Should You Visit Copenhagen?

Are you thinking about visiting Copenhagen, Denmark? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Copenhagen worth visiting?

Copenhagen is worth visiting for two to five days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Copenhagen is the capital city of the small country of Denmark. It has a colorful and scenic old town which includes many palaces, gardens, and other landmarks. The city is known for its canals and waterfront setting. It's also a progressive city with many sound environmental policies and a happy population. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Travel and Leisure's Best Places to Visit in 2023 - Big City Thrills.

Nyhavn Harbour, Old Town Copenhagan Nyhavn Harbour, Old Town Copenhagan

Reasons to Visit Copenhagen

Food
In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

Nightlife
The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Shopping
Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Museums
There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

Historical Sights
Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Authenticity
Copenhagen has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.




Is Copenhagen worth visiting in the Summer?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Copenhagen, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can check out the nightlife.


Summer Weather in Copenhagen
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
August 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
September 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)

Is Copenhagen worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Copenhagen. Even though Copenhagen is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 10°C (50°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, browse around the old town, and spend time at the museums. Also, you'll be able to discover the big city activities.


Autumn Weather in Copenhagen
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
November 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
December 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)

Is Copenhagen worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Copenhagen. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

The weather in Copenhagen can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 1°C (33°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife and the big city activities.


Winter Weather in Copenhagen
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in)
February 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
March 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)

Is Copenhagen worth visiting in the Spring?

The weather in Copenhagen can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 7°C (45°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Copenhagen, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Copenhagen is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you can admire the historic sights and grab some drinks at a bar.


Spring Weather in Copenhagen
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
June 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)

Related

What is Copenhagen most famous for?

Copenhagen is most famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. People visit this impressive city for its great food, nightlife, and shopping. It's also known for museums and historical sights. It is often described as friendly, happy, welcoming, relaxed, beautiful, laid-back, and progressive.

What is the most famous sight in Copenhagen?

The most popular sight in Copenhagen is Tivoli Gardens. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Copenhagen on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Tivoli Gardens and other attractions here.

How touristy is Copenhagen? Is it a popular city to visit?

Copenhagen is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Private Copenhagen Boat cruise in Scandinavian mahogany boat: $146
  • Biking tour -Copenhagen Small Group, max 10 people: $82
  • 2-Hour Private Copenhagen Segway Tour: $91
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Private Tour in Copenhagen: $14
  • Copenhagen Walking Tour with Food Testing (smorrebrod dish & snap): $80
  • Castle, Palace, Cathedral and Viking ships Tour: $162
  • 2 Hour Copenhagen Tour on Electric Scooter "Stand Up Bike": $77
  • Copenhagen City Private Walking Tour: $228

How long should I spend in Copenhagen?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Copenhagen is two to five days. Since Copenhagen has a variety of activities such as dining, nightlife, and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Copenhagen?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Copenhagen?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Copenhagen?.