, eggs, and bacon and a selection of coffees and teas. 

Activity:  Church of our Savior

One of Denmark’s most renowned churches, featuring a 400 step climb at the top. Copenhagen’s iconic tower featuring large bells, 40 elephants symbolizing the absolute monarch and the order of the elephants with the highest order in Denmark. The tower, with narrow stairs and pathways, offers one of the best views of Copenhagen at 86 meters high. Visiting with the Copenhagen Card is free. Regular prices for adults start at 69 DKK, 53 DKK for students/seniors, and 20 DKK for children under 15 years old. To avoid crowds, I highly recommend buying tickets in advance.

Lunch: Momo Wok Box

This bustling restaurant serves affordable and mouth-watering Asian food. The menu offers a range of options from ramen noodles, wok rice, or the option to ‘Build Your Own’. My favorite dish to eat here is the Yellow Bikini featuring jasmine rice, egg, chicken, pineapple, Momo’s Mango curry, and garnish. This dish, approx $15, satisfies my savory and sweet cravings when the sweet Pineapple and savory curry sauce are paired. Card payments are accepted.

Activity: Copenhagen Canal Tour

The classic canal tour provides the opportunity to explore the canals and harbor of Copenhagen. During the tour, you will see the Copenhagen Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, the infamous Little Mermaid, and more. Admission is free with the Copenhagen Card, otherwise children (0-5 years old) are free. Regular pricing for adults starts at 109 DKK.

Snack: Sct. Peders Bageri

Exclaimed for its cinnamon rolls, Sct. Peders Bageri sells an arrangement of freshly baked bread, pastries and treats. The atmosphere is decorated with red velvet chairs, stylish wall mirrors, and quilted pillows perfect for catching up with friends over a sweet treat.

Dinner: Sasaa

A pan-african restaurant housing a warm, upbeat, and cozy atmosphere perfect after a long day of sight-seeing. SASAA is the first Pan-African restaurant in Denmark featuring dishes from South, East, and West Africa. If this is your first time eating African cuisine, I recommend the tasting menu composed of four stews. The stews offer vegetable, chicken, and vegan stews served with side dishes like Chapati, and more.
For appetizers I started with beef Sambus’, similar to the look of samosas, for my entree I almost always get Jollof rice which includes chicken, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, white cabbage, and more. Finally, to wash this all down I highly recommend the refreshing Bundaberg ginger beer (alcohol-free).

Activity: Rumors Club

Rumors is a lively night club with various levels of floors and sections available for reservation. The crowd is definitely Gen Z with guest artists like Skepta, Swae Lee, Ty Dolla $ign, Zara Larsson, and more! I recommend Rumor’s for a fun and thrilling night out, especially if you enjoy Hip hop, R&B, Rap, and Pop music.

BONUS: If you’re having the munchies after dancing all night at Rumors, I highly recommend any McDonalds location that is still open. The McDonalds in  Copenhagen uniquely offers spicy chicken wings which I always pair with large fries and a large fountain drink.

Day 2

Breakfast: The Living Room

Located in the heart of Copenhagen, The Living Room is a cozy cafe and cocktail bar. The ground floor features the cafe decorated with sunshine and bustling customers. Downstairs features an intimate vibe with uniquely decorated sofas and chairs, inviting for group chats with friends or the perfect working space.

Activity: City Highlights Tour

(Little Mermaid, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Museum)
Denmark is known for being the home of The Little Mermaid. While the thought of seeing The Little Mermaid is fun,  I suggest combining your visit with other destinations to make the best use of the day. This city highlight tour includes stops at many destinations while giving you the opportunity to transport like a true Dane, on bikes!

Lunch: Mahalle

Mahalle is a charming Lebanese restaurant that offers various tapas, side dishes, and drinks to choose from. This restaurant was one of my go-to lunch destinations after my morning classes. My favorite items on the menu are the Falafel salad (Falafelsalat), Halloumi slices (Halloumi skiver), and lemonade with mint (Islemonade med Mynte).

Activity: Freetown Christiania

Christiania is remarked as a region where the laws are bent. While drugs are illegal in Denmark, folks might find the distribution of related paraphernalia within this region. There are many cafe’s decorated within this region, in addition to various vendors selling eclectic goods. Part of having a great experience pairs with following the rules. Keep in mind, It’s highly suggested to avoid taking pictures, running, or talking loudly within this neighborhood.

Dinner: Ssam Korean Food Bar

Ssam has to be some of the best Korean food I’ve had thus far. The atmosphere is dimly lit with neon lighting decorated throughout. My favorite menu item has to be the Ssam skillet: Spicy fried chicken.

Dessert: Frederiksberg – Sankt Lucas

Cheesecake in Copenhagen is unlike any cheesecake that I’ve tasted before. In America, cheesecake tends to be quite thick and almost hearty, but the cheesecake at Sankt Lucas was a perfect balance of sweet, fluffy, and creamy. 

Activity: Bastard Cafe

If you want a chill night out with friends, Bastard cafe turned board game cafe is the place for you. Bastard Cafe houses over 5,000 board games for visitors to choose from in addition to late night bites and plenty of room for making friends. Walk-ins are welcome, but visitors are encouraged to make reservations to have a guaranteed table.

Day 3

Breakfast: Espresso House

Akin to Starbucks or Joe and the Juice. Espresso house is a chain bakery where you will find made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and a vast menu of beverages. Espresso House was my source for reliable breakfast food if I wanted a break from sugary muffins and scones. My favorite menu item was the Focaccia chicken, pesto & mozzarella sandwich.

Activity 2: Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is a seasonal amusement park in Copenhagen that originated in 1843. This park is fun for all ages with a variety of rides geared towards young children, and exhilarating rides for big kids and adults. Aside from the rides, my favorite thing about tivoli is the delicious food stands. One time I bought an entrance ticket just so I could buy fries and gigantic cotton candy!

Lunch: Scurry Hub

I was a regular at Scurry Hub, so much so, the owners knew my order without me having to say! Scurry Hub offers delectable Thai food at a reasonable price and friendly atmosphere. My favorite menu item to get was Panang chicken curry with a side of steaming white rice. I guarantee you will leave Scurry Hub wanting more.

Activity: Shopping along Strøget

Strøget has a plethora of shops to choose from, ranging from international brands like Zara, H&M and Sephora, high end designers like Burberry to Scandinavian brands like Gina Tricot, COS, and & Other Stories. 

Snack: Waffles at Vimmelskaftet 41

Just steps away from the shops in Strøget, nothing could be better than a warm, fluffy, sweet treat. When the weather permits, there is a pop-up waffle shop that sells fresh Belgian waffles. You will have the opportunity to add toppings like caramel, melted chocolate, strawberries, and more to their waffles!

Activity:  Glyptotek

Glyptotek museum (derived from the Greek glyptos meaning carving or structure)  features over 3 levels of marble statues, ancient artifacts, and stunning architecture. Classical art lovers will appreciate the various exhibitions varying from Greek mythology to ancient Egypt.

Dinner: Khun Juk Oriental

Khun Juk Oriental is described as one of Copenhagen’s Gems and I have to agree. This restaurant specializes in authentic Thai cuisine and is open for both lunch and dinner. I’ve dined with Khun Juk Oriental many times and have never been disappointed. The menu offers a variety of quality eats, but my favorite menu items include shrimp toast for starters, Wok fried beef for the entree, and their Dessert Kuh Juk featuring a coconut pancake served with caramel sauce.

Activity: Copenhagen Opera House

The Royal Danish Theatre is the home of ballet, concert, opera, and drama shows in Copenhagen. This theater is on my bucket list of activities when I visit Copenhagen again since I have a love for the arts, especially ballet. When you plan your visit, note that youth (ages 25 and under) and children are eligible for discounted tickets. Note, the performances may be in Danish, check online to see if a show has English subtitles.

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