Whether you’re looking for things to tour Copenhagen on a sunny day as well as the dead of winter, we’ve compiled a list of must-see attractions in Copenhagen for a day trip.
Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is small and compact, making it simple to see all of the city’s highlights in a single day. It’s a fantastic city with vibrant structures that complement the welcoming, laid-back vibe. If you only have one day in Copenhagen, you may see some of the city’s most famous sights and try some local cuisines. Taking to the water or renting a bicycle is the most fantastic way to get a true sense of Copenhagen; boats and bicycles are both excellent modes of transportation. If you travel heavily, there are plenty of lockers around the city to store your luggage that charge as low as five dollars in twenty-four hours. Whether you’re looking for things to tour Copenhagen on a sunny day as well as the dead of winter, we’ve compiled a list of must-see attractions in Copenhagen for a day trip.
Breakfast
Your day will be filled with activities that will involve moving around. You wouldn’t want to start your tour on an empty stomach.
Begin the day with that Copenhagen vibe on. Start with a Danish-style breakfast that includes local coffee, salmon, pastry, rye bread, and cheese. Don’t forget oatmeal, eggs, and porridge, a favorite option among the locals.
Check out the King’s Garden
Begin your day with a stroll in a lovely garden. The Rosenborg Castle, King Christian IV’s pleasure residence, was first served by the King’s Garden. The gardens were available to the public once the royals left the castle. The green space is trendy on good days, with its tree-lined walks and enormous flower beds. If you visit in late May, tulips will be reaching the end of their beauty. The sun was shining brightly, and people were out in force. This is a lovely stroll.
The Crown Jewels of Denmark are housed in Rosenborg Castle, which has lovely interiors. If you have one day in Copenhagen, you’ll probably have to choose between the interiors of Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle and save the other for another trip. We went with the interiors of Christiansborg Palace, although either option is excellent. Because Rosenborg Castle doesn’t open until 10 a.m., start with the gardens and then move on to the interior.
Climb up the Round Tower
There is always a tower to capture the city’s panoramic perspective, as there is in many European cities. The Round Tower, a 17th-century observatory and one of Europe’s oldest functioning observatories, is located in the heart of Copenhagen. Despite the 360-degree view, the cool thing about this tower is that instead of the usual dangerous small staircase you have to climb in other parts of Europe, this tower has a giant spiral ramp. It’s a short walk with various places to sit and relax.
You can see the green tower of Frederik’s chapel standing tall above the city, the Storage street full of people going about their daily lives, and the Rosenborg Castle from the observation deck, all of which we will be visiting on this itinerary. The Round Tower is an excellent place to orient yourself to where things are and how we will get there.
Ski on the CapenHill terrain
At CopenHill, you may enjoy the traditional winter sport of skiing all year. CopenHill, a working clean energy power station in the heart of Copenhagen, features a rooftop that has been converted into a ski slope. You will be skiing on an environmentally friendly plastic surface rather than snow. The roof is 85 meters high, providing spectacular views of the city for a unique experience. You can begin skiing after checking in at the ski rental station and receiving your included rental equipment and lift pass. CopenHill is made up of three levels. The upper level is only suitable for advanced skiers, while the middle and bottom tiers are suitable for beginners.
A slalom course, a freestyle park, and a children’s section are also available. The lift system has three magic carpet lifts at the bottom and a plate lift at the top and steepest segment. Skiing on a plastic surface requires the same technique as skiing on snow, but the sensation will differ. To protect everyone’s safety, begin slowly and become accustomed to the plastic surface.
Take a boat trip to the Little Mermaid
Boat tours of various lengths depart from Nyhavn and travel around Copenhagen’s canals. A one-hour boat cruise will transport you to the Little Mermaid, which would otherwise be a long walk and take up valuable time in the city. Passing Amalienborg, the Danish royal family’s palace, the Copenhagen Opera House, and the independent city of Christiania are likely to be among the other highlights of the boat ride. If you have one day to spare, the tours are offered in Danish and English and provide an excellent city overview.
Tour a popular food market at lunch
All of the sightseeing and movement will empty your tummy once more. It’s lunchtime. Copenhagen is recognized for its gastronomy, particularly the Smorrebrod, a work of art. This “open-faced” sandwich is available in various ways, and you should try it. A traditional Copenhagen food market is a fantastic place to start. Torvehallerne is the place to go right now, in our opinion. This market, located near Norrebro in the city center, is gorgeous, vast, and bustling. Numerous merchants sell groceries for later purchase or lunch items for immediate use.
Visit the Christianborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace was once the Danish monarch’s formal residence. Nevertheless, it is now solely used for state ceremonies by the royal family. Christiansborg Palace, located on the small island of Slotsholmen, is home to the Danish Parliament and the Supreme Court, among other offices. Apart from the Royal Reception Rooms, you could easily spend a whole day seeing the complex, which includes the Royal Stables, Royal Kitchen, and Ruins. A separate ticket is required for each. If you have one day in Copenhagen, the Royal Reception Rooms are a must-see. The Queen’s exquisite tapestries that describe 1,000 years of Danish history can be found in the Great Hall.
Copenhagen airport is just over four miles from the city center and is only a 15-minute train or metro journey away. Early June is the most fantastic time to visit Copenhagen since it starts peak season when the city is less crowded, and prices are lower than in late June and early August when the city is at its most expensive. During this shoulder season, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 20 degrees Celsius, not as hot as their Scandinavian counterparts.
Photo by Thomas Rousing
