For many Australians, Copenhagen was really put on the map when Tasmanian-born Mary Donaldson married the future king of Denmark in Copenhagen Cathedral in 2004.
But this chic Scandinavian city, the capital of Denmark, also has natural beauty, historic architecture, a thriving design and creative scene, great food and hospitality, and a relaxed vibe going for it. It topped the EIU’s Global Liveability Index 2025 because of its “stability, education and infrastructure”, scoring a hefty 98 out of 100 points.
Day 1Morning
Start your discovery by fuelling up at one of the city’s most popular bakeries, Juno, in the fashionable Østerbro neighbourhood. Located on Århusgade in a quaint converted house, you’ll smell this Danish institution before you see it.
Expect to queue at any time and in all weather, but staff are quick and once you’ve made your choice take your pastry and coffee and find a seat in the front courtyard. The flaky vanilla bun or almond croissant topped with a generous serve of crunchy nuts are bestsellers, or try the light-as-air traditional Danish cookies.
Then wander the surrounding streets. A family-friendly and quiet neighbourhood, you’ll find small, independently owned shops selling one-of-a-kind fashion, kids’ clothes, jewellery, books, art and homewares.
This is also the opportunity to cross one of Copenhagen’s most well-known and treasured landmarks off your list. The Little Mermaid sculpture sits on the waterfront at Langelinie Promenade and is a 20-minute walk from Juno. The 1.25m tall bronze statue commemorates the fairy tales of Denmark’s most famous storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen.
Afternoon
Head to picturesque Nyhavn for a relaxed lunch and to people watch. The name means “New Harbour” although the area dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. This is the image of Copenhagen that you see on Instagram, with brightly painted, gabled wooden townhouses, and cobbled streets alongside the busy canals.
Preserved wooden boats line the quay and take visitors for short cruises along the waterways. Find a cafe and order a traditional Danish lunch of smørrebrød (open sandwich) on dark rye bread topped with cold meats, pâté or herring.
After lunch, hire a bicycle or continue on foot and discover more history. Amalienborg Palace is a short 800m walk from Nyhavn and is the official home of the Danish royals. It’s actually made up of four palaces centred around a courtyard. At noon each day, there is a ceremonial Changing of the Guard and locals say it’s pretty common to spot Frederik and Mary casually returning home after performing royal duties.
Then be impressed by Copenhagen’s stately Marble Church – although it’s actually made of limestone and is officially Frederik’s Church. The green copper dome offers up the best panoramic views of the city and you can make your way to the top at 1pm every day during summer and at weekends during the rest of the year.
Evening
Head to Kødbyen, which is Copenhagen’s fashionable Meatpacking District in the Vesterbro neighbourhood. Once an industrial part of town, this area has become a place for locals and tourists to mingle. There’s an extensive range of eateries and some of Copenhagen’s best bars and clubs.
For fresh fish and seafood, try Fiskebar which was one of the first venues to open in Kødbyn, or for something spicier, try the Mexican-inspired Hija de Sanchez for its freshly made tacos. Then wander across to Mesteren & Lærlingen to round off 24 hours in Copenhagen with a cool draft beer.
We stayed at the Hotel Kong Arthur in the pretty and convenient suburb of Nansensgade in the heart of the city. Finish off your evening with a walk around one of the many lakes that stretch across the city – they are on the hotel’s doorstep.
Day 2Morning
Start your second day with a morning walk around Nørrebro – the city’s multicultural melting pot and a magnet for up-and-coming creatives. Walk across the wide Dronning Louises Bro (Queen Louise’s Bridge) and wander the antique stores on Ravnsborggade.
From there, browse the fashion stores and cafes on Elmegade before walking through the peaceful Assistens Kierkegård (Assistens Cemetery) where you’ll find the graves of Hans Christian Andersen and other renowned Danes. The park is a popular green space where Danes cycle, walk and picnic.
Exit the cemetery near the top of Jægersborggade – a centre for small art galleries, vintage shops and ceramic and jewellery designers. For one-off ceramics, drop into Keramiker Inge Vincents Studio Shop, and for handmade jewellery visit Ladyfingers. For up-market Scandinavian vintage fashion, Tú a Tú is the place to shop.
Afternoon
Copenhagen’s main shopping strip, Strøget, is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets – and quite possibly one of the prettiest. You’ll find international names from Max Mara to Mulberry and more budget-priced options in a boulevard hemmed by historic buildings. Visit the flagship Lego store to take photos of the impressive Lego sculptures.
This street is also where you’ll find the Guinness World Records Museum – look out for the life-size statue of the world’s tallest man at the entrance, Robert Wadlow, an American, who stood a towering 2.72m. For quality department store shopping, visit Illum and the five-storey Magasin du Nord.
Evening
Round off your trip with a stroll around Søerne (The Lakes). A network of paths fringes the lakes making a 6km circuit. On a spring or summer evening the area is popular with families, cyclists and joggers and there are often buskers and kiosks where you can get a drink and watch the world pass by from the water’s edge.
Discover
Copenhagen is one of Europe’s coolest cities due to its historic sights, natural beauty, a focus on sustainability and the environment, a flourishing creative scene and its fashion and food culture.
Plan
Consider a Copenhagen Card which covers travel to and from Copenhagen Airport and entry to more than 80 attractions. Choose your season when planning a trip. During summer, the city gets around 17 hours of daylight and is a mild 21C. During winter, there is about seven hours of daylight and temperatures hover around 4C at most. From late 2026, Australians need to complete an online European Travel Information and Authorization System to enter Denmark.
Book
The Hotel Kong Arthur is in the city centre, in Nansensgade. Between the city and the lakes, the hotel is within a few minutes’ walk of the Nørreport transport hub and Torvehallerne, a covered market where stalls sell some of Copenhagen’s freshest and tastiest gourmet foods. A roomy Junior Suite starts at around $420 a night during February.