10 Things to Do in Copenhagen in Summer

Visiting Copenhagen in summer will delight you with its stunning canals, colourful parks and vibrant outdoor life, as well as the warm weather.

Andressa García

Andressa García

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Copenhagen in Summer

Summer in Copenhagen | ©Gudrun Dalgeir

The summer season is one of the best times to explore Copenhagen's many tourist attractions and enjoy the region's warm and pleasant climate. Temperatures are around 22ºC - 23ºC and the days are longer and brighter, so you can enjoy various outdoor activities.

Stroll around Nyhavn harbour, take a boat trip along the canals, visit the famous Tivoli Garden, explore the city by bike, visit Rosenborg Castle and explore its gardens or simply relax in the city's many green spaces are just some of the many things to do in Denmark's capital.

1. Take a boat tour of the city's canals and admire the historical buildings

Copenhagen Canal| ©Anthony Tai
Copenhagen Canal| ©Anthony Tai

One of the most spectacular ways to experience the beauty and history of Copenhagen is to sign up for a tour of Copenhagen's canals, especially if you do so during the summer as the weather will be with you.

If you book a Copenhagen canal cruise you will be able to see many of Copenhagen 's historic buildings and monuments from a completely different perspective. On board the boat you will also enjoy the sunshine and fresh air as you cruise along the water.

As this is a guided tour, you will also learn about the past and present of the city through the tour guide's commentary and anecdotes. You'll pass the famous Nyhavn Canal, where you'll see the colourful waterfront houses, one of Copenhagen's most iconic attractions, as well as Amalienborg Castle and Christiansborg Palace.

Interesting details

  • Price: this tour can cost between €10 and €20 per person.
  • Time: Any time of day, although I recommend doing it during sunlight hours.
  • Location: You'll walk along the city's canals and you can set off from different points.

Book a Copenhagen canal cruise

2. Visit Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park and enjoy its attractions

Tivoli Gardens| ©Trine Christensen
Tivoli Gardens| ©Trine Christensen

Visiting Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park is an experience not to be missed if you travel to Copenhagen during the summer, because in this amusement park you will find amazing rides for all ages, which will test your endurance and bravery.

You can ride roller coasters, but also more iconic rides such as the Tower of Fear and Devil's Flight. The great thing about visiting this park during the summer is that you can enjoy the amazing weather, plus it's usually open from mid-April until the end of September, which is the spring season in Copenhagen as well as the summer.

In fact, if you book tickets to Tivoli Gardens in the summer, you'll be able to enjoy evening shows, such as fireworks and live concerts, which are only available during the summer season.

Interesting details

  • Price: Approximately €20-30 per person, although this varies depending on the season and days of the week.
  • Opening hours: Open daily from mid-April to the end of September, with special opening hours during the winter months.
  • Location: The park is located in the heart of the city and is accessible by public transport or car.

Book tickets to the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

3. Explore Frederiksborg Castle Gardens

Frederiksberg Palace| ©Michael
Frederiksberg Palace| ©Michael

A great summer activity to do in Copenhagen is to visit the gardens of Frederiksborg Castle. This castle is one of the most important historical monuments in Denmark and is surrounded by beautiful green areas that you can explore during your summer visit. If you want to get there comfortably, you can book the Copenhagen sightseeing bus, which will drop you off very close.

Once you enter the fortress you will love to walk around the gardens because they are simply breathtaking, with large green areas, trees and brightly coloured flowers that offer you a peaceful atmosphere in the middle of the hot summer weather. Throughout the gardens, there are several benches and seating areas where you can sit, enjoy a picnic or just relax in the tranquillity of this place.

But not only will you be able to see the gardens, you will also be able to appreciate the architecture of Frederiksborg Castle. Its walls and towers stand out. Another way to reach this fortress comfortably is to book a Frederiksborg tour.

Interesting details

  • Price: There is no entrance fee to visit the castle.
  • Opening hours: The gardens are open from dawn to dusk every day.
  • Location: The gardens are located in Hillerød, a town near Copenhagen.

Book the Copenhagen sightseeing bus

4. Discover the wonders of nature at the Copenhagen Botanical Gardens

Copenhagen Botanical Garden| ©Michael John Button
Copenhagen Botanical Garden| ©Michael John Button

The Copenhagen Botanical Garden is a magical place that offers a fascinating experience if you want to explore the beauty and diversity of nature in the summer. It is during this season that this garden, which has more than 13,000 species of plants and flowers from all over the world, is almost in full bloom.

In addition to the large number of species in each of the garden's spaces, you will also see several greenhouses housing exotic and rare plants, as well as a beautiful section dedicated to Nordic plants. I recommend signing up for a Copenhagen bike tour, where you can explore the garden and other interesting places in the city. An ideal activity at this time of year.

A ride through the paths of this garden can transport you to another world, where you can tune into nature and appreciate its beauty in its purest form. It is a perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon or to enjoy a picnic while admiring the flora and fauna.

Details of interest

  • Price: You can visit the botanical garden for free.
  • Opening hours: Open daily between 8.30am and sunset.
  • Location: Copenhagen Botanical Garden is located at Gothersgade 128, 1123 Copenhagen.

Book a Copenhagen bike tour

5. Learn about the history of the city at the National Museum of Denmark

National Museum| ©sftrajan
National Museum| ©sftrajan

The National Museum of Denmark is one of Copenhagen' s most iconic buildings and is a must-see if you're interested in learning about the city's history.

Book tickets for the National Museum of Denmark and enjoy the interactive and educational exhibits that offer a fascinating and immersive insight into Denmark's past. You can also explore the culture and history of the city, but you 'll also see first-hand how Danish society has developed over the centuries.

Exhibits inside the museum range from the Stone Age through the Viking Age and the Middle Ages to modern Denmark. It's a good place to visit in summer as the museum often organises special activities during this season.

Interesting details

  • Price: Admission costs €13 for adults and free for children under 18.
  • Opening hours: open every day of the week from 10am to 5pm except Mondays.
  • Location: The museum is located in the city centre at Ny Vestergade 10.

6. Take a trip to Helsingør to see the impressive Kronborg Castle

Kronborg Castle| ©Frank
Kronborg Castle| ©Frank

There's no doubt that taking a trip from Copenhagen to visit Kronborg Castle is one of the must-do things to do if you're visiting the city. It is a majestic castle that stands out for its pointed towers. An iconic place where many events and festivals are held throughout the year, including concerts, opera festivals and plays.

To get to Kronborg Castle you will have to travel to the port city of Helsingør, on the north-eastern tip of the island of Zealand. It was built in the 16th century and has since withstood many historical conflicts and wars, but one of its most famous features is that it was the main setting for Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet'.

Kronborg Castle is undoubtedly one of Denmark's most popular attractions and during the summer you will have the opportunity to view various art exhibitions and historical artefacts inside the castle, including an impressive collection of portraits of the Danish royal family. If you want to visit in comfort, be sure to book a trip to Roskilde, Frederiksborg and Kronborg from Copenhagen.

Interesting details

  • Price: You will have to pay around 130 € per person to enjoy the tour.
  • Opening hours: The castle is open to the public every day of the year, with the exception of some public holidays. Opening hours are from 11am to 4pm. During the summer months, opening hours are extended to 5pm.
  • Location: The castle is located in the port city of Helsingør.

Book a tour to Kronborg

7. Walk along the famous Strøget pedestrian promenade and enjoy the restaurants

Strøget Street| ©Luis O. Boettner
Strøget Street| ©Luis O. Boettner

The Strøget pedestrian promenade is one of Copenhagen's most iconic and busiest areas. It is a place full of shops, restaurants and cafés where you can go for an afternoon of shopping and fun, with the best feature of summer being the warm sunshine and pleasant temperature. With a length of more than a kilometre, this pedestrian promenade is one of the longest and busiest in Europe and is a must if you want to explore Copenhagen's old town.

During your stroll along this place you will find a wide variety of high quality shops where you can buy designer goods, jewellery, art and fashion in general. There are also many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy Danish cuisine, so this is a good place to start a culinary tour. A must-do, so don't hesitate and book a gastronomic tour of Copenhagen to catch up on traditional cuisine.

A stroll along the Strøget pedestrian promenade is definitely a good activity to do during the summer as you will have more time to explore the commercial and cultural life of the city, while enjoying the pleasant weather that will accompany your plans to enjoy a relaxing afternoon stroll with friends or family.

Interesting details

  • Price: Walking along this pedestrian promenade is completely free.
  • Opening hours: Shops and restaurants in Strøget tend to open early and close relatively late, usually between 10am and 8pm.
  • Location: located in the heart of Copenhagen, specifically between City Hall Square and Kongens Nytorv.

Book a food tour of Copenhagen

8. Relax on an artificial beach in Copenhagen harbour

Copenhagen Harbour| ©Marisa de Rota
Copenhagen Harbour| ©Marisa de Rota

During the summer it is possible and almost obligatory to spend a sunny day at the beach. You don't have to leave the city, but you can sign up for a tour of Copenhagen where you will be taken to enjoy the sun on the artificial beach at the city's harbour on Islands Brygge, just a few minutes' walk from the city centre.

This urban oasis is the result of the harbour's renovation in the 1990s and offers a unique environment with beautiful views, crystal clear water and white sands. To make sure you get to know it in depth be sure to book a private tour of Copenhagen.

Here you will find several piers, wooden stairs and a large sandy area where you can lay out your towels and relax on a sunny day. The area also has beach volleyball courts, showers and changing rooms, so a trip to this place is a good plan if you are going to Copenhagen with children or friends.

Interesting details

  • Price: There is no charge to visit the beaches.
  • Opening hours: You can visit the beach at any time.
  • Location: located in the Islands Brygge district, just a few minutes walk from Copenhagen city centre.

Book a private tour of Copenhagen

9. Admire the beauty of Amalienborg Palace, residence of the Danish royal family

Amalienborg Palace| ©Henk Bekker
Amalienborg Palace| ©Henk Bekker

Amalienborg Palace is one of Denmark's most iconic and historic landmarks, so if you're travelling to the city during the summer, it's a great place to visit. The palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family and is noted for its baroque architecture, which is admired and valued by locals and visitors alike. During the summer it is a good option to visit it because the opening hours are longer and the weather is much more pleasant.

You will be struck by its structure which is made up of four identical palaces situated around a square called Amalienborg Slotsplads. This square, in turn, is the centre of important activities and ceremonies of the Danish Royal Family. Inside the palace you can see the furniture, tapestries and works of art that add to the elegant style of the decoration.

Interesting details

  • Price: You don't need to pay anything to see the Danish royal family's residence from the outside. However, if you want to take a guided tour you will have to pay around €30 per ticket.
  • Opening hours: You can see the residence from the outside at any time. If you are going to visit the inside of the palace you will have to go between 10am and 3pm from Tuesday to Sunday. This timetable may change depending on the season.
  • Location: located in the centre of Copenhagen at Amalienborg Slotsplads 5, 1257.

10. Don't miss Urban Ranger Camp

Urban Ranger Camp in Refshaleøen| ©Urban Ranger
Urban Ranger Camp in Refshaleøen| ©Urban Ranger

During the summer, one of the must-do activities in Copenhagen is to sign up for a unique experience at the Urban Ranger Camp in Refshaleøen, where you will experience the thrill of walking on ropes and ladders at a height of 50 metres, in the middle of an adventure that you will only love if you like extreme experiences.

This thrilling playground is suitable for those over 16 years old and was built by French specialists in the field, but it also stands out as the highest of its kind in the world. On this impressive course you will have to challenge yourself both physically and mentally to overcome each of the tests of height and strength that the place entails.

Interesting details

  • Price: Entry costs €50 per person for four hours of pure extreme entertainment.
  • Opening times: opening times vary from day to day, although it is generally open between 10am and 2pm from Monday to Friday.
  • Location: This park is located in the Refshaleøen area.