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9 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen in September

2026-07-10

Is September a good month to visit Copenhagen?

Yes! September in Copenhagen is fantastic, as the weather is still mild, and the days are still quite long. The city is also less crowded in September than during the summer months. Even though the high season is winding down, the city still has plenty to offer, and we're here to guide you through the best things to do in Copenhagen in September.

1. Get spellbound at the Museum of Illusions

Do you want to add an extra dimension to your Copenhagen visit? Step into the spellbinding world that is the Museum of Illusions. Here, you can explore everything from perspective-changing rooms and illusions to mind-bending installations and images that will play tricks on your mind. If you were a fan of kaleidoscopes and optical illusions as a child, this museum is a must-visit.

Address: Frederiksberggade 24
Getting there: Jump off at stop 12 – Tivoli Gardens on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses

Visitors enjoying gravity-defying illusions at an interactive museum. ©Museum of Illusions
Photo by Museum of Illusions

2. Step into a world of art and imagination

IKONO Copenhagen invites the entire family to explore their 12 interactive rooms, where you can let your imagination run free and unleash your inner child. IKONO combines art with the unexpected, creating the setting for an unforgettable experience. Discover Darklight Street or step into dreams and face the spirits in Cavolo's Dreamworld.

Address: Frederiksborggade 5

3. Experience Copenhagen by boat in September

A canal tour is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen in September. The city is intertwined by narrow canals, and by taking a boat tour you'll experience many of the city's iconic attractions. On the water, you get the chance to see the city from another perspective and learn more about Copenhagen's rich history.

See the sights on a Classic Canal Tour

Looking for one of the best things to do in Copenhagen in September? Step aboard Stromma's 1-hour Classic Canal Tour and discover the city from the water! In just one hour, you'll glide past iconic sights like the Opera, the Little Mermaid, and the lively Christianshavn Canal. Perfect for soaking up the early autumn atmosphere.

Choose between live-guided or audio-guided departures, and enjoy a relaxing and insightful introduction to Copenhagen's top sights and historic landmarks.

Departs from Nyhavn 3 and Ved Stranden 26

Join one of Copenhagen's coziest boat tours

Step aboard Hygge, a quiet and eco-friendly electric boat with space for just 12 guests. The small group size creates a relaxed and personal atmosphere where it's easy to talk with your skipper and fellow passengers as you sail through the canals.

You'll pass both iconic landmarks and hidden gems, with live guiding in English and Danish. It's a peaceful and memorable way to experience Copenhagen from the water in September.

Departs from Ved Stranden 26

Three smiling guests sailing in Copenhagen.

4. A September must-do: Visit historic Tivoli Gardens

A visit to Tivoli Gardens should be on your list of things to do in Copenhagen in September – and every other month of the year! This historic amusement park is always worth a visit. Tivoli Gardens is located in the heart of Copenhagen and is a very popular attraction among tourists and locals alike. You can find thrilling rides for all ages, from cozy carousels and bumper cars to fast-paced roller coasters and a drop from 63 meters.

Aside from the rides, you can also indulge in delicious food and snacks from the many restaurants and cafés in Tivoli. There's something for everyone.

Address: Vesterbrogade 3
Getting there: Hop off at stop 12 - Tivoli Gardens on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses

Spring_in_Tivoli Gardens_Demon Rollercoaster.jpg
Photo by Tivoli Gardens

5. Visit the most famous attraction in Denmark

No visit to Copenhagen is complete without a photo of the iconic Little Mermaid. Sitting on her rock at Langelinie since 1913, she was donated to the city by Carlsberg brewer Carl Jacobsen and inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale.

Today, the Little Mermaid remains one of Copenhagen's most photographed landmarks, attracting visitors from around the world throughout the year.

Over the years, the statue has been vandalized several times, including two incidents where she was decapitated. The first happened in 1964 and remains unsolved. In 1998, a journalist sawed off her head to create his own story and is believed to have earned around DKK 100,000 from the coverage. He was later sentenced to prison and returned the head.

6. Find the colorful houses in Copenhagen

The colorful façades of Nyhavn have become synonymous with Copenhagen. However, this is not the only place in the city where you can admire the colorful houses.

Take a stroll around Nyboder, the old naval barracks, and admire the beautiful yellow houses, whose distinctive color is now known as Nyboder Yellow and is used throughout the city. From here, walk to the nearby cobblestoned streets of Gernersgade and then into Magstræde in the heart of the city. The colorful buildings in Magstræde date back to the 16th century and give you an idea of what Copenhagen used to look like.

In vibrant Christianshavn you'll also find charming neighborhoods showcasing brightly colored façades. Be sure to stop by Sofiegade, where you'll find one of the city's most Instagrammable houses. With its colorful patterns and vibrant appearance, it perfectly reflects the creative spirit of Christianshavn.

Town house at Christianshavn painted in yellow, blue, and green shades and patterns

7. Discover Denmark through the ages

At the National Museum of Denmark you can travel back in time and learn all about Denmark's heritage. Visit the many interesting exhibitions that cover Denmark from the prehistoric period all the way up to the 2000s.

You can see some pretty cool artifacts, such as the Sun Chariot, which dates back to the Early Bronze Age, and the most comprehensive collection of Danish money in the world. Of course, there's also an exhibition about the infamous Vikings, as they are a big part of Danish history. Here you can admire jewelry, weapons, and many other fascinating finds.

Address: Ny Vestergade 10
Getting there: Hop off at stop 1 – Ved Stranden/City Center on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses

The sun chariot artefact at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen. ©The National Museum
Photo by the National Museum of Denmark

8. Jump in the harbor

Yes, we mean this literally: jump in the harbor! Copenhagen's water is so clean that there are several harbor baths, making this a must-try experience while you're in the city. You'll meet plenty of locals around the harbor baths, especially on sunny days, but there are also brave souls who go swimming on cooler days and even during the winter.

September is often one of the last opportunities of the year to enjoy a swim before the water starts getting noticeably colder.

Find the harbor baths on the map below.

Copenhagen Harbor Bath.jpg

9. Try traditional Danish smørrebrød

Smørrebrød is well known around the world, and many visitors to Denmark want to try it and see what all the fuss is about. It's an open-faced sandwich served on rye bread, and the toppings vary widely. You can get everything from potatoes (yes, potatoes!), eggs, and shrimp to cold cuts and frikadeller (Danish meatballs).

Copenhagen has plenty of places serving smørrebrød. If you're looking for delicious, high-quality smørrebrød with a great waterfront view, we recommend Aamanns Replik. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Royal Danish Playhouse.

Address: Sankt Annæ Plads 36

How is the weather in Copenhagen in September?

As you can see, September is a great time to visit Copenhagen! Even though the weather is usually quite pleasant, this is still Denmark, and the weather can change quickly. We recommend packing layers and a light rain jacket, so you're ready to enjoy everything Copenhagen has to offer, whatever the weather brings.

5 quick must-do's

There are plenty of things to do in the city, but if you're only here for a short time, remember to:

  1. Take a selfie with the Little Mermaid
  2. Try Danish smørrebrød
  3. Swim in Copenhagen's hharbor
  4. Take a canal tour
  5. Enjoy a cold beer in Nyhavn

Map of things to do in Copenhagen in September

Find all the above activities on the map below and let your Copenhagen adventure begin!

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