Planning a trip to Copenhagen but short on time? This 2 day itinerary shows you how to see the city’s highlights at a relaxed pace, whether you’re on a weekend break or visiting on a cruise. From colourful Nyhavn and royal palaces to canal tours and Tivoli Gardens, here’s how to make the most of your stay.
Heading to Copenhagen, Denmark? Maybe for a weekend, a concert, or as a stop on your Baltic cruise? While you could easily spend a week in this gorgeous city without getting bored, most visitors only have a couple of days or sometimes just a few hours.
That means you’ll want to make the most of your time. This Copenhagen itinerary covers the highlights you can realistically see in two days, with extra tips for cruise passengers on what’s doable during a shorter port stop.
Copenhagen wasn’t always high on my travel list. It was one of those places I thought I’d eventually get to, but not one I was rushing to see. After finally visiting, I completely changed my mind. What a revelation the Danish capital turned out to be.
When I’m not cruising, most of my travels these days revolve around concerts, and I often squeeze sightseeing into the gaps. That can feel a lot like a cruise stop, with limited time but a big city to explore. The good news is Copenhagen is perfect for that. It’s compact, walkable, and easy to get around, even if you don’t have a plan.
Visiting Copenhagen on a cruise
If you are visiting Copenhagen on a cruise, you might be asking yourself if it is possible to see the city in just a few hours. The answer is yes, if you plan carefully. Here’s what you need to know:
- Where ships dock: Copenhagen has three main cruise terminals. Larger ships usually dock at Ocean Quay (Oceankaj), around 25 to 30 minutes from the city centre by shuttle bus or taxi. Smaller ships may use Langelinie, which is much closer (about a 15-minute walk to the Little Mermaid). Some cruises also use Nordre Toldbod, which is a central pier close to Amalienborg Palace and Nyhavn.
- Getting into town: Cruise lines often run shuttle buses. You can also take taxis or use the Hop-On Hop-Off buses, which usually stop right at the pier.
- Time in port: Most cruise calls are 6 to 10 hours. That is enough time to see the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn, and even Tivoli if your ship stays late.
- Overnight stays and turnaround cruises: Some itineraries include an overnight in Copenhagen, which gives you the chance to explore by day and enjoy the city’s nightlife in the evening. Copenhagen is also a turnaround port for many Baltic and Northern European cruises, so your cruise may start or end here. If that is the case, it is well worth adding an extra night or two to your trip to see more of the city at a relaxed pace.
- Currency: Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), but cards are widely accepted everywhere.
If you only have a half day, focus on the city’s icons: Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, and perhaps a canal cruise. With a full day, you can add castles, gardens, and shopping.
Day 1 in Copenhagen – walking tour highlights
Arriving mid-afternoon meant I had just a few free hours, so I headed straight out on a self-guided walking tour. This is a fantastic way to get your bearings, and it is exactly what cruise passengers can do on a short call. Copenhagen is so walkable that you will see a lot quickly.
In just a couple of hours, I covered: Tivoli Gardens, City Hall, Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace, Gefion Fountain, and the Little Mermaid.
Tivoli Gardens
One of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Tivoli is said to have inspired Walt Disney. Whether that is true or not, it gives you an idea of what to expect: thrilling rides (including a 100-year-old wooden roller coaster), beautiful gardens, and plenty of cafés.
If you are visiting on a cruise, Tivoli is only worth it if your ship stays late. It is magical lit up at night.
Visit Tivoli Gardens for more information.
Nyhavn
If you have seen one photo of Copenhagen, it was probably of Nyhavn. The colourful buildings lining the canal make it one of the most photographed places in Denmark. Yes, it is touristy, but it is also beautiful and atmospheric.
Cruise tip: Many canal cruises depart from Nyhavn, so this makes a perfect stop to combine sightseeing with a boat ride.
Copenhagen City Hall
This striking red-brick building is home to the Lord Mayor of Copenhagen and the city council. You can climb nearly 300 steps to the top of its 106-metre tower for sweeping city views.
If you are short on time, admire the exterior on your walking route.
Amalienborg Palace
This grand square of four identical palaces is the winter home of the Danish Royal Family. If you want to see a bit of royal pageantry, arrive at noon for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, when soldiers march from Rosenborg Castle.
Gefion Fountain
Located near the harbour, this impressive fountain depicts the Norse goddess Gefjun creating the island of Zealand. It is an easy stop if you are walking between Amalienborg and the Little Mermaid.
The Little Mermaid
Denmark’s most famous statue often gets labelled “underwhelming,” but I loved it. Yes, it is small, but if you go early in the morning or late in the evening, you will avoid the huge crowds. When I visited at 10 pm, there were only a handful of people there, which made it feel almost magical.
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale about a mermaid, she was a gift from Carl Jacobson – a Danish brewer, to the city of Copenhagen.
Cruise tip: If you are docked at Langelinie, the statue is just a short walk from your ship.
Read more: Copenhagen is a great place to start exploring Scandinavia. Discover the beauty of Norway, Denmark and Sweden in this three week itinerary.
Day 2 in Copenhagen – Castles, towers and gardens
With a full day to explore, I swapped walking for new perspectives, from the water, from a tower, and in Copenhagen’s royal gardens.
Take a canal tour
Copenhagen is a city built on the water, and one of the best ways to appreciate it is from the canals. Many tours depart from Nyhavn, though you will also find departures from Gammel Strand. The trips usually last around an hour and pass by some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Amalienborg Palace, the Opera House, and of course the Little Mermaid.
I took a canal tour during my visit and really enjoyed it. It was such a relaxing way to see the city, and I loved how much ground we covered in just an hour without having to rush around.
For cruise passengers, a canal tour is an ideal way to start your day. It gives you a scenic overview of many key sights and helps you get your bearings, which is especially useful if your time in port is limited.
Commentary is provided in both English and Danish, and some tours also offer additional languages, so it is worth checking before you book.
Tip: Canal tours can get busy on summer days, especially when multiple ships are in port. Booking your tickets in advance through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator means you can skip the lines and head straight to the boat.
The Round Tower (or Rundetaarn)
Built in the 17th century, this is the oldest functioning observatory in the world. What makes it unique is the way you reach the top: a spiral ramp that winds seven and a half times around the tower. The views from the top are worth the climb.
I visited the Round Tower during my trip and really liked it. The spiral walk up was unusual but fun, and the view from the top was a great reward for the effort.
Read more | You can read more about my visit in this detailed guide to the Round Tower (Rundetaarn).
Botanical Gardens
Just a short walk from the Round Tower, the gardens are home to 600 Danish plant species and historic glasshouses dating back to 1874. It is a peaceful escape if you want a break from sightseeing.
I stopped at the café on the edge of the gardens for a drink and a slice of cake, and it was a lovely spot to rest and soak up the atmosphere. The cakes were excellent, and it made the visit feel like more than just a quick walk through the gardens.
Rosenborg Castle
Right next to the Botanical Gardens stands Rosenborg Castle, built in the 1600s. Inside you will find lavish royal interiors and Denmark’s crown jewels. If you only visit one castle in Copenhagen, make it this one.
Stroget
End your day on one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets. From budget shops to luxury brands, there is something for everyone. Even if shopping is not your thing, it is a lively place to soak up local life before heading back to your hotel or ship.
I really enjoyed wandering along the street. I know shopping might seem like a slightly shallow pastime, but there is little I love more than exploring the shops of a new city. You can tell a lot about a place from its shopping areas, and Copenhagen’s mix of international brands and local stores gave me a real feel for the city.
Mini itineraries for cruise visitors
If you are visiting on a cruise and do not have two full days, here is how to adapt this itinerary:
- Full day (10 hours or more): Follow the 2-day itinerary condensed into one, finishing at Tivoli if you are docked late.
- 3 to 4 hours in port: Canal cruise, Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, and Amalienborg Palace. With such limited time you may only have the chance to see the outside of some of these landmarks, but it still gives you a good overview of the city.
- 6 to 8 hours in port: Add Rosenborg Castle and a stroll through the Botanical Gardens. If you have time, the Round Tower is also nearby and gives one of the best views of Copenhagen
The last word
Copenhagen is one of those cities that works beautifully whether you are here for a weekend break or just a day on a cruise. It is compact, easy to navigate, and full of iconic sights from colourful Nyhavn to royal palaces and quirky towers.
If you are visiting on a cruise, you can comfortably see the highlights in a day. But do not be surprised if, like me, you leave wanting to come back for longer. Copenhagen might just surprise you too.