How To Make The Most Of 24 Hours In Copenhagen

If there was a city personification of the ultimate “cool girl,” Copenhagen would be it. Effortless, stylish, laid-back, buzzy. In the past few years, Copenhagen has quickly risen in status and become a must-visit European city break.

While you could easily spend 3-4 days here, it is possible to maximize a stopover or a quick pop-in. Here’s how…

To Stay:

It feels like there’s an endless supply of cool, trendy, design-lovers-dream hotels to choose from in Copenhagen. For a short visit, I recommend staying in the heart of the city. Anywhere near Amalienborg or Nyhavn is a good bet.

• Hotel Sanders: Located in truly the perfect central spot in the city, this boutique hotel is flooded with greenery, natural light and beautifully designed rooms ($500-800 per night).
• Villa Copenhagen: Located in the historic Central Post & Telegraph Head Office (dating back to 1912), this elegant hotel blends old-world charm with a modern and lively atmosphere. Villa Copenhagen has a unique mix of historic architecture and contemporary design that offers a true luxury stay ($380-500 per night).
• Nobis Hotel: Nobis Hotel is full of thoughtful details that blend contemporary and classic design. The hotel is located next to Tivoli Gardens and key landmarks which make it easy to explore the city in a short amount of time ($500-700 per night).
• Hotel SP34: Hotel SP34 embodies Nordic simplicity with a laid-back yet stylish atmosphere. Located in the vibrant Latin Quarter, it blends raw, modern design with high-quality comfort ($250-300 per night).

For my quick stopover, I stayed at the Instagram-famed Manon Les Suites by Guldsmeden Hotels. You’ve probably seen a video of the iconic indoor pool saying something along the lines of “you’ll never believe this isn’t Bali.” Well, what they say is true and in this Instagram vs. reality world, I have to say the reality is far better. Upon entry to this hotel you are immediately transported to a tropical oasis that you could never guess from the outside.

Located walking distance from the city and just a few minutes from public transport, Manon Les Suites is a luxurious retreat that feels like an entirely different world. Seriously, after a long day of running around the city, nothing is better than coming back to this stunning hotel with its relaxing spa (sauna…of course), and lush pool. With 87 beautifully designed suites, a rooftop restaurant (think incredible breakfast spread), and top-tier fitness amenities, it offers a unique blend of urban convenience and tropical relaxation. ($550-650 per night).

There are 4 other Guldsmeden Hotels throughout Copenhagen all with their own unique design aesthetic and flair. 

To Do:

While there’s so much to do in Copenhagen and its surrounding areas, we have to prioritize the best of the best when we only have 1 day to explore the city.

• Nyhavn: When you picture Copenhagen, you’re probably imagining this very spot. A long canal lined with 17th-century townhouses, a lively waterfront, and historic wooden ships. It’s picture perfect and is a great place to start or end your day in Copenhagen.
• Bakery Hop: There are enough bakeries in Copenhagen to last a lifetime so to make the most of this single day, plan on visiting 3-4 of them. They’re all throughout the city so it’s easy to pop-in as you’re touring around. Ask the employees for their recommendations so you can try the single best pastry at each spot (which will also save room for all 4). 
• Palaces: Copenhagen is home to several stunning palaces, each rich in history and royal charm. A few of them are easily accessible from the city center so these are the best to visit during a short stay. Plan to stop at Amalienborg, the royal residence, at 12pm to see the famous changing of the guard. Rosenborg Castle showcases the Danish crown jewels in a fairytale-like setting and beautiful park. Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament, offers grand halls and tower views in the city center. If you’re able to do a quick walkthrough or just view from the outside, it’s definitely possible to hit all 3 in one day. 
• Tivoli Gardens: Now, this is where priorities (and time of year) come into play. A visit to Tivoli Gardens could really take a full day in and of  itself. It’s one of the world’s oldest amusement parks with rides, food stalls, gardens, and live entertainment. If that’s your vibe, it’s probably worth reserving a couple of hours to explore, but for this trip, I personally skipped it.
• Shop: The great thing about the city center of Copenhagen is that nothing is that far apart. So while you’re doing all of the above activities, you’ll find yourself wandering the beautiful cobblestone streets and stumbling upon some of the trendiest, most aesthetic design, homeware, & concept shops. Check out Studio Arhoj for ceramics, HAY House for homeware, Kræss for handicrafts, and SUPeR for books.

 To Eat:

The undisputed star of Copenhagen’s food scene is their bakeries. As previously mentioned, I believe you can visit at least 4, if not 5, of these world-renowned bakeries if you plan your day right.

Bakeries to Prioritize:

• Hart Bageri - try their Spandauer, the coffee/tea lattes here are also great
• Skt. Peder’s Bageri - the Cardamom Bun will change your life
• Buka Bakeri - the most “touristy” (but worth the hype), plus there’s multiple locations throughout the city. Get the raspberry & cream or the pistachio croissant
• Andersen & Maillard - famous for their pistachio cube croissant, get there before 10:00am if you want to try one
• Rug Bakery - get the almond pain au chocolat

Breakfast Spots:

If you want something a little more than a pastry or are more of a savory breakfast-lover.

• Apotek 57 – A sleek, modern spot offering a refined breakfast menu with everything from fresh pastries to hearty, creative dishes made with seasonal ingredients.‍
• Atelier September – Known for its beautiful, minimalist setting, this café serves delicious breakfast options like avocado toast, granola bowls, and freshly brewed coffee.‍
• Studio x Kitchen – A unique breakfast destination where art meets food, serving innovative morning dishes with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a creative space.‍
• Sonny – A cozy café offering a delicious breakfast spread, including healthy bowls, artisan bread, and specialty coffee, perfect for a relaxed morning meal.

Dinner:

Copenhagen may not be known as a culinary capital, but there are some incredible restaurants that span across global cuisines, from Michelin-starred fine dining to cozy Nordic bistros, to classic Italian trattorias.

• Noma – One of the world’s most famous restaurants, offering innovative New Nordic cuisine with seasonal tasting menus.‍
• Geranium – A three-Michelin-starred fine dining experience with beautifully crafted dishes and panoramic city views.‍
• Kødbyens Fiskebar – A laid-back yet high-quality seafood spot in the trendy Meatpacking District.‍
• Barr – A cozy Nordic-inspired restaurant serving hearty dishes with local ingredients in a historic setting.‍
• Bæst – A must-visit for organic, farm-to-table Italian food, known for its housemade charcuterie and wood-fired pizzas.‍
• Delphine – A charming Greek restaurant with fresh, flavorful dishes, offering a Mediterranean escape in the heart of Copenhagen.‍
• Restaurant Spuntino – Cozy Italian fare, specializing in authentic pasta, risotto, and small plates that bring Italy’s best flavors to life.‍
• Fabro – An Italian gem serving delicious, homey Italian dishes with a modern twist, perfect for pasta and wine lovers.‍
• Sanchez – A vibrant taco spot offering authentic Mexican flavors with a creative edge, perfect for casual, flavorful dining.‍
• Host – A Nordic tasting menu offering a refined, locally inspired dining experience, focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients.‍
• Schønneman – A classic Danish restaurant known for its traditional smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) and historic atmosphere.‍
• Silberbauer – A classic French bistro with delicious French cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting.

Drinks:

• Balderdash – A stylish cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and intimate setting, perfect for those seeking unique concoctions.‍
• Pompette – A cozy wine bar with a great selection of natural wines, offering a relaxed ambiance and knowledgeable staff.‍
• Ruby – An award-winning cocktail bar with expertly crafted drinks and a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere.‍
• The Jane – A trendy cocktail bar with a chic, speakeasy vibe, serving inventive drinks and offering an upscale yet relaxed environment.‍
• Lidkoeb – A stylish bar with an intimate feel, known for its whiskey selection and creative cocktails, set across multiple floors.‍
• The Barking Dog – A lively bar offering both classic and inventive cocktails, known for its friendly atmosphere and late-night vibe.‍
• Brønnum – A historic cocktail bar with an elegant setting, serving well-crafted drinks and offering a refined atmosphere.‍
• Mikkeller Bar – The go-to spot for craft beer lovers, offering a wide selection of Mikkeller brews in a casual, welcoming environment.‍
• Tivoli Hotel Rooftop Bar – A perfect place for drinks with a view, offering refreshing cocktails while overlooking Copenhagen’s skyline.

If you have the time, you should plan to spend 3-4 days in this dynamic city (which would give much more time to explore the surrounding towns as well), but if you’re just passing through, it is totally possible to pack the best of the best into one long day. Copenhagen is typically best enjoyed in the spring or summer; however, I was there in January so everything in this guide is totally doable in the winter (except Tivoli Gardens which is only open March-September).

Take this as your sign to bump Copenhagen up your bucket list and take caution when visiting as you will very likely want to move there straight away.