Summer in Copenhagen – Top 10 Things to Do

Copenhagen in summer – a vibrant city full of activities!

Are you planning to visit Copenhagen this summer? Great choice! The city is vibrant and charming, offering a variety of things to do for visitors of all ages. Whether you seek culture, history, nature, or entertainment, you’ll find something to suit your taste. Summer is the perfect time to visit Copenhagen, with warm, sunny weather, long days, and bustling streets. Here are our top ten things to do in Copenhagen during the summer to make your stay unforgettable.

1. Visit Tivoli Gardens: A Summer Must-do in Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens is a top attraction in Copenhagen, especially during the summer. This magical amusement park offers fun and thrilling rides for all ages. Whether you prefer slower rides like the Flying Trunk or are a daredevil for the Demon roller coaster, you’ll love Tivoli Gardens. Fans of horror movies should visit the haunted Villa Vendetta but prepare for a heart-racing experience.

Join the locals for Fredagsrock every Friday night, one of the top Copenhagen summer events, bringing live music to the heart of the city. The outdoor concerts feature both national and international artists and bands.

Find Tivoli Gardens at Vesterbrogade 3. Take Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses to stop 12 - Tivoli / Radisson Royal Hotel.

2. Take a Boat Tour – The Best Way to See Copenhagen in Summer

Taking a boat tour is a must in Copenhagen. It's a fun and relaxing way to see many top tourist attractions from the water, perfectly capturing the essence of summer in Copenhagen.

Hygge – Copenhagen’s Coziest Boat Tour

For a more intimate experience, join Hygge, Stromma’s electric boat accommodating just 12 guests. The Skipper will guide you in English and Danish, taking you past hidden gems and iconic sights, and will go more in-depth with everything you see. Feel free to ask questions along the way, and you can bring snacks and beverages on board.

Hygge departs from Stromma’s bridge at Ved Stranden 26.

The Grand Canal Tour - A Historic Journey

Join Stromma’s Grand Canal Tour and embark on a historic journey from the Stone Age to the modern day. This extensive boat tour takes you past iconic sights and famous landmarks such as The Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace, as well as past hidden gems such as The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid. The tour takes you all the way to the trendy neighborhood of Nordhavn and out toward Sydhavnen.

Join the Grand Canal Tour from Stromma’s bridge at Ved Stranden 26.

3. Explore Nyhavn – The Perfect Thing to Do in Copenhagen in Summer

Stroll along the docks of Nyhavn, one of Copenhagen’s most picturesque areas, with colorful houses lining the canal. The rich history is palpable, with many original 17th- and 18th-century buildings still standing. In summer, enjoy a meal or drink at a café or bar while watching people and boats pass by. Famous writers like Hans Christian Andersen and Karen Blixen once lived on these cobblestone streets.

Complete your visit to Nyhavn with a cozy canal tour and sail through the narrow canal as you admire the houses from the water.

4. Savor Summer Nights at Copenhagen’s Rooftop Bars

Unwind and savor the summer nights at some of Copenhagen’s finest rooftop bars. As the sun sets over the city skyline, these urban oases offer a perfect escape with breathtaking views and refreshing cocktails. Whether you’re looking to relax after a day of exploring or kick-start your evening, Copenhagen’s rooftop bars in summer are the place to be.

Level Six is a stylish and cozy rooftop bar located close to Nørreport Station, where you’ll feel the buzz of Copenhagen while enjoying the view of the city. At Level Six, you can enjoy delicious cocktails, fantastic food, and a great atmosphere.

Find Level Six on top of Scandic Nørreport at Frederiksborggade 18, 6th floor.

Close to Tivoli Gardens and The National Museum of Denmark, you’ll find The Rooftop Bar on top of Hotel Danmark. Relax in a lounger, enjoy a tasty cocktail, and take in the panoramic view of Copenhagen in this cozy, urban oasis.

Visit The Rooftop Bar at Vester Voldgade 89, 7th floor.

5. Enjoy a Summer Day at the Copenhagen Zoo

Animal lovers will enjoy visiting Copenhagen Zoo, home to over 3,000 animals from different continents. Get close to the fascinating polar bears in the Arctic Ring or visit the highly endangered Amur tigers in their large enclosure. On a hot summer day, you might even get to watch the tigers take a swim. You can also observe the ever-munching, very cute, and extremely popular giant pandas, Mao Sun and Xing Er.

The zoo also has a tropical rainforest, a savanna, and a children's zoo where you can pet friendly goats and get close to farm animals like pigs and cows.

Find Copenhagen Zoo at Roskildevej 32. Or join Stromma’s Urban Green route to stop 27 - Copenhagen Zoo / Cisternerne.

6. Art and History Await at The Glyptotek

Art and history enthusiasts will love the Glyptotek. This unique museum, ideal for a summer outing, houses a remarkable collection of more than 10,000 works of art, spanning from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to the 19th and 20th centuries. Explore Egyptian legends like Ramses III, Tutankhamon, and Nefertiti; dive into French art created by icons like Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Renoir; or take a walk through the iconic Greek and Roman sculptures.

Note that the Glyptotek is closed on Mondays.

Discover art and history at Dantes Plads 7. Hop Off at stop 12 - Tivoli / Radisson Royal Hotel on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses.

7. See Copenhagen from Above at Our Saviour's Church

Located in Christianshavn, Our Saviour's Church is one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive and impressive churches. The baroque church is easily recognizable by its golden spiral tower with a golden globe.

The interior is beautiful, with a baroque altar, an organ, and a carillon. The church, including the stucco work and the organ plinth, is decorated with elephants that symbolize the prominent Order of the Elephant, which is the most prestigious Danish order you can receive.

Climb the 400 steep steps of the spiral tower, with the last half of the steps outside the tower, and be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city and its intertwining canals. The church tower is only accessible via the stairs, and it is recommended you prebook tickets.

Visit Our Saviour’s Church at Sankt Annæ Gade 29. Hop off Stromma’s Colorful Copenhagen route at stop 31 / Christianshavn.

8. Why Are Danes So Happy? Find Out at The Happiness Museum

Ever wondered why Danes are among the happiest people on earth year after year? Maybe you’ll discover why with a visit to the Happiness Museum! Here, you can learn about the geography and politics of happiness, as well as the anatomy of a smile. In the happiness lab, you can learn more about the connection between the brain and happiness. Bring your smartphone, as some exhibitions are interactive.

Take a deeper look into happiness at Admiralgade 19.

9. The Citadel: A Historical Must-See Any Time of Year

The Citadel, or Kastellet in Danish, is a star-shaped fortress dating back to the 17th century. During the Second World War, it was used as a base by the German forces while they occupied Copenhagen. The Citadel is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe, and even today, it serves as an active military facility.

Take a break from the busy city and enjoy the stunning view over the water as you explore the ramparts, the moat, and the old mill, Kastelsmøllen.

Fun fact: The mill was built in the 1840s and was used to grind grain for the soldiers stationed at Kastellet until 1903!

Find the entrance to the Citadel at Gl. Hovedvagt, Kastellet 1.

10. Visit the Majestic Marble Church

The Marble Church, also known as Frederik's Church, is a stunning rococo architectural masterpiece. It was commissioned by King Frederik V in 1749 but was not completed until 1894 due to financial and political difficulties.

The church is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks. Its green copper dome, white marble facade, and golden cross make it one of the city’s most admired and photographed buildings. The interior is equally magnificent, featuring frescoes, a baroque altar, and beautiful woodcarvings. From the middle of June, you can access the dome, which is one of the largest in Europe, and see Copenhagen from above.

Visit the Marble Church at Frederiksgade 4, or take Stromma’s Classic Copenhagen route to stop 3 – The Marble Church.

Questions & Answers

What months are summer in Copenhagen?
Summer in Copenhagen spans June, July, and August. These months offer the warmest weather and the longest days, making them an ideal time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions and events.

Is Copenhagen nice in summer?
Yes, Copenhagen is delightful in the summer. The city comes alive with outdoor activities, festivals, and vibrant street life. The warm weather and extended daylight hours provide ample opportunities to enjoy the parks, beaches, and outdoor dining.

Can you swim in Copenhagen in the summer?
Yes, you can swim in Copenhagen during the summer. The city has several harbor baths, such as Islands Brygge and Fisketorvet, where you can take a refreshing dip. There are also beaches like Amager Strandpark, which is a short distance from the city center.

What should I pack for a summer trip to Copenhagen?
For a summer trip to Copenhagen, pack light clothing for warm weather, but also bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the city. Don’t forget swimwear if you plan to visit the harbor baths or beaches. An umbrella or rain jacket is also a good idea, as summer showers can occur.

Copenhagen is a wonderful city to visit in the summer, offering a wide variety of sights and attractions that will make your trip memorable. We hope this blog has inspired you to plan your trip, and we’re confident you will enjoy this amazing city as much as we do!