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I’ve somehow ended up visiting Copenhagen 7 times in 3 years.
And that is without living anywhere close to the area. It is mostly due to work, but also because of transiting through on the way to Iceland or other locations in the Nordics.
With that said, it is the perfect short layover location. You can leave feeling like you’ve experienced quite a bit, even if you only have 24 hours to spend here.
This itinerary mixes the classic sights with a few of my favorite places, while leaving some flexibility for you to enjoy at your own pace.
🥳 TESTED TOP PICKS FOR COPENHAGEN
🚤 Top Repeat Activity: Stromma Canal Tour: I’ve done this tour more than 4 times now, and every time I see something different to excite me. Of the 4 times, I’ve only had a subpar guide once. It is also only $24 and has multiple departure times throughout the day. Just dress warm in the winter!
- 🚲 Fun to do: 3 Hour City Highlights Bike Tour: Even though I am scared of biking, this tour is the best way to explore the city.
- 📲 Best eSIM: You’ll need an eSIM to stay connected to the internet. I’ve tested several options. Airalo is one of the cheapest usually.
- 🥐 Best Meal: I always look forward to eating at Fleisch (smørrebrød), Andersen & Maillard is a standout option for coffee and pastries, and I’ve eaten more Gasoline Grill burgers than I’m willing to admit (even though the Tivoli location is a miss due to price and business)
🎫 Transport Tickets: One of the first things you should do is download the DOT Tickets app and purchase a 24-hour pass. For about 100 DKK ($15), you’ll have unlimited transport in the city or the capital region for the day.
Traveling to more places in Scandinavia? Check out more resources and apps I recommend here.
👉 I regularly update these guides, so you are working with up to date recommendations, prices and locations. This article was last updated July 2026.
Best 24-hour Itinerary for Copenhagen
Since you’re working with limited time, it is good to have a plan on what you want to do or see on the city.
The plan below is perfect if this is your first time visit and can be adapted based on what you consider more fun.
- Morning: Start with a canal tour from Gammel Strand.
- Late morning: Explore Copenhagen by bike.
- Lunch: Stop for smørrebrød at Fleisch.
- Afternoon: Walk through Christiania and continue to CopenHill.
- Evening: Eat at Reffen or finish the day at Tivoli Gardens.
Start with a Canal Cruise
Stromma is one of the top providers offering canal cruises from various locations. Since it’s a company I’ve used and enjoyed, I’m happy to recommend them.
Adding a cruise to your itinerary has plenty of benefits when you only have one day in Copenhagen. You’ll get to see key spots and landmarks, including the Little Mermaid Statue, which is less accessible otherwise, the Opera House and also Nyhavn (New Harbor), the iconic houses across the waterfront.
There are live and audio-guided tours (I’d recommend the live option if you’re comfortable with English). You can also choose between a 1-hour or 1-hour-45-minute tour. I find 1 hour is more than enough, especially if the weather isn’t great.
- Tip: Pick Ved Stranden as your departure point if you want to follow the rest of this itinerary.
- Additional Option: There is a slightly more expensive tour ($42) on an electric boat (with much smaller group).
Ticket Cost: $24 for the 1 hour tour that you can book here: Stromma Canal Tour
Want to save money? I’d suggest looking into the Copenhagen Card, which I’ve reviewed in full here. It includes free transport for the duration of the card, and it’s entirely virtual — super easy to activate right from your phone.
Book your Copenhagen City Card here
Head out on a Bike
I love bike tours in Copenhagen. They are a fast way to cover a lot of ground, you get to do as locals do, and it keeps you active instead of spending the day hopping on and off buses.
There are a lot of great bike tour companies, and I’ve tried a few during my visits.
One I would highly recommend is
The team at beCopenhagen are also located right next to Ved Stranden, where you will have finished with your Canal Tour. Knowledgable guides and safety first!
If that tour isn’t available or you prefer a different route, Tropical Bikes Copenhagen is another excellent option. They depart from Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square), right next to Tivoli Gardens, making them a convenient choice if you’re starting your day in that part of the city or planning to visit Tivoli afterwards.
Lastly, if you don’t want to do a guided bike tour, you can always rent a bike on your own from Donkey Republic to explore at your own pace.
Stop for Lunch in the Meatpacking District
For the lunch break, I’d recommend making your way to Kødbyen (the Meatpacking District) in Vesterbro.
It is now one of Copenhagen’s coolest neighborhoods filled with cafes, bakeries and wine bars. It is only a 10 minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station.
You will generally find lower prices here and far fewer tourists. than around Nyhavn.
If you only choose one place, I’d recommend Fleisch. They serve excellent modern smørrebrød – a great introduction to Denmark’s open faced sandwiches.
My favorites options to try are:
- Chicken Salad: with smokey bacon and pickled mushrooms
- Egg and Shrimp: yum!
- Fried Fish Fillet: With a crispy piece of fish and tangy remoulade
- and Beef Tartar for something more adventurous.
I also like these spots for lunch in the area:
- Warpigs Brewpub: Danish aesthetics and Texas BBQ style meat. Plus craft beer and a lively atmosphere. Doesn’t look like much but will wow you.
- Hija de Sanchez: A little further away (allow some extra time if you plan to visit), but well worth the detour. Owned by former Noma pastry chef Rosio Sanchez, it’s widely regarded as one of the best places for authentic Mexican tacos in Copenhagen. It’s also close to the Carlsberg district if you want to add a beer tasting. There is not a lot of space but you can also take the food to go!
- Chicky Grill: If you prefer to try local cuisine but are less adventurous, then Chicky Grill is your choice. Old school, traditional comfort food and good prices.
Estimate $30-$40 per person for a full meal and drinks.
Optional: Stroll through Christiania
This is an optional add on, during the bike tour or as a stroll after lunch, if you want to stay out and about.
Christiania (also known as Staden) is a self-governed community is famous for its artistic atmosphere and alternative lifestyle. Its colorful art, laid-back vibe, and intriguing history make it a top attraction in Copenhagen.
Be mindful of Christiania’s unique rules, particularly around Pusher Street:
- 1. No photos.
- 2. No running.
- 3. No talking on the phone.
A guided tour is highly recommended to understand the area’s transformation from military barracks in the 1970s.
Christiania used to be known as the area to buy weed (legally) which isn’t the case (not the legal part anyway). The area around Pusher Street is still bustling with activity, hence the no photo rule that should be obeyed unless you can avoid residents seeing you.
Cost: Free to enter; guided tours are optional.
Head to Copenhill
Copenhill is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks and the brainchild of Bjarke Ingels. This waste-to-energy plant combines innovative Danish design with sustainable practices, creating a unique recreational space.
Visitors can enjoy the rooftop views, go for a walk, or even try the grass ski slope—designed for seasoned skiers looking to hone their skills. You don’t need to purchase a ticket to visit the rooftop and explore the area.
A warning on skiing here (which is available year-round) is that the slope is harder than skiing on ice. If you are a seasoned skier you will enjoy the challenge, but if it is your first time, don’t be discouraged.
- Tip: If you skip buying a tour of the premises, make sure to read up on the scandals surrounding the chimney design, by the now-convicted Peter Madsen.
Cost: Free to visit; ski slope access is extra and needs to be booked in advance.
- CopenHill Ski Pass Including Rental Gear – $57 (much harder than it looks!)
End Your Day with Dinner at Reffen
Reffen is a seasonal food truck market, open during the warmer months. It’s a must-visit for its quirky art, diverse food options, and waterfront views.
Getting there from Copenhill is easy, either by bus or on foot. If you have time, consider a quick stroll around Urban Rigger, a student housing project made from shipping containers—another example of Copenhagen’s creative use of space.
The area surrounding Refshaleøen is undergoing significant real estate developments, which might alter the post-industrial charm of the island in the near future. This makes Reffen an even more essential stop during your visit.
If the weather is particularly bad or is not open during the winter… there is an alternative!
Cost: Can range depending on what to order. For $15 you can get a small meal, but expect to pay up to $30 per person if you want to try a few different things, including drinks.
Alternative: End the Day at Tivoli Gardens
Whether you have heard of Tivoli or not, it will catch your eye from the moment you arrive at the Central Station.
Tivoli Gardens is a world-famous amusement park and is famously considered to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s parks.
More than just rides though, Tivoli includes gardens that are lovely to explore on a spring or summer’s day and great food courts.
After visiting Tivoli 4 times during the last year, even during windy and colder days, I must say it never fails to amaze or provide something new to explore.
Cost:
You can also get an entry ticket without rides, for $27 and purchase add-on rides as needed.
What to do if you have more time?
- The National Museum of Denmark: Learn about the country’s history and Viking heritage.
- Rosenborg Castle: Stop by this 15th century Renaissance masterpiece, originally built as the summer retreat for Christian IV.
- Day Trip to Malmö, Sweden: Take the train across the Øresund Bridge in just 40 minutes.
- Church of our Saviour: Enjoy 360 views from the top of the gold spiral.
- Rundetaarn or Round Tower: Another great view point, also has a small library.
- Ordrupgaard: While quite further out the city, this stunning art museum has one of the most important collections of Danish and French art. Originally a home built for Wilhelm Hansen and then transferred to the Danish State, it includes a new extension by architect Zaha Hadid.
Where to stay in Copenhagen
While flights can be cheap, one thing that will add a lot to the budget (in addition to food) is accommodation. Even mid-range accommodation options will be over $150 with higher prices during peak season.
The best areas to stay in Copenhagen when you have limited time are:
- Vesterbro – close to Tivoli and Central Station
- Indre By – city centre
- Nørrebro – more budget friendly outside the main city
All these options are great due to the amazing public transport system. If you want to do more walking then I would choose Vesterbro or Indre By.
A few great options in those areas area:
- Scandic Kødbyen
- Steel House Copenhagen (hostel)
- Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade
- Motel One Copenhagen
- CityHub Copenhagen
I’ve also written a complete guide to where to stay in Copenhagen.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen: A Neighborhood Guide After 7+ Visits
Have more questions about Copenhagen?
Here are some more guides to help you plan your trip:
Short on time? Top Denmark recommendations
📲 Best eSIM for Denmark: The easiest way to stay connected in Denmark is with an eSIM you install before departure. I’ve tested several options. Airalo is one of the cheapest usually.
🚖 Airport Tip: The fastest way to head into the city from CPH airport is with the train but metro also works depending on where you’re heading.
🚲 Best THINGS TO DO: Denmark has a ton of interesting activities, both as a country but also within Copenhagen.
These are my favorite tested options in various spots around the country:
- Billund: 1-Day Ticket to LEGOLAND® with All Rides Access – $72
- Combine with visit to LEGOHOUSE – from $44
- Copenhagen: Kronborg, Frederiksborg Castle and Roskilde Tour – $211 (full day tour)
- Visit the Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church – FREE
- Take a ferry to Samsø island, one of my favorite spots in Denmark.
And some more options for Copenhagen specifically:
- 3-hour Copenhagen City Highlights Bike Tour $55
- 🔥(MUST) Classic Canal Tour with Guide – $33
- Copenhagen: Tivoli Gardens Entry Ticket & Ride Pass – $76
- CopenHill Ski Pass Including Rental Gear – $57 (much harder than it looks!)
- Den Blå Planet (National Aquarium of Denmark) – from $33
Copenhagen: Danish Architecture Center Entrance Ticket $19 (save your souvenir shopping time for here)
