A Pinterest Worthy Copenhagen Itinerary
Pull out your film cameras and Canons because Copenhagen’s beauty is worth capturing. This is not your average Copenhagen itinerary – this travel guide is all about the aesthetic. With an eye for sustainable and affordable travel too, of course. Whether you’re visiting Copenhagen solo, spending an entire semester abroad, or fitting in a quick girls trip, this itinerary will show you all the most picture perfect spots in Denmark’s famous city.
Let’s get into the most gorgeous, artsy, and elegant offerings with this Copenhagen Itinerary:
Where To Stay
A Magical Eco Hotel Experience
First and foremost, you need a place to sleep. It seems that there are a million accommodation options in Copenhagen, but none as aesthetic–or sustainable–as Manon Les Suites. Read our entire post on this Copenhagen Eco Hotel, and you’ll see just what makes Manon Les Suites so magical.
Everything here is Pinterest worthy, from the adorable “boarding passes” you receive upon arrival, to the iconic balinese style pool. The colorful robes, the rooftop spa (included in your stay!), the jungle gym – this place has it all. Each room at Manon Les Suites faces the pool, so there are 6 floors worth of vantage points to get the perfect pool shot.
We took the below photos on an iPhone from the 6th floor of the hotel – after getting up bright and early to make sure we’d be the only ones in the pool area.
Book your stay through EcoHotels.com, and this company will plant a tree in your honor to increase reforestation. This platform showcases certified sustainable properties across the world, so keep them in mind for all future trips! One booking = one tree planted! Booking through EcoHotels is the first step in creating a truly sustainable travel experience.
Depending on how long you plan to stay in Copenhagen, 3+ nights at Manon Les Suites may not be the most affordable option. For those traveling on a budget, book 1-2 nights here and then spend the rest of your stay at another Guldsmeden Eco Hotel. Try Babette Guldsmeden for its proximity to some of the best sites in the city.
Balinese style pool at Manon Les Suites
Suite at Manon Les Suites
Where To Eat
$ (<$10) – $$$$ ($50 a meal)
Photo Worthy Food
Phone eats first. Pinterest worthy restaurants are about more than just what’s on the plate. The very best restaurants have ambience, energy, and just the right ~vibe~. The following eateries offer true experiences to those dining in, making them the perfect additions to your Copenhagen itinerary:
Inside La Glace Bakery in Copenhagen
Cakes on display at La Glace Bakery
La Glace ($)
A pastel pink pastry shop perfect for tea and cake. Go early or later in the afternoon to avoid midday crowds. This bakery has stunning glass cases overflowing with cakes and pastries of all shapes and sizes. The staff all wear crisp white button downs and aprons, and they’ll deliver your treats right to your cozy table.
Outdoor table at Wulff & Konstali
Croisants at Wulff & Konstali
Wulff & Konstali ($$)
Wulff & Konstali Food Shop is the most Pinterest worthy brunch spot in Copenhagen. Select 5 or 7 delicious small dishes from your own personal menu card and prepare for the prettiest breakfast platter you’ve ever seen. Did we mention the fresh pressed juices, and delicious coffee? This breakfast restaurant is a match made in heaven for GF/DF/Vegetarian/Vegan gals, with a clearly labeled menu of allergens and a wide variety of dishes.
Union Kitchen ($$)
Next up, you’ll want to eat at Union Kitchen at least once, whether it be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This casual neighborhood eatery manages to be both laid back and stylish at the same time. The restaurant is known for its Instagrammable cappuccinos that come with witty sayings written on them. But don’t sleep on the bar and cocktail list either.
Course #1 at Host
Course #3 at Host
Høst ($$$$)
Høst is full of surprises – quite literally. Høst is the Danish word for harvest. This Nordic restaurant is part of the famous Cofoco brand, and their 3 and 5 course menu exceeds every expectation. Each course is photo worthy, and your server will bring quite a few additional seasonal “surprises” to supplement your meal. These surprises are both sweet and savory, and just all around delicious. We were SO impressed with the GF/DF options here – they have alternatives for every single aspect of the menu so you don’t have to skip out on any courses due to your allergies or preferences.
You’ll love Høst even more for its efforts to minimize food waste and prioritize sustainability. If you want to learn more about Høst’s environmental focus–and other amazing restaurants in Copenhagen–check out our Copenhagen Foodie Guide.
The above restaurants have that IT factor, making them the perfect additions to this Pinterest worthy Copenhagen itinerary. The ambience, the energy, the style, the plate presentation, the flavor combinations – this is about more than just food. It’s the dining experience you deserve.
What To Do
Now that you’re well fed and well slept, it’s time to explore the city. Start clearing space on your iPhone’s storage, because you’re going to need it for these photo worthy experiences. No Copenhagen itinerary is complete without visiting a few castles, setting out on the water, and strolling the most colorful streets.
Amalienborg Palace
Rosenborg Castle
Picturesque Castles
Amalienborg Palace
Home of the Danish royal family, you have to see this iconic castle. You can visit during the changing of the guard – a ceremony that takes place daily. The guard leaves Rosenborg Castle at 11:30 to arrive at Amalienborg Palace for the ceremony at 12:00. However, this will be the busiest time of day at the castle, so go early instead if you want pictures without other tourists in the background.
Rosenborg Castle
This is a stunning palace in Copenhagen located inside a central park known as The King’s Garden. This castle is 400 years old and it’s positively spooky. Pose in front of the moat and bridge that lead up to the high castle walls (yes, this fortress is legit). The park itself is also Pinterest worthy, making it a must-see on this Copenhagen itinerary.
Kastellet
Kastellet is a pentagon shaped citadel located between the Churchillparken park and waterfront. It’s supposedly one of the best preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. You’ll walk along an elevated path with the water winding below you and marvel at the way the earth was manipulated by humans to create such a unique fortress. Picture blue waters, high green hills, historical buildings, and a pretty windmill. This place is worth a morning or afternoon stroll. In addition, the famous Little Mermaid sculpture is walking distance from the citadel (but we found her to be a bit underwhelming).
Christiansborg Palace
The seat of the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark are all housed in this massive palace. Turn your 0.5x camera on because this one is almost too big to capture in a single photograph. Christiansborg is also centrally located in the city, and right next to another Pinterest worthy spot on this Copenhagen itinerary – The Royal Library’s Garden.
Kastellet Citadel
Christiansborg Palace
The Royal Library’s Garden
This is not a castle, but it’s also not your average library. The Royal Library is opulent and grand, worth checking out inside and out. You can walk just steps from Christiansborg Palace to see this beautiful building, so plan to hit both spots on the same day.
The Royal Library's Garden
More from Kastellet Citadel
@baggagegirls En route to Copenhagen? Add these spots to your travel itinerary 🤎🚲🧳🚊 #whattodoincopenhagen #travelguide #goboatcopenhagen #amalienborg #freetownchristiania #baggagegirls
♬ Love & War in Your Twenties - Jordy Searcy
Private Boating Experience
No Copenhagen itinerary is complete without a cruise along the canals. While there are quite a few different boats that will take you and 50 other tourists out on the water, GoBoat offers a more private experience. The best part is that you get to captain your own boat, and you bring your own food and drinks along for the ride. A picnic table sits in the center of each boat, so you can have your very own picnic on the water.
- 1 hour costs $70 USD, 2 hours costs $125 - split this cost between your group and it's a pretty great deal
- Boats fit up to 8 people - we recommend having at least a small group so that you can take turns steering the boat
- No drivers license or sailing certificate required - you must be 18 to drive but passengers can be any age
- GoBoats are among the slowest in the harbor, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your company
- GoBoat is open year round and offers heated seats during the winter months (for an additional price)
Why We Love GoBoat: GoBoat aims to limit the environmental footprint their boats leave on the harbor, so they use electrical engines powered by the sun. As an added bonus, the company also used sustainable wood to build their pavilion, dock, and the tables in the boats.
The Prettiest Street In Copenhagen
Last, but most certainly not least, we have Nyhavn – otherwise known as the prettiest street in Copenhagen. It is certainly the most colorful and probably the most photographed, making it a must-see on this Pinterest worthy Copenhagen itinerary.
Nyhavn is a rainbow of 17th and 18th century townhouses, offering eateries and nightlife at street level. We don’t recommend eating a full meal at the most touristy spots like this one, because they’re often in-authentic and overpriced (total dealbreakers). However, this is a great spot to grab a drink or a cup of coffee and take in the idyllic surroundings. If you’re looking for a Pinterest worthy place to eat nearby, Union Kitchen (mentioned above) is just a short walk away for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This street is also a short 5 minute walk from Amalienborg Palace (also mentioned above). You can easily hit all three of these spots in one morning or afternoon.
Copenhagen Itinerary Example
For example, you can wake up early to get the perfect photo in front of Amalienborg Palace before the crowds. Then, head to Union Kitchen for brunch – and don’t forget to order the Cappuccino for the surprise written on top. After that, head to Nyhavn to stroll along the colorful street.
If you’re looking for a step by step guide to Copenhagen, here’s a 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary that covers everything. We’d never leave you wanting more.
A Sustainable City
When you visit Copenhagen, don’t forget to take note of the people around you, and the way they live their day to day lives. Observe the many Danish people who bike daily across the city. Notice how smoothly the public transportation runs, and how clean the Metro is. Admire the versatile and minimalist street fashion that emphasizes quality over quantity. Spot the offshore wind farms that produce electricity for more than 40,000 households in Copenhagen.
It’s impossible not to notice the emphasis this city puts on sustainability. You’re sure to be impressed by the amount of restaurants serving organic ingredients and locally grown produce. And don’t forget, this city is full of eco hotels that beautifully merge sustainability and luxury. When you visit Copenhagen, find a way to participate in this city’s environmentalist efforts. And finally, expect to come away with a few new ideas about how you can live a more sustainable lifestyle yourself.
Wrap It Up
Copenhagen is a city that will check all your boxes. It is clean, sustainably-minded, and overflowing with things to do. This city couples modern design with historical beauty.
While it’s sometimes overlooked as a European destination, it’s actually one of the most unique cities the world.
If you like aesthetic and authentic travel experiences, this Pinterest worthy Copenhagen itinerary is made for you. Save this post, pack your bags, and prepare to be more than smitten with this European destination.
Who knows, you might even fall in love.
xoxo,
Baggage girls
