Your first visit to Copenhagen doesn’t need a rigid, hour-by-hour itinerary. It’s enough to know in advance where to leave your belongings, how the local transport works, and which attractions really do require a ticket. The two-day itinerary below leaves plenty of time for relaxation, taking photos and making unexpected discoveries.
Before you set off, check the exact address of your accommodation, check-in time and how to get there. In Denmark, it’s worth bearing in mind the cycle paths, strong winds and the fact that cash is rarely accepted. Prices, opening hours and temporary restrictions may vary, so please check your final itinerary the day before your trip.
Before you set off: luggage, communication and transport
Download a map of the area, take a screenshot of your ticket and save the accommodation address in two different ways. If your room isn’t ready yet, ask about early luggage storage first; an alternative should be an official left-luggage facility with clear rates and a receipt. Do not leave documents, money or chargers in your suitcase.
To get around Copenhagen, you can use the metro, commuter trains, buses and ferries. Don’t automatically buy a day pass: mark your destinations on a map and compare its price with two or three single journeys. It’s often more convenient to walk around the city centre, but your energy levels after a night on the bus are more important than a small saving.
Day one: Nyhavn and Amagertorv Square
Once you’ve checked in or dropped off your luggage, start at Nyhavn. This spot helps you get a feel for the city’s scale and gauge the actual pace of your walk. Next, head towards Amager Torv, choosing streets with as few unnecessary detours as possible. On the first day, limit yourself to just one longer paid tour, and treat the rest of the locations as an open-ended itinerary.
If the bus arrives late, don’t try to catch up with the whole itinerary. Cut your second stop down to a quick look around, take a break for a proper meal and finish the evening near your accommodation. Before heading back, check the last public transport service and make sure you’re heading to the correct stop.
Day two: Amalienborg Palace and the waterfront near the Little Mermaid
Spend the second morning at Amalienborg Palace. If you need a time slot, book it for a realistic time, rather than straight after the early arrival of the bus. Check the rules regarding backpacks, how to show your e-ticket, and any potential closing days.
After the main tour, head to the waterfront near the Little Mermaid. Between these two stops, allow time for a proper lunch and at least one free hour. This will give you a buffer in case of queues, rain or an interesting street that wasn’t on your list. If your next bus leaves in the evening, finish your last new stop no later than two hours before boarding.
How not to overpack your itinerary
A good two-day plan includes one main attraction per day, two areas for strolling, and a few optional stops. Pick one spot that you can happily leave out. That way, a delay won’t turn into a constant feeling of being behind schedule, and your trip will maintain a normal pace.
Allow more time than your sat-nav suggests for photos, a coffee and finding the right entrance. Cobblestones, hills and crowds will significantly slow you down. If you’re travelling with a child, elderly relatives or a large suitcase, shorten the walking section and add one long break indoors.
Budget for two days
Calculate accommodation, the journey from the coach station, local transport, meals, one priority attraction and a contingency fund separately. Alternate free open spaces, parks and historic streets with museum visits. A tourist card is only worth it if you actually make use of the included trips and attractions; the advertised number of discounts doesn’t save you anything on its own.
What to check before arrival
- the exact address of the bus stop and any announcements from the transport operator;
- the route to your accommodation, and the conditions for early check-in or luggage storage;
- an offline map showing Nyhavn and Amalienborg Palace;
- the charge on your power bank, mobile data and a backup payment method;
- the time you need to be back at the platform, allowing for city traffic.
Useful links
Before your trip, also read about how to plan your first day after a long coach journey, how to find a hotel from the coach stop, and the minimum daily hand luggage allowance on the coach. You can check bus travel options on RedRay. Check events, seasonal changes and attraction rules via the official Danish tourism portal and the official websites of specific locations. Sources verified on 7 September 2026.
Questions and answers
Are two days enough for a first visit to Copenhagen?
Yes, if you focus on one compact part of the city each day and choose just one attraction for an in-depth visit. For a more leisurely pace, leave a few optional stops.
Where can I leave my suitcase after a coach journey?
The most convenient option is to arrange early check-in with your accommodation. If this isn’t possible, use an official left-luggage facility, checking the rates, opening hours and conditions for collecting your luggage.
Do you need a travel pass in Copenhagen?
Work out the actual number of journeys you’ll make along your route. If most of your destinations are in the city centre, single tickets may be cheaper; a travel pass is more convenient if you’re making several journeys to outlying areas.
What must you book in advance?
First and foremost, check your ticket for Amalienborg Palace to see if time slots apply. Also, confirm your accommodation and the exact location of your next bus stop, and keep the rest of your itinerary flexible.