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But if you only have 48 hours (and especially if you're stopping over in Denmark as part of a A more extensive itinerary for exploring Scandinavia by train): We’ve tested (and approved!) a two-day itinerary in Copenhagen for you, focusing on getting around on foot, by water, by metro, and by bike. It’s just what you need to understand why Copenhagen consistently ranks among the world’s most livable cities.
Of course, let's be honest: two days aren't enough to experience all that Copenhagen has to offer in the summer. Between its museums, its creative neighborhoods with very different atmospheres, and the many day trips you can take by train to the surrounding areas, you could easily spend a week there without getting bored. If you're planning a longer trip, check out our comprehensive guide to the Danish capital and its surroundings (with practical information on bike rentals, great deals with CopenPay and the Copenhagen Card, and even places to swim):
Article
Copenhagen: Our Complete Guide to Exploring the Danish Capital by Train
But if you only have 48 hours (and especially if you're stopping over in Denmark as part of a A more extensive itinerary for exploring Scandinavia by train): We’ve tested (and approved!) a two-day itinerary in Copenhagen for you, focusing on getting around on foot, by water, by metro, and by bike. It’s just what you need to understand why Copenhagen consistently ranks among the world’s most livable cities.
Since July 2026, the easiest way is to take the night train European Sleeper between Paris and Hamburg, before continuing the next morning to Copenhagen aboard a Railjet train operated by Czech Railways (ČD) or a EuroCity (about a 5-hour trip); in both cases, tickets can be booked on the Deutsche Bahn.
Good to know: Even though connections are usually straightforward, we recommend allowing plenty of time in Hamburg. Like all international night trains, the European Sleeper can sometimes run a little late, and it’s better to enjoy a coffee on the platform than to miss your train to Denmark. Another option if the dates don’t match your travel plans: you can also travel to Berlin (overnight on the European Sleeper or during the day on a high-speed train), then continue on to Copenhagen.And just a reminder: if you want to simplify your bookings and find the booking links for your itinerary in just a few clicks—based on your travel dates and times—visit the HOURRAIL! app
🌱 CopenPay: Depending on the program's terms, arriving in Copenhagen by train may give you access to certain benefits or experiences offered as part of the initiative.
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The stunning view from the train, near Nyborg, heading toward Copenhagen - © Sophie Renassia
Great Deal: During this trip, we were able to enjoy activities that were part of CopenPay, the initiative that encourages certain more sustainable travel practices, such as taking the train, biking, or using public transportation. We also used the Copenhagen Card, which provides access to many of the capital’s museums, attractions, and public transportation options. Several of the experiences featured in this itinerary are part of one or another of these programs, although the partners and benefits vary by season and edition.
On this first day, we'll discover Copenhagen's most iconic sights: its canals, historic neighborhoods, and elegant squares... before wrapping up the evening at one of Europe's most beautiful amusement parks.
As soon as you step out of the central station, one thing immediately catches your eye: bicycles—everywhere, all the time. The thousands of bicycles parked around town immediately set the tone for your stay. Here, cycling isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life.
Take a leisurely walk to the historic center along Strøget, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. While the street is known today for its shops, its main purpose is to connect several of the capital’s most iconic squares.
As you walk along, you'll pass through Rådhuspladsen, dominated by the impressive city hall, before arriving at Kongens Nytorv, the "New Place du Roi." Lined with historic buildings, it is home to, among other things, the prestigious Royal Danish Theater, whose facade overlooks the entrance to Nyhavn.
The Royal Danish Theater, as seen from the “New King’s Square” - © Sophie Renassia
Our advice? Don't hesitate to step away from the shopping streets for a few moments to explore the small side streets nearby. That's often where you'll discover the prettiest courtyards, a few hidden-gem cafés, and that peaceful atmosphere that so perfectly characterizes Copenhagen.
You can't visit Copenhagen without taking the time to cruise along its canals. There are several options available to you: rent a kayak, board a GoBoat (a small electric boat that you can drive yourself without a license), or take part in a guided boat tour.
💡 Editor's note: As for me (Sophie), I chose a GoBoat guided group tour. It was a great experience for learning about the capital’s history and hearing all sorts of interesting stories, all while taking in the amazing sights!
Guided city tour aboard a GoBoat - © Sophie Renassia
👉 To find out how to reserve a GoBoat, rent a kayak, or use the water buses and bike-sharing service, visit Our Practical Guide to Exploring Copenhagen.
GoBoat Rental, at Islands Brygge - © Sophie Renassia
After this boat ride, we're off to Christianshavn, one of the most pleasant neighborhoods in the capital. With its canals lined with houseboats, colorful houses, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a lovely alternative to the busier parts of downtown.
The Canals of Christianshavn - © Sophie Renassia
Take some time to stroll along the waterfront, watch the locals swim, or simply enjoy the almost village-like atmosphere that prevails here despite its immediate proximity to downtown.
The Indre By Canals: A Natural Gem in the Heart of the City! - © Sophie Renassia
Although Copenhagen is obviously more than just its famous colorful facades, it’s hard not to mention Nyhavn, which over the years has become one of the capital’s most recognizable sights.
Like many European destinations, Copenhagen is now seeking to better spread out visitors across different areas and times in order to preserve both residents’ quality of life and travelers’ experience.
Our tip: Come early in the morning or late in the day, when the light becomes softer and things quiet down a bit.
Nyhavn around 9:30 p.m., late June - © Sophie Renassia
As the sun begins to set, the famous colorful houses take on a golden glow while the terraces gradually fill up. Find a spot to have a drink or dinner along the canal, then just soak up the atmosphere.
And if you find Nyhavn too crowded, once again, the canals of Christianshavn (located just a few minutes' walk away) or Indre By (right next to Christianshavn) sometimes offer an atmosphere that’s just as charming but much quieter and more “natural.”
The colorful houses of Christianshavn - © Mark Tanggaard
To wrap up this first day, head back to the central station and step inside the Tivoli Gardens.
Opened in 1843, Tivoli is much more than just an amusement park. With its restaurants, concerts, flower-filled gardens, shows, and historic attractions, the place has a unique atmosphere, especially during golden hour.
The Tivoli Gardens - © Sophie Renassia
🎟️ Copenhagen Card: Admission to the Tivoli Gardens is included with the pass.
Legend has it that its founder, Georg Carstensen, convinced King Christian VIII to fund the project by explaining to him that "When people are having fun, they don't think about politics.". Whether it's true or not, this phrase captures the spirit of the place quite well.
Tivoli: A World of Thrills © Sophie Renassia
If you're visiting Copenhagen between spring and Christmas, be sure to spend the evening there: the lights give the park a truly magical atmosphere!
Editor's note: During this reporting trip, I stayed at the Guldsmeden Bryggen, a hotel located about a 20-minute walk from downtown and close to the subway. I especially enjoyed its bohemian atmosphere and its excellent organic breakfast, which offered many vegetarian and vegan options.
A special mention goes to its pool and spa, if you want to relax after a day of sightseeing. Another highlight: the front desk is open 24 hours a day. If you’re traveling light with a backpack, you can start exploring the city as soon as you arrive and check into your room later in the day, once check-in opens.
In short, it's a comfortable place to stay, in a great location, and perfect for a two-day micro-adventure in Copenhagen!
A room at the Guldsmeden Bryggen Hotel - © Sophie Renassia
After exploring the canals and the historic center, this second day gives you the chance to discover another side of Copenhagen—a city that’s transforming its old ports, industrial wastelands, and even its energy infrastructure into vibrant, creative spaces!
First, let's head to Refshaleøen, a former industrial island located east of downtown. For nearly a century, the massive Burmeister & Wain shipyards built some of Denmark’s largest ships there. When operations ceased in the 1990s, the neighborhood was gradually abandoned.
Rather than tearing everything down, Copenhagen is taking a different approach: reimagine what already exists. Today, the former warehouses are home to art galleries, studios, restaurants, festivals, and numerous cultural projects. This particularly successful redevelopment perfectly illustrates the philosophy of the Danish capital.
The former industrial island of Refshaleøen, reinvented as a cultural hub (and a place to swim!) - © Sophie Renassia
First stop: Refshaleøen, if you're into contemporary art: Copenhagen Contemporary. The museum hosts major contemporary art exhibitions—often immersive—in which the works interact with the building's raw architecture.
The entrance to “CC” (Copenhagen Contemporary) - © Sophie Renassia
A little further on, you can also check out temporary exhibits at Copenhagen Shipyard, a former Refshaleøen shipyard building that has been converted into a cultural space.
Editor’s note: I personally had the chance to visit “The Art of the Brick,” a temporary exhibition featuring Nathan Sawaya’s impressive LEGO sculptures (on view through August 23, 2026). Further proof that Refshaleøen has become one of Copenhagen’s leading cultural districts!
Art of the Brick: Over a Million LEGO Bricks, Featuring Reproductions of Iconic Works and Original Creations - © Sophie Renassia
Just a few minutes' walk away, the atmosphere changes completely. Situated on the waterfront, La Banchina is undoubtedly one of the most "Copenhagen-esque" cafés in the city.
La Blanchina and its “cottage” atmosphere - © Sophie Renassia
People come here to have coffee, brunch, or lunch, but mostly to enjoy the sunshine by the water. Some read a book, others chat on the dock, while still others alternate between the sauna and a swim in the harbor.
How about a quick coffee while watching the swimmers before joining them? - © Sophie Renassia
If the weather's nice, feel free to bring your swimsuit: here, it's quite common to take a quick dip before continuing your tour!
Swimmers in front of La Blanchina - © Sophie Renassia
A few minutes further on is Reffen, one of our absolute favorites. First, cross Workshop, the Reffen indoor space: a large bar and cultural venue housed in a building that once served as the machine shop for the famous Burmeister & Wain shipyard, which no longer exists. Traces of its industrial past now coexist with a cultural and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Werkstatt: A "third place" with a friendly atmosphere - © Sophie Renassia
Then you arrive at the famous street food market. Also located on the old docks, this sprawling container village is home to the largest street food market in the Nordic countries.
As soon as you arrive, the delicious smells from the kitchen tickle your nose - © Sophie Renassia
There are about thirty different cuisines from all over the world: Japan, Mexico, Kurdistan, Pakistan, Thailand, Argentina, Greece... not to mention a few Danish specialties. Everyone then takes a seat at the large communal tables facing the harbor.
Some of the many international food stalls in Reffen - © Sophie Renassia
But Reffen is much more than just a food court. In the summer, the site hosts concerts, DJ sets, a street art festival (every June), glassblowers, a skatepark, and even a small urban beach where you can enjoy the sun until late in the evening.
A street artist at work during the Street Art Festival - © Sophie Renassia
Everything here retains the neighborhood’s industrial character: recycled shipping containers, repurposed furniture, old port buildings… It’s a way to preserve the history of these places while giving them a new lease on life.
As you leave Refshaleøen, you should catch a glimpse of CopenHill, whose silhouette has quickly become one of the symbols of Denmark’s new urbanism. At first glance, you might think it’s just a factory. In reality, this energy recovery plant, designed by renowned architect Bjarke Ingels, was conceived as a true recreational space.
CopenHill as seen from the canals - © Sophie Renassia
It features a ski slope In winter, a climbing wall among the tallest in the world and a scenic trail offering one of the most beautiful views of the capital. A spectacular illustration of how Copenhagen is striving to balance infrastructure, recreation, and the green transition.
From Refshaleøen, board the Water Bus 992 toward Orientkaj. As part of the public transportation network (and therefore included with the Copenhagen Card), it allows you to cross the harbor in just a few minutes while enjoying a lovely ride on the water.
In yellow: a ferry/water bus to take you from one end of the city to the other! - © Sophie Renassia
You can find all the practical information about water buses, routes, bicycles, and GoBoats in our comprehensive guide to Copenhagen.
Just a few years ago, Nordhavn was once a vast industrial port. Today, it has become one of Europe’s most ambitious sustainable urban development projects. Here, the docks are home to cafés, housing, offices, public facilities, and swimming areas in a neighborhood designed to encourage walking and cycling.
The Nordhavn waterfront: a lovely place to take a stroll along the canal - © Sophie Renassia
The best place to soak up this atmosphere is still Sandkaj. On nice days, locals come here to read, have picnics, sunbathe, or jump right into the harbor using the many ladders set up along the docks.
The Sandkaj swimming pool in Nordhavn - © Sophie Renassia
You could almost imagine you're at a Danish version of Paris Plages... With water clean enough to swim in!
If you want to get a bird's-eye view, you can climb up to the rooftop of Lüders Bakery, located at the top of a parking garage. The view takes in the entire neighborhood and offers a better understanding of its spectacular development.
After “a few” steps, you can enjoy the view of the neighborhood from this rooftop (which also serves as a playground for kids) - © Sophie Renassia
Before leaving the neighborhood, take a detour to the Danish Architecture Center (DAC).
Le Blox, the iconic contemporary architecture building that houses the DAC - © Sophie Renassia
Its exhibits provide a very informative explanation of how Copenhagen has become a global leader in mobility, urban planning, and quality of life.
DAC Exhibitions: A Blend of Fun and Education - © Sophie Renassia
Don't miss the rooftop café either, which offers a lovely view of the canals.
The rooftop of the Danish Architecture Center - © Sophie Renassia
🌱 CopenPay: The Danish Architecture Center has already participated in some editions of the program. Check to see what's available during your stay.
🎟️ Copenhagen Card: Admission included.
After exploring the capital’s major urban projects, head to BaneGaarden, about 20 minutes by bike from downtown. This hidden gem shows you another side of Copenhagen: more intimate, more local, and almost rural—despite its immediate proximity to the railroad tracks.
BaneGaarden is a former rail yard converted into a third place dedicated to sustainable food, culture, and community. It features a organic bakery (“Perron”), known for its sourdough breads and pastries, a few spots for catering, some vegetable gardens, some cultural events and, in the summer, a open-air movie theater. Large tables invite locals and travelers alike to share a meal or just a cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
The street food stands and picnic tables at BaneGaarden - © Sophie Renassia
Keep in mind, though: the location is a bit out of the way. If you only have two days in Copenhagen, it might not be worth changing your plans just for this. On the other hand, if you enjoy places that blend heritage, ecology, and local life, this is a stop that’s as unique as it is enjoyable—a welcome break from the more touristy attractions!
The BaneGaarden Greenhouse - © Sophie Renassia
💡 Editor's note: I rode there on a bike from Donkey Republic (about €6 for a 40-minute rental through the app). On the day of my visit, several vegetarian options at the food market were unfortunately already sold out. That said, I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the place and its organic bakery, which alone is worth the trip.
Don't miss the sourdough specialties at Perron Bakery. Very popular in Denmark, this natural fermentation method produces breads and pastries that are more flavorful, crispier, and softer. At BaneGaarden, everything is made with organic ingredients, using traditional artisanal techniques.
It's hard to imagine a better ending than Folkehuset Absalon. This former church, now converted into a community space, hosts a huge communal dinner every evening, where residents, students, and travelers gather around long communal tables.
The idea is simple: for about ten euros, anyone can come and share the meal of the day... as well as the conversation. Facilitators lead a few icebreakers to get the conversation going, and then the discussions flow naturally from there.
Absalon’s large dining tables, seen from upstairs - © Sophie Renassia
💡 Editor's note: As a side note, at my table were, among others, a mother with her daughter and son-in-law, who had gotten married in that very same church twenty-three years earlier. Within minutes, we’d gone from small talk about the weather to real conversations about our travels and our lives. That’s undoubtedly the warmest memory I’ll take away from the trip. In short, I highly recommend it, especially if you’re traveling solo!
Just be sure to make a reservation: this place is very popular with locals.
The friendly atmosphere at Absalon’s “Communal Diner” - © Sophie Renassia
Then all you have to do is head back to the train station with your head full of memories, to return to France via a connecting flight in Hamburg, or Continue your journey through the Scandinavian countries.
A program launched by Wonderful Copenhagen to encourage more sustainable travel practices, CopenPay Offers visitors benefits or experiences—depending on the season and partner—that emphasize travel by train, bicycle, or public transportation.
During certain editions, arriving in Copenhagen by train has, for example, allowed participants to take advantage of free bike rentals or special cultural activities. The partners change regularly, so be sure to check the official website before you leave!
The Copenhagen Card provides access to more than 80 attractions and also includes all public transportation in the capital. It covers, among other things, the Danish Architecture Center, Copenhagen Contemporary, Tivoli, and harbor buses 991 and 992. If you’re planning several visits in a short period of time, it often pays for itself on the first or second day! Find out more at Our Complete Guide to Copenhagen Without Flying.
The Magic of Copenhagen's Canals - © Sophie Renassia
In two days, you obviously only get a glimpse of Copenhagen. But people often come for Nyhavn, Tivoli, or the Little Mermaid, and usually leave with memories of something else entirely: an impromptu dip in the harbor, a ride on the water bus, a coffee in the sun at La Banchina, or a dinner shared with strangers at Absalon.
That's what makes Copenhagen so rich: its thousand and one faces. By the way, although this itinerary was tested in the summer, most of these stops can be visited year-round. From Tivoli’s winter lights to the Copenhagen Light Festival and the fastelavnsboller season, Copenhagen offers a different experience with each season.
What truly sets the Danish capital apart is not so much its collection of beautiful monuments as the way it transforms every space into a living environment. Old harbors become neighborhoods where people go swimming; brownfield sites host restaurants or museums; a power plant is transformed into a ski slope; a former train station finds a new lease on life with large communal tables; and a former church welcomes hundreds of people every evening for a shared dinner. Here, sustainable transportation isn’t a tourist attraction, swimming in the harbor isn’t a rare occurrence, and large public spaces aren’t mere backdrops—they’re part of everyday life.
Of course, we’ll come away with some beautiful photos of Nyhavn and Tivoli, but also with a magnificent example of what the cities of tomorrow could look like… So, when are you leaving?
And for more inspiration, visit the official websites of VisitCopenhagen and VisitDenmark !
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
