If you’re dreaming of a winter city break with charm, character and plenty to do, Copenhagen is a fantastic pick. In this guide, based on the video “72 Hours in Copenhagen 🇩🇰 | 3 Day Itinerary & Best Things to Do”, you’ll find a clear 3-day plan filled with iconic sights, scenic spots and memorable places to eat—perfect for exploring at an easy pace.
Over 72 hours, you’ll soak up Copenhagen’s colourful waterfront energy, visit Tivoli Gardens, watch the changing of the guards despite the rain, admire the Botanical Gardens, enjoy views from the Round Tower, and finish with a sweet treat. It’s a packed itinerary—but it’s built for real enjoyment, with time to wander, snack and take photos.
Day 1: Arrival, waterfront views and Tivoli Gardens
The video kicks off with an early flight (a 6:30 departure) and a smooth arrival into Copenhagen a few hours later. First order of business? Coffee and a quick hit of local favourites before heading into sightseeing.
Start at Fred’s for a viral café experience
After landing, the group headed straight to Fred’s, trying a few drinks and noting that they were “pretty good”. It’s a great way to settle in and get into the city vibe right away.
Visit Nyhavn for the iconic waterfront atmosphere
Next up is Copenhagen’s lively harbour area: the Nyhavn waterfall, described as perfect for pictures. Expect colourful waterfront scenery and plenty of photo opportunities.
Where to eat: Bowen Street Food and Booker Bakery
For lunch or an early dinner, the itinerary includes two highly recommended food stops:
- Bowen Street Food for something to eat after exploring.
- Booker Bakery, where the food is praised as “10 out of 10”.
Evening at Tivoli Gardens
To close day one, head to Tivoli Gardens. The video highlights it as the third oldest operating amusement park in the world, with an atmosphere that really stands out. There’s also a special moment with a “really like this pagoda” mention and a possibility of spotting a peacock near the entrance—exactly the kind of charming detail that makes Tivoli memorable.
Day 2: Rain or shine—guards, the Little Mermaid and iconic sights
Day two starts with determination: despite rain, the itinerary carries on. The result is a classic Copenhagen mix of history, iconic landmarks and fun shopping.
Watch the changing of the guards
Even with the weather less than perfect, the video includes watching the changing of the guards—a must-do for anyone visiting Copenhagen.
See the Little Mermaid statue (and enjoy the walk)
Next, you’ll visit the Little Mermaid statue. The video notes that it was “a bit underwhelming”, but also underlines that the walk there was nice. Sometimes the journey is the best part.
Explore the “iconic window” and visit the Lego store
The itinerary then moves through other recognisable city highlights, including exploring the famous iconic window and checking out the Lego store, described as having loads to see.
Dinner at Shaks
For food, the group heads to Shaks. It’s mentioned as the first time trying it, and the verdict is clear: “it was so good”.
Shopping and a photo booth finish
End day two with shopping and a fun photo booth stop—an easy, low-effort way to mark the day before an early start tomorrow.
Day 3: Botanical Gardens, Round Tower views and final ice cream
Day three is called the favourite day in the video. Expect beautiful outdoor scenery, butterfly moments, great views and a sweet final treat.
Breakfast at Andersen Bakery
Start at Andersen Bakery, where the pastries are described as having lovely pacing and being “really lovely and flaky”. It’s a perfect start before heading outdoors.
Botanical Gardens: one of the most beautiful parks
Next, the video highlights the Botanical Gardens as being among the most beautiful parks visited. This is the heart of day three—plan for slow wandering, photos and time to simply take in the atmosphere.
Don’t miss the butterfly house
Within the gardens, you’ll also visit the butterfly house. The video mentions “some incredible butterflies” and even seeing a “giant” one flying around—an unforgettable indoor nature stop.
Enjoy a stop at Turning Chicken
The itinerary includes turning chicken, described as “pretty fitting”. It’s a quick, quirky moment that adds variety to a sightseeing-heavy day.
Round Tower for amazing Copenhagen views
Then it’s time for one of the best viewpoint moments: the Round Tower. The video calls out “amazing views over Copenhagen”, making this a standout late-afternoon or early-evening activity.
Finish with ice cream (yes, the queue is huge)
Finally, you’ll queue for ice cream at a spot where the queue is “huge”, but the custom server is praised and the ice cream is “even better”. It’s a classic travel payoff—worth building in time for.
Make it easy: save this 72-hour Copenhagen itinerary
This 3-day plan is designed to balance big-name sights with food stops and genuinely enjoyable wandering. From Nyhavn waterfront photos and Tivoli Gardens to the Botanical Gardens and Round Tower views, it’s an itinerary built for a satisfying Copenhagen city break—especially in winter.
If you’d like, tell us your travel dates and who you’re going with, and we’ll help you tailor this 72-hour Copenhagen experience to match your pace and preferences.
