Copenhagen the Danish capital is a relatively small city located on coastal islands of Amager and Zealand. The city is famous for it’s brightly coloured Nyhaven district and coastal part which graces large ships and boats that make their way to Copenhagen.

Copenhagen is a hip city in Europe offering something for everyone. The city is small enough to allow you to be able to quickly get around and explore, but large enough to keep you busy marvelling at the architecture or exploring the cities key attractions.

In several surveys across Europe Copenhagen always scores high in being named one of the best cities in Europe due to it’s easy gaping nature and clean, bright city scapes.

We spent a weekend in the city and were able to hop around exploring some of the cities best attractions. The city comes alive at the weekend and weekend markets and nightlife are some of the best ways to get to see and know the locals.

How to spend a weekend in Copenhagen

Saturday morning

Torvehallerne weekend market

Set off first for Torvehallerne weekend market and join the locals for brunch. Taste and marvel at the colourful local produce as you explore the stalls offering fresh fruit, vegetables and fish and the bakeries offering all kinds of baked goods to make you hungry. Lining the streets outside of the market and some of the best street food in Copenhagen can be found. Tapas, seafood and Mexican food were some of the big favourites, sit outside and eat alfresco along with the locals watching the Copenhagen locals go by. The trendy area is packed full of second hand markets, skateboard parks and coffee shops all waiting to be explored.

Rosenborg castle

Next take a walk to Rosenborg castle in time to watch the changing of the guard. Take in the architecture and view from the outside of the castle before heading inside to find out all about the castles history and secrets hidden within.

Before leaving be sure to wander the castles grounds and garden’s where some of the best views can be found. It’s a peaceful step back in time before heading back into the bustling Copenhagen weekend rush.

The King’s garden

Rosenborg castle is located in right across the street to the King’s garden. Make sue you head across and marvel at the beauty of this natural space within the city. Rose and flower garden’s are dotted all around compete with arch ways and fruit tree’s to really give you that natural feel.

Do as the locals do and sit underneath a cherry blossom tree with a coffee and watch Copenhagen go by.

The round tower and Rundetaarn view point

This 17th century castle is an architectural project from Christian IV of Denmark. Known as the most iconic building in Copenhagen the round tower offers an array of attractions including a spiral ramp to reach the top, a 800sqm library hall, the bell loft and the planetarium. Lastly the round tower also offers Rundertaarn view point giving you 360 degree views over the city of Copenhagen. Viewing the city from the roof tops is sure to be one of the best things to see in Copenhagen. Above the view point you can also find Europe’s oldest observatory. View through the telescopes to see far into the universe to marvel at stars.

Lunch time

Directly outside The round tower you will find Kologiske hot dog stall for the best hot dog in town. Try a range of different pork sausages and try out the many different topics available for your dog.

Eat it street side along with the locals on their lunch breaks.

Nyhaven

The most famous part of Copenhagen is undoubtedly Nyhaven. This colourful waterfront area is lined with brightly coloured houses, restaurants and cafes all offering you the opportunity to step inside for some food or drink. The relaxed atmosphere along the canal makes for the perfect place to it and marvel at the beauty and also the people going by.

Nyhaven was originally a busy port which has since turned to a tourist attraction and you have the opportunity to step out onto a boat and explore the Copenhagen canals.

The restaurants along the quay offer some of the best local food as well as amazing seafood dishes caught in the local waters.

The opera house

The Copenhagen opera house is impressive both from the inside and out. Costign well over 500 million to construct you can certainly see why. Running along the waters edge the opera house stands impressibly on a summers day reflecting in the sun. Sit outside to enjoy a drink from the alfresco bars and watch the waterways with the sounds of the opera in the background.

Friendship boat rental

Friendship boat rental offer you the opportunity to rent your own boat licence free to explore the Copenhagen canals. Choose from a period of 1-3 hours and take off following your map to see some of Copenhagen’s best attractions including Nyhaven and the little mermaid.

We enjoyed seeing some of the smaller canals most of watching the boat owners go about their daily business.

Pack some snacks and drinks for the journey to make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Dinner time

Papiroen food market

On your way back from Friendship boats stop by Papiroen food market over on Paper Island. No visit to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to the cities number one food market offering all kinds of local specialities and street food options to really give you an outstanding food experience in Copenhagen.

All of the stalls are run by local traders using fresh local ingredients to create some authentic and new tastes for the public. Foods include burgers, Korean street food, curried muscles, topped fries and hand made pizza’s.

Choose your food a grab a drink and sit on one of the benches alongside the locals for a true Saturday night experience. The sounds of cutting and laughter fill the air along with the sounds of local musicians that also grace the market.

Nightlife

The city of Copenhagen comes alive at night during the weekend offering some excellent nightlife. You can choose your nights plans depending on whether you want a few casual drinks or whether you want to dance the night away into the early hours.

Famous for it’s beer and the home place of Carlsberg beer there are several pub typed beer bars that offer the opportunity to taste local beers.

Hip and trendy bars also offer excellent cocktail selections for the more up market night out.

Hells Kitchen comes alive on the weekend and offers an excellent array of bars with resident DJ’s for you dance away until the wee hours.

Sunday morning

Tivoli theme park

Head out early to beat the queues at Tivoli theme park. Unleash the big kid in you and purchase tickets for the ultimate ride pass. Originally inspired by Disneyland the Tivoli theme park is beautiful in itself and offers several themed lands for you to explore.

Adrenaline junkies will be in their element as they sample some of the best rides in Europe.

The ultimate ride pass allows you to see the park quickly and get back out to explore Copenhagen.

Lunch time

Enjoy lunch inside the theme park and taste the tastes of one of the themed lands including Italian, Danish, English and Japanese.

Carslberg brewery

Spend the afternoon hitting up the Carlsberg brewery seeing how the famous beer of Copenhagen is made.

Marvel as the guides show you how the wheat and water is turned into this delicious beer including how the beer is fragmented and alcohol added.

The best part about the tour of being rewarded with a nice cold one at the end of the tour!

Dinner

Spend your last evening is the most popular part of the city Nyhavn. Enjoy a seafood meal on the canal with local produce and sit out front if the weather allows for it. Blankets are provided by local restaurants to give the full experience.

Evening

Then hop onto your sunset cruise to watch the sun go down over Copenhagen on your last evening. Trips are offered on the big ship vessels with a full sailing crew giving you a glimpse into old Copenhagen years ago.

Additional things to do in Copenhagen

The little mermaid

Marvel at the statue of the little mermaid signifying the moment the fictional character became a human. The statue was created by Edvard Eriksen and is 1.25 meters tall. Sitting upon a rock the little mermaid is not to be missed.

Amalienborg

The home to the Danish royal family is Amalieborg. This palace consists of four identical large houses all occupied by current members of the Danish royal family.

Christiansborg Palace

The official home and offices of the Danish parliament. The Danish prime ministers office is here closely monitored by security. Marvel at the architecture from the outside.

Stroget

A shoppers paradise for those looking to indulge in some real therapy. The whole street has been pedestrianised and offers high street labels as well as some more luxurious labels. Many restaurants can also be found for the perfect shopping and lunch day.