Introduction
Imagine a city brimming with rich history, modern design, and Scandinavian charm – now picture experiencing it all in just one day. Copenhagen, Denmark’s vibrant capital, may seem too vast to conquer in 24 hours, but we’re here to prove that with a little planning and a lot of energy, you can have an extreme day trip like no other! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this guide will help you experience Copenhagen at its best in a single, unforgettable day.
Saturday, November 30th, 2024 – Our Extreme Day Trip to Copenhagen
On Saturday, November 30th, 2024, we embarked on an unforgettable Extreme Day Trip to Copenhagen! From the moment we landed, we were determined to make the most of every single minute in Denmark’s vibrant capital. In this blog, we’ll share the highlights of our action-packed day—what we did, what we ate, and the unique souvenirs we picked up along the way. Whether you’re planning your own whirlwind adventure or simply looking for some inspiration, we hope our experience will help you get the most out of a day in Copenhagen. All costs mentioned are for two people, unless stated otherwise.
Getting There
02:50 GMT – Left Home
Our adventure began bright and early at 02:50 GMT, as we left home, excitement building for the day ahead!
03:50 GMT – Arrived and Parked at Premier Inn, Stansted
By 03:50 GMT, we had arrived at the Premier Inn near Stansted Airport. We parked up and were ready to begin our journey. The parking had been paid in advance, securing us a convenient spot for the day. Parking Cost: £12.42.
04:05 GMT – Bus to the Terminal
At 04:05 GMT, we hopped on the shuttle bus to the terminal. The bus ride was quick and comfortable, and we were able to relax as we made our way to check-in. Bus Fare: £8.00 (payable by card or cash to the driver).
04:50 GMT – Breakfast at Wetherspoons
Once we made it through security, it was time for breakfast. We stopped by Wetherspoons for a hearty meal to fuel up for the day ahead. We treated ourselves to a croissant, bacon butty, and two orange juices—a perfect start to the morning. Total Breakfast Cost: £16.84.
06:20 GMT – Duty-Free Stop at Stansted
Before heading to our gate, we made a quick pit stop at Stansted Duty-Free. After a long morning, we grabbed a much-needed bottle of water to stay hydrated for the flight. Cost: £1.45.
07:25 GMT – Take-off on Ryanair Flight FR2618
At 07:25 GMT, we were finally on our way! Our Ryanair flight, FR2618, took off from London Stansted Airport (STN), marking the official start of our Extreme Day Trip to Copenhagen. The flight cost was £156.74 for both of us, and we’d also paid an additional £34.00 for seat selection to ensure we’d be comfortable throughout the journey.
10:00 CET – Arrived at Copenhagen Airport
We touched down in Copenhagen Airport at 10:00 CET, excited to begin our adventure! However, we encountered a bit of a delay at passport control, which was slower than expected. After a bit of waiting, we finally made it through and left the airport at 10:50 CET.
Despite the hold-up, we were still eager to dive into the day ahead!
Airport to Central Copenhagen
10:50 CET – Boarding the M2 Metro from the Airport
At 10:50 CET, we hopped on the M2 metro line from Copenhagen Airport. Before boarding, we took advantage of a special offer on a 12-hour public transport ticket priced at 600 DKK. We purchased it easily via the Dot Tickets app, which made navigating the city a breeze for the rest of the day.
11:05 CET – Arrival at Kongens Nytorv Metro Station
Just 15 minutes later, we arrived at Kongens Nytorv metro station, right in the heart of the city. Ready to begin exploring, we couldn’t wait to see what Copenhagen had in store!
Morning Activities
Visit the Ice Rink and Square Outside the Station
As we stepped out of Kongens Nytorv metro station, we were immediately greeted by the festive charm of the outdoor ice rink set up in the square. The rink was surrounded by twinkling lights, creating a magical winter atmosphere. Skaters glided gracefully across the ice, while the lively square buzzed with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the holiday spirit. It was the perfect spot to pause, take in the sights, and soak up Copenhagen’s winter magic.
Nyhavn
11.15 CET strolling along Nyhavn, with its coluorful facades lining the canal, feels like stepping into a postcard. The air is filled with the scent of fresh seafood from the local eateries, while the sound of boats gently gliding through the water adds to the relaxed vibe. Take a moment to snap a few photos. Bought a fridge magnet (50DKK) and a hanging heart (80DKK).
11:35 CET – Walk to Højbro Plads Christmas Market
At 11:35 CET, we strolled through the charming streets of Copenhagen towards the Højbro Plads Christmas Market. The festive atmosphere grew as we approached the market, with the sweet scent of seasonal treats filling the air and the sounds of holiday music adding to the excitement.
11:50 CET – Exploring Højbro Plads Christmas Market
By 11:50 CET, we had arrived at the Højbro Plads Christmas Market, one of Copenhagen’s most popular holiday destinations. The market was full of delightful stalls offering everything from unique gifts to delicious seasonal foods. We couldn’t resist indulging in a few festive treats, starting with a warm cup of gløgg (a traditional Danish mulled wine) for 85 DKK—the perfect way to warm up in the chilly air.
Next, we tried a Ringrimmer (a Danish sausage) for 65 DKK, served hot and bursting with flavour. We also sampled some æbleskiver, the famous Danish pancake balls, served fresh with powdered sugar for 40 DKK for three. To take home a piece of Copenhagen’s holiday spirit, we picked up a gingerbread man tree decoration for 65 DKK, a sweet souvenir from the market.
Afternoon Activities
12:10 CET – Visit to the Royal Copenhagen China Shop
At 12:10 CET, we stepped into the elegant world of Royal Copenhagen. Known for its exquisite porcelain, the Royal Copenhagen China Shop is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship. The shop was filled with beautifully hand-painted china, delicate figurines, and timeless designs that have made this brand famous for over 200 years. We admired the craftsmanship and, of course, couldn’t resist browsing through some of the stunning pieces on display.
12:25 CET – Walk to Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads Christmas Market
At 12:25 CET, we made our way to the charming Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads Christmas Market, nestled in one of Copenhagen’s most scenic squares. The festive stalls here were smaller and more intimate, offering a lovely selection of holiday treats and crafts. As we wandered through, we couldn’t resist picking up a Honey Spoon, for just 10 DKK.
12:50 CET – Relaxing at Expresso House with Hot Chocolates and Cake
At 12:50 CET, we took a break from our Christmas market adventures and headed to Espresso House for a cosy pit stop. We settled inside with two steaming hot chocolates, perfect for warming up from the chilly air, and indulged in two delicious pieces of cake—all for 188 DKK. The highlight was the gingerbread cake, which was so irresistible that we ended up purchasing a whole loaf to take home. We also couldn’t resist grabbing a piece of Kanelsnurre, a traditional cinnamon roll, to enjoy later. Our total for the treats came to 108 DKK—a sweet addition to our Copenhagen haul!
13:50 CET – Souvenir Shopping Along Strøget
At 13:50 CET, we strolled down Strøget, Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian street, lined with shops, boutiques, and cafes. It’s the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs, and we couldn’t resist exploring the variety of stores. After some browsing, we picked up a charming bell-shaped fridge magnet for 50 DKK—a perfect memento of our time in Copenhagen. We also grabbed two boxes of Danish cookies for 42 DKK, which we knew would make a sweet treat to enjoy back home.
15:00 CET – A Stroll to the Hans Christian Anderson Christmas Market
At 15:00 CET, we headed towards the enchanting Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market, one of the most charming holiday markets in Copenhagen. Nestled in a picturesque area, the market exuded a fairy tale like atmosphere, with stalls adorned in festive decorations and twinkling lights. The air was filled with the warm scents of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, making it the perfect stop on our Christmas adventure.
Evening Activities
17:15 CET – Walked to Tivoli Gardens and Immersed in the Magic of the Lights
At 17:15 CET, we made our way to Tivoli Gardens, one of Copenhagen’s most iconic attractions. After a brief queue to get in, we entered the magical world of Tivoli, which was even more enchanting under the glow of thousands of twinkling lights. The entire park was beautifully decorated for the holiday season, with festive displays, sparkling trees, and a sense of wonder in the air. We had pre-booked our tickets online, which cost 400 DKK for both of us, ensuring a smooth entry into this winter wonderland.
18:30 CET – Revisiting Familiar Spots Before Heading Back
With some spare time before our flight, we decided to revisit a few of the places we had explored earlier in the day. It was a lovely way to soak up the last bits of Copenhagen’s charm before heading back to the airport. We strolled through the festive streets once more, enjoying the holiday atmosphere one last time.
20:30 CET – Arrived Back at Copenhagen Airport
At 20:30 CET, we made our way back to Copenhagen Airport. Feeling a little hungry, we grabbed a quick bite to eat—85 DKK for a satisfying meal—and picked up a bottle of water for 17 DKK to stay hydrated before our flight.
22:45 CET – Ryanair Flight RK7383 Departs Copenhagen
At 22:45 CET, it was time to board Ryanair flight RK7383, and we took off from Copenhagen Airport (CPH), reflecting on an incredible day of adventure in the Danish capital.
23:30 GMT – Arrived at London Stansted Airport
By 23:30 GMT, we had safely landed at London Stansted Airport (STN), bringing our Extreme Day Trip to Copenhagen to a close. Tired but full of memories, we made our way through arrivals.
00:00 GMT – Bus Back to the Premier Inn
At 00:00 GMT, we boarded the bus to the Premier Inn Hotel to pick up our car. The bus ride was quick and convenient, and the cost was £8.00 (payable by card or cash to the driver).
Total Costings
Total Costs for the Day
After an unforgettable day in Copenhagen, we tallied up the costs:
- GBP: £237.45
- DKK: 1885 DKK
Using an exchange rate of 0.11, 1885 DKK equals £207.35.
So, the total cost for our extreme day trip came to £444.80, which works out to approximately £222.40 per person.
Travel Tips
Copenhagen’s public transport system is incredibly efficient, and it’s easy to get around either with a Copenhagen Card or special offers, which give you unlimited access to buses, trains, and metro services. It’s perfect for saving time and money when hopping between attractions!
Conclusion
From its charming canals to thrilling amusement parks, Copenhagen has something to offer everyone – even if you only have one day. Whether you’re exploring the historic sights or indulging in Danish delicacies, a whirlwind day trip to Copenhagen will leave you with memories to cherish for years to come. So, pack your bags, set your alarm early, and get ready for an unforgettable 24 hours in this dynamic city!
Ready to plan your own extreme day trip to Copenhagen? With so many sights to see, one day will never be enough. Check out our other posts other locations to visit, and let us know in the comments what your favourite Copenhagen attraction is!
Finding Out More
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com
