How to spend one day in Copenhagen on foot: an itinerary

Why spend one day in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, the city of spires, is a flat city built around waterways and with a compact center, which makes it very walkable. Spending one day in Copenhagen on a walking tour is very easy. The city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture contribute to the town’s electrifying character, evident in the architectonic gems sprinkled throughout the Danish capital.

One such treasure is the iconic Carlsberg brewery built in 1847, whose chimney is still an industrial architecture treasure today. This itinerary will start at the Carlsberg premises and venues, and throughout the day it will take you around the neighboring areas of Copenhagen, finishing at the majestic Tivoli Gardens.

One day in Copenhagen: an overview

Must-see in one day in Copenhagen: Morning

Carlsberg Brewery Tour

Carlsberg Museum

Vestebro

Where to eat in Copenhagen: Noon

Meatpacking District

Things to see in one day Copenhageny: Afternoon

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotet

Strøget

One day in Copenhagen: Evening

Nyhavn

Trivoli Gardens

Must-see in one day in Copenhagen: morning

Carlsberg Brewery Tour

Start your day with a tour of the Carlsberg Brewery, one of Copenhagen’s most famous attractions. Learn about the history of the brewery, explore the old brewhouse, and enjoy a tasting session of their finest beers. The brewery offers a comprehensive insight into the art of beer-making and the legacy of Carlsberg. Don’t miss out on the architectural gems the Carlsberg Brewery has bestowed on modern Copenhagen: the Diphylon Gate, the Elephant Gate, the Carlsberg chimney, and the Chalk Lighthouse.

The Carlsberg Museum

Next to the brewery, you will find the Carlsberg Museum. The museum is housed in historic buildings, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past. During your tour of the Carlsberg Museum, you will dive into the history of the Carlsberg family and their contributions to science, art, and, of course, beer. At the end of your exploration of the Carlsberg facilities, you can rest in the courtyard of the brewery, in the sculpture garden, or visit the Carlsberg bar for a pint of refreshing beer straight from the tap.

Vesterbro

Leave the Carlsberg Brewery and head towards Vesterbro, a vibrant and trendy district. Take a leisurely walk through the streets of Vesterbro, known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and street art. In the Vesterbro district, you can find the Tivoli Gardens, the  Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, the Fotografisk Centre, andthe Meatpacking District (Kødbyen), a hub for creative eateries and art galleries. If you feel like you need some shopping therapy, visit Istedgade, the main shopping street, and if you need a break to relax, stroll along the long, leafy Sønder Boulevard or have a snack at Skydebanehaven, an ideal picnic spot.

Where to eat in Copenhagen: Noon

The Meatpacking District

At noon, when your stomach starts to complain, stop for lunch at one of the many trendy restaurants in the Meatpacking District. Hip brewpubs, fresh seafood, gourmet burgers, or international cuisine—the Meatpacking District has something to suit everyone’s tastes. If you feel like continuing your specialization workshop in Danish beer, head to Mikkeller. Mikkeller was established in 2010 by a schoolteacher. Since then, the bar has managed to elevate beer to a gourmet experience, and, with 40 beers on tap, it is considered a favorite among the locals and is one of the most frequently visited beer bars in Copenhagen.

Things to see in one day Copenhagen: afternoon

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Next, go to the nearby Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, an art gallery that Carl Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg, founded. The museum houses an impressive collection of ancient and modern art, including works by Rodin, Gauguin, and Degas. It stores more than 10,00 artifacts and covers the civilization and culture of about 6,000 years, from ancient Egypt up to 19th century Denmark and France. The museum’s faculty believes that art should be experienced with as many senses as possible. It should not only be seen but heard as well. Therefore, innovative sensory features like audio stories complement the Glyptotek sightseeing experience.

The NY Glyptotek building itself is a work of art. The Danish architects of the museum, whose story can be read and heard during your tour, designed the building as a daylight museum. Daylight is an important component of the Glyptotek expedition. The Winter Hall was designed like a greenhouse; Kampmann’s Central Hall has a glass roof and design inspired by Roman architecture; and the roof terrace on top of Henning Larsen’s building is where you can see the Glyptotek underneath you and a panoramic view of the Copenhagen cityscape.

Strøget

Leave the Glyptotek and make your way to Strøget, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe running from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. Along Strøget, you will find both high-end brands for your shopping cravings, like Hermès and Gucci, and the more affordable Zara and H&M.  If you want to continue sightseeing, you can visit the Church of Our Lady (Von Frue Kirke), where the Danish Prince and Crown Princess were married, and the stork fountain (Storkespringvandet) at Amagertorv Square. Strøget is perfect for souvenir shopping for your loved ones.

One day in Copenhagen: Evening

Nyhavn

Continue your walk to Nyhavn, the iconic waterfront district with its colorful 17th-century  town houses and lively atmosphere. The famous fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen lived here at no. 20. Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s old commercial port, where ships from around the world would berth, and it was bustling with sailors visiting the local pubs and looking for fun time with local women. Now the area has been renovated into a restaurant hub. Cafes, jazz notes, and people strolling along the canals complement the modern version of the iconic Hans Christian Andersen port.

Tivoli Gardens

After dinner, finish your Copenhagen itinerary with a walk at the Tivoli Gardens. The Tivoli Gardens are one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Even if you’re not interested in the rides, the park is worth a visit for its beautiful gardens, live entertainment, and charming atmosphere. Especially at night, when it is illuminated with thousands of lights, the park is a splendor for the eyes. Spend some time wandering through the park, enjoying the scenery and the gardens. The Tivoli Gardens also have a food market. There you will find everything: traditional Danish cuisine, French bistro restaurants, and even vegetarian spots. The Tivoli Food Hall is an excellent alternative for dinner, a nightcap, or a coffee.

This one-day itinerary is an all-around trip in Copenhagen, covering history, culture, and relaxation while showcasing some of the best that the capital of Denmark has to offer, all within walking distance or a short public transport ride. Start your day at the historic Carlsberg Brewery, continue to the vibrant streets of Vesterbro, then the picturesque Nyhavn, and finally the charming and luminous Tivoli Gardens, and you’ll experience the essence of Copenhagen in a single day. So put on your walking shoes, set pins on your GPS maps, and get ready to explore this beautiful city.

Browse the Amitylux Copenhagen private tours. Choose between small walking tours, biking tours around Copenhagen or the green sustainable tour. 

Photo credits: Tim Lines, visitCopenhagen, Henriette Elmøe, Meatpacking District, Home of Carlsberg, copenhagendreamer, glypotek