Copenhagen is still full of life in November, with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy. Temperatures are typically around 5–8°C (41–46°F), so pack warm layers, comfortable shoes, and a rain jacket.
Let our guide to Copenhagen inspire you with some of the best things to see and do during your November visit.
Beneath the majestic Christiansborg Palace, you can explore ruins that take you back 800 years. The largest is part of a curtain wall from Bishop Absalon’s castle, believed to have been built around 1167. At the time, this area of Copenhagen was an island outside the main city. The bishop built the wall to defend against Wendish pirates, who were active along the southern coast of the Baltic Sea.
Another highlight is the remains of the notorious Blåtårn (the Blue Tower), once part of Copenhagen Castle and used as a prison. It held high-profile prisoners, including political captives. Leonora Christine, daughter of King Christian IV, is probably its most famous inmate. The king’s favorite daughter was held captive for nearly 22 years. How did she end up there? Her husband, Corfitz Ulfeldt, was accused of treason and conspiring with Sweden. Ulfeldt fled the country, and his wife was imprisoned in his place.
Address: Prins Jørgens Gård 1
Getting there: Take Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses to stop 1 – Ved Stranden/City Center

Photo by Christiansborg Palace
After exploring the city beneath the surface, why not discover it from high above the rooftops?
Rundetaarn (the Round Tower), built by King Christian IV between 1637 and 1641, remains one of Denmark’s most iconic landmarks. Standing 34.8 meters tall, it offers a 360-degree view of Copenhagen.
Aside from the views, you can also visit Europe’s oldest functioning observatory. It was the center of Danish astronomy for centuries, and while it has undergone several changes over the years, the current version dates back to 1929.
To reach the top, you’ll walk up the spiral ramp that winds around the tower’s hollow core 7½ times. Just before the top, there’s a short staircase leading to your reward: the panoramic view! Visiting in November generally means fewer visitors, giving you more space to take in the views at your own pace.
Address: Købmagergade 52A

Photo by Visit Copenhagen
Denmark and beer go hand in hand, with a long tradition of both drinking and brewing. In the early days, Copenhagen’s water was contaminated, so families were given a daily ration of beer, meaning that everyone, including children, drank it regularly!
To learn more about Danish beer and brewing history, we recommend a visit to Home of Carlsberg. Carlsberg was founded in 1847 by J.C. Jacobsen, later joined by his son Carl, and here you can explore the history and heritage of their brewing legacy. Be sure to taste some beer before you leave.
Don’t miss the chance to see the iconic draught horses in the stables or the vintage cars once used to deliver beer around Copenhagen.
Address: Gamle Carlsberg Vej 11
Getting there: Take Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses to stop 24 – Home of Carlsberg
Tickets: Buy your Home of Carlsberg entrance ticket directly from Stromma

Photo by Home of Carlsberg
At Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, housed in one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful buildings, you’ll find an extraordinary collection of art, archaeological objects, and sculptures spanning 6,000 years of history.
The museum may be home to ancient artifacts, but there are also modern ways to explore its collection. Through specially designed audio stories, you can discover the stories and secrets behind selected statues and paintings, adding another dimension to your museum visit.
And when you need a break, head to the museum’s beautiful Winter Garden, where palm trees surround the central fountain beneath the glass dome.
Address: Dantes Plads 7
Getting there: Take Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses to stop 12 – Tivoli

Photo by Glyptoteket
One of the most popular November activities among Copenhageners is a visit to one of the city’s seasonal ice-skating rinks.
Broens Ice Rink, close to Nyhavn, is a popular spot where you can have fun on the ice while enjoying views of the harbor. As darkness falls, twinkling lights make the atmosphere even more magical.
You can rent skates and helmets on-site, and if you’re a bit like Bambi, you can also rent a skate-buddy (a skating aid) to help you keep your balance. If you run out of energy, refuel with delicious food from one of the street food stalls or warm up with a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.
Address: Strandgade 95
Getting there: Go to the end of Nyhavn and cross Inderhavnsbroen (the Inner Harbor Bridge)

Photo by Rolands Varbergs & Danny Samarov
Many of Copenhagen’s iconic sights and attractions are located close to the canals and inner harbor, making a canal tour a great way to explore the city. Not only is a boat tour a cozy activity, but it also gives you views of popular landmarks such as the Little Mermaid, the Opera House, and the historic frigate Peder Skram.
Stromma’s Classic Canal Tour takes one hour, with several daily departures. All boats are covered and heated, so you can stay warm and comfortable while enjoying Copenhagen from the water. You’re also welcome to bring a drink and a snack for the ride.
Address: Nyhavn 3 or Ved Stranden 26

For a different side of Copenhagen, visit Freetown Christiania. This unique neighborhood is known for its colorful houses, quirky architecture, cafés, music venues, and impressive street art.
Take a walk around the area and explore the small paths, creative spaces, and eye-catching murals. You’ll find everything from unusual homes and workshops to galleries, cafés, and small shops. Keep an eye out for Green George, a giant wooden troll created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo from recycled wood found in Christiania.
Address: Prinsessegade 142
Getting there: Hop off at stop 32 – Freetown Christiania on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses

Det Lille Apotek is Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, dating back to 1720. Here, you can enjoy traditional Danish food in historic surroundings.
The low ceilings, paintings, and oil lamps set the mood for a cozy evening, and with dishes based on old recipes, you’re in for a treat! Classics include smørrebrød, roast duck with browned potatoes, and their famous Apothecary stew.
Det Lille Apotek has welcomed many famous guests over the centuries. Danish fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen even visited every day in 1854, enjoying lunch and a schnapps while writing his famous story of The Ugly Duckling.
Address: Store Kannikestræde 15
Get into the holiday spirit at Copenhagen’s Christmas markets. You’ll find handmade Christmas ornaments, beautifully decorated trees, and the inviting smell of mulled wine and æbleskiver. There are cozy stalls, twinkling lights, and a lively atmosphere, and if you have kids, you might even get the chance to meet Santa.
Located on two historic squares right by Copenhagen’s shopping street Strøget, you’ll find this large Christmas market. Twinkling lights, holiday music, and the inviting scent of Christmas treats greet you as you explore the stalls. When you’re done, go ice skating surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings, meet Santa, or recharge with delicious food and maybe a hot chocolate with whipped cream.
Address: Domhuset, Nytorv 25
Open: November 6 through December 21
Step into the winter wonderland at Tivoli Gardens and find everything from mittens and hats to Tivoli-themed ornaments and decorations. Go ice skating, meet Santa, enjoy traditional Danish Christmas treats, and stroll around the park to enjoy all the festivities and twinkling lights. Most of the rides are open too, so when you’ve had enough Christmas shopping, you can add a few thrills to your visit.
Address: Vesterbrogade 3
Open: November 13 through December 31
Visit this special Christmas market that brings together traditions, flavors, and decorations from Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. Browse handmade items in yarn, wool, and wood, and pick out your favorite ornament while enjoying æbleskiver, roasted almonds, and mulled wine. Let the Christmas music set the mood, and take your kids to the talking trees for a magical holiday memory.
Address: Højbro Plads 9
Open: November 14 through December 20
Combine a visit to the oldest amusement park in the world with a festive Christmas market. Find Christmas ornaments, enjoy tasty treats, go ice skating, and watch the parade and colorful light installations. Many of the rides are open too, and when you need a break, you can warm up with something tasty from one of the restaurants or food stalls.
Address: Dyrehavsbakken 51
Open: Weekends from November 14 through December 20
This unique Christmas market is only open for a single day, so don’t miss it! Browse handcrafted and carefully curated ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and other gift ideas from more than 90 stalls. Most items are handmade and sold directly by the makers, giving you the chance to learn about the materials and techniques used and bring home a special memento from your Copenhagen visit.
Address: Red Square, Nørrebrohallen
Open: November 28 only
If you happen to be in Copenhagen from November 20 through 22, you can experience a traditional Swedish Christmas market at Gustafskyrkan. Enjoy mulled wine and tasty meatballs, and browse beautiful ornaments, stationery, Advent calendars, cozy home decor, and plenty of other holiday finds.
Address: Folke Bernadottes Allé 4
Open: November 20 through 22

Photo by Tivoli Gardens
Find all the activities and places of interest mentioned in this guide on the map below, and let your Copenhagen adventure begin.