As soon as we arrived in Copenhagen, I knew we were in for a great weekend away. The cyclists, the colourful buildings and the beautiful waterfront – I already loved the city’s vibe. I spent five days exploring the city, but it has SO much to offer… here are my top tips and recs for how to make the most of a short-n-sweet city break to the Danish capital.
Where to stay
We landed in the afternoon and jumped in a cab straight to our accom, Tivoli Hotel. It’s such a good base for a city break – you can cycle into the centre in 15 minutes, or walk to Tivoli Gardens or the Meatpacking District in the same amount of time.
Our room was really cosy in the evenings but felt lovely and bright during the day, with an unreal view looking out over the water. Just like Tivoli Gardens, this pick has a retro fairground vibe – we’re talking vintage furniture, hot air balloons and colourful fairy lights.
It feels like a boutique hotel, but it’s actually part of a larger complex with loads of facilities, so there’s loads to do here if you don’t feel like heading into the centre. There’s a big indoor pool, rooftop bar with views over the city and a few restaurants, including a sushi one.
Things to do
After checking in and dumping our stuff, we headed straight out to start exploring. We hired bikes from the hotel and cycled to Reffen Market. There are loads of food stalls here and an ice rink was set up for the winter – the energy was so cute and festive. But, I can also imagine this place being so wholesome in the summer, especially around sunset.
Ofc, we had to visit Tivoli Gardens while we were staying nearby. It’s one of the world’s oldest theme parks and is tons of fun, no matter how old you are. Plus, it’s even better around Christmas – as well as all the rides, there’s a Christmas market in the garden with stalls selling hot drinks, hot dogs and crepes.
The Church of Our Saviour is another must-see sight – if you’re feeling brave, climb the spire all the way up and enjoy the views of the city. For the history nerds, don’t miss Rosenberg Castle, where you can see the Danish crown jewels. And, did you even visit Copenhagen if you didn’t visit the waterfront in Nyhavn and take pics in front of the colourful buildings?
There are so many sights to see, so one of the best ways to soak up them all up is hiring an electric boat and motoring down the canal. They’re super easy to sail – you don’t need any experience or a special license. There’s even a little table on board, perfect for bringing your own drinks and snacks for the journey.
Foodie finds
Food-wise, you’re a bit spoiled. If you’re looking for somewhere for breakfast, Mad & Kaffe is where you want to be. You tick which items you want on the menu, then, they bring you your own personalised breakfast platter. It’ll deffo fill you up, so it’s a great way start to a busy day of sightseeing. For more of a grab-and-go situation, Hart Bageri is good for something light. You’ll find these cool bakeries all over the city, including the Meatpacking District. You have to try a Spandauer, which is basically an unreal combo of a croissant and a pastel del nata… you’re welcome.
At lunchtime, check out TorvehallerneKBH Market for some street food, or order a classic burger from the iconic Gasoline Grill, a fast-food spot in an old petrol station. Don’t leave it too late, though – they’re so good, they sell out pretty much every day.
Copenhagen’s known for its thriving restaurant scene, so you’ve got plenty of places to pick from in the evenings. AMBRA’s a seriously stylish Italian spot if you’re craving homemade pasta, and Goldfinch is all about sharing yum Chinese dishes. Up for an after-dinner drink? You’ll love Curfew, a 1920s-style speakeasy hidden behind the wall in an old bookstore. It’s giving The Great Gatsby…
Like @gracegrangetravel’s taste in trips? Have a look at our Copenhagen holidays or copy + paste her exact picks on our Insiders Hub.
Keep an eye out for the ‘Insider pick’ tag when you’re browsing our best deals and in your holiday search results, too.
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Author: @gracegrangetravel
Last updated: 23/04/2025
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