Planning a Trip to Denmark: One Perfect Day in Copenhagen

Denmark is one of the three Scandinavian countries. In the time of the Vikings, Denmark ruled over Norway and parts of Sweden. It’s an impressive country, rich in history, art and culture. You can visit some of it as part of a European tour since a big portion is attached to the European mainland. Visiting a country that has so much to see can take some time. So how can you make the best of one day in the capital city, Copenhagen?

Caroline Grogersson, a Danish native, knows how to have fun in the capital city. She suggests that if you only have one day in Copenhagen, you should narrow your trip down to a few sights. 

Focus on the aspects that you’ll enjoy most, and you can spend some time sampling the delicious local cuisine and browsing the shopping district. If you’re up for it, Caroline suggests renting a bicycle to travel through the city. It’s an affordable way to get around and makes the most of the sights, which you won’t necessarily see in a car or bus. 

Caroline has made an itinerary of the best places in Copenhagen. 

Start the Day With a Danish Breakfast

At 8 am, you should start your day trip with a traditional Danish breakfast, including coffee, rye bread with jam and cheese, or salmon. You can also have oatmeal porridge or eggs. Some of the best places to get a nutritious and delicious breakfast include Café Norden in the city centre or Mad & Kaffe in Vesterbro. You can also try Kalaset. 

After breakfast, you can rent your bicycle for the day. There are various shops around the city where you can rent a bike, and you can choose one depending on where you start your adventure in the city. Copenhagen also offers a bike share system, Bycycklen. You can register on their website before arriving in the city and then get a bike from any of the 100 kiosks there. You can drop the bike off at any other booth once you’re done. Payment is easy, and the company will help you take care of it once you start renting.

The Little Mermaid

While visiting the Little Mermaid Statue is probably a very touristy thing to do, it’s worth the effort. This statue was based on the fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen. Getting here early will help you avoid the crowds of other tourists visiting. 

Rosenborg Castle

The Rosenborg Castle tour is something you shouldn’t miss. Located at the beautiful King’s Garden, you can see the interior and take a walk around it. The times that the castle opens depends on the time of year. 

The David Collection

Situated at the Rosenborg Castle, the David Collection features Islamic art, European art from the 18th and 19th century, and Danish art. It’s a spectacular collection, so while you’re at the castle, make sure to take a look at the exhibit.

Designmuseum Danmark

If you’re interested in design, the Designmuseum Danmark will teach you all about the history of Danish design and decorative art. Adults over 26 have to pay an entrance fee, while children and anyone under 26 have free entrance.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

This is the most significant art museum in Scandinavia. The exhibitions contain the work of French Impressionists, along with many other famous displays. 

Torvehallerne

If you’ve worked up a good appetite from a morning of sightseeing, you can visit the Torvehallerne, a food hall with stalls selling all kinds of traditional and modern Danish food. While you are there, you might as well try the Smørrebrød: rye bread served with a variety of cold cuts, pickled herring, pork liver, boiled eggs, or thin slices of cheese. You won’t regret it!

The Round Tower

The Round Tower, or Rundetaarn, offers a beautiful view of the city. You don’t have to worry about climbing an endless flight of stairs, as the tower offers a spiral ramp for you to get to the top. Peter the Great used the ramp to get to the top on horseback, followed by his wife in a carriage. The walk is 700 feet up, but it’s a relatively easy walk and definitely worth the effort. 

Nyhavn

Nyhavn is a medieval commercial port, one of the most beautiful waterfront destinations on earth, and an Instagram favourite. There are many cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Scandanavian country. 

Final Thoughts

There are many more sights to see in the city. If you have any energy left after a day of cycling around, you can spend the evening at one of the many land-based casinos that the city has to offer.