There are many opportunities for visitors to spark joy during their stay. The dining scene sparkles with Michelin stars, boasting more than any other city in Scandinavia. A trio of restaurants hold three stars— Noma, Jordnær, and Geranium— while several others hold two: AOC, Kadeau, Alchemist, Kong Hans, and Koan. When creating your itinerary, make your most-coveted dinner reservations first, then plan everything else around those key experiences.
There is culture to be discovered in all corners of the city. Myriad museums focus on Danish design, national and local history, art from across eras and disciplines, science, law enforcement, and military and maritime history. A winter visit might include perusing the latest sustainable styles at Copenhagen Fashion Week( January 27-30, 2026) or bebopping and head-bobbing at Vinterjazz( January 30-February 28, 2026), the annual winter jazz festival featuring acts from across Scandinavia and around the world.
Don’ t worry about getting around. Copenhagen is easy to navigate with an excellent public transportation system, including a rail service from the airport, numerous bus routes, and metro lines circling the city. When traveling on the latter, try to sit in the front seat of the first car for unforgettable views of the urban landscape and the gorgeous stations. Highly focused on low-impact living, locals cycle everywhere, and it’ s easy for visitors to rent their own for a day or their whole stay.( Fun fact: there are more bicycles than cars in the city.) Beyond that, the city is remarkably walkable, with lively streets and pedestrianfriendly neighborhoods. Stretching from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv, Strøget is one of the longest pedestrian streets in all of Europe, home to luxury brands— Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Gucci— as well as more budget-friendly options, such as H & M, Zara, and Vero Moda, not to mention a carnival’ s worth of street performers.
Make the most of Copenhagen in just three days with this perfectly planned itinerary that explores the city’ s diverse neighborhoods, vibrant culture, award-winning restaurants, and natural beauty. Traveling to Denmark is simple and hassle-free! Scandinavian Airlines( SAS) offers nonstop flights from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Copenhagen Airport( CPH) three to four times a week in the winter, making it easier than ever to enjoy Denmark’ s charm in a single flight.
DAY 1: BE A CULTURE VULTURE
For your first day, start with deftly poured lattes and picturesque pastries at Andersen & Maillard’ s Nørrebrogade location, a svelte Nordic coffeeshop and bakehouse. Then meander over to the nearby Assistens Cemetery to pay respects at the gravesite of Hans Christian Andersen, Denmark’ s most beloved author, who penned The Ugly Duckling and The Little Mermaid( Devotees of the latter will want to breeze down to the harbor to see a beloved bronze statue of the oceanic heroine).
From there, walk eastward over Dronning Louise’ s Bro( Queen Louise’ s Bridge) and northward past the fairytale-worthy Rosenborg Castle and its lush gardens. Continue to the Designmuseum Danmark to learn about Danish design and see works by some of its most prominent innovators, including the grandfather of the modern movement, Kaare Klint. Make sure to check out the charming outdoor garden at the center of the museum, where you can relax for a moment or fuel up at the café.
Next up: a short walk, a breezy ferry ride on the Havnebussen, and a wander through Holmen before you reach Refshaleøen, the city’ s hipster enclave, and home to Copenhagen Contemporary Museum. Its installations and performances by Danish and international artists encourage reflection and emotional reactions.
Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center
Credit: Arp-Hansen Hotel Group
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
WINTER 2025-26 9
FLYWASHINGTON. COM