Compact and easy to explore, Copenhagen is one of those rare cities that appears custom-made for visitors with just 24 hours to spend. For anyone with a free day, here’s an itinerary that squeezes the best out of the Danish capital.

Breakfast
Weirdly, you won’t find any Danish pastries in Copenhagen, so don’t make the mistake of asking for one at the bakery Mirabelle. Instead, order one of their life-changing croissants, which they allow to ferment for four days, before baking them into soft, flakey, buttery pillows. The coffee’s good too.

Activity
Australian’s are no strangers to the Danish royal family, with “our Mary,” the Crown Princess of Denmark, born and raised in Hobart. Take a squiz at some of the wealth and tradition Mary married into by visiting the Rosenborg castle. Built in the early 17th Century, its upper rooms are stuffed with classic art and furniture, while the basement is home to the crown jewels. Hectic in the summer months, you can avoid the queues by booking tickets online here.

A theme-park from yesteryear, think of Tivoli Gardens as the romantic Scandinavian version of Disneyland

Lunch
What we’d call a simple open-faced sandwich, the Danish call smørrebrød and just like Danish furniture they’re lovely examples of restrained perfection. Originally made as casual pub food, smørrebrød has grown to become a beloved national dish, where locals turn leftovers from their fridge into tiny works of art, framed on a piece of Danish rye bread. Get to Palægade for some modern classics.

Activity
A theme-park from yesteryear, think of Tivoli Gardens as the romantic Scandinavian version of Disneyland. Dating from 1843, you can’t visit Tivoli and not be charmed by its antique amusement rides, elegant pavilions and carnival games. Time your visit around dusk, when the fairy lights come on, and there are often free concerts in the open-air theatres.

Dinner
Being the home of Noma, regularly voted the best restaurant in the world, has created a booming dining scene all over Copenhagen. You could have a lot of fun eating your way around the 15 Michelin-starred restaurants, if only you had an unlimited budget. In reality, it’s hard to beat some fresh seafood and a cold beer along the scenic Nyhavn harbour.

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Image: Dusk on Nyhavn harbour.