A Dreamy Weekend in Copenhagen: 13 spots for your 2-day itinerary

Going on a weekend trip to Copenhagen, but don’t know where to start? Read on to see a perfect 2-day Copenhagen Itinerary! I include the best gluten-free restaurants in Copenhagen and trendy places to visit in Copenhagen, including CopenHill.

 

Is Copenhagen Gluten-Free Friendly?

First of all, let me start out by saying that Copenhagen (along with most Nordic countries) is a gluten-free paradise. While I found less gluten-free options here than in Amsterdam, it was still extremely easy to navigate menus and the grocery store. Just look for the word “Glutenfri” or this familiar gluten free symbol: 

A little background on Copenhagen: 

Copenhagen is the dreamy, cold, and culturally-rich capital city of Denmark. Copenhagen is relatively advanced in its climate-change solutions compared to the rest of the world, aiming to be carbon-neutral by 2025! Half of Copenhagen’s electricity consumption is powered by solar and wind. To cut emissions, Copenhagen is a bicycle-friendly city, with over 250 miles of cycle lanes. Take notes, America :)

 

When to Visit & Weather:

The best time to plan your Copenhagen weekend trip is either in late November (to see the city filled with Christmas markets and glowing like a postcard) or early summer (May or June to beat the American tourists!)

 

In the winter, Copenhagen can be absolutely freezing cold – so dress for it! When I visited in November, it was snowing. Bring a jacket, hat, gloves, fleece-lined leggings to wear under jeans, and a scarf. Believe me, you will need it.

In summer months, Copenhagen is mildly hot compared to the rest of Europe. During the day, expect highs of 68-71 degrees F. Always bring a jacket or light sweater for chilly nights. If you’re looking for a cooler escape to beat the summer heat, visit in May or June, before the American tourists come in waves. I always enjoy a more authentic cultural experience when traveling without hordes of tourists 🙂

 

How to Pay:

This is important. Copenhagen does not use euros! Instead, Denmark has its own currency: the Danish Krone (DKK). $1 = 7 DKK (at the time of writing this post). You can pay in credit card everywhere – the city is mostly cashless and accepts contactless forms of payment. If you really want cold hard cash, go to a bank before your trip to get the best exchange rate. ATMs are notorious for ripping you off with a bad exchange rate. 

 

Copenhagen is also pretty expensive compared to the rest of Europe. I easily paid $7 for a cup of tea. Budget for higher food and lodging prices before you go!

 

How to Get to Copenhagen: 

Copenhagen Airport, also known as CPH (Kastrup), is an international airport, with direct flights to America, the rest of Europe, and beyond. The airport has a metro that connects directly from Terminal 3 to the rest of the city. The metro costs roughly $5.13 (36 DKK) for a one-way ticket. There are kiosks outside of the metro in the airport where you can buy a ticket (credit card only!) The metro runs 24/7 from Copenhagen (CPH) airport to the city center and takes roughly 15 minutes. 

How to Get Around Copenhagen:

Copenhagen has a well-connected metro and bus system that can take you nearly anywhere in the city. Each metro station has kiosks where you can purchase a ticket. 

 

If you are staying longer than 2 days, or planning on using public transport to get around often, it might be worth it to purchase a Copenhagen Card. A Copenhagen Card gives you unlimited access to all modes of transportation in the city – even ferry! You can choose from 24 hour, 48 hour, 72 hour, 96 hour, or 120 hour passes. That being said, the metro broke down about 3 times during my weekend in Copenhagen… so have a backup plan and be prepared to walk!

 

Aside from public transport, cycling is the #1 way to travel around Copenhagen and blend in like a local! With over 250 miles of cycling lanes, you can easily navigate your way around Copenhagen on two wheels. There are plenty of bike rental companies throughout the city – just Google “bicycle rentals in Copenhagen” and a ton of options come up.

Walking is another way to navigate the city and walk off the gluten-free food you’ve eaten! I switched off between the metro and walking. I also find that walking allows me the flexibility to stop and peek into a store or shop, while it’s a bit harder to stop suddenly while on a bike. If you’re walking, watch out for cyclists. In my experience, they have the right-of-way, and pedestrians should be vigilant! 

Pro Tip: Download the app CityMapper for accurate walking and public transport directions in Copenhagen (and across the world!) CityMapper beats Google Maps for walking directions any day.

 

Where to Stay:

To be in the center of the action, stay in the Copenhagen City center. This includes the areas of Nyhavn and around Tivoli. Keep in mind the city center will be the most expensive and touristy, but it will save you time commuting. If you’re looking to save money but still be in the city, find an AirBnb around Frederiksberg.

I ended up staying with friends who were living in Frederiksberg, and it turned out to be the perfect place… only 15-20 minute metro from the city center, and near plenty of restaurants and grocery stores.

 

Where to Eat: Copenhagen is packed with hip and tasty gluten-free food. I include some tasty gluten-free restaurants below. The vetting process was delicious!

 

Itinerary at-a-Glance:

Day 1: 

1. Jaegersborggade for brunch and cute boutique shopping
2. SMK Statens Museum for Kunst for the largest art museum in Denmark
3. Rosenborg Castle / The King’s Garden for renaissance architecture
4. Rundetaarn Tower for the best views of Copenhagen
5. Nyhavn for a colorful & picturesque waterfront
6. Copenhagen Opera House for a Danish opera

 

Day 2:

1. Brunch at Social Cafe for a gluten-free spread you won’t want to miss
2. Amalienborg to see the royal guards and palaces in Copenhagen
3. Design Museum Denmark for a whimsical but educational detour
4. The Little Mermaid Statue / Kastellet for the iconic beacon of Copenhagen
5. Værnedamsvej for Copenhagen’s Little Paris neighborhood 
6. Option 1: Tivoli Gardens for an amusement-park spin to end the weekend OR Option 2: CopenHill for a unique experience atop the world’s only Power Plant-Ski Slope OR Option 3: A Christmas Market for a festive Danish pit stop

 

Without further ado, let’s get into our perfect 2-day Copenhagen itinerary!

 

POV: It’s Saturday morning, and you’ve just landed at the Copenhagen (CPH) airport! Follow the signs for the Metro / Terminal 3. There are kiosks outside of the metro to buy a ticket for only $5.13 (36 DKK) for a one-way ticket. The trains run 24/7 from Copenhagen (CPH) airport to the city center and takes roughly 15 minutes. 

 

I recommend dropping your luggage off at your hotel or AirBnB right away, so you can enjoy the rest of the day without feeling encumbered by our belongings. If your check-in isn’t until later, the Copenhagen airport and most train stations have luggage storage you can rent for a few hours.

 

After leaving your bags at your accommodation, let’s head to Stop #1!

 

Day 1: 

Stop 1: Jaegersborggade: Brunch, Boutique Shopping, and Chocolate!

Jaegersborggade is a cute and trendy street in Copenhagen with plenty of boutique shopping, restaurants, cafes, and even a chocolatier. 

 

First, check out The Sixteen Twelve for the best gluten-free brunch in Copenhagen! I had the house-made gluten-free banana bread, drizzled with tahini, dates, lemon curd, salted caramel, and coconut whipped cream. I paired it with a pot of Lemon-Ginger tea (we know how much I love my ginger tea). It was absolutely superb and fueled me for several hours of walking and shopping!

After brunch, look around at shops in Jaegersborggade. Among them are independently owned gift shops, jewelry stores, and even a Japanese vintage thrift store (I used all the self-control I could muster to not buy a gorgeous silk blouse). A must-stop is Ro Chokolade, an artisanal Copenhagen chocolate shop. I bought a box of truffles to share with my friends, who were hosting me that weekend. Many of the chocolates are gluten-free.

Stop 2: SMK Statens Museum Kunst: for the largest art museum in Denmark

From Jaegersborggade, head to the SMK Statens Museum for the largest art collection in Denmark – boasting over 260,000 pieces of art! 

Notable artists include Rembrandt, Matisse, Lucas Cranach, Andrea Mantegna, Tizian Vecellio, and many other Dutch masters. What makes the museum unique is that there are different wings of the museum, with each wing dedicated to a different style of art: Dutch, Flemish, Italian, French and German. As a self-proclaimed art aficionado, I enjoyed being able to compare art from different cultures by literally walking from wing to wing.  

 

You easily need 2 hours here to see all of the paintings. If you only have an hour, I recommend skipping to the Dutch and French wings to see some timeless masterpieces. 

 

Stop 3: Rosenborg Castle / The King’s Garden – for renaissance architecture

After a healthy dose of art, the Rosenborg Castle is only a short 5 minute walk from the SMK museum. The Rosenborg Castle is a renaissance-era castle that hosts the Danish Crown Jewels and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Buy tickets to tour the inside and get a taste of the Danish royal scene. 

 

 

Afterwards, walk out of the castle and enjoy the King’s Gardens. Note that the King’s Gardens are free, while touring the castle does require a ticket. If you’ve been to other castles in Europe, I don’t believe that the Rosenborg castle is an absolute must-see – although it is beautiful if you have time!

 

Stop 4: Rundetaarn Tower  – for the best views of Copenhagen

You won’t want to miss the best views in Copenhagen! Walk out of the King’s Gardens to the Rundetaarn Tower. Rundetaarn Tower is only a 9 minute walk from the King’s Gardens / Rosenborg Castle. 

 

 

Now, let me get back to explaining the Rundetaarn Tower. The Rundetaarn Tower, or “Round Tower,” was originally built as an astronomy observatory by King Christian IV in 1642. Why is this tower so special? It boasts the best views of Copenhagen! You can buy a ticket for 40 DKK (around $6) and walk up the spiral ramp to the top.

 

If you’re hungry at this point, there are several restaurants nearby with enticing gluten-free options. Sult is one tasty option, with plenty of gluten-free dishes, including creative Waldorf salads, meat and fish entrees, and gluten-free crackers. 

 

Stop 5: Nyhavn – for a colorful & picturesque waterfront

Nyhavn is a 17th century harbor built by King Christian V. While it used to be a busy shipping port, today it’s a colorful waterfront studded with red, blue, and yellow houses, and lots of touristy restaurants and bars. 

 

 

It’s definitely the most memorable and iconic part of my weekend in Copenhagen. If you’re lucky, the sun will break through the clouds and you’ll get some stunning photos! 

Nyhavn is only a short 15-minute walk from Rundetaarn Tower. You need 30 minutes here to enjoy the view (and snap those photos). Given the touristy nature of Nyhavn, I suggest looking elsewhere for a restaurant. There are far tastier and affordable options elsewhere.

 

Stop 6: Copenhagen Opera House – for a Danish opera

From Nyhavn, there’s a conveniently-located ferry to “Operaen,” aka the Opera House. The ferry ride takes about 8 minutes. You can use a bus or train ticket on the ferry. It’s hard to describe the exact location of the ferry – your best bet is to ask a restaurant server for directions. I promise it’s easy to find!

 

You can also walk to the Opera House (a 15 minute walk from Nyhavn) across the Inderhavnsbroen pedestrian bridge. Or, rent a bicycle to make the journey even faster and travel like a local!

 

Book a ticket for the Opera House in advance. Even if you’re not seeing a show, I still believe the opera house is worth visiting. It’s a beautiful example of modern Danish architecture, a 15-story building made of glass, marble, and gold. The roof is the most unique of all: a thin square balancing like a piece of paper over the structure.

 

After the Opera House, head back to your hotel, or grab a bite to eat nearby. That’s a wrap on Day 1 in Copenhagen!

 

Day 2: 

Stop 1: Brunch at Social Cafe for a gluten-free spread you won’t want to miss

Copenhagen is extremely gluten-free and celiac friendly! Social is just one of many brunch spots around town. I decided to go here with some friends who aren’t gluten free, and we each had something delicious to devour. I ordered a salmon salad. Other gluten-free options include mango-chia pudding, hummus platter, and a yogurt parfait. 

 

Stop 2: Amalienborg to see the royal guards and palaces in Copenhagen

After brunch, metro to Marmorkirken station, the closest station to Amalienborg. What is Amalienborg? It’s the official residence of the Danish royal family. Here’s a picture so you can get a better idea…

 

 

The Danish Royal Guard march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg every day at 11:30 am. I caught the guards at the tail end of their changing of the guard ceremony. You can tour the Amalienborg Palace museum (which includes more royal artifacts).  

 

From Amalienborg, walk across the square towards Frederik’s Church for a magnificent example of old Danish architecture. From Frederik’s Church, your next stop is nearby!

 

 

Stop 3: Design Museum Denmark for a whimsical but educational detour

A quick 5 minute walk later, and you’ve reached Design Museum Denmark. This museum showcases the designs that earned Copenhagen the title of “2023 World Capital of Architecture” by UNESCO. Exhibits interweave a common theme: how architecture, science, and innovation meet to solve contemporary societal issues.

There is an entrance fee (130 DKK or around $19 USD). Be sure to bring your Student ID for discounted admission if you are a student!

 

Stop 4: The Little Mermaid Statue / Kastellet for the iconic beacon of Copenhagen

From the design museum, walk 15 minutes to Copenhagen’s revered Little Mermaid Statue. The statue, which sits in the water at Langelinie Pier, was inspired by Hans Christen Anderson’s fairy tale classic. 

 

Along your walk to the Little Mermaid Statue, you’ll be walking in Kastellet, one of Europe’s best preserved fortresses. Kastellet was erected in the shape of a pentagon, and it’s a beautiful afternoon walk. You might even see a royal guard or two!

 

 

Stop 5: Værnedamsvej for Copenhagen’s Little Paris neighborhood 

After all that walking, I assume you’re pretty hungry. It’s a perfect time to check out Copenhagne’s Little Paris neighborhood to get a taste of France without having to cross borders! A 2022 TimeOut article named Værnedamsvej as one of the “33 coolest streets in the world.”

 

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think Værnedamsvej was THAT great. But it’s worth a visit for some good gluten-free French food! Checkout Les Trois Cochons for a high end French meal with plenty of gluten-free options. The beef tenderloin and Chicken Supreme won’t disappoint.

 

Stop 6: Option 1: Tivoli Gardens for an amusement-park spin to end the weekend

I put Tivoli gardens as the last stop, because it’s totally optional. If you have to catch your flight right about now, don’t worry about missing Tivoli! You’ve gotten a healthy share of Danish culture this weekend.

 

If you do have the time and money left over, Tivoli Gardens is a fun way to end the weekend. It’s an amusement park and gardens, packed with fun rides for all ages. There is an entrance fee, so budget for it! You will need to purchase tickets in advance – check the Tivoli Gardens website before your stay for park updates and hours. Allow 2-3 hours at Tivoli to get your money’s worth.

 

Stop 6: Option 2: CopenHill for a unique experience atop the world’s only Power Plant-Ski Slope

 

Denmark has captured the world’s attention with its innovative, environmentally sustainable architecture masterpieces. One such example is the CopenHill, the world’s first power plant with a ski slope on the roof (there’s also a running track, rock wall, and cafe)! Unlike most power plants which burn fossil fuels, CopenHill burns waste, which powers electricity for the entire city. 

 

A trip to CopenHill’s rooftop is completely free, and it’s SO COOL! If you want to go skiing, there is an upcharge. Personally, if I had the choice between Tivoli Gardens and CopenHill, I would choose CopenHill. But it’s all about your personal travel style! Be sure to check out the CopenHill website for entrance hours and closures before your visit.

Stop 6: Option 3: A Christmas Market for a festive Danish pit stop

I LOVE a good Christmas Market, and Copenhagen has some of the best. If you’re visiting between November and late December, google, “Christmas Markets in Copenhagen” to see the closest options for you.

 

I visited two Christmas markets and was happily surprised to find many gluten-free options there. I got a creamy butternut squash soup and some DIVINE roasted chestnuts.

Happy Travels!

That’s a wrap on this post. I hope you enjoyed this epic 2-day Copenhagen Itinerary! Now you know the best sightseeing spots to visit on your short but sweet two-day trip to the Danish capital. Follow along for more gluten-free travel itineraries!