I spent seven days in Copenhagen, and I absolutely loved it. Read about more activities in a full Copenhagen Travel guide. If you only have one day in Copenhagen, or just wanted to have the best day ever – follow this.
This itinerary includes the best parts about Danish culture – art, spa, baked goods, famous restaurants, and sun bathing on the dock. and everything is walkable.
Morning: by the Water at La Banchina
Start your day at La Banchina, a tiny restaurant and wine bar perched directly on the edge of the Copenhagen Inner Harbour, part of the Øresund Strait that connects the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. (very cool)
The menu is small and seasonal. I had a $25 fish burger and a $18 glass of wine, then did what everyone else was doing: swam in the harbour, dried off and laid in the sun. Around me, people were reading, talking, and vibed out.
Note: I don’t have as many pictures in Copenhagen because I was warned Danish people think it’s very rude and f*cking weird to take pictures in public spaces – like why are you photographing me wtf is wrong with you. and they’re right.
Pit Stop: Coffee and Pastries at Lille Bakery
From there, walk over to Lille Bakery for a midday pick-me-up. This place is a Copenhagen institution known for their bread and sandwiches.
Reffen Street Food Market
Next is Reffen, Copenhagen’s open-air street food market. There’s dozens of food stalls, communal picnic tables, and constant views of the water. The Kurdish, Turkish and Indian places were my favorite. Do a full walk around before you decide because there’s so much.
Copenhagen Contemporary Museum
Make sure to time this right because the museum closes at 6 PM. Head over to Copenhagen Contemporary (CC), an international art centre housed in a huge former industrial hall at Refshaleøen. CC showcases large‑scale installation, immersive artworks, and cutting‑edge exhibitions. Tickets are ~140 DKK ($22 USD)
Spa at Glaecier ApS
Optional – You’ve had a long day, walk over to this spa, and it doesn’t close until 11 PM. One of Copenhagen’s chic boutique spas. Located on the waterfront, steam room, lounge in Scandinavian-inspired relaxation areas.
Dinner at Noma
Noma has been named the **World’s Best Restaurant a total of five times on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2021. You must have a reservation, and just the know the tasting menu is about ~$600, and the wine paring is about another ~$200. I didn’t go (for obvious reasons) but it’s right there and would definitely add to the perfect day in Copenhagen. You’d just have to find some way to freshen up if you’ve been swimming in harbour. – hence why getting a massage and showering at Glaecier ApS would be so good.
Why This Itinerary Works
Everything is in the same area. There’s no rushing, no over-planning, because just look left and your next destination is right there. It’s a day built around water, food, and presence—and it captures exactly why Copenhagen feels so livable, even if only for a short while.
If you only have one summer day in Copenhagen, this is the one to copy.