How to spend a perfect weekend in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the perfect destination for a weekend break. It is both a historic and fashionable city, full of fantastic things to see, do and eat. Although it is the capital of Denmark, it is surprisingly compact and easy to get around, which means visitors can see a lot in a short time. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy a weekend in Copenhagen.

Visitors can see a lot in a short time in compact Copenhagen on a weekend visit © william87 / Getty Images

Friday

Afternoon

Start your visit to Copenhagen with some of the best-loved attractions. Wander around the charming Nyhavn and soak up the magical atmosphere of colourful houses and tall boats filling the canal. Enjoy a stroll along the harbour and admire the contrast between the historic warehouses and modern additions such as the gigantic Opera House. The walk will take you to the Amalienborg Royal Palace, the Kastellet fortress, the impressive Gefion fountain and the iconic Little Mermaid.

See the city from a different perspective by taking a boat tour with Hey Captain. The one-hour tour aboard one of their cosy boats for 12 people takes you along Copenhagen 's harbour and through the city's canals. With comfortable chairs around a table stocked with free refreshments, it is a social as well as a tourist experience.

Evening

For dinner, try a taste of the renowned new Nordic cuisine at the stylish but cosy Høst. Choose the set menu accompanied by wine or gourmet juice. The menu here changes with the seasons, which means you will enjoy fresh local flavours and the chic Scandinavian decor will make the experience even more memorable.

Continue your evening at Ruby, a fantastic cocktail bar located on the banks of the canal in the oldest part of Copenhagen.

Choose from a variety of creative cocktails and soak up the speakeasy atmosphere, sinking into the leather sofas while enjoying a tasty tipple.

The Torvehallerne food market is the perfect place to buy gourmet souvenirs © Caroline Hadamitzky / Lonely Planet

Saturday

Morning

Head to the foodie's favourite, the Torvehallerne covered market for breakfast and discover the local culinary choices. Enjoy a bowl of porridge with fresh apples, toasted almonds and handmade caramel sauce at Grød, savour deliciously crumbly pastries at Laura's Bakery or get your coffee fix at the renowned Coffee Collective. Browse the local produce and pick up food souvenirs, such as organic chocolates from Summerbirs or sea buckthorn jam from Bornholmer Butikken.

Walk along the charming pedestrian streets towards the historic Round Tower, where you can choose to ascend the spiral staircase to admire the view over the city. Explore the picturesque Amagertorv and visit some of Denmark's surrounding brands, including porcelain manufacturer Royal Copenhagen, silversmith Georg Jensen, design shop HAY House and department store Illums Bolighus; its fabulous homewares section is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs of your trip that don't scream 'dreary souvenir'.

Afternoon

Have a quick and tasty lunch at DØP, where you can sample an organic pølse, the Danish hot dog. DØP offers a range of sausages, including goat, rosehip chicken and a vegetarian option. Set off to explore the island of Slotsholmen, where Copenhagen was founded in 1167.

Visit Christiansborg, the seat of the Danish Parliament and the working Queen's Palace - where you can tour the state rooms of the Royal Apartments including the Great Hall, which houses colourful modern tapestries illustrating 1100 years of Danish history. Slotsholmen is also the site of the Royal Stables and riding stables, where you will often see the Queen's horses grazing or being trained, and the tranquil gardens of the Royal Library.

The island of Christianshavn was created in the 1600s ©aliaksei kruhlenia/Shutterstock

Take a break and indulge your sweet tooth with the best cheesecake in Copenhagen at Bertels Salon, which offers a wide selection of flavours that change with the season. Still have time? Stroll past the historic Stock Exchange and its distinctive spiral Dragon Spire, then cross the harbour to Christianshavn Island, which was created in the 1600s. This historic area includes a charming canal lined with small boats, creating a nautical atmosphere.

Evening

Explore the lively streets of the Vesterbro district as you stroll to your dinner destination, the Meatpacking district (Kødbyen). This series of former slaughterhouses has been transformed into a trendy area for restaurants, cafés, clubs and art galleries. One that particularly stands out in the district is Kødbyens Fiskebar, a trendy Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant famous for its incredible fish and innovative cocktails. Dinner here can range from fish and chips to an elegant multi-course tasting menu. Save some room for one of their creative desserts.

After dinner head to the iconic Tivoli, the second oldest amusement park in the world. Admire the twinkling lights and striking lake and soar through the sky on the Star Flyer or enjoy after-dinner cocktails in the exclusive Nimb restaurant. In the warmer months, Tivoli hosts live music every night and on Saturdays you can enjoy swing music under the stars followed by fireworks at 11.45pm.

Every Saturday there is a fireworks show at the Tivoli amusement park © Bidstrup / Getty Images

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Sunday

Morning

Make your way to the multicultural district of Nørrebro and enjoy one of the best brunches in town at Wulff & Konstali. Choose from five or seven items for a range of delicious possibilities, such as mushroom and truffle sandwiches with goat cheese or poppy seed waffles with lemon cream.

Stroll through the leafy Assistens Cemetery (burial place of famous Danish figures such as Hans Christian Andersen and philosopher Søren Kirkegaard, among others) to Jægerborggade, a once infamous street that is now home to some of Copenhagen's best independent shops, vintage boutiques and artists' studios.

Afternoon

Try a modern interpretation of the smørrebrød, a traditional Danish sandwich opened by Selma. The seasonally updated menu includes dishes such as fried plaice with salted lemon and lovage and caramelised chicken with rhubarb. Enjoy a local Mikkeller beer on tap or try a strong akvavit, a house-flavoured drink.

Try the modern variation of the traditional smørrebrød ©Ulf Svane/Lonely Planet

Finally, immerse yourself in a bit of history with a visit to Rosenborg Castle, built in 1607 as the country residence of King Christian IV. Now a museum, the castle boasts a fascinating collection of furniture, paintings and artefacts, including a narwhal tooth throne. Visit the treasury for a look at some of the most valuable treasures including the Crown Jewels. Take a stroll through the idyllic gardens surrounding the castle, including the Renaissance-style rose garden that has a beautiful view of Rosenborg.

As your perfect weekend in Copenhagen draws to a close, take one last stroll through the colourful streets of the old town and soak up the historic atmosphere. By now you are already planning your return.