Copenhagen Red Route: Top Stops & Timing Guide

The Red Route is Copenhagen’s greatest-hits playlist. Use this guide to prioritize stops without FOMO and keep your timing sharp.

Table of Contents

• Quick Overview
• Stop-by-Stop Guide
• Timing Blueprint
• Photo Angles
• Eat & Rest
• Bottom Line

Quick Overview

Stop-by-Stop Guide

1) Nyhavn

• Snap the iconic pastel houses ✔️
• Coffee at a side-street cafe to avoid the main strip
• Optional canal cruise departure here

2) The Little Mermaid

• Go early to dodge crowds.
• Approach from the harbor path for a cleaner angle.
  

3) Amalienborg

• Changing of the guard around noon.
• Stand back for wide shots of the square.

4) Christiansborg

• Free tower view; elevator + a few stairs.
• Parliament and royal reception rooms for history lovers.

Tip: Cluster Mermaid → Amalienborg → Nyhavn as a single waterfront loop.

Timing Blueprint

• Morning: Nyhavn → Mermaid → Amalienborg
• Lunch: smørrebrød near Kongens Nytorv
• Afternoon: Christiansborg → National Museum → Tivoli lights after sunset

Photo Angles

• Nyhavn: shoot from opposite side to capture full facades
• Mermaid: low angle to include skyline
• Amalienborg: square symmetry with a wide lens

Eat & Rest

• Torvehallerne food halls for quick variety
• Cafe breaks between palace & museum stops
• Short rest on HOHO loop if energy dips

Bottom Line

If you only ride one route, make it the Red Route—dense headline sights and photo-ready moments.