2 Days in Copenhagen: Exploring the City’s Hidden Gems

My first visit to Copenhagen had me buzzing with excitement, and it totally exceeded my expectations! 🌈 This stunning city is hands-down one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, and even with just a short stay before heading up to Sweden, I made every moment count. Instead of just hitting the popular spots, I wanted to uncover some of Copenhagen’s hidden gems and local favorites.

From colorful buildings and cozy streets to the city’s super clean vibe and welcoming locals, Copenhagen is packed with charm and surprises around every corner! I’ve put together my top picks for 2 Days in Copenhagen—a guide that covers off-the-beaten-path spots, can’t-miss local experiences, and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Whether you’ve got a weekend or just a couple of days, grab your bags and let’s dive into all the best things to do in this enchanting Danish capital! 🧳✨

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Copenhagen City Sightseeing Must-See Sights

With just a day and a half to soak up Copenhagen, I was determined to uncover unique sights and hidden gems! Instead of touring the usual palaces, I opted to dive into local art, quirky landmarks, and free attractions that reveal a different side of the city. Here’s how you can explore Copenhagen’s top spots while sticking to a tight schedule!

Choose Museums Wisely

Museums can be wonderful yet time-consuming, so I limited myself to two: the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, an art lover’s dream with its vast collection of sculptures and a breathtaking winter garden, and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, located by the coast for stunning views. If you’re short on time, pick the museums that excite you most or, like I did, find top recommendations on Reddit to curate your list!

Free things to do in Copenhagen

1. Copenhagen Opera House

Whether or not you’re an opera fan, the Copenhagen Opera House is a modern marvel worth a visit! You can take a guided tour to appreciate its innovative architecture, or simply stop by the cozy second-floor café for coffee with a view of the water. The building itself is a masterpiece that combines style and functionality.

2. Kosmik Rum Art Installation

One of Copenhagen’s free art installations, Kosmik Rum, is a kaleidoscopic space filled with blue light and mirrors that create a surreal, immersive experience. Located next to Broens Street Food Market, you can pop in for some incredible photos before enjoying a snack at the market!

3. Nyhavn Harbor

Nyhavn is postcard-perfect Copenhagen. With its colorful, 17th-century waterfront buildings and lively atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a coffee break at one of the cafés along the canal. Pro tip: Consider taking a boat tour here for stunning views from the water and a bit of history on Copenhagen’s bustling port past.

4. Freetown Christiania

For a taste of bohemian life, visit Freetown Christiania, a 1970s commune where art and freedom of expression reign. Here, you’ll find unique stores, vibrant street art, and music bars. Be sure to snap a photo of the iconic troll sculpture—one of Christiania’s standout attractions!

5. Hay House Copenhagen

Channel your inner design enthusiast at Hay House, a Danish design haven filled with minimalistic home decor, furniture, and accessories. Walking into Hay House is like stepping into a Pinterest board of Scandinavian elegance, making it a must-stop for anyone who loves functional and stylish decor.

6. The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid

The famous Little Mermaid has an avant-garde counterpart just a short walk north—The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard. Created in 2006, this sculpture is a humorous, thought-provoking take on postmodern society. This quirky sister statue adds a fun twist to Copenhagen’s classic icon!

7. Elephant Gate at Carlsberg Brewery 🐘

A visit to the Carlsberg Brewery isn’t complete without seeing the famous Elephant Gate! This unique landmark, known as Elefantporten, features four massive elephant statues inspired by Bernini’s elephant in Rome. Originally, these elephants supported a water tank and herb silo for the brewery. Fun fact: the swastikas on the elephants are ancient symbols of luck and the sun, not to be confused with more recent associations. The elephants symbolize strength and resilience, perfectly aligning with Carlsberg’s motto, “Laboremus Pro Patria” (“Let us work for our country”).

Top Ticketed Attractions in Copenhagen: Explore These Must-See Gems

1. Copenhagen University Library 📚

Calling all book lovers! The historic Copenhagen University Library is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves literature and history. For just 75 DKK (about 11 USD), you get access to one of the city’s most enchanting hidden gems. With towering shelves filled with books, beautiful wooden ladders you can climb, and the opportunity to actually read the books right there in the library, it’s a dream come true. This spot was my favorite part of Copenhagen—I felt like I’d stepped into a vintage library scene, perfect for photos and immersion alike.

2. Church of Our Savior Tower Climb 🏰

For panoramic views of Copenhagen’s charming cityscape, climbing the tower of the Church of Our Savior is unbeatable. The spiral staircase leads you up to breathtaking city views from every angle. Pro tip: buy your tickets online before your visit to avoid disappointment, as tickets often sell out. I didn’t book in advance and missed out on the views—but it’s now at the top of my list for next time!

3. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek 🌿

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is a stunning art museum famous for its lush indoor garden and impressive sculpture collections. The garden alone, with its palm trees and peaceful ambiance, makes it worth a visit. While the art exhibits weren’t personally my favorite, I’d say it’s still worth checking out if you’re looking to experience Copenhagen’s artistic side. If you’re in search of a truly unique spot, you might consider swapping this for another one-of-a-kind attraction in the city.

4. Day Trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art 🎨

Just 50 minutes outside of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a can’t-miss destination for art and design lovers. Perched by the sea, the museum combines modern art with jaw-dropping coastal views. Its spacious, airy layout and special exhibits create an inspiring environment that left me awestruck. For anyone with a bit of extra time, this day trip is well worth it and offers an unforgettable experience just beyond the city.

Exploring Copenhagen: Tips for Getting Around

Copenhagen’s charm is enhanced by its effortless accessibility! One of the best ways to get around is with a Copenhagen City Card, which makes transportation a breeze. With this card, you’ll have unlimited access to buses, trains, and metro lines—no need to worry about buying separate tickets for each trip. This card also includes access to Copenhagen’s ferries, offering a unique way to view the city’s iconic waterfront landmarks from the water.

Grab your Copenhagen City Card here

Insider Tip: The City Card comes in two options: one that covers just transportation and another that includes entry to Copenhagen’s top attractions. If you’re planning to visit museums or major sites, the full City Card might save you time and money! Add up the cost of entry fees for your planned attractions to see which pass will give you the best value for your trip.

Biking Through Copenhagen: A Cyclist’s Dream

For those ready to experience Copenhagen like a local, renting a bike is a must! With its extensive network of dedicated bike lanes, Copenhagen has been named the world’s most bicycle-friendly city. From bike-sharing stations dotted throughout the city, it’s easy to grab a bike and set off through the colorful streets, along picturesque canals, and down charming cobblestone paths. Imagine cruising past the famous Nyhavn harbor or the Amalienborg Palace, all while skipping the traffic and exploring at your own pace.

With over 745,000 bicycles—outnumbering cars five to one—Copenhagen’s bike culture is an eco-friendly and unforgettable way to experience the city!

Hotels in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a wide variety of hotels and hostels to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are a few of my recommendations:

• Kanalhuset: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Nyhavn and offers stunning views of the canal. It is a popular choice for couples and families.
• NH Collection Copenhagen: This hotel is located in the city center and offers stylish rooms with city views. It is a good choice for business travelers and those who want to be close to the action.
• Hotel Bethel: This hotel is located in the Nørrebro district and is a popular choice for budget travelers. It offers simple rooms with shared bathrooms.
• Generator Hostel Copenhagen: (This is where I stayed during my trip) This hostel is centrally located and offers great value for money. Hostels in Northern European cities tend to be a bit older, as these countries are more expensive to travel in. This made for a nice, relatively quiet experience, especially since I was traveling with my mom. I’m not sure how good the environment would be for a solo traveler, though.

When booking your hotel, be sure to book in advance, especially during peak season. Copenhagen is a popular tourist destination, so hotels can fill up quickly.

The Vibrant Story Behind Copenhagen’s Colorful Buildings

Copenhagen’s vibrant and colorful buildings are one of its most iconic features, adding warmth and charm to the city’s historic streets. But the story behind these bright facades goes back centuries, with roots in practicality, social status, and tradition.

Historically, Nordic buildings were painted in earthy, deep colors to shield them from harsh weather, especially the chilly, damp winters. Dark pigments like deep reds, ochre yellows, and forest greens were commonly used—not just to create a protective coat but to signal wealth and social standing. Wealthier households used these more vibrant colors, sourced from minerals like the famous Swedish red, or Falu Rödfärg, made from copper, zinc, and silica deposits. This mineral-rich mixture, blended with linseed oil and starch binders, produced a durable matte finish that could withstand the Scandinavian climate.

So, the next time you admire Copenhagen’s colorful buildings, remember the fascinating story behind their vibrant hues!

2 Days in Copenhagen: Hidden Gems

Copenhagen is a vibrant and charming city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying a relaxing getaway, Copenhagen is a must-visit destination. From exploring the colorful houses of Nyhavn to indulging in the best Danish pastries, this city has something for everyone. It’s no wonder that Copenhagen is consistently ranked as one of the world’s happiest cities!

So, what are you waiting for? Add Copenhagen to your travel bucket list and get ready to experience the magic of this magical city. And don’t forget to check out my other travel blogs for more inspiration!