Experience the magic of Copenhagen in December! This three-day itinerary combines top sights with holiday markets, budget-friendly food options, and cozy Danish “hygge” moments during the festive season.
Day 1: Classic Copenhagen and Holiday Cheer
Morning: Explore Nyhavn and Amalienborg Palace
- Start your day with a visit to Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s famous waterfront district, decorated for the holidays. Afterward, walk to Amalienborg Palace to see the Danish royal family’s winter residence. Try to catch the changing of the guard at noon.
Holiday Tip: Warm up with Gløgg (Danish mulled wine) or æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls) from one of the Christmas market stalls around Nyhavn.
Lunch: Smørrebrød Lunch at Torvehallerne Market
- Torvehallerne food market offers traditional Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) that are both tasty and affordable. Look for Hallernes Smørrebrød for options like pickled herring or roast beef for around 70-90 DKK ($10-12).
Budget Option: Grød in Torvehallerne is also a great choice for affordable, hearty bowls of porridge, risotto, or soup, with meals starting at 55 DKK ($8). Perfect for warming up!
Afternoon: Rosenborg Castle and Christmas Market
- Visit Rosenborg Castle to see the Crown Jewels and holiday decorations. Afterward, stroll through the Christmas market at Kongens Nytorv for holiday shopping and festive treats.
Evening: Tivoli Gardens – The Ultimate Holiday Experience
- End the day at Tivoli Gardens, which transforms into a winter wonderland with lights, rides, and holiday decor.
- Dinner inside Tivoli: Grøften offers traditional Danish food like frikadeller (meatballs) and herring platters. While not the cheapest, it has good portion sizes and ambiance.
Budget Option: For more affordable fare, try Mazzolis inside Tivoli for Italian-style pizzas and pasta dishes, or grab street food from one of the food stalls around the park, where meals are around 80-120 DKK ($12-18).
Day 2: Danish Culture, Holiday Markets, and Freetown Christiania
Morning: The Little Mermaid and Kastellet
- Begin your day with The Little Mermaid statue, followed by a walk around Kastellet, a peaceful star-shaped fortress.
Lunch: Affordable Danish Lunch in Christianshavn
- Head to Christianshavn and stop at Christianshavns Beboerhus Café, a local canteen-style spot offering classic Danish dishes at student-friendly prices. Try a hearty bowl of soup or Danish fish dishes, with meals from 60 DKK ($9).
Budget Option: RizRaz in central Copenhagen is also a good choice, offering a vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean buffet for around 99 DKK ($14) at lunchtime.
Afternoon: Freetown Christiania
- Explore Freetown Christiania, an alternative neighborhood with street art, local crafts, and unique holiday markets offering handmade items.
Evening: Dining in Nørrebro
- For dinner, try Bodega in Nørrebro for an affordable, local dining experience with Danish dishes like pork with potatoes or sandwiches, with most meals around 100 DKK ($14).
Budget Option: Warpigs Brewpub in Nørrebro is another great choice for affordable food with a Danish-American twist, including barbecue and craft beers at reasonable prices.
Day 3: Danish Design, Cozy Cafés, and Christmas Shopping
Morning: Danish Design Museum and Christmas Shopping
- Start your day at the Designmuseum Danmark to appreciate Danish design and aesthetics. Afterward, explore Strøget for Christmas shopping among holiday-lit displays.
Lunch: Budget-Friendly Hygge Café
- Stop at Paludan Bog & Café, a cozy and affordable book café offering sandwiches, salads, and Danish pastries with meals from 80 DKK ($12).
Afternoon: Glyptoteket and Christmas Market at Højbro Plads
- Visit Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, an art museum with a warm winter garden perfect for a break from the cold.
- Head to Højbro Plads Christmas Market for festive stalls, where you can grab snacks like bratwurst or Danish hot dogs for 40-50 DKK ($6-7).
Evening: Farewell Dinner with Canal View
- For dinner, head to Broens Gadekøkken, a street food market by the water offering affordable Danish and international dishes with options around 60-100 DKK ($9-15). Dine at one of the communal tables for a casual, scenic end to your trip.
Budget Option: Vækst offers a set menu of modern Nordic cuisine in a charming, greenhouse-style setting. While slightly more upscale, their fixed-price menu is great value for a special farewell dinner.
Extra Tips for Visiting Copenhagen in December
- Dress Warmly: Copenhagen in December is cold (1-4°C or 34-39°F). Bring layers, a winter coat, and waterproof shoes.
- Holiday Markets: Many markets are cash-only, so it’s helpful to have some Danish krone on hand.
- Getting Around: Copenhagen is very walkable, but a City Pass for unlimited transport can be cost-effective.
- Hygge Essentials: Embrace hygge with warm drinks, cozy cafés, and a slower pace, enjoying the warmth of Danish winter traditions.