24
Denmark
Copenhagen
blog

Summer in Copenhagen – Top 10 Things to Do

2025-05-13

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 wide variety of things to do suitable 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, thanks to warm, sunny weather, longer 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, 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 best summer night events in Copenhagen, featuring live music in the heart of the city. The outdoor concerts feature both national and international artists and bands.

Address: Vesterbrogade 3.
Getting there: Take Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses to stop 12 - Tivoli / Radisson Royal Hotel.

Tivoli.jpg
Photo credit: Tivoli Gardens

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 knowledgeable guide will sail you past hidden gems and iconic sights, and will go more in-depth with everything you see. Please ask questions along the way, and feel free to bring snacks and beverages on board.

Departure point: Ved Stranden 26

Classic Canal Tour & The Harbour - The Ultimate Boat Tour

Eager to explore more of Copenhagen? Look no further than Stromma’s Classic Canal Tour & The Harbour, the ideal sightseeing experience for anyone looking to discover more of the city! Enjoy stunning views of Copenhagen's must-see landmarks, including Christiansborg Palace, the Opera, and the Little Mermaid. The tour also takes you to the vibrant Nordhavn neighborhood, where you can marvel at the striking architecture and encounter the fascinating ‘Genetically Modified Mermaid’ sculpture.

Departure point: 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. You can feel the area’s rich history, with many original 17th- and 18th-century buildings still standing. In summer, enjoy a meal or drink at a café, while watching people and boats pass by. Famous writers like Hans Christian Andersen and Karen Blixen once lived on these cobblestone streets.

Round off your visit to Nyhavn with a cozy canal tour, sailing through the narrow canal as you take in the charming houses from the water.

Nyhavn.jpg

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 exploring or kick-start your evening, rooftop bars are the ultimate summer spots in Copenhagen.

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

Address: Frederiksborggade 18, 6th floor, on top of Scandic Nørreport

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.

Address: 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 features a tropical rainforest, a savanna, and a children's zoo, where you can pet friendly goats and meet farm animals like pigs and cows.

Address: Roskildevej 32
Getting there: Join Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses to stop 23 - Copenhagen Zoo / Cisternerne.

Giant Panda.jpg
Photo credit: Copenhagen Zoo

6. Art and History Await at The Glyptotek

Art and history lovers will be delighted by 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 such as Ramses III, Tutankhamon, and Nefertiti; dive into French masterpieces created by icons like Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Renoir; or stroll among historic Greek and Roman sculptures.

Note that the Glyptotek is closed on Mondays.

Address: Dantes Plads 7
Getting there: Hop off at stop 12 - Tivoli / Radisson Royal Hotel on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses

The Glyptotek.jpg
Photo credit: The Glyptotek

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, the last half of them outside the tower, and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city and its intertwining canals. The church tower is only accessible via stairs, and it is recommended that you prebook tickets.

Address: Sankt Annæ Gade 29
Getting there: Hop off Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses 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 their secret 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.

Tip: Bring your smartphone, as some exhibitions are interactive.

Address: 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 tranquil surroundings as you explore the ramparts, moat, and the old mill, Kastelsmøllen.

Fun fact: Built in the 1840s, the mill ground grain for the soldiers stationed at Kastellet until 1903!

Address: Gl. Hovedvagt, Kastellet 1

Kastelsmøllen (2).jpg

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.

This church is among Copenhagen’s most recognizable 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. Starting from mid-June, you can access the dome – one of the largest in Europe – and observe Copenhagen from above.

Address: Frederiksgade 4
Getting there: Take Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses 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. Pleasant temperatures and extended daylight hours offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy 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 such as Amager Strandpark, located just 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’re planning to visit the harbor baths or beaches. An umbrella or rain jacket is also a good idea, as summer showers can occur.

There’s no better time to discover Copenhagen than in summer, offering an abundance of sights and attractions sure to 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!

This website does not support Internet Explorer, to ensure that the site works properly we recommend that you use another browser e.g. Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.