48 Hours in Copenhagen: What to See, Eat & Do

Have you been looking for a travel guide that's easy to follow while you're in Copenhagen or København (as the locals call it)? Well, look no further. In this post I'll detail every single bit of what makes this city truly one of the most amazing in the world. Copenhagen isn't just a city, it's a mood. Think clean Scandinavian design, cozy little cafes, effortless bike rides along cobbled streets, and a deep sense of hygge (an untranslatable Danish word for comfort, connection and contentment). It's a place where old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation sit side by side, wrapped in a Nordic sense of calm.

Let me tell you some facts about Copenhagen so you build a bit of general knowledge before your visit or just so you can impress people at the next trivia game night with your family and friends. The word "Copenhagen" means "merchant's harbour" and you'll soon see why. It's located on the eastern coast of Denmark's largest island, Zealand (which has nothing to do with New Zealand) and sits across the Øresund Bridge from Malmö, Sweden. It's a compact, coastal city, being the second biggest in Scandinavia after Stockholm. Big enough to be exciting and small enough to feel personal. Now, that's what I call hygge!

Also known for design and architecture where minimalism meets warmth. Sleek furniture showrooms, modern buildings and stylish boutique hotels, there's an eye for detail everywhere you are in this city. The top neighbourhoods are always charming, whether its raining or just windy. From Nyhavn (colourful 17th century waterfront buildings and cozy little canals), Christianhavn (where the Freetown of Christiania is), Vesterbro (where trendy meets artsy) to Nørrebro (a multicultural, vibrant, full of indie shops neighbourhood) or Østerbro (family-friendly and upscale with a slower pace), this city will make you fall in love with it again and again.

The food scene is impressively diverse. Copenhagen is a culinary powerhouse. It's home to Noma (one of the world's best restaurants), but even its casual spots offer bold flavours and local ingredients. New Nordic cuisine is deeply rooted in sustainability, seasonality and of course, creativity.

The bike culture is huge here! With more bikes than cars in the city centre, Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the entire world. Dedicated bike lanes, traffic lights just for cyclists and courteous local riders make it easy and fun for visitors to join in. So why not do it while you're here? And on that note, this is one of Europe's greenest cities. Copenhagen plans to become carbon neutral and it shows, from wind turbines in the coast to zero-waste cafes and clean harbours where you can literally swim in the heart of the city.

So let's get cracking on the guide, shall we? Oh, and before we start, let me give you a few more tips. Danes speak excellent English, so you won't need to worry about the language, although it's polite to learn hej or tak. Also, the capital is know for being safe, so you also won't need to worry about being robbed. The only place you'll feel like being robbed will be when you'll be paying the bill, trust me, it's quite expensive, but also they made it easy for everyone because card payments are accepted widely, so don't worry about carrying cash with you.

Day 1: Historic Heartbeat

9:00 - Breakfast at Buka

I know, I know. You're in vacation, maybe you don't want to wake up this early. But hear me out. Even if you choose Buka, even if you choose another pastry shop, just the smell of freshly baked goods will put you in a good mood for the whole day.

10:00 - Rådhuspladsen

The City Hall Square, is one of the most important and iconic public places in Copenhagen, where the city officially begins and where many visitors first feel the pulse of the capital.

11:00 - Indre By & Strøget

Stroll around the main street of Copenhagen, Strøget, walk inside the endless shops it has to offer and don't forget to take as many pictures as you can! Located in Indre By (Inner City), where the city began, which it's packed with charming architecture, cobbled streets, world-class museums, cozy cafes and lively squares. Make sure to visit The Round Tower (Rundetaarn) for great views of the city.

13:00 - Kongens Nytorv & Magasin du Nord

Another grand public square in the heart of the city! Kongens Nytorv will impress in many ways. Keep an eye on the local markets or events that happen here every so often! And let's not forget about Magasin du Nord, Copenhagen's answer to Galeries Lafayette in Paris or Harrods in London. A classic European department store blending history, elegance and a broad range of quality products under one roof.

14:00 - Hot dog stop or lunch at Gasoline Grill

After all this walking, you might want to stop either for a quick snack, either for a proper meal. Hot dogs are a Danish classic and you can find them all over the country, especially in Copenhagen. I would be seriously shocked if you were struggling to find a hot dog stand in Copenhagen. They are everywhere, literally. But if you're feeling a bit more than peckish, I would 100% recommend you Gasoline Grill. It's a must if you're into burgers and cool local vibes. Their burgers were named one of the best burgers in the world by many.

15:00 - Amalienborg & Marble Church

Amalienborg is the elegant home of the royal family. This stunning 18th century palace complex features four identical rococo style mansions surrounding a grand octagonal courtyard. Truly inspiring. From the courtyard you will spot my favourite church in the entire world, the Marble Church. Officially known as Frederik's Church, is one of Copenhagen's most striking landmarks. Famous for it's enormous copper-green dome, it dazzles with astonishing architecture and intricate marble interiors.

16:00 - Little Mermaid

So this might be the reason you chose Copenhagen on the first place. The Little Mermaid is a statue (and now, don't get your hypes up, because it's tiny) and actually one of the city's most photographed sights. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairy tale, this modest bronze figure has watched over the waterfront since 1913. Also, fun fact, she has been targeted over the years by vandals, political activists and pranksters, making her one of the world's most frequently vandalised statues. She has been beheaded, her arms have been removed, blown off it's precious rock, dressed in a burqa, painted and beheaded again. Despite everything, she's always been restored.

18:00 - Nyhavn & Canals

Then, head back over to Nyhavn, the postcard-perfect harbour with colourful houses and old sailing ships. Snap your photos, then stroll along the canal or take a 1 hour boat tour to see the city from the water.

20:00 - Dinner at Broens Street Food

And when all is done, pat yourself over the shoulder, because you just finished your first day in the city. Head over to the Broens Street Food Market (Gadekøkken in Danish) just over the bridge from Nyhavn, for your dinner. You deserve it. Have whatever your heart desires and of course, a pint of beer or a glass of wine. You're not driving, you're on holiday after all.

Day 2: The Local Life

10:00 - Breakfast at Torvehallerne Market or Atelier September

After a night out, with a few drinks here and there, you might need a wholesome meal, so why not head over to the north part of the city to begin with. I would recommend having breakfast at Torvehallerne, a market full of options for you, picky eaters. Maybe you want to try some danish pastries from Patisserie Marie France, or maybe you could try the classic danish smørrebrød. There's a little bit of everything for everyone here. But also, perhaps you've heard of the famous Atelier September, where they serve you a mountain of butter with your breakfast. So why not choose that one instead and head over there. Trust me, you'll have time for everything.

11:30 - Take in Nørrebro

Ah, Nørrebro. One of the most exciting and culturally rich neighbourhoods in Copenhagen. It's creative, diverse and full of personality, a place where tradition, street art, global influencers and Danish cool all collide. Crossing Dronning Louises Bro into the neighbourhood feels like entering another, different Copenhagen. You'll find here all kinds of shops and restaurants, so why not letting go a little and just explore everything at your one pace.

13:00 - Poulette & Pompette

So, of course you'll be hungry after all that exploring you just did. Head over to Poulette and have yourself a chicken sandwich. Tucked away on Møllegade, Poulette delivers Copenhagen's most talked-about delicacies; brisk, crispy chicken or mapo tofu, wedged into a buttery brioche bun, kissed by Sichuan pepper heat and pickled crunch. You're tasting Nørrebro in one bite. No wonder this is one of Dua Lipa's favourite places in Copenhagen or that it had a cameo on your favourite new show, The Bear. Then, have a glass of wine just over at Pompette. Truly amazing.

14:30 - Christianhavn & The Freetown of Christiania

Now that we're done with Nørrebro, you could do three things to end up on the other side of the city. Either you take the public transport, walk for around 30 to 40 minutes or in true Copenhagen style, ride a bike to your next stop. Wander through the canals, then visit Christiania, the self-governed "free town". The most famous street, Pusher Street, was the most controversial area of this self-autonomous community. A street where cannabis was openly sold at market-style stalls, where no photos were allowed. Nowadays things changed and you will rarely find people openly selling any kinds of drugs. Nevertheless, Christiania offers amazing local crafts and food, art and culture as well as stunning nature.

17:30 - Reffen Street Food

And now you've reached your final hours in the city. Head over to Reffen for quality food, good vibes and great views. Take the 2A bus from Christianhavn to Refshaleøen, and then walk a little less than 10 minutes and you'll enter one of Copenhagen's gems. You'll find food stalls like Mexican, Greek, Danish, Indian, Filipino, Italian, Korean and many more. So grab your food, find a seat by the harbour, enjoy the music and let Copenhagen taste like your favourite place on Earth.

Final thoughts

Copenhagen is a city that effortlessly blends historic charm and modern innovation. In just 48 hours, you can wander its cobble stone streets, savour world-class food (from cozy cafés to vibrant street markets) and immerse yourself in a culture that celebrates both design and sustainability. Whether you're biking along the canals of Christianhavn, exploring the rebellious spirit of Christiania, or indulging in a legendary Poulette sandwich, Copenhagen offers a rich tapestry of experiences that linger long after you leave.

Short on time? Focus on the heart of the city (Indre By and Strøget) then venture out to neighbourhoods like Nørrebro and Refshaleøen for a taste of local life and cutting-edge cuisine. And don't forget to pause by iconic sights like Amalienborg Palace and the Little Mermaid statue to connect with Copenhagen's story.

In every corner, you'll find warmth, creativity, and sense of community that invites you to slow down and savour the moment. Two days might not be enough to see everything, but it's certainly enough to fall in love with the city.

I strongly recommend extending your stay here by one more day at least, so you can visit the Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Walt Disney once visited the park and found inspiration for Disneyland here. It's truly magical.

If you need more things to do here or see, I have prepared just the thing for you. I created a map with attractions and monuments, things I love and things worth checking, restaurants or stalls for you, foodie. Just click here, and enjoy my personalised map. Happy exploring!