Living in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, for over 4 years gave me the chance to do plenty of exploring beyond the city limits. While this culturally rich city has gems worth enjoying for many days, I often felt the need for a break from the busy city and its tourist hordes. That’s when I started discovering day trips filled with cool places, from charming villages and beautiful coastal areas to castles and cliffs. Whether you’re a visitor looking for architecture, history, art, or nature, there’s a list of options that are truly worth your time. Some can be reached by public transport in under 90 minutes, others by bike if you’re up for a workout, and a few require a car.
What I love most is that this Danish capital is not just my favorite place on earth, it also makes an excellent base for adventures beyond. Sometimes, a little change of scenery was all I needed, whether a quick hop to Sweden by train in around an hour for an international adventure, or indulging in Swedish grocery stores that always felt interesting.
Being an expat, with numerous previous visits before moving, helped me uncover hidden gems, from historic cathedrals and top-notch museums to knitted wool sweaters, colorful snow-topped houses, and cozy hygge vibes. Alongside impressive landmarks, I’ve found quaint destinations perfect for a beach escape, tried and tested spots that are easily accessible, and even 20 favourite ideas under two hours for curious travelers who are truly interested. Every one of these adventures feels like a chapter in a personal blog, offering variety and options that go far beyond the usual cosmopolitan experience of the history of kings, Vikings, and lovely landscapes.
One of the most quintessential places I recommend in my A Local’s 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary is Dragør, a Danish fishing town not far from Copenhagen Airport, where its network of charming yellow houses makes every walk feel timeless. I can imagine living here when I’m older, as the vibe is both peaceful and nice for a day trip, especially in the summer.
When you stop by, you’ll find fresh fish and chips at Dragør Røgeri, and nothing beats having ice cream from Dragør Is—even if, like me, you’ve once dropped some on the floor. Among My 36 Favorite Things to Do in Copenhagen as a Local (+ What I Would Skip), wandering through Dragør is always worth including, and while it’s not My 30 Favorite Things to Do in Stockholm (as a Former Local) or the Best things to do in Stockholm (travel guide + map), it stands out as a true gem close to the capital.
The best way to visit Dragør in the summer is by bike, with the journey taking about 45-60 minutes along paved bike paths that make the ride smooth and relaxing. Another option I’ve enjoyed is the Amarminoen walk, which goes through the huge Amager Fælled nature reserve—a route I’ve done twice, once in January and again in June 2021, each time lasting nearly seven hours one way. While this part of my travels doesn’t show up in My 36 Favorite Things to Do in Copenhagen as a Local (+ What I Would Skip) or in My 30 Favorite Things to Do in Stockholm (as a Former Local), it remains one of the most unique experiences I could add to A Local’s 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary, and it’s just as rewarding as some of the Best things to do in Stockholm (travel guide + map).
Here are three standout hotel options in Copenhagen that come highly recommended for their unique charm, prime location, and exceptional guest experience:
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A quick ride across the Øresund Bridge brings you to Malmö, one of the most popular day trips from Copenhagen and a highlight for travelers exploring Sweden. As the third-biggest city, it offers excellent food, interesting architecture, scenic parks, and sandy beaches that make me often recommend more time here than just one day. While many people simply explore the downtown area, I found the city incredibly bike-friendly, with chances to rent a boat and drift along the canal, or even join a boat tour with a friendly guide.
The striking Turning Torso shapes the skyline, but I personally love wandering past old buildings in the city center, which feels both historic and modern in a cool way. On my weekend itinerary, I even suggested staying overnight so you can truly enjoy the vibe, and it fits perfectly into A Local’s 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary. Out of My 36 Favorite Things to Do in Copenhagen as a Local (+ What I Would Skip) and comparing it with My 30 Favorite Things to Do in Stockholm (as a Former Local) or the Best things to do in Stockholm (travel guide + map), this cross-border adventure is one of those unique experiences you’ll want to follow along with.
Reaching Malmö is quite straightforward, as frequent trains depart regularly from both Copenhagen Central Station and Copenhagen Airport, making the journey of about 30-60 minutes smooth and easy; I usually book my tickets through the Skånetrafiken App on iOS or Android, and even on the same day there are no real problems, though I always keep my passport handy since border checks between Denmark and Sweden can occasionally take place—something I learned while following my own A Local’s 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary after finishing My 36 Favorite Things to Do in Copenhagen as a Local (+ What I Would Skip), which reminded me of trips like My 30 Favorite Things to Do in Stockholm (as a Former Local) and even searching for the Best things to do in Stockholm (travel guide + map).
Reaching Helsingør always feels like returning to an interesting place I’ve enjoyed visiting numerous times, as this charming town in the north of Sjælland is only about 50-60 minutes from Copenhagen; once there, I love how walking through the town center on a sunny day, past lovely buildings and strolling the streets, naturally leads to spots like Kronborg Slot, famous from William Shakespeare’s world-famous Hamlet play, where a tour of the interior—which I joined in 2022—is something I’d strongly recommend, especially since it’s part of the Copenhagen Card, and when the weather turns into a summer day,
The beach nearby makes for a relaxed afternoon, while the exteriors of Kronborg Castle are free and just as worthwhile; and if you’re curious for more, a quick 20 minutes on the direct ferry takes you across to Helsingborg in Sweden, adding yet another layer of travel joy to what I often connect with my A Local’s 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary, My 36 Favorite Things to Do in Copenhagen as a Local (+ What I Would Skip), and even reflections from My 30 Favorite Things to Do in Stockholm (as a Former Local) while comparing the Best things to do in Stockholm (travel guide + map).
When planning My 15 Favorite Day Trips From Copenhagen as a Local, one of the easiest options is taking a direct train from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør, a route I’ve taken many times while exploring places beyond A Local’s 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary. The travel itself is scenic, with views of Sjælland’s coastline, which makes the journey almost as enjoyable as the destination. For tickets, I often use the DOT app on iOS or Android, but the DSB app is a great alternative and sometimes offers cheaper deals if you’re willing to do a bit of worth checking before booking.
A City Pass Large ticket is another smart choice since it gives you unlimited travel across the Capital Region, which fits well with my habit of mixing trips from My 36 Favorite Things to Do in Copenhagen as a Local (+ What I Would Skip). You can also book tickets easily on the day of travel, a flexibility I’ve often relied on when planning spontaneous adventures—similar to how I once switched plans while working on My 30 Favorite Things to Do in Stockholm (as a Former Local).
One of the most memorable trips I made after moving to Copenhagen was to Frederiksborg Slot in Hillerød, and I still think this beautiful castle is truly worth visiting. I first came here in October 2020, and simply walking through the gardens felt wonderful, especially with the view from the shore that was surprisingly pleasant.
You can visit the inside if you’re interested in history, which I haven’t done yet but definitely see as worth considering. The town itself is nice though largely residential, with a small shopping street nearby, but it’s the castle that shines. Open year-round, even on Christmas and New Year’s, the site offers something in every season; in the summer months, you can even take a little boat ride across the moat, which adds to the charm of the place.
When planning My 15 Favorite Day Trips From Copenhagen as a Local, one of the most enjoyable routes for me has always been figuring out How To Get To Frederiksborg Slot, and the ride itself feels like part of the adventure. I usually take the S-Train on Route A from Copenhagen, and the journey to Hillerød is about 40 minutes. From there, it’s just a walk of roughly 15 minutes to reach the castle, and because everything was well-signposted the last time I went, I had no issues finding my way. If you have the Copenhagen Card, transport is covered, but I often use the DSB app, which is the easiest way to buy tickets and even lets you check in and out at the end of your journey while searching specifically for Hillerød.
In My 15 Favorite Day Trips From Copenhagen as a Local, one of the most memorable spots for me has been the charming seaside town of Helsingør, just 45 minutes by train from Copenhagen, where the highlight is the magnificent Kronborg Castle. Castle Known as the inspiration for Elsinore in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, this fortress once transformed by King Frederik II in the 1500s is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture that once collected dues from passing ships to showcase royal wealth and power.
I still remember wandering through its royal apartments, admiring the king’s tapestries, and exploring the slightly eerie casemates that felt straight out of the Bard’s play. Visiting in summer is extra special, when costumed actors roam in character performing Hamlet scenes, while December brings a cozy Christmas market. Beyond the castle, Helsingør itself is lovely, with historic homes, local cafes, cathedrals like Sankt Mariæ and Sankt Olai, and even a quick ferry to Helsingborg in Sweden, only 20 minutes away by boat, making the whole experience both cultural and scenic.
Catching the regional train is the easiest way to reach Helsingør, as it frequently runs from Copenhagen Central Station and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. From the station, it’s less than a 15-minute walk along the harbor to Kronborg Castle, which makes the trip smooth and enjoyable even if you are following something like A Local’s 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary.
I often include this route in My 36 Favorite Things to Do in Copenhagen as a Local (+ What I Would Skip) because of its convenience, and it’s a highlight in My 30 Favorite Things to Do in Stockholm (as a Former Local) comparisons when showing how Scandinavian cities connect. For anyone planning day trips, this is among the Best things to do in Stockholm (travel guide + map) style recommendations that also apply perfectly to Denmark.
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One of the most refreshing escapes I often take is to Dyrehaven, just 20 minutes by train from the bustling central Copenhagen. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is a vast nature reserve filled with verdant forest, sweeping fields, and an extensive network of trails that remain open year-round. Whether you enjoy a simple walk, a bike ride, or a relaxed picnic, the park feels like a world away from the city. In the warmer months, I’ve even tried horseback riding and carriage rides, which gave the experience a more historic feel, reminding me of its past as a royal hunting ground.
The park is also home to hundreds of wild deer, and I’ve found that visitors easily and quite often spot them while exploring. During the summer months, you can even take a tour of the Hermitage, a former royal hunting lodge, which adds a cultural touch to the trip. What makes the outing even more special is that within Dyrehaven lies Bakken, the world’s oldest amusement park. It is free to enter and features family-friendly rides, more thrilling rides, and plenty of restaurants and shows—a mix that makes it enjoyable for everyone, whether you come for nature, history, or fun.
When exploring My 15 Favorite Day Trips From Copenhagen as a Local, one of the most peaceful escapes is to Cycle & spot deer in Jægersborg Dyrehave, but on the way I often like to stop at Frederiksborg Castle, where the palace and its magnificent, manicured gardens never fail to impress. The 17th century royal residence is known as Denmark’s most beautiful castle, with dozens of painstakingly restored rooms and lush grounds that stretch to the edge of the lake.
Unlike many palaces, these rooms are open for public display, giving visitors a true flavour of Renaissance design. You can easily spend a couple of hours touring, and afterwards, I recommend visiting Cafe Havehuset for delicious Danish smørrebrød like the prawn and egg open sandwich, which is a favorite of mine whenever I cycle through this area before heading deeper into the forest paths of Dyrehave.
If you’re looking for a dose of fresh creativity and culture beyond the city, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of the best places to visit in Denmark. Just a short journey north of Copenhagen, this famous art gallery is as impressive for its architecture as it is for its art. The museum was completed in 1958 and comprises an original villa from the mid-1800s alongside a modern, spacious, and light extension that houses the majority of its exhibitions.
You can easily spend a day admiring works by icons like Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Pablo Picasso, while also taking time to enjoy the unique space. I love exploring the sprawling sculpture gardens that surround the museum, which feel peaceful in every season. After wandering, I usually head to the museum café, where the excellent quality Danish dishes come with a modern twist, perfectly befitting the location and rounding off a truly inspiring day.
Reaching the Louisiana Museum from Copenhagen is very easy—just take a direct train shown on the map to the nearest station, Humlebæk, which takes around 45 minutes. From there, it’s only a 10 minute walk to the museum, and if you arrive with a craving for something sweet, the cosy station coffee shop, Hej Humlebæk Cafe, serves coffee, treats, and even grilled cheese toasties with spicy pickle that I often have in mind when planning a trip.
If you wonder what are the best day trips from Copenhagen, I’d say start with the popular town of Helsingør to see Hamlet’s castle, or go on a literary escape to Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. For an artsy day, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is perfect, while the royal Frederiksborg Castle and the ancient city of Roskilde, home of kings and Vikings, are must-sees. And for a cheap but magical trip, seek out the 6 forgotten giants.
By train from Copenhagen, you can easily travel to Sweden, Germany, and Norway—a quick 40-minute regional ride reaches Malmö, a 5-hour Intercity goes to Hamburg, while longer journeys take you to Stockholm in 5.5 hours or Oslo in 8.5 hours via Sweden.
Copenhagen is regularly ranked among the happiest countries in the world, and it’s revered for its relaxed pace of life, liberal social attitudes, and impeccable approach to design. At the heart of Danish culture is the quirky capital, Copenhagen, known as København to locals, making it so popular as a tourist destination.
Malmö:Although Scandinavia is a year-round destination, it’s significantly nicer to visit both Copenhagen and Malmö during the warmer months, especially since summer can bring 18 hours of sunshine per day.
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