8:00 a.m. – The day begins in Vesterbro:
Vesterbro is a vibrant neighborhood in Copenhagen with plenty to see and explore. Take a walk through Vesterbro, where you can experience the creative district, Kødbyen,Carlsberg City,the Copenhagen Distillery, and Copenhagen’s historic residential buildings.
8:30 a.m. – Coffee and Danish pastries at Prolog:
In Vesterbro—and more specifically in Kødbyen—you’ll also find a real gem: the Prolog coffee shop. Few coffee shops in Copenhagen manage to take coffee brewing to such a high level as Prolog. Stop by and enjoy a world-class cup of coffee and some Danish pastries. Then your day is off to a great start!
9:30 a.m. – Walk along Tietgensgade:
Tietgensgade is located in the city center and is therefore close to several well-known areas and attractions. Here, you’re close to cultural institutions such asDet Ny Teater, the iconic amusement park Tivoli, and, not least, plenty of shopping.
10:00 a.m. – Explore Christiansborg:
Christiansborg Palacein Copenhagen serves, among other things, as the seat of the Danish Parliament. It is Scandinavia’s largest castle and has been the center of power for the Danish kingdom for more than 800 years. It is a stunningly beautiful building with a unique atmosphere that you absolutely must experience during your 24 hours in Copenhagen. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the hidden gem: the Royal Library Garden!
11:00 a.m. – Walk along Holmens Kanal toward Kongens Nytorv:
Copenhagen has a historic network of waterways, andHolmens Kanalis no exception. Holmens Kanal is surrounded by a number of historic buildings and sights that you can enjoy as you make your way toward Kongens Nytorv. Kongens Nytorv is quite possibly the most significant square in Copenhagen—perhaps even in the entire country—and a central hub in the city. It’s a must-see.
11:30 a.m. – Walk from Kongens Nytorv to Nyhavn—it’s time for lunch:
Not far from Kongens Nytorv, you’ll find Nyhavn. Nyhavn is one of the most iconic and picturesque parts of Copenhagen. It’s known for its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere, and you can also enjoy delicious, classic Danish smørrebrød while you’re there. One place to do that isSkipperkroen, which also has a lovely terrace overlooking the canal. Restaurant Cap Horn is another safe bet—they specialize in smørrebrød.
12:30 p.m. – Amalienborg, Kastellet, and The Little Mermaid:
When you only have 24 hours in Copenhagen, you should do yourself a favor and set aside some time to visitAmalienborg. It is the residence of the Danish royal family in Copenhagen and consists of four palaces. It is a masterpiece of Danish architecture and arguably the finest example of Rococo architecture in Denmark. Bonus tip: The changing of the guard at Amalienborg takes place every weekday at 12:00 p.m., so arrive early to see the Royal Life Guard in full march! – From there, you can continue throughKastelletand down along Langelinie to seeThe Little Mermaid.
2:00 p.m. – Take the Harbor Bus to Reffen:
Reffen is a street food market and urban hub for creativity onRefshaleøen. Here, you can not only enjoy a delicious bite to eat and quench your thirst, but also often experience live music and art exhibitions—or simply relax and enjoy the view of the harbor. – If you visit Reffen later in the evening, it’s a very young and progressive place to party and go out on the town.
4:00 p.m. – Stop by Christiania:
The Christiania Free Townis often a major attraction for tourists and visitors who have no more than 24 hours in Copenhagen. Here, you can explore the quirky, custom-built structures that are so characteristic of Christiania, check out various art exhibitions, and, not least, experience a truly fantastic atmosphere—especially during the summer months.
5:30 p.m. – Walk past Knippelsbro on your way to Tivoli:
Knippelsbro is a bascule bridge that connects Slotsholmen with Christianhavn. From here, you can see a lot of outstanding architecture and enjoy the beautiful waterfront as you make your way toward the iconic amusement park:Tivoli.
6:00 p.m. – Evening stroll in Tivoli
Tivoli is one of Copenhagen’s true treasures. Whether or not you want ride passes for the attractions, do yourself a favor and buy admission to the park. The grounds are breathtaking, and the old roller coasters have a wonderful charm. In the fall, the park is decked out for Halloween, while Christmas at Tivoli is also something truly special. In the summer, you can enjoy concerts and magical fireworks shows. You can read more about their programhere.
7:30 p.m. – Time for dinner:
During your 24 hours in Copenhagen, you’ve probably snacked here and there, but of course you’ll want to have a proper dinner. Especially since Copenhagen is a fantastic place to eat. There are plenty of great places nearby—and inside Tivoli, for that matter—so it’s up to you to decide what you’re in the mood for. Experience authentic Danish cuisine atGrøften in Tivoli; enjoyItalian food at Gorm’s Magstræde;savor delicious dishes at Brdr. Prince; or grab a burger fromGasoline Grill.
10:00 p.m. – Cocktails at 1656:
It’s always a good idea to end the evening with cocktails.1656is a hidden cocktail bar that’s not really visible from the street, so you have to know about it to find it. They serve top-notch cocktails in a cozy setting—in other words, it’s the perfect place to end the evening.
11:00 p.m. – If you're not tired yet…:
When you only have 24 hours in Copenhagen, you might be up for more. If that’s the case, head down toKødbyenand party with the locals in the old butcher shops. You definitely won’t regret it.
Make the most of 24 hours in Copenhagen with a convenient base in the city
When you only have one day in Copenhagen, it’s all about staying smart so you can spend your time enjoying the city instead of commuting. With a planned itinerary, you can fit in coffee, sightseeing, street food, Tivoli, and a cocktail in the evening—all without feeling rushed. Go Hotels makes it easy to find affordable and convenient accommodations in Copenhagen, so you can start your day early and end it late, without having to worry about anything other than your next stop.