You have a few hours (at least 6 hours or more) in Copenhagen and you want to see and experience the most. So what to do and to see in Copenhagen? Follow the order and traveling tips to be the most efficient.
Tipp: Check https://www.cph.dk/en to what the waiting time at Security at Copenhagen airport is.
Get out of the airport by taking the metro to Christianshaven (M2) and walking to
1. Freetown Christiania
Discover the unique alternative community of Freetown Christiania. Christiania is known for its artists and weed dealers. It is not a dangerous place to be, but please do not try to take pictures
2. Church of Our Saviour
Close to Christiania is the Church of our Savior. Climb the beautiful staircase and enjoy the view over Copenhagen
Get back to the Christianshaven metro station and take the M2 to Kongens Nytorv. The following stops are walkable from Kongens Nytorv.
3. Nyhavn
Nyhavn is known for its famous colorful townhouses, which are featured on almost every postcard. The 17th-century waterfront stretches from Kongen Nytorv (Square) to the Royal Playhouses. Stop at Vaffelbageren Nyhavn for some amazing ice cream. If you have time, take a canal boat tour(1 hour)
On the canal tour, you will see the The Little Mermaid Statue an iconic symbol of Copenhagen and other beautiful places. Alternatively, you can walk there (20 min one way), the next 2 stops are on the way.
4. Amalienborg
Amalienborg is the residence of the Danish royal family. You cannot visit the palace, but you can watch the changing of the guard ceremony.
5. Marmorkirken (Marmor Church)
The Marmor Church also called Fredrik’s Church is an Evangelical Lutheran Church built in the rococo style. It is the largest dome church in Scandinavia. The interior of the dome is beautiful and the church is always worth a visit.
6. Rosenborg Palace
Rosenborg Palace is a (Dutch) Renaissance castle. It was built in 1606 and used by the Danish Royal Family as a residence until 1710. You cannot visit the castle, but the park.
Additional stops close to Rosenborg Palace, the Botanical Garden, the National Museum of Denmark, and the National Gallery of Denmark.
7. Visit Christiansborg Palace
Underneath the Danish parliament building, Christiansborg Palace, you can find the ruins of another castle dating all the way back to the 11th century. Christianborg Palace was constructed in 1733 as a royal palace. Today it is home to the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark. Besides the ruins of the palace from the 11th century, you can visit The Royal Reception Rooms with The Great Hall and The Tapestries, The Royal Stables, The Royal Kitchen and Christiansborg Palace Chapel.
8. Strøget Shopping Street
Strøget (Main Street) connects Kongens Nytorv with the City Hall. You can find many shopping opportunities on the way. I recommend stopping for a pastry at Buka Bakery or visiting La Glace (Denmark’s oldest, and probably also best patisserie)
9. Visit the City Hall Tower
The City Hall was constructed in 1892 and opened in 1905. The City Hall is the home of the Copenhagen City Council as well as Copenhagen’s Lord Mayor. In the City Hall, the Jens Olsen’s World Clock or Verdensur, which is an advanced astronomical clock) is displayed. With its 105.6 meters, the City Hall (Tower) is one of the tallest buildings in Copenhagen. You can climb the around 300 stairs to the top of the tower. It gives you a great view of Copenhagen and Tivoli.
10. Tivoli Gardens:
Visit Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. The park is seasonally decorated and offers a festive atmosphere. You can buy a ticket for the rides or only an entrance ticket.
From here, it is only a few steps to the central train station. You can take the train back to the airport from Copenhagen Central Station
Bonus: Visit the Carlsberg Brewery
Visit the Carlsberg Brewery and learn more about Danish beer. The Carlsberg Brewery was founded in 1947 by J C Jacobsen, and named after his son. Its product are sold all around the world.
Tipp: Do not forget to try a smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) or a Danish pastry at a local bakery.
Q&A
What to do with a 6-hour layover in Copenhagen? Follow this layover guide.
Can passengers leave the airport during layover? You can leave and re-enter the airport during a layover. All you need is your boarding pass and your passport.
How far is Copenhagen Airport from the city? It takes you around 25 min from Copenhagen Airport to the city with the metro or the train.
Are there Ubers in Copenhagen? No Uber is not available in Copenhagen
Things to do near Copenhagen airport? National Aquarium Denmark (1 metro stop from the airport)