Ah, summer in Scandinavia 😌 Three days is the perfect amount of time to see Copenhagen. This guide includes:

- Tips for transit, money and the local culture
- Where to stay
- Things to do that aren't just for tourists
- 20+ cafés, bars and restaurants
- How to take a half day trip to Sweden!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Long Weekend in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated summer destinations in Europe. While crowds flock to Greece and the like, those in Copenhagen enjoy perfect warm weather, some of the best public beaches and swimming areas I've ever seen, pristine clean streets, plenty of daylight and incredible food. I'm here to sell you on Copenhagen and convince you to tack a weekend onto your Europe trip this summer!

I've broken the trip down into three days. But first, let's talk about how to get there and where to stay.

Copenhagen is a transit dream. Accessible by air (with a lovely airport!), train and bus, you can get to Copenhagen from anywhere else in Europe with relative ease or fly from the states. Once inside the city, trains are plentiful along with ferries and bike rentals, and most of the city is walkable.

There is no shortage of lovely hotels in Copenhagen. I recommed staying somewhere in the city's walkable center and have provided several options from lower to high price points. There are virtually no "unsafe" areas in Copenhagen but I'd avoid staying too far in the suburbs.

Copenhagen is Denmark's landmark city, and it's known for being safe, clean and full of cultural delights. I recommend visiting in the summer, since daylight is plentiful and you can enjoy the many sunning and swimming areas. It's also full of museums, events, festivals and history.

- English is widely spoken and most signs will be in both Danish and English. People are friendly but will mostly leave you alone unless you ask a question or something.

- Everywhere accepts credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and you do not need to get much, if any, cash for this trip.

- As is typical with Scandinavia, Copenhagen is more expensive than other European cities. It's not as bad as say, Norway, but you'll probably want $40-$50 per day to budget for food and drinks. Luckily, you won't incur a lot of expenses for transit and there are free things to do!

- Tap water is safe to drink and very good! Bring a resuable bottle.

- Copenhagen is EXTREMELY safe for solo travelers. There is almost no risk of theft or being harassed.

- If you plan to visit mulitple museums and attractions, get the Copenhagen Card.

There are a few things most tourists do here:

There is nothing wrong with these things. But I think there are much better, cheaper things to do in Copenhagen. Here's your weekend agenda:

On your first day in Copenhagen, I think it's important to start with either a free walking tour (there are many!) OR a boat tour to get the lay of the land.

If you took the boat tour instead of a walking tour, you should now walk these areas yourself:

Now that you've gotten the lay of the land, you are probably hungry! I recommend a few central spots for a lunch or afternoon pick me up:

Work off that lunch with a trip to the Round Tour for the best panoramic view of Copenhagen.

Now, you have a few options. The royal fanatics should visit one of the palaces, Amalienborg or Rosenborg. Art lovers need to check out Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek or trek to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Shoppers can peruse the boutiques of Stroget, or the leisure-minded can sit on a patio and enjoy an elderflower spritz.

Gather back up in the center of town, because you have dinner plans. And you need to hop on the ferry to get there. Your destination: Reffen! This former industrial area is now home to dozens of shipping containers serving every kind of food and drink under the sun - one is even a tattoo parlor! There is a massive outdoor seating area and live music, along with a view of the water for sunset. 

I recommend taking the ferry over and biking back - on the road you can see the famous Noma restaurant that inspired "The Menu." 

Turn in early because you have a big day tomorrow, or hit one of the bars I'll list for you in day two.

Getting an early start in Copenhagen is easy because of two things: Swimming and coffee. I loved starting my days in Denmark with a morning dip in the canals! Here are the best swimming areas. The best part? It's FREE. BYOT: bring your own towel.

Lay in the sun and dry off a bit before heading to one of Copenhagen's many wonderful cafés for breakfast.  Coffee culture is super cozy here and there is no shortage of great spots for a brew. And, you're in Denmark - you have to get a Danish! 

Head back to your hotel and change out of your swim clothes, beacause you need to head to the train station. You're going to Sweden!

Of course, this is optional. If you don't want to leave, simply head to one of the museums, gardens or palaces mentioned in Day One, or extend your time relaxing by the water at one of the swimming areas. Maybe take a bike for a spin!

- Biking is the best way to get around! There are various bike apps to make this easy.

If you opt to check Sweden off your list, board the 45 minute train (with your passport!) to Malmö. You cross the water quickly and pop out in the center of this charming Swedish town. Head toward Lilla Torg, the historic square, and enjoy a snack or drink at one of the many cute spots that dot this area.

Copenhagen Airport

Copenhagen Central Station

Copenhagen Downtown Hostel

Generator Copenhagen

Hotel Motel One Kopenhagen

Hotel SKT. Annæ ApS

Hotel Cph Living

Tivoli Gardens

The Little Mermaid

Hey Captain

Strøget

Nyhavn

Freetown Christiania

Ofelia Plads

Kompasset

Restaurant Carl Nielsen

Gasoline Grill