Getting Married in Denmark | Personal Story
August 27, 2025We spent three nights in Copenhagen – one day wandering its streets, one day wrapped up in vows at City Hall, and one quiet buffer day in between. That single sightseeing day felt both endless and too short, stretched by late spring’s lingering light and softened by the kind of mild weather that makes you want to linger on every corner. Late March in Copenhagen, which felt like early spring in Munich, actually a bit chillier than expected.
This one day in Copenhagen itinerary is my way of laying it all out for you – a walking route that threads together cultural landmarks, modern design, and bites worth remembering. I’ll also share where to stay, from splurge-worthy suites to smart budget finds, plus a few tours and passes if you’d rather let someone else hold the map.
And because I can’t help it, I’ve left in my own little notations – the moments that caught in my chest: Nyhavn’s row of houses leaning into the water like old friends, the warm hum of Tivoli’s lanterns after dark. Copenhagen is easy to love. For me, it will always be the city where I said I do – but even without that, it has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into a story you didn’t know you were part of until now.
Quick Guide for One Day in Copenhagen
- Th best areas to stay for first time visitors: Indre By and Vesterbro
- The best luxury hotels: Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen, NH Copenhagen Grand Joanne, ProfilHotels Copenhagen Plaza, NH Collection Copenhagen
- The best mid-range hotels: Copenhagen Island Hotel, Tivoli Hotel, Hotel Astoria, Best Western Signature Collection
- The best day tours in Copenhagen: Copenhagen Canal Cruise with Guide, Tivoli Gardens Skip-the-Line Ticket, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Boat Tour, Sweden Day Trip: Lund & Malmö Tour
Best Areas to Stay in Copenhagen for First Time Visitors
Copenhagen is compact, so no matter where you stay you’re never too far. But each neighborhood has its own vibe. Here are some of the best areas I’d recommend as a home base:
- Indre By (Inner City) – The historic center and tourist heart of Copenhagen, packed with cultural sites, museums, and classic Danish design shops. Indre By includes Nyhavn (the iconic harbor, more on that soon) and the main shopping street Strøget. It’s pricey to stay here, but you’ll be in walking distance of most attractions. (Think of Indre By as the place for culture, design and museums, where “Nyhavn’s colourful harbour is an inevitable first stop” and you’re spoiled for choice with top museums and restaurants around every corner.)
Luxury: Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen
Midrange: Copenhagen Island Hotel
Budget: Wakeup Copenhagen – Bernstorffsgade, Wakeup Copenhagen – Carsten Niebuhrs Gade
- Vesterbro – A lively, hip district just outside the old center, formerly a red-light area and now one of the trendiest neighborhoods. Vesterbro is best for nightlife and food – it’s home to the Meatpacking District (“Kødbyen”), full of buzzing restaurants, bars and clubs. It’s also conveniently close to Tivoli Gardens and the Central Station. (As a local guide puts it, “Copenhagen’s reformed red light district, Vesterbro is lively and central with plenty going on” – you’ll find boutique hotels, craft beer bars, street art and late-night fun here.)
Luxury: NH Copenhagen Grand Joanne, ProfilHotels Copenhagen Plaza
Midrange: Tivoli Hotel, Hotel Astoria, Best Western Signature Collection
Budget: Cabinn Copenhagen - Nørrebro – The city’s youthful, multi-cultural quarter known for nightlife and indie shopping. Nørrebro fuses urban cool with quirky boutiques, popup restaurants, craft beer bars and some of the best budget eats in town. It’s a bit further from the main tourist sites (north of the center), but still walkable or a quick bike/bus ride. If you enjoy a creative hipster vibe and nightlife, Nørrebro is a great choice (Time Out even named it one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods).
Luxury:
Midrange: Korsgade Apartments, Hotel Nora Copenhagen
Budget: a&o Copenhagen Nørrebro - Christianshavn – A picturesque canal-lined neighborhood across the harbor from Indre By. Christianshavn feels a bit like a mini Amsterdam with its houseboats and cobbled streets. It’s central yet has a quiet, bohemian charm. If you find a place here, you’ll be near sights like the Church of Our Saviour (with its spiraling external staircase) and the infamous Freetown Christiania. Hotels are limited, but you’ll enjoy the “history-rich neighbourhood lined by marinas and canals” and easy walks to waterfront attractions.
Luxury: NH Collection Copenhagen
Midrange: 25hours Hotel Paper Island
Budget: Copenhagen Center Cozy
(Honorable mention: Østerbro for a calmer, upscale residential vibe – great if you want to be away from tourist crowds. And Frederiksberg (technically its own municipality) for leafy parks and boutique shops. But the four areas above are top choices for first-timers.)
One-Day Copenhagen Itinerary – A Mix of Everything through Walking
I’ve always believed – and lived – the old wisdom that the best way to know a city is to walk it. To let its streets, turns, and unexpected corners tell you where to go next. Copenhagen rewards that kind of wandering. In one spring day, we managed to see most of its must-sees on foot – a route stitched together with history, architecture, good food, and a bit of evening magic. The pace is yours to choose, but I’ll say this: the city reveals itself best when you’re not rushing. The way morning light leans on a church spire, or how the scent of fresh bread sneaks out from a side-street bakery – those are the moments that stay.
Morning: Nyhavn, Amalienborg & Marble Church (and a Mermaid cameo)
Start your morning in Nyhavn
I rolled out of our hotel at 8 AM and headed straight to Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s postcard-perfect harbor. Even if you’re not a morning person, it’s worth seeing Nyhavn when it’s quiet. The “colourful, captivating” 17th-century townhouses reflecting in the canal are pure eye candy. Once a rough-and-tumble sailors’ port, today Nyhavn is filled with cafes and veteran wooden ships moored along the quay. I grabbed a coffee and pastry at one of the canal-side cafés as locals were setting up shop – pure hygge. (Fun fact: Hans Christian Andersen lived in Nyhavn for years; you can spot plaques for his former homes at No. 20, 67, and 18.)
Royal moments at Amalienborg Palace
From Nyhavn, it’s a short walk (5-10 minutes) to Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish royal family. The palace consists of four identical classical mansions arranged around an octagonal square. If you arrive by 11:50 AM, you’ll catch the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony at noon – a delightfully regal spectacle where the soldiers in bearskin hats march in and music often plays. I’ll admit, I got a little emotional watching it (maybe because I had just gotten married – but there’s something touching about the tradition and pomp). Around the square, you might also peek into the Amalienborg Museum (if you’re a history buff, it shows royal rooms and jewels), though we skipped it to save time.
Marvel at the Marble Church
Right next to Amalienborg stands the Frederik’s Church, better known as The Marble Church (Marmorkirken). You can’t miss its giant green copper dome, the largest dome in Scandinavia at 31 meters wide– it’s often compared to St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome in Rome. The church is free to enter, and inside it’s tranquil with lovely frescoes. If you’re up for it and timing works (usually midday), you can climb up to the dome balcony for a panoramic view of the city.
I found the Marble Church to be one of the most beautiful churches in Copenhagen – its rococo architecture and symmetry anchoring the whole Frederiksstaden district. Stand in the middle of the plaza between the church and Amalienborg for a perfect view alignment: church dome on one side, Opera House across the water on the other.
Optional detour – the Little Mermaid
Optional side-trip – The Little Mermaid: If seeing Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid statue is non-negotiable for you, you can do it now. It’s about a 15-minute walk north from Amalienborg along the waterfront (through a park at Kastellet fortress). The statue is exactly what the fairy tale describes – a petite bronze mermaid perched on a rock by the shore.
And yes, it really is “smaller than many expect” at just 1.25 m tall! When I first saw her, I had to chuckle because a crowd was taking photos of this humble little figure – but there is something poetic about her gazing out to sea. Snap a photo if you must, then retrace your steps back toward the city center. (This detour takes about 40 minutes round-trip, including photos – weigh it against your schedule).
Leaving Amalienborg (and having waved to any mermaids), we walked through the charming Amalie Garden and along the waterfront back toward Nyhavn/Kongens Nytorv. From there, we headed inland to Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden, arriving around late morning.
Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden
Rosenborg Castle & King’s Garden – Rosenborg is a 17th-century Renaissance castle set in a lovely park (Kongens Have). It was built by King Christian IV as his pleasure palace, and today it’s a museum housing Denmark’s crown jewels. We strolled through the rose gardens and moat area first – it’s a green oasis in summer, with locals picnicking on the lawns. If you’re interested in royal history, do go inside Rosenborg (it opens by 10 AM). The highlight is in the basement: the Treasury where the glittering crown jewels and royal regalia are on display (including some spectacular crowns last used in the 1800s).
The castle interior itself is like a time capsule of royal opulence: ornate rooms, tapestries of battles, even the king’s private writing cabinet and a wax figure or two. We particularly loved the Knights’ Hall with the coronation thrones and the trio of silver lions guarding them. If time is tight, you could skip the interior – but I personally found it worth the hour stop. There’s a small entry fee (unless you have the Copenhagen Card, which covers it). Even just wandering the King’s Garden (free) is enjoyable. By the way, this garden is the oldest royal garden in Denmark, and in summer it’s bursting with flowers.
Lunch at Torvehallerne
After a packed morning, it’s time to refuel. Just a five-minute walk from Rosenborg is Torvehallerne, Copenhagen’s beloved food market. This became one of my favorite stops – it’s essentially two glass halls filled with over 60 quality food stalls. Imagine stands selling Danish open-face sandwiches (smørrebrød), fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, chocolates, pastries, coffee, global street foods – a bit of everything! We browsed around like kids in a candy store, taking in the delicious sights and smells. You can opt for a quick bite or assemble a picnic.
We chose a smørrebrød stall for the classic Danish rye bread sandwiches (herring never tasted so good) and grabbed some flødeboller (chocolate-covered marshmallow treats) for dessert. Torvehallerne is great because everyone can pick what they like and then sit at communal tables or outside. The atmosphere is lively and local – truly a must for foodies. (It’s also a chance to try specialties like porridge or Danish meatballs if you haven’t yet). As Visit Copenhagen notes, “side by side are small shops… serving exquisite specialties such as Spanish tapas, vegan pastries, open sandwiches and porridge”, reflecting how diverse the offerings are.
Afternoon: Strøget, Round Tower, Christiansborg & a Royal Oasis
After lunch, you can continue walking tour through the Old Town (Indre By). First up was a unique architectural gem: the Round Tower (Rundetaarn), about 5 minutes from Torvehallerne. This 17th-century tower is an old observatory built by Christian IV. Instead of stairs, it features a spiral ramp that you walk up to reach the top – it’s like gently ascending a giant snail shell. The climb is fun and not too strenuous. At the top, you get a 360° view of Copenhagen’s rooftops, which is fantastic for orientation (and photos). You can spot the green domes and spires dotted across the city – I like to think of it as Copenhagen’s reward for the curious traveler. There’s also a small gallery halfway up and the core of the tower is hollow – stand in the center of the platform and you can look straight down the hollow core through a glass floor (if you dare). Entry is cheap (about DKK 40). We spent maybe 30 minutes here.
Strøget
Leaving the Round Tower, we found ourselves on Strøget, the famous pedestrian shopping street. This area (and the small streets branching off it) is shopping heaven – from global brands to Danish design stores. We popped into Illums Bolighus, a department store showcasing Scandinavian furniture and housewares – it’s like a museum of modern Danish design. Even if you’re not buying, it’s cool to see the sleek designs. I also couldn’t resist visiting Royal Copenhagen’s flagship store next door, admiring the elegant porcelain (and yes, I bought a small blue-fluted bowl as a souvenir – now a centerpiece in my dining room). As we walked down Strøget, street performers were out, and we grabbed an afternoon ice cream from Vaffelbageren (a popular place for waffle cones near Nyhavn) – a little indulgence to keep energy up.
Christiansborg Palace
By around 3 PM, we were nearby without realizing that Christiansborg Palace even existed – let alone that it hides one of Copenhagen’s best free experiences. The palace sits on the tiny island of Slotsholmen and is the power center of Denmark, housing Parliament, the Prime Minister’s offices, and the Supreme Court. What I later learned (and wish I’d known before our trip) is that Christiansborg Tower – the tallest in the city at 106 meters – has a free viewing platform. No ticket required, just a quick security check and an elevator ride to sweeping views over terra-cotta rooftops, the harbor, and even Sweden on a clear day.
If you plan your day right, you could also visit the Royal Reception Rooms, the chapel, or the ruins under the palace, where remnants from castles dating back to the 1100s are displayed. There’s a small fee for the ruins, but it’s uncrowded and historically rich. We missed all of it simply because we didn’t know it was there – which is exactly why I’m flagging it for you now.
By late afternoon, we had covered a lot. To give our feet a rest, we sat for a bit at Christiansborg’s courtyard (the Palace Square) watching the world go by. You’ll notice a statue of Christian IX on horseback here and often some horses from the Royal Stables being taken for exercise. If you’re craving a treat, the Royal Library’s garden is just behind Christiansborg – a quiet, fountain-adorned spot hidden between old and new library buildings (the new wing is nicknamed the Black Diamond for its modern black glass design). We took a short walk there, enjoying a peaceful moment by the canal with the Black Diamond’s architecture reflecting the water.
Since our evening plan was Tivoli, we decided to grab an early dinner before heading to the park (food inside Tivoli can be pricey and gets busy). We made our way back towards City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen), which is near Tivoli. On the way, we passed by Gammeltorv, the oldest square in town, and popped our heads into the beautiful Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) – the national cathedral where Crown Prince Frederik got married. It’s famous for its neoclassical interior and the Bertel Thorvaldsen statues of Jesus and the Apostles. A quick look was enough to appreciate it.
Dinner suggestion: There are countless options, but around City Hall/Tivoli you’ll find everything from casual smørrebrød cafés to new Nordic cuisine. We opted for something informal at the Copenhagen Street Food market (Broens Gadekøkken) earlier by Nyhavn (if you have time to go back that way), or you could try the Kernekøb Vesterbro area for trendy eateries. In our case, we just grabbed delicious hotdogs from a street cart – because one must try a Danish hotdog with remoulade and crispy onions at least once! It was quick and classic.
Evening: Fairy-tale Finish at Tivoli Gardens
Evening – Tivoli Gardens
We didn’t visit Tivoli Gardens ourselves, but for many travelers it’s a Copenhagen essential – the kind of place that captures the city’s mix of charm, history, and spectacle. Located in the city center, directly across from Central Station and a 5-minute walk from City Hall, Tivoli first opened in 1843 and is the world’s second-oldest amusement park. It has inspired countless others – including Disneyland – with its blend of landscaped gardens, illuminated architecture, live performances, and vintage rides.
Buying tickets in advance is recommended to save time at the entrance. Inside, you’ll find attractions ranging from the historic wooden roller coaster Rutschebanen to newer thrill rides, along with calmer options like boat rides and the Ferris wheel. Tivoli also offers a wide range of dining – from casual food stalls and beer gardens to fine dining – plus cafés like Cakenhagen for coffee and pastries.
In warmer months, the park often features live music, open-air shows, and a weekend fireworks display. As night falls, thousands of lanterns and lights transform Tivoli into a glowing, fairy-tale setting, making it an atmospheric way to end a day of sightseeing in Copenhagen.
Alternative One Day in Copenhagen
Morning – Indre By & Nyhavn
- Start at Nyhavn with a coffee and a stroll along its colorful canal.
- Wander through Indre By, stopping at Helligåndskirken (Church of the Holy Spirit) before weaving into side streets.
Late Morning – Squares & the Latin Quarter
- Walk to Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square) for photos and people-watching.
- Head toward Vor Frue Plads and continue to Larsbjørnsstræde, known for its rainbow facades, secondhand shops, and cozy cafés.
Lunch – Asian food fix
- Try District Tonkin for fresh Vietnamese street food or Aroiidee Thai for comforting noodles and curries.
Afternoon – Station & Spires
- Pass through Hovedbanegården (Central Station) to admire the vaulted architecture.
- Climb the Church of Our Saviour Spire for panoramic views over Copenhagen.
Late Afternoon – Freetown Christiania
- Explore Freetown Christiania for street art, canal views, and an alternative slice of city life.
Evening – Bookstores & More Bites
- Browse English-language selections at Ark Books or Books & Company.
- End with dinner at Hana Sushi or Kiin Kiin Bao Bao, then stroll back through Indre By as the city lights come on.
Some places that you can fit in your one day in Copenhagen
Some places didn’t quite fit neatly into the walking itinerary but are worth mentioning, if only because they stay with you. Climbing the spiraling, golden steps of the Church of Our Saviour Spire – each turn pulling the city closer into view until suddenly you’re above it all, rooftops tilting toward the sea. Wandering the anarchic edges of Freetown Christiania, where murals bloom on warehouse walls and the air hums with a different set of rules.
One day in Copenhagen was enough to see the highlights, but it left me wanting more. This city holds its balance so well – grandeur on one side, intimacy on the other. You might spend a morning gazing at crown jewels and an afternoon with a craft beer in hand on a graffiti-lined street. There’s poetry in the everyday: the Marble Church’s dome catching late light, children chasing soap bubbles down Nyhavn’s cobblestones. These are the moments you carry home, the ones that remind you travel is never just a checklist – it’s the way a place settles in you.
