🎇 Less Than 24 Hours in Copenhagen: A New Year’s Layover Guide
- thewildetheory
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 7
We had less than 24 hours in Copenhagen, just a short layover en route back home, but somehow it felt like the perfect soft landing into a new year.
If you don't have NYE plans yet, consider adding this to your travel list. The dedication to fireworks this city has is unmatched; they go off nonstop from 4 PM to 1 AM, echoing through the streets in a way that feels chaotic and magical.
💌 Want my exact KML map (pins for Google Map) with all the stops, food spots, and hidden gems from our Copenhagen layover? I’ll send it straight to your inbox, just drop your email here.
📖 Or, if you love planning and documenting your own trips, check out my Travel Log, now on Amazon.
✈️ Arrival: January 31, 1:25 PM (MXP ➝ CPH)
We touched down just after lunch and headed straight to our hotel. Either citizenM or The Square would do, both ideally located next to Radhuspladsen Plaza / City Hall (very important, you'll see why later). After dropping our bags and taking a breath, we hit the town.
🍜 First Stop: Ramen & Fireworks
Dinner was at Men-O Ramen, a cozy spot perfect for warming up. By 4 PM, the fireworks were already starting. It’s a slightly unhinged Copenhagen tradition since anyone can launch a firework. Locals casually light them off in the streets like it’s no big deal, turning the whole city into a sparkly (albeit smoky) war zone.
⚠️ We had read that some people bring goggles when walking around Copenhagen on New Year’s Eve. We laughed that off, thinking it was overkill.
We were wrong. If you’re planning to walk through plazas or spend time outdoors after dark, bring the goggles. No joke — we saw fireworks launched into crowds, over sidewalks, and dangerously close to balconies. It’s festive chaos, emphasis on chaos. We stayed safe by sticking to Tivoli and watching the madness from the comfort of our hotel.
🎄 A Tivoli Wonderland
Next, we wandered into Tivoli Gardens, and it felt like stepping into a fairy tale. With mulled cider in hand, we explored the Christmas lights, snacked on sweet treats, and browsed the winter markets.
We hadn't purchased the ticket add-on for rides, and we didn't feel like we missed out. However, there were 1-2 rides we would like to try next time. Despite the cold, the whole park radiated warmth, joy, and old-world charm.
👉 Fun fact: Walt Disney visited Tivoli in 1951, and it inspired parts of Disneyland.
🏨 Fireworks from Above
After soaking in Tivoli’s magic, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up. As midnight approached, we watched the New Year’s fireworks erupt across the city from the safety and comfort of our rooms and top-floor lounge. The sky was alive with color. A perfect way to say hello to January 1.
More views from our hotel.
✈️ Departure: January 1, 1:00 PM (CPH ➝ ATL)
🥐 Morning in the New Year
We woke up early and caught the metro toward Church of Our Savior, strolling past still-sleepy canals and cobblestone streets. The air was crisp, and the city felt like a secret waiting to be uncovered.
Before heading to the airport, we grabbed a coffee and a couple of Danish pastries (Lagkagehuset was open!) just steps from the canal and metro. They were flaky, sweet, and exactly what we needed before saying goodbye.
Just like that, our mini winter escape ended. In under 24 hours, Copenhagen still managed to charm us with spontaneity, sparkle, and Scandinavian magic.
🌍 Reflections on a Whirlwind Adventure
Copenhagen, with its vibrant culture and stunning architecture, left a lasting impression. Each moment felt like a delightful dance, a reminder that life is about savoring the little things. From the warmth of the ramen to the thrill of the fireworks, every experience was a brushstroke on the canvas of our journey.
As we boarded our flight, I couldn’t help but think about how travel is more than just a destination. It’s about the stories we collect, the memories we create, and the connections we forge. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, remember to embrace the chaos and find joy in the unexpected.
And who knows? Your next adventure might just be around the corner, waiting to surprise you with its own magic.
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