If you’re planning a quick getaway to Denmark’s capital, you might be wondering: what can I see in just 48 hours in Copenhagen? I recently spent two days exploring this beautiful city, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely possible to experience its charm in a short trip. To get an even better idea of what it’s like, you can also check out my Copenhagen YouTube vlog where I take you along with me through these amazing spots.
Copenhagen is a city full of history, colorful streets, cozy cafes, and stunning architecture. In this guide, I’ve narrowed it down to 5 must-see places that I think are perfect for a two-day adventure. These highlights will give you a mix of culture, history, and those postcard-worthy views Copenhagen is famous for.
1. Nyhavn
If you’ve seen pictures of Copenhagen, chances are Nyhavn was in them. This 17th-century waterfront, with its brightly painted houses, historic ships, and lively atmosphere, is one of the most iconic places in the city.
Walking along the canal feels like stepping into a postcard. The colorful buildings date back to the 1600s and 1700s, and today they’re filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars. While it can be touristy, there’s something magical about sitting by the water, sipping a coffee, and watching the boats go by. I loved seeing the old wooden ships lined up along the canal, it really gives Nyhavn its charm.
👉 Travel tip: Nyhavn is the perfect spot for photos, so bring your camera. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, grab an outdoor seat at one of the cafes and enjoy the atmosphere.
2. Kastellet (The Citadel)
Kastellet is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Northern Europe and a peaceful place to escape the busy streets of the city. Shaped like a pentagon, the fortress has beautiful walking paths, old buildings, and views over the city.
I loved how calm it felt here. It’s free to enter, so you can just stroll around the star-shaped grounds, explore the bastions, and enjoy the greenery. On a sunny day, Kastellet is the perfect place to slow down, have a walk, or even bring a picnic.
👉 Travel tip: Kastellet is also close to the famous Little Mermaid statue, so you can easily combine both in one trip.
3. Rosenborg Castle
No visit to Copenhagen would be complete without seeing Rosenborg Castle. Built in the early 1600s by King Christian IV, this Renaissance castle is as stunning outside as it is inside.
The castle is surrounded by the King’s Garden, one of the oldest and most beautiful parks in the city. I spent quite a while wandering around the garden because the weather was perfect and there weren’t too many people. You can also go inside the castle to see the Danish crown jewels and royal collections, but since the line was long, I decided to enjoy more time outside in the sunshine.
👉 Travel tip: Even if you don’t go inside, Rosenborg Castle is worth visiting just for the gardens and the views of the castle from different angles.
4. The Round Tower
If you want a view of Copenhagen from above, The Round Tower (Rundetårn) is the place to go. Built in the 17th century as an astronomical observatory, this tower is famous for its unique helical corridor that spirals up to the top instead of stairs.
Walking up the spiral ramp was such a fun experience, and when you reach the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over the city. The tower is about 35 meters tall, and on a clear day, you can see far across Copenhagen. The ticket is around 8 euros, and it’s definitely worth it.
👉 Travel tip: Visit on a sunny day to get the best city views and bring comfortable shoes since the spiral walk is longer than you’d expect.
5. Canal Tour Copenhagen
One of my favorite experiences in Copenhagen was the canal tour. It’s such a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective. The tour lasts about an hour and takes you through the harbors and canals, passing by some of the most important landmarks.
What makes it even better is that the tour is guided in multiple languages, you get headphones and can pick your preferred language. As we sailed through, we saw everything from the modern Opera House to historic buildings along the waterfront. It’s the kind of experience that makes you fall in love with Copenhagen even more.
👉 Travel tip: Go for the canal tour early in your trip, it helps you get a feel for the city and see what you’d like to explore more closely later on.
Final Thoughts
In just 48 hours, you can definitely experience the charm of Copenhagen. From colorful Nyhavn to the peaceful Kastellet, the historic Rosenborg Castle, the views from the Round Tower, and the unique canal tour, these five places capture the city’s mix of history, beauty, and laid-back atmosphere.
Copenhagen is a city that invites you to wander, explore, and slow down. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just cozy city vibes, these highlights will make your short stay unforgettable. And don’t forget, you can watch my full Copenhagen travel vlog for an even better look at these must-see places.
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