72 Hours in Copenhagen | How to Eat & Explore Like a Local
TravelTalk24 Team
Travel Experts

Copenhagen is undeniably beautiful. Often referred to as the 'Rose of Scandinavia,' it is a city deeply interwoven with water, where historic canals meet cutting-edge urban design. While the city is globally celebrated as the epicenter of fine dining and Michelin stars, its true charm lies in its everyday bakeries, hidden local bodegas, and world-class street food.
If you want to experience the real 'hygge' (that warm, cozy feeling of being present), you have to step off the traditional tourist path. Based on the fantastic culinary and cultural vlog by 'Doobydobap', we have mapped out the ultimate 72-hour Copenhagen itinerary to help you eat and explore the city exactly like a local.
Watch the Complete 72 Hours in Copenhagen Vlog
The 3-Day Local Itinerary
| Day | Morning Highlights | Afternoon & Evening Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Bakeries, Views & Classic Hygge | Start with a classic Danish breakfast (morning bun with cheese & butter) at Hart Bageri. Walk along the water in Amager, taking in views of the Opera House. | Hike up CopenHill (the city's massive waste-to-energy plant turned ski slope) for panoramic views. Grab a classic hot dog and chocolate milk at Reffen Street Food Market. End the day renting a GoBoat to cruise the canals at sunset. |
| Day 2: Markets, Seafood & Amusement Parks | Stroll through the peaceful Assistens Cemetery (resting place of H.C. Andersen) and grab a light-roast coffee at the original Coffee Collective in Nørrebro. Enjoy a Middle Eastern brunch at Ali Bageri. | Wander the Red Square in Nørrebro. Visit Torvehallerne (the upscale glass food market) and have an incredible seafood dinner at Fiskebar in the trendy Meatpacking District. Spend the night walking through the historic, neon-lit Tivoli Gardens. |
| Day 3: Art, Smørrebrød & Late-Night Bites | Take an hour drive out to the stunning Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, famous for seamlessly blending Danish design with nature. Grab a world-renowned cardamom bun at Juno the Bakery upon returning. | Experience a true Danish lunch with traditional Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) and Snaps at Schønnemann. Stroll through the King's Garden and Nyhavn, finishing your trip with a late-night Flæskesteg (crispy pork) sandwich at Isted Grill. |
What to Eat: The Local Staples
- Smørrebrød: The quintessential Danish open-faced sandwich on dark rye bread. Head to Schønnemann or Aamanns to try variations like pickled herring, fried plaice (fish), or raw beef tartare.
- The Classic Hot Dog: Danish hot dogs are a gourmet experience. Order a classic roasted hot dog topped with remoulade, mustard, ketchup, and both raw and crispy fried onions. Always wash it down with a chocolate milk—it's the local way!
- Flæskesteg Sandwich: A late-night staple featuring incredibly crispy roast pork with crackling skin, red braised cabbage, and pickles. Isted Grill is the absolute best spot for this.
- Danish Pastries: Skip the standard tourist shops and head to Hart Bageri for a 'Tebirkes' (a poppy seed pastry filled with almond paste) or Juno the Bakery for their impossibly light cardamom buns.
Unique Copenhagen Experiences
- CopenHill: Where else in the world can you hike, rock climb, or ski down the roof of an active, eco-friendly power plant? The views of the city from the top are unmatched.
- Rent a GoBoat: Be your own captain! Pack some wine and snacks, and steer a small electric boat through the city's historic canals right as the sun sets.
- Tivoli Gardens at Night: Operating since the mid-1800s, this is not just an amusement park—it is a relic. Walking through the antique rides and neon lights during the long summer twilight is magical.
Coordinate Your Copenhagen City Break
Booking 24-hour advance reservations for iconic seafood spots like Kødbyens Fiskebar and organizing GoBoat rentals can require tight scheduling. To seamlessly map your foodie routes and manage your daily itinerary, download the travel planning app, TravelTalk24.
Tags

