19 Cool Things To Do In Copenhagen

This post may contain affiliate links. By purchasing through my links you can help support me at no additional cost to you, thank you!

Are you coming to Copenhagen and want to find the hidden gems no one really talks about? This guide is full of 19 fun things to do in Copenhagen, locals style!

Copenhagen is a beautiful city that often gets overlooked as a travel destination. This guide will show you why it should be your next destination! Have you already been to Copenhagen and think you have seen it all? There are so many things to do in Copenhagen, that you might be surprised to find that there’s still much you haven’t explored. If you are coming to Copenhagen for the first time, there are some places you must see before looking for hidden gems. Therefore, I recommend you first check out my other blog post dedicated to first-time visitors, and then come back to this one.

Read: 11 Places You Must See In Copenhagen

The best time to visit Copenhagen is definitely during the summer. While many European destinations get fantastic weather during the spring, Denmark is not one of those places. Always be prepared for a lot of rain and even more wind! July and August are the driest months here, so you will have the highest chance of a clear sky. Otherwise, visiting during December is also great, with the Christmas atmosphere everywhere.

If you have checked everything off from the other post, and are ready to experience Copenhagen, local style, then this is the perfect guide for you! From beautiful parks to less known quarters, and a few quirky places, Copenhagen has something for everyone.

General Tips:

The currency here is the Danish Krone and 1 euro = roughly 7.5 dkk
The coffee here is ridiculously expensive (1 latte = 50-60 dkk = ~7.3 euros)
A lot of places are completely cash-free, so make sure your credit card works abroad
Tipping is not a part of the culture nor is it expected, but you can always leave a tip if you really enjoyed the service

This post is all about things to do in Copenhagen

1. Ofelia Plads

One of the favorite hang-out spots for locals, Ofelia Plads is amazing during the summer! The best way to describe this place is that it’s a pier with some bars and food trucks and has lots of great spots to sit during the warmer months. In addition, on a hot summer day, you can come and get a nice tan here! One thing to keep in mind is that swimming is not allowed here, and you can actually get fined for doing so. But don’t worry, I will have more swimming spots later in the guide.

Not only is this a great spot to relax in the sun, but a lot of events are actually hosted here. During Euro 2020, Ofelia Plads became a ‘football village’, where you could enjoy all the live matches. Sometimes you can find concerts here and other social events. While visiting, make sure to check their Facebook page for any current events happening.

2. Broens Madkøkken

Where street food meets good weather and organized seating. Broens Madkøkken is located just on the other side of Nyhavn (walk across the Inderhavnsbroen). This is the perfect spot to grab lunch or dinner with a group of people. There are different stalls offering a large variety of foods, so everyone will find something they like. It is located right by the water, making the whole experience very picturesque and relaxed. Some of the stalls are exclusively for serving drinks, and there are lots of picnic tables to sit at. However, if you would like, you can also take your food to the water edge and sit there.

While this place can be very quiet during the week, it gets extremely crowded during the hot summer months and weekends, so either come early or keep in mind that the queues will be quite long at the stalls. While visiting, make sure to check out Kosmik Rum. It’s a free art installation located here, simply walk inside and enjoy the cool display.

3. Reffen

Another great spot for food is Reffen. While this spot is a bit far from the city center, it’s a must, as it takes street food to a whole other level. Reffen is an industrial warehouse region of the city that was renovated into an urban playground and the largest street food venue in the Nordics. It is only open seasonally – usually from around April through September, but the exact dates can be found here. On their website, you can also find a list of all the food stalls and events going on here.

There are lounge chairs by the water, some bars, and Mikkeller’s (a craft beer brewery) so you can easily spend the whole evening here when the weather is nice.

Although it is a bit far, you can get here with the water bus, or simply walk along the water which will take longer but is very beautiful. If adventure sports is something you enjoy, then you can even Bungy jump from a crane just across Reffen.

4. Ilum’s Rooftop Cafe

On the top floor of Ilum, a large department store in Strøget, you can find lots of meal options. However, a more budget-friendly option (yet still slightly expensive) is stopping at Original Coffee on the top floor. They have a small terrace where you can enjoy a coffee with a view. Original Coffee has been awarded the “city’s best” award for many years, and I can confirm, they have delicious coffee! Make sure to stop here for a relaxing break.

5. Walk Around the Lakes

There are five artificial lakes in the heart of Copenhagen, offering a beautiful escape from city life. Although the city surrounds the lakes, you have a path lower by the water which makes you forget about the busy streets around. It is about 7 km around all 5 lakes which makes it a relaxed longer walk to enjoy when the weather is nice. Going through the lakes is “Dronning Louise’s Bro”, it is a very popular spot among locals so don’t be surprised if you see people lining the bridge on a hot day. Feel free to grab a beer and join the crowds, like a real Dane.

While at the lakes, make sure to stop at “Kaffe Salonen”. not only do they have a beautiful terrace on the central lake, but they even offer paddle boat rentals. My personal recommendation would be to rent a swan boat, which costs 110 DKK for 30 minutes. Click here to see their rental options.

6. Wander Around Nørrebro

After winning the title of “The Coolest Neighborhood in the World”, this neighborhood is a must-visit! Nørrebro is located just northwest of the lakes and has lots of sights to offer. If you are a foodie, make sure to wander the streets here to find the best food in Copenhagen. Start your search at “Sankt Hans Torv” and walk around the small alleys here. I recommend checking out Banh Mi for lunch. Afterward, continue towards Assistens Kirkegaard, where many famous Danes are buried. It is a beautiful graveyard park to walk through. Nørrebro is full of micro breweries, so stop at one of them for a delicious craft beer (I recommend BRUS). Lastly, check out Superkilen, a contemporary urban space, which is probably the most unique urban playground you will encounter.

7. Check Out Rosenborg Slot and Kongens Have

While Rosenberg Castle is considered a bit touristy, it lies at the start of the King’s garden, which is a local’s favorite. Check out the beautiful castle without having to travel outside of the city, then relax in the beautiful gardens around. On a hot day you will find many Danes sunbathing here, so bring your towel and a picnic, and join the fun.

8. Walk Around Kastellet

Kastellet is the old fortress built to protect Copenhagen from invasion. Although it is still a military base, it is open for visitors and you can walk around the park and through the base. While there, make sure to check out St. Alban’s church, one of the only gothic churches in the city. Next to it, you can find the Gefion fountain, which depicts the mythical story of how Zealand was created. Zealand is the island Copenhagen is located on, as Denmark is composed of two main Islands: Zealand and Jutland.

9. Freetown Christiania

Copenhagen actually has a self-governing anarchist neighborhood, within the city. Christiania used to be a military base, which was abandoned and hippies who wanted to leave in peace took over. The whole idea here is to live in a community that values peace and love above all and does not believe in government laws. While ‘pusher street’ is quite famous here, please keep in mind that buying their stuff is illegal and the police do conduct almost daily raids. Knowing this, you are free to choose to do as you like. Other than pusher street, Christiania is also famous for its street art and galleries, so make sure to walk around and explore the quirks here, and be mindful of where you are or are not allowed to take photos.

10. Walk Around Christianshavn

Although this quarter is slightly out of the city center, it is on the way to Freetown Christiania and is a beautiful neighborhood. Walk around the small canals here and enjoy the more laid-back and charming atmosphere here.

11. Things to do in Copenhagen: Go Swimming

The one thing tourists never really think about when they visit Copenhagen is that they should go swimming. On a hot summer’s day, the city will feel a little abandoned as everyone will be out by the water. Although there are a few sand beaches in Copenhagen, the popular option is to go swimming in the harbor. There are a few great spots to swim at, including Islands Brygge and Nordhavn. Make sure to swim only where there is a designated spot, otherwise, you risk getting a hefty fine. There are many places around the city to sunbathe, so if you don’t feel like a dip, you could also find any other wooden platform by the water.

12. Explore Nordhavn

Nordhavn, which means north harbor, is one of the newest neighborhoods in Copenhagen. It is filled with mesmerizing architecture and great hang-out spots. Take a stroll around the quarter and admire the buildings around you. If you plan to go here, bring your bathing suit, as it also has a great swimming spot.

13. Take a Scenic Walk in Islands Brygge

Once known as the run-down quarter across the water, Islands Brygge has now become a popular neighborhood. Stroll along the water towards the south, and enjoy the views from across the water. In addition, there are some really cool new housing projects being built in this area, so enjoy the architecture along the way.

14. Dyrehaven and Bakken

This place is incredibly special and is a must to visit. Although it’s a little bit out of the city, it is very easy to reach and worth the trip. Dyrehavn is the deer park, where you can walk around a huge park where thousands of deer roam freely. While the deer are not afraid of people, please keep your distance and don’t feed them.

In addition, Bakken, which is the oldest amusement park in the world, is found here. It has lots of game stands and food courts, as well as some rides. However, if you simply want to go on many rides, Tivoli is the place for you. Entrance is free and you pay for each ride, so even if you don’t plan on going on the rides, make sure to at least walk around here.

To get to Dyrehavn, hop on the S train to Klampenborg, from there you will see the huge park and know exactly where to go. Bakken is located on the side closest to the train station, whereas if you want to explore more of the park, you should walk towards the north.

15. See the Old Quarters

As with most big cities, some of the oldest quarters in Copenhagen used to be where the poorest people lived. Nowadays, these quarters are extremely attractive to live in and are very well preserved. Two of these quarters are around the city center, and worth a visit. Right by the northernmost lake is a quarter called “Kartoffelrække” which means potato row. This is because all of the houses look alike, and are compact together into neat rows. Take a stroll around these quiet streets as the atmosphere here really is special. The second spot is by Østerport station and is called “Nyboder”. This neighborhood is well known from the Danish children’s book series “Tudemarie” and the houses here have a unique vibrant orange color.

16. Get Fresh Food at Torvehallerne

Torvehallerne is an indoor marketplace for getting fresh ingredients and a fancier version of food stands. You can find a variety of stands selling fresh cheeses and meats, as well as herbs and specialty olive oils. If you would like to dry a fancy traditional Danish dish, stop here for some smørrebrød. Essentially, it is rye bread with lots of toppings, usually including fish and meats. Torvhallerne is located on Israels Plads, close to Nørreport station, and is worth a stroll even if you don’t intend on buying anything.

17. Things to do in Copenhagen: Eat at Kødbyen

Kødbyen is the ‘meatpacking district’, full of restaurants, and boasts a lively atmosphere during the summer nights. The area used to be industrialized and has been transformed into a sophisticated nightlife venue. Known to have some nicer restaurants, and lots of bars, head here for a nice dinner. There is even an art scene here, with several galleries in the area, so make sure to check out if there are potential exhibitions before you visit.

18. Rent a ‘Go Boat’

One of the best ways to see the city is from the water. There are several ways to do so, including water busses, touristy canal tours, and the best way: renting your own little boat. You can rent a motor boat which can fit 8 people on it, and sail around the small canals of Copenhagen at your own speed, and for as long as you would like. Make sure to book a boat in advance when the weather is nice, as this activity is popular among tourists and locals alike. The two main companies offering these rentals are GoBoats and FriendShips. I have only used Go Boat and so I have linked their site for prices.

19. Follow the Coast North of Copenhagen

If you have a car available, I highly recommend driving north of Copenhagen along “Standvejen” enjoying the ocean views and beautiful villas. The area north of Copenhagen is filled with glamorous villas overlooking the ocean. If you want to get out of the city a bit, this is a beautiful drive and then you can stop at nice beachside towns to enjoy a different side of Denmark. Even if you don’t have a car, you can easily take a train to one of these towns. Some of these towns include Vedbæk, Helsingør, and Gilleleje. Vedbæk is the closest (only about 20 minutes away) and is the easiest town to visit. Make sure to stop at Rosenhuset cafe by the water, and take a scenic walk towards Rungsted Havn. If you have some more time, Kronborg Castle is located in Helsingør and is the famous castle in Shakespeare’s Hamlet play.

Bonus Tip: Things to Do in Copenhagen

Two nice bars/ restaurants in the city are Kayak Bar and Green Island. Kayak Bar lies on a small canal where you can enjoy a drink, or as the name suggests, rent a kayak. In contrast, Green Island is located on the main canal. They are usually only open during the summer months, so make sure to check their opening dates before you arrive.

As you can see, Copenhagen is a small European capital filled with amazing things to do, so make sure to plan enough time in this beautiful city to see it all.