Visiting Copenhagen on a Baltic cruise? Lucky you. With just one day to explore Denmark’s effortlessly cool capital, you’ll want to make every hour count. I’ve done the legwork to help you squeeze the most out of your time ashore.
This guide covers everything you need: getting from the cruise terminal into town, what to see in a limited time, and how to navigate the city without the stress.
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Language – Danish. English is widely spoken.
Currency – Danish Krone (DKK). Cards are widely accepted, even as payment for small purchases such as a cup of coffee. I didn’t bother with cash.
Tipping – Service charge is included in bills. Only tip if the service was exceptional.
Getting around Copenhagen – Copenhagen’s compact centre is walkable. The Little Mermaid is the outlier.
Getting from Copenhagen Cruise Terminal to the City Centre
Your ship will dock at one of three terminals.
Most large cruise ships use Oceankaj (Ocean Quay), which is 6km north of the centre. Some smaller vessels berth at Langelinie (3 km from the centre, near the Little Mermaid) or Nordre Toldbod (2 km from the centre).
From Oceankaj Terminal
Public Transport (Cheapest): Take bus 25 from the terminal to Orientkaj Metro Station (5 mins), then the M4 Metro to Kongens Nytorv (city centre). Total journey: 15 minutes.
My top tip: Buy a 24-hour City Pass Small before you leave home (covers Zones 1-4). It’s delivered as an e-ticket via text and email. Much easier than fumbling with the ticket machine.
Cruise Line Shuttle: Most ships run shuttles to the city centre (around 25 minutes). Book onboard.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Buses The HOHO buses wait at the terminal and serve double duty as transport and sightseeing. They hit Copenhagen’s main attractions, with buses every 30 – 60 mins.
Don’t buy HOHO tickets onboard your cruise ship – you’ll pay more.
From Langelinie or Nordre Toldbod
You’re already close. It’s a pleasant 20-30 minute walk to Nyhavn, or take any local bus heading towards the centre.
Bus #25 will bring you to Norreport in 15 minutes, which is within walking distance or a short metro ride from Copenhagen’s main attractions.
My Recommended One Day in Copenhagen Itinerary
Morning: Start with a Canal Cruise
Do this first thing. Not only does it show you the city from water level, but you’ll get a quick overview of what’s where and can plan your afternoon accordingly.
There’s also a pre-recorded commentary via headphones.
The boats also swing past the Little Mermaid, so if time is tight, you can skip the separate trip.
- Departure point: Boats leave regularly from Nyhavn and Ved Stranden.
- Duration: 1 hour
Mid-Morning: See the Little Mermaid
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, she’s small. Yes, she’s often mobbed by tourists. But yes, she’s still worth seeing.
At just four feet tall, this bronze statue based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale has had a rough life since 1913. She’s been beheaded twice, had an arm sawn off, and been doused with paint multiple times. But she’s an icon, and icons deserve a visit.
While you’re in the area, take a quick look at Kastellet, the star-shaped fortress from the 1600s set in a tranquil park. There’s also a windmill and church worth a peek.
Late Morning to Afternoon: Copenhagen Self-Guided Walking Tour
From the Little Mermaid, follow this route that shows Copenhagen at its best. Total distance: 3 miles.
Click here for the interactive walking map to send to your phone.
Prefer a guided tour? Join this 2-hour walking tour with a local.
St Albans Church
I stumbled on this by accident. St Alban’s is the only Anglican church in Denmark, designed by Victorian architect Sir Arthur Blomfield in Early English Gothic style. The interior is gorgeous, with a beautiful altar and stained glass windows.
Outside, the Gefion Fountain depicts four oxen driven by the Norse goddess Gefion. On the waterfront, look for the striking ‘thinking man’ sculpture made from scrap metal.
When you exit the church, take a look at the striking modern sculpture on the waterfront. Constructed from scrap metal, this ‘thinking man’ sculpture is part of the zinkglobal initiative.
Design Museum Danmark
Housed in an 18th-century Rococo building, this museum offers a crash course in Danish design. My one regret is not having time to visit properly. Put it on your list if museums are your thing.
Nyhavn
Here it is: Copenhagen’s postcard moment. Crayon-coloured houses line the waterfront, boats bob in the canal, and the cafes spill onto the pavement.
Hans Christian Andersen lived at three different addresses here (No. 20, 18, and 67). Look for the plaques.
Grab a coffee or a beer and soak it in. This is peak Copenhagen.
Magstraeda (Copenhagen’s Oldest Street)
Veer inland to walk this cobblestoned medieval street. En route, you’ll pass Christiansborg Slot, home of the Danish Parliament, and open for tours if you have time.
Christianshavn
Once a working-class neighbourhood, Christianshavn is now one of Copenhagen’s coolest areas. Think 19th-century canal houses, hip cafes, and excellent restaurants.
The landmark here is Vor Frelsers Kirke (Church of Our Saviour), famous for its external spiral staircase twisting up the spire. If you’re good with heights (I’m not), climb the 400 steps for panoramic views.
Freetown Christiana
On the edge of Christianshavn is this self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood, established by squatters in 1971. It’s known for its colourful street art, alternative lifestyle, and open cannabis trade on Pusher Street.
I’ll be honest: I found Pusher Street uncomfortable. Residents have a zero-tolerance policy on photography, and I was challenged just for having a camera around my neck. I moved on quickly.
Is the Copenhagen Card Worth It?
The Copenhagen Card gives free or reduced entry to 80+ attractions plus unlimited public transport.
I ran the numbers and decided against it for a one-day cruise stop. If you’re planning to hit multiple museums or major attractions, do the maths yourself. It might work for you.
Enjoy your Copenhagen Cruise Stop
I loved my day in Copenhagen. Its townhouses are splashed with more colour than a box of crayons, it has a flair for design, and you have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the happiest locals on Earth and to experience true hygge.
My advice? Pick your priorities early. If you’re into design, spend more time in the museums and shops. If architecture is your thing, linger at the churches and palaces. If you just want to soak up the atmosphere, find a canal-side cafe in Nyhavn and watch Copenhagen happen around you.
More Baltic Cruise Port Guides
Sailing the full Baltic loop? I’ve got you covered:
- One Day in Rostock & Warnemünde, Germany: A Perfect DIY Cruise Excursion
- One Day in Stockholm: Visiting Sweden on a Cruise
- One Day in Tallinn: A Cruise to Estonia
- One Day in Helsinki from a Cruise: A Walking Tour
New to cruising? Check out my guides on planning your first cruise and which cruise cabin to book, including solo cabins for single cruisers.
Happy sailing!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.