Experience the magic of autumn in Copenhagen from September through November. The summer crowds have gone, the city is calmer yet still full of life, and there are plenty of things to see and do.
Get inspired by our guide to the 9 best things to do in Copenhagen in autumn and make the most of your visit.
Hygge
/ˈh(j)uːɡə/, /ˈhʊɡə/
noun
Definition: Hygge is creating a warm, cozy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people!
Hygge has almost always been a big part of the way Danes live their lives, but we do tend to crank up the hygge during autumn. As it gets colder and the daylight hours shrink, it’s time to put on cozier clothes and enjoy the best things of the season, like the soft glow of candles in café windows, pumpkin spice lattes, late brunches, and time with people we love.
As food and hygge go hand in hand, we recommend you enjoy a great brunch while in town. It’s easy to find a place with delicious brunch in Copenhagen, but if you love great coffee and Instagrammable food, we highly suggest you pay a visit to either Ø12 or The Union Kitchen. You won't be disappointed!
Addresses:
Visit Ø12 at H.C. Andersens Boulevard 8
FInd The Union Kitchen at Store Strandstræde 21
Denmark has ranked in the top three on the Happiest Countries list every year since the first report was released in 2012. In fact, Denmark secured the top spot in 2012, 2013, and 2016, and is always among the top three.
So why are the Danes happier than people in many other countries? We believe that hygge plays a big part, but if you want to dive deeper into this question, pay a visit to the Happiness Museum. In the Happiness Lab, you’ll learn what happens in the brain when we feel joy and how happiness may change as we grow older. Laughter and smiling are the visible signs of happiness, but can you detect a fake smile? And do you know why laughter is contagious? Visit Anatomy of a Smile to find out.
With plenty of interactive exhibitions, don’t forget to bring your smartphone.
Address: Admiralgade 19
Getting there: Hop off at stop 1 on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses
Copenhagen has many parks and green areas, offering plenty of places to stroll and take in the beautiful colors of the season.
Enjoy the surroundings of the Botanical Garden, home to a collection of rare plants from around the world. Wander along paths lined with trees, bushes, and flowers, and soak in the seasonal colors. Pause by the lake to watch the ducks, and if you step closer to the water, you might spot fish as well.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Palm House. Explore tropical plants and feel as if you’ve stepped into a rainforest. See carnivorous plants, giant bamboos, and colorful flowers. You can also visit the Cactus and Succulent House, as well as the Butterfly House, which are part of the Palm House complex.
Please note: Entry to the Botanical Garden is free, but there is a fee for the Palm House.
Address: Gothersgade 128
Getting there: Hop off at stop 9 on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses
When in Copenhagen, you must take a canal tour! The city’s inner harbor and narrow canals are full of life year-round, and it’s easy to see why once you’ve experienced it from the water. From here, you get a perfect view of the city dressed in autumn colors, and you’ll sail past iconic attractions like the Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace, and the Black Diamond.
Hop on board Stromma’s Classic Canal Tour and enjoy a 1-hour boat tour. In September, you can choose between sailing in an open boat or a covered boat. In October and November, all boats are covered and heated when needed. Choose between live-guided and audio-guided tours.
Address: Nyhavn 3 and Ved Stranden 26
At the Experimentarium, you can let your inner child – or actual child – loose and learn through play. Everything is designed to be touched, and the aim of each exhibition is to inspire, spark questions, and awaken curiosity.
Soap bubbles are always fun, and the Experimentarium has taken the art of making them to a whole new level. At the Bubblearium, you can blow bubbles of all sizes, from tiny ones to giant ones. You can even create square bubbles, blow bubbles inside bubbles, and step right into one yourself.
Under Your Skin takes you inside the human body, where you can explore the blood circulation, muscles, bones, and brain. Listen to body sounds through a guessing game, measure your strength, and fight viruses using an interactive immune system.
In Circus Physicus, you’ll learn about gearing, air pressure, and power transmission through play. Lie down on a bed of nails or test your balance on a special seesaw where the smallest movement will tilt you up and down.
Address: Tuborg Havnevej 7, 2900 Hellerup
Getting there: From Copenhagen Central Station, take S-train line A towards Hillerød and get off at Svanemøllen Station. From there, walk 1.5 km or take bus 1A towards Hellerup Station and get off at Tuborg Boulevard.
Photo by David Trood
Step into the fascinating exhibition A Distant War, which tells the story of a young Danish soldier — from his safe childhood bedroom to a military camp in Afghanistan. Six hundred square meters are used to recreate a Danish military camp and its surroundings as realistically as possible. Everything on display has been used by real soldiers, and some items are even covered with personal graffiti.
Walk through Christian IV’s 156-meter-long Arsenal Hall, in use for cannons since 1604. Here, you can see everything from Christian IV’s cannon weight from 1614 to modern weapons such as drones, howitzers, and DEHAWK missiles. You can also explore stories about warfare, such as the Great Defeat and the Battle of Heligoland Bight.
If you’re looking for indoor things to do in Copenhagen in autumn, this museum is a perfect choice.
Address: Tøjhusgade 3
Getting there: Hop off at stop 1 on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses
Take a break from exploring the city and travel back in time at La Glace. Denmark’s oldest patisserie was founded in 1870, and for six generations they have been serving cakes, cookies, ice cream, and chocolates. Most of their delicious desserts are still made following the original recipes.
A visit to La Glace is a unique experience. Much of the furniture dates back to the 1890s, and the interior is from 1924, making it a true piece of history. It’s a delicious way to add a little extra hygge to your day.
Address: Skoubogade 3
Until the end of October, you can visit the special pop-up Titanic Experience at Refshaleøen. Walk through life-sized reconstructed rooms and halls, marvel at more than 90 artifacts, and explore the ship's fascinating history from its construction to its tragic meeting with the iceberg.
Through virtual reality, you can even visit Titanic's actual wreck site, located more than 2.5 miles deep in the ocean.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Copenhagen in autumn, this limited-time exhibition is worth a visit.
Address: Refshalevej 175 A & B
Getting there: Take Stromma's Hop On-Hop Off buses to stop 34
Bonus info: Tickets for Titanic’s maiden voyage were also sold in Copenhagen, and the former office of the White Star Line is now home to the renowned restaurant Nyhavns Færgekro. If the sun hits the first-floor windows just right, you can still see the inscriptions for New York. And no matter the weather, you can enjoy tasty Danish food such as smørrebrød and a huge selection of herring.
Address: Nyhavn 5
Photo by Linus Harwig
If you're looking for a different way to discover the city, Solve a Mystery is the perfect activity. A crime has been committed in Copenhagen, and it's your job to investigate, follow the clues, and solve the tasks while enjoying the city from a different perspective.
All the cases are based on real crimes, and once you’ve solved yours, you’ll get to read about the true story behind it. The mystery is self-guided, so you can explore at your own pace, and it requires a minimum of two people.
Combine your mystery with a sightseeing tour by boat with Stromma's Boat & Mystery Ticket, which includes The Murder at Christiansborg Palace and a one-hour Classic Canal Tour.
Photo by Solve a Mystery
Are Danes good at speaking English?
Yes. Most Danes speak English fluently, and you’ll have no problem communicating in shops, restaurants, or attractions.
Can we pay with a credit card?
Credit cards are widely accepted in Copenhagen, including at cafés, shops, and attractions. Visa and Mastercard are the most common.
How do we get from the airport to the city center?
The easiest way is by metro, which runs directly from the airport to central Copenhagen in about 15 minutes. You can also take a train or taxi.
What’s the best way to get around Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is compact and easy to explore on foot in many areas. For visiting attractions that are further apart, Hop On-Hop Off buses are a great option, letting you explore at your own pace. You can also combine sightseeing with cycling by choosing our Boat & Bike Ticket that includes a one-hour Classic Canal Tour and a one-hour bike rental.
What should I pack for Copenhagen in autumn?
Layered clothing is key for changing temperatures, plus a warm jacket for cooler days. Don’t forget rain gear, comfortable walking shoes, and gloves or a hat for late autumn.
September is the warmest month of autumn, with temperatures ranging from 14–17°C. In October, the temperature drops slightly to 10–12°C, and by November it gets colder, averaging around 6–8°C. We recommend dressing in layers, as temperatures can vary, allowing you to adjust easily to both warmer and colder conditions. Being in the Nordics, it’s also a good idea to pack rain gear.
Hopefully, we’ve inspired you with ideas for what to see and do while visiting the Danish capital.
Plan your route and find the locations of our recommended activities on the map below.
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