Spring in Copenhagen is magical, with longer days, mild temperatures, and the city in full bloom. Expect 9–17°C, perfect for exploring the city. Not sure what to do in Copenhagen in May? Our guide has you covered with the best activities, from canal tours to cultural gems!
Enjoy the perfect view of Copenhagen from the water aboard Stromma’s Classic Canal Tour & The Harbour. This extended boat tour takes you through the city’s scenic waterways, passing iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid and the Opera. Admire Nordhavn’s striking architecture and discover hidden gems along the way.
May is a lovely time to see Copenhagen from the water, with longer days, fresh spring air, and the city coming to life along the harborfront. It is an easy and relaxing way to take in both famous sights and newer parts of the city in one tour.
The tour lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and is live guided in English and Danish. Departs from Ved Stranden 26.
Whether you’re travelling with friends or family, Tivoli Gardens is always worth a visit! This historic amusement park offers plenty of rides to choose from, and you don’t need to be an adrenaline junkie to have a great time.
If you’re up for a panoramic view of Copenhagen, head to The Star Flyer, which lifts you 80 meters above the ground. Be sure to explore the rest of the park too and take in the beautiful gardens, flowers, and seasonal decorations.
When you need a break, you’ll find plenty of places to recharge, from casual food stalls to renowned restaurants.
Address: Vesterbrogade 3
Getting there: Join Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus and hop off at stop 12 – Tivoli Gardens
Photo: Tivoli Gardens
The Botanical Garden is nestled behind the Natural History Museum and is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen. Stroll along the winding pathways and snap some pictures of the vibrant spring flowers. Pass by the lake, where you’ll see ducks and fish.
Step inside the Palm House and experience different tropical climates, from lush rainforests to dry tropical regions. Here, you’ll be surrounded by rare and exotic plants like mangroves, giant bamboo, and carnivorous plants.
Don’t miss the fascinating Butterfly House, where you can learn more about these colorful creatures – whose numbers, unfortunately, are in decline.
Address: Øster Voldgade 5-7
Getting there: Hop off at stop 9 – Rosenborg Castle/SMK on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus
What better place to slow down than Mormor’s Café? Mormor means grandmother in Danish, and stepping inside feels a bit like visiting hers, with old-fashioned wallpaper, vintage furniture, a nostalgic atmosphere, and a sense of time standing still.
Stop by for breakfast or lunch, enjoy a good cup of coffee, or treat yourself to one of the homemade cookies or cakes. For a taste of old-school Denmark, try the kiksekage, a classic cake that brings back childhood memories for many Danes.
Address: Bredgade 45
In this smaller museum, you can browse through art from the Islamic World, European art from the 18th century, and early Danish modern art.
The David Collection houses one of the largest collections of Islamic art in the Western world, spanning from the 7th to the 19th century. What began with a small collection of medieval ceramics and a few textiles from the Middle East has grown into a unique collection featuring pieces from almost the entire classical Islamic world.
In the exhibition on early Danish modernism, you’ll find paintings, sculptures, and ceramics dating from 1890 to 1950. Explore works by artists such as Vilhelm Hammershøi and J.F. Willumsen.
Top Tip: There’s no entrance fee to the museum, and it's the perfect thing to do in Copenhagen, if you’re an art and history lover. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Kronprinsessegade 30
Getting there: Hop off at stop 3 – Marble Church/Amalienborg Palace on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus
What to do in Copenhagen in May? Visit an underground art exhibition. Cisternerne is a former water reservoir, where the cold, damp climate and dimly lit space create a truly unique atmosphere. It almost feels like stepping into another dimension.
Throughout the season, you can explore various exhibitions. This season, you can experience Seven Deaths, a cinematic opera installation by renowned performance artist Marina Abramović. Set to arias sung by opera legend Maria Callas, the work explores love, loss, life, and death in a staging created specifically for Cisternerne’s dark underground chambers.
Pro tip: It’s a bit chilly underground, so bring a light sweater or jacket. Cisternerne is closed on Mondays.
Address: Søndermarken, across from Frederiksberg Palace
Getting there: Take Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus and hop off at stop 23 – Copenhagen Zoo/Cisternerne
Reffen Street Food is back for another tasty season of delicious dishes from around the globe. Here, you’ll meet both locals and visitors, all gathering not just for the food, but also the vibrant atmosphere and raw, industrial surroundings of Refshaleøen.
Whether you’re craving a barbecue skewer from the Philippines, Greek gyros, or Chinese dim sum, Reffen is a great place to stop for a bite in Copenhagen!
Address: Refshalevej 167
Getting there: Join Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus and get off at stop 34 – Reffen Street Food/Refshaleøen. You can also walk along the waterfront, which takes about 30–35 minutes from Nyhavn.
In Christianshavn, you’ll find the colorful alternative neighborhood of Christiania. Founded in 1971, Freetown Christiania began when a group of people entered the former military barracks in Bådmandsgade and established a community known for its self-administration and distinctive way of life.
Stepping through Christiania’s gates can feel a bit like traveling back to the 1970s. Many houses were built by the residents themselves, giving the area its eclectic character. Art is everywhere, from murals and sculptures to large-scale graffiti. Keep an eye out for Green George by Thomas Dambo, created from discarded wood, with a mural made in collaboration with Rasmus Balstrøm.
Address: Prinsessegade
Getting there: Hop off at stop 32 – Freetown Christiania on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus
Roskilde was founded in the 980s by Viking King Harald Bluetooth and is one of Denmark’s oldest cities. The Vikings ruled the fjord, turning Roskilde into a key hub for both land and sea trade, naturally making it the Viking capital. From the 11th century until 1443, Roskilde was the capital of Denmark.
Since the 12th century, Roskilde Cathedral - with its soaring spires and striking Gothic architecture – has played an important role in Danish history and the monarchy. The cathedral serves as a royal mausoleum and is the final resting place for 40 Danish kings and queens.
This architectural masterpiece was one of the world’s first Gothic brick churches and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Step inside to explore the museum, gallery, royal tombs, and beautifully decorated chapels.
Address: Domkirkestræde 10, 4000 Roskilde
Getting there: From Copenhagen Central Station, take a regional train to Roskilde St. The train ride takes about 25 minutes, followed by a 15-minute walk to the cathedral. Plan your trip with Rejseplanen.dk
On the map below, you’ll find our recommendations for the 9 best activities in the city, along with our nearest Hop On-Hop Off bus stops.
There are plenty of things to do in the city, from iconic sights to hidden gems. Explore our top picks on what to see and do while you're here.
Read more about the most iconic tourist attractions and must-visit landmarks in Copenhagen.
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