After spending a week in the city, we’ve handpicked the best experiences for your 4 days in Copenhagen, blending local hot spots, alternative gems and classic attractions that live up to the hype.
If you love food, architecture, design, and experiencing the city like a local, this 4 day Copenhagen itinerary is for you.
Overview: 4 Days in Copenhagen
• Take a scenic bike ride through local neighbourhoods with fun stops along the way • Hang out at the city's coolest street food market • Enjoy drinks along the picturesque canal and discover the city's cocktail scene • Explore the historic city centre and shop vintage and Danish brands • Try Noma’s flavours at their casual neighbourhood joint • Listen to live music at a quirky jazz club • Unwind in a temple-like spa in the former Carlsberg Brewery • See an art exhibition in an underground water reservoir • Discover the city's dynamic plant-based culinary scene • Listen to vinyl at an intimate neighbourhood bar • Explore Copenhagen's independent hippie enclave • Go for a swim in the canal at an effortlessly chic cafe • Experience the vintage charm of the world's second-oldest amusement park |
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4 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
Day 1
Overview: Scenic canal bike ride / Hart Bakery / Operaparken / Copenhagen Contemporary / Reffen Street Food Market / Drinks on the canal / Nightcap at Duck & CoverTake a scenic bike ride through Christianshavn and Refshaleøen with fun stops along the way
Christianshavn and Refshaleøen were our favourite neighbourhoods in Copenhagen for their relaxed and creative local feel. They are a breeze to bike through, offering picturesque canal views and plenty of fun stops along the way.
The route in the map above can be done on foot as well, but it will take a lot longer.
🚲 Biking round trip: 30 minutes
👟 Walking round trip: 1 hour 40 minutes
Pick up your bike through a handy biking app like Donkey Republic (there are usually plenty stationed at the Christianshavn Metro Station) and start your journey through the neighbourhood towards your first stop, Hart Bakery.
Stop at Hart Bakery and walk through the gorgeous Operaparken
Hart Bakery, founded by a former Noma baker, is a local favourite for its irresistible sourdough and pastries. With 10 locations, this one particularly stood out for its peaceful canal-side seating in the back.
After filling up on pastries, don't get back on your bike just yet. Walk across to Operaparken, a public green space that opened in 2023 on the waterfront. The pavilion inside the park is a striking piece of modern architecture with its minimalist aesthetics. Make sure you take a peek inside, it's gorgeous!
Biking along the canals in Christianshavn and Refshaleøen
After your scenic walk through the park, get back on your bike and continue riding along the canals to your next stop, Copenhagen Contemporary. Along the way, you’ll pass houseboats in the alternative industrial Refshaleøen area, which has become a hip creative hub.
Visit Copenhagen Contemporary for a unique sensory experience
If you're interested in experiential and immersive art, Copenhagen Contemporary is a must-visit. Set in a former industrial warehouse, this gallery is full of cutting-edge installations from both famous and up-and-coming artists.
The highlight is the James Turrell exhibition - it’s a sensory experience that will blow you away. We don't want to give anything away!
Hang out at Reffen, the city's coolest street food market
Reffen Street Food Market
Just across from Copenhagen Contemporary is Reffen, the city's coolest street food market. Set in the industrial Refshaleøen neighbourhood, this open-air spot feels like something straight out of Berlin, with repurposed shipping containers adding to its creative spirit.
Once you arrive, you'll be welcomed by a colourful space with beach chairs and sandy areas, and over 50 food stalls offering flavours from all around the world. Ari loved his carne asada sandwich, and I couldn’t get enough of my dish of bubbly raclette cheese over potatoes.
What makes Reffen even more exciting is the lineup of events and concerts. We just missed a free show by Brazilian legend, Marcos Valle. Check the events here.
Finish your bike ride with an idyllic drink along the canal
On your way back, finish the biking loop by riding down Refshalevej Street past the renowned Noma, which will take you back to Christianshavn where you started.
You can catch a glimpse of Noma’s famous gardens from the street. If you haven’t heard of Noma, the three-Michelin-star restaurant pioneered New Nordic cuisine and was even one of the restaurants that inspired the movie, The Menu.
We were lucky enough to dine at Noma, especially since it’s set to close its doors in 2025, and their team shared with us some insider tips on where else to eat in the city. Thanks to them, we discovered some amazing restaurants and cafes you'll see throughout this itinerary!
To celebrate the end of your fun biking journey, stop for a drink at Christianshavn Boat Rental & Cafe, located right on the water. We loved watching the boats glide by.
Enjoy a nightcap a Duck & Cover
To cap off your evening, discover Copenhagen's blossoming cocktail scene at Duck & Cover, our favourite cocktail bar we visited in the city. Located in the hip Vesterbro neighbourhood, this spot is recognized by the World's Best Bars team.
With its dim lighting, vintage Scandinavian furniture and cozy atmosphere, it felt like a cool hangout with friends. We had a blast exploring different types of akvavit with the friendly bartender - definitely a highlight of our trip!
Day 2
Overview: Brunch at Det Vid Hus / explore the historic city centre / shop vintage and Danish brands / dinner at POPL Burger / Christiania Jazz ClubEat brunch at the local loved Det Vid Hus cafe
Copenhagen has plenty of quirky cafes where stylish locals love to hang out. Spending time at these cafes sipping coffee and people-watching is a must.
Our favourite place for brunch was Det Vid Hus, an art-filled cafe recommended to us by the Noma team. The food here was excellent.
Refuel with their fresh juice of the day and their avocado toast with a fried cheese layer and za'atar fried egg. If it's a nice day, sit outside on the street overlooking the park, and if it's chilly, head upstairs to find a cozy spot.
Walk the historic streets and shop vintage and Danish brands
After brunch, spend time meandering the historic streets in the city centre, Indre By, to do some shopping. Copenhagen has an excellent shopping scene with renowned Danish brands, charming boutiques and vintage shops.
These were our favourite stores in the city centre:
- Stine Goya - my favourite Danish clothing brand, known for its unique, colourful prints that make every piece a statement.
- Beau Marche - Part French-inspired cafe, part boutique, this spot has an eclectic mix of new and vintage housewares.
- HAY - If you love contemporary design, HAY is a must. The Danish brand is known for its bold, colourful homeware - we see it featured in Architectural Digest all the time.
- Georg Jensen - For timeless elegance, check out Georg Jensen for their silver and stainless steel housewares. It's been established since 1904.
- Arket - Although you'll find this Swedish department store across Europe, Copenhagen's location stands out for its chic, high-quality basics in neutral tones at fair prices.
- Danish Art & Christmas Shop - If you're Christmas obsessed, don’t miss this shop packed with classic Nordic holiday decorations - it’s been a festive favourite since 1998.
Veirhanen | Jerome Vintage
These vintage shops are located outside of the city centre but are worth making the effort to visit. They were our favourite vintage shops in Copenhagen:
- Rosy Vintage/Jerome Vintage - located in the same space, Jerome Vintage sells rare, high-end vintage clothing, whereas Rosy Vintage sells a mix of designer and high quality non-branded items.
- VON Eco Store - for well-curated vintage and second hand clothing - I found Stine Goya pants here.
- Veirhanen - for vintage Danish glassware at affordable prices
After shopping, take a stroll along Nyhavn, a 17th-century canal lined with colourful townhouses. Once a bustling trade hub, it's now home to restaurants, cafes, bars, and residences. It's touristy, but it's a must see.
Since it’s so popular, finding a good outdoor table can be tough, so grab a coffee or ice cream to go and enjoy the lively scene along the boardwalk.
🚣 If you have time, book a guided boat tour for a unique perspective of the city from the canals.Try Noma’s flavours at POPL Burger
From Nyhavn, it’s a short walk across the pedestrian Inderhavnsbroen bridge to Gadekøkken Food Market, home to POPL Burger, a casual restaurant behind the Noma team. Their vegetarian and vegan burgers are just as central to the menu as their beef burgers.
While you can dine inside, we found it more enjoyable to grab a burger from their takeout counter and eat it by the scenic waterfront.
🧪 Top Tip: At POPL Burger you can buy Noma’s signature food products from their test kitchen and fermentation lab. Ari can’t live without their mushroom garum cooking sauce.
Listen to live jazz at Christiania Jazz Club
Copenhagen has a fantastic jazz scene, with both a summer and winter jazz festival. But even if you're not in town for the festivals, you can catch live jazz shows year-round.
Our top venue pick is the quirky Christiania Jazz Club located in Freetown Christiania, an independent hippie community. Open since 1999 and run by volunteers, this spot offers affordable live jazz shows on Wednesdays and Fridays - check out their schedule.
🎷 Top Tip: It’s a cash-only venue, so be sure to bring cash. We also recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to snag a good seat.
Day 3
Overview: Aire Spa in the former Carlsberg Brewery / lunch at Beyla / Cisterns Gallery / dinner at Baka d'Busk / nightcap at BirdUnwind at Aire, a temple-like spa in the former Carlsberg Brewery
Former Carlsberg Brewery that has transformed into a new city district
If you're a fan of spas, Aire is an absolute must. This luxurious bathhouse, housed in the beautifully restored former Carlsberg Brewery, feels like stepping into an ancient temple with its dim lighting, soft candle glow and soothing Middle Eastern music.
Unwind in a variety of thermal baths, including a hot pool, a saltwater pool, body-temperature pools, and a couple of invigorating cold plunges, all while enjoying the calm, no-noise policy.
We chose the Escape Together 60’ package, which included a one-hour massage, 75 minutes in the thermal baths and a refreshing glass of sparkling wine or juice. They provide everything you need - towels, robes, and water shoes - so all you need to bring is a bathing suit.
Book your spa experience online.
Eat a plant-based lunch at Beyla
After relaxing at the spa, take a short walk to Beyla, a vegan restaurant that was recommended to us by the Noma team. Known for its Asian-inspired dishes, it’s the perfect spot for a satisfying post-spa lunch.
😋 Must try: Korean fried blue oyster mushrooms with gochujang chili
See an art exhibition in an underground water reservoir
Tucked underground in the middle of Sondermarken Park, Cisterns Gallery is a hidden gem in Copenhagen. The former water reservoir has been transformed into one of the most unique art spaces we’ve ever visited. It's dimly lit and a little eerie.
We explored the exhibition Start Again the Lament by Taryn Simon, where powerful, traditional songs about grief echoed through the chamber. A lit pathway guided us through the darkness, and we were warned that stepping outside of it would give us a wet shoe!
Dine at Baka d'Busk
Baka d'Busk
Copenhagen is the first city where we unintentionally spent entire days eating vegetarian - its plant-based cuisine is unlike anywhere else we've been. Baka d'Busk is an example of why Copenhagen has one of the best plant-based food scenes in the world.
Nestled in the trendy Nørrebro district, this funky spot serves impressive vegetarian dishes with a laid-back atmosphere. Its fun servers, lively music, and complimentary shot to kick off the meal set the tone for a playful, yet elegant tasting menu.
Again, this restaurant was recommended to us by the Noma team and was a highlight of our trip.
Reservations are recommended.
Listen to vinyl and sip cocktails at Bird
Bird cocktail lounge
Finish off your night by listening to vinyl and drinking a clarified cocktail at Bird, a neighbourhood bar that feels like a lively version of a Tokyo listening room. It's ranked on the World's Best Bars list, coming in at #77.
Day 4
Overview: Freetown Christiania / La Banchina / Tivoli GardensExplore Copenhagen's independent hippie enclave
Begin your day with a walk through one of Copenhagen's most intriguing neighbourhoods, Freetown Christiania, a community born out of rebellion and creativity.
Established in 1971 when squatters claimed old military barracks, Christiania became a haven for alternative lifestyles and creative expression. Over time, it gained fame for its free-spirited culture but also notoriety for the illegal drug trade on Pusher Street, driven by criminal groups that exploited the area.
In 2024, the Danish government intervened, shutting down the market to drive out criminal gangs, while residents made their own statement by tearing up the street.
Today, Christiania remains a symbol of resilience and individuality. Wandering through its streets, you’ll encounter a bohemian atmosphere with colourful murals and eclectic buildings.
Pause for lunch at Morgenstedet, a charming vegetarian eatery tucked away in a peaceful corner of Freetown Christiania. It’s a welcoming spot with hearty, affordable dishes.
If you want to dive deeper into its history, watch the documentary: Christiania: 40 Years of Occupation.
Go for a swim at the effortlessly chic La Banchina
One of the things that makes Copenhagen’s canals so special is that they’re clean enough to swim in - a rarity for city waterways.
Among the many great spots to take a dip, La Banchina stands out as the coolest. It’s a magnet for effortlessly stylish locals and travellers, with an atmosphere that's energetic, yet relaxed. Spending a sunny day here is a quintessential Copenhagen experience.
Grab a refreshing juice or glass of natural wine from the beach-shack-inspired cafe, then find a spot on the dock to bask in the sun. Tucked away in the edgy Refshaleøen neighbourhood, it feels like a hidden gem.
Don’t forget a towel!
🧖♀️ Top Tip: Visiting Copenhagen in the colder months? Warm up by booking La Banchina’s private sauna for a cozy experience.
Experience the vintage charm of the second-oldest amusement park in the world
Tivoli Gardens
Cap off your 4 days in Copenhagen with a visit to Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park, dating back to 1843. Walking through its gates feels like stepping into a childhood dream, with classic rides, old-fashioned carnival games and a whimsical atmosphere.
A local tipped us off to visit before sunset and we're glad we did. Watching the park transform from daylight to a dazzling display of lights was magic. Just make sure to arrive early enough to take it all in - there’s so much to do!
With over 30 rides, there’s something for everyone, from family-friendly attractions to adrenaline-pumping rides. We rode the vintage ferris wheel and had a blast playing the mechanical/analog carnival games, like balloon darts, whack-a-mole and roll-a-ball horse races. You collect tokens for prizes as you play.
Tivoli is more than just an amusement park, it's also a visual delight with manicured gardens, stunning flower beds, sparkling fountains and outdoor art installations.
Buy your Tivoli entrance ticket, or, if you love rides, buy a pass with unlimited rides.🍔 Top Tip: There are lots of places to eat and drink in the park, but we recommend Gasoline Grill, a popular chain in the city. Their burgers are made with fresh, Danish organic beef.
Enjoy your 4 days in Copenhagen!
Best area to stay in Copenhagen
Staying in Christianshavn also gives you easy access to the rest of the city. The metro is just one stop from the city centre, and more alternative neighbourhoods, like Freetown Christiania and Refshaleøen, are easily reached by bike.
We stayed at Kanalhuset and highly recommend it. The beautifully restored 18th-century building once served as a schoolhouse and naval hospital before becoming a hotel, restaurant, bar and yoga space.The style of our apartment was exactly what we were looking for with its vintage Danish furniture and quirky artwork. It also had a full kitchen and washer and dryer which was handy.
🛋️ Browse more stays in CopenhagenOur Top 5 Copenhagen budget saving tips
- Stop by a 7-Eleven to grab a beer or a mini bottle of wine (it comes with a plastic cup), then head to a scenic bench by the canal to relax and enjoy. In Copenhagen, drinking on the street is legal.
- Avoid taxis or Uber - the prices for short trips are very steep, and you'll quickly burn through your budget. Instead, take advantage of Copenhagen’s easy-to-use metro system or rent a bike to get around.
- Food trucks are a win - while some can still be pricey, they generally offer more affordable meals than restaurants, and the quality is excellent. For a budget-friendly indoor option, try Durum Symfoni, a local favourite for delicious shawarmas.
- Score chic second-hand finds at the Gentofte Loppemarked Sunday Flea Market, one of Copenhagen’s largest. Held in a park in an affluent area, it offers a wide selection of affordable women’s clothing, along with some men’s clothing and housewares. It’s easy to get to by train.
- Consider getting the Copenhagen Card Discover - it gives access to over 80 attractions, galleries and museums and covers all transport, including metro, buses, trains and the harbour bus. Just price it out with your planned activities to ensure you’ll save.
If you can fit more into your schedule: don't miss our list of 21 Unique Things to Do in Copenhagen, the 10 Coolest Places in Copenhagen and What to Do in Copenhagen at Night.
Get started on booking your trip to Copenhagen
- 🛌 Book your accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🚤 Book your tours/entrance tickets: browse GetYourGuide
- ✈️ Compare flights: with Skyscanner
Don't forget about travel insurance
👩⚕️ For affordable travel insurance: go with SafetyWing - it's budget-friendly and you can even buy it while abroad, but note the max medical coverage is $250,000 USD. 🏥 For comprehensive travel insurance: go with World Nomads - it's more expensive, but the max emergency medical coverage is $5-10 million, depending on the plan.Save this Copenhagen 4 Day Itinerary for later:
