Copenhagen: summer in the city
Copenhagen is one of our favourite cities to visit in the summer. There’s something about Copenhagen in the sunshine that offers a completely different experience. It comes alive with the promise of long days and warm summer nights making it a magical place to visit. We’ve curated a list of some of our favourite things to do in Copenhagen during those warmer months and how to spend a sunny day in the Danish capital.
Go for breakfast
They do say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and in Copenhagen, you’re in the right place for it. Start your morning right by grabbing a fresh pastry and coffee from one of the city’s many cafes and bakeries. You’re spoilt for choice with the amazing breakfast and brunch options in Copenhagen. On a sunny day, we love nothing more than sitting outside sipping on an ice-cold coffee and watching the world go by. Check out our favourite cafe spots here.
Parks
We just love the laidback culture and love of being outdoors that Copenhagen offers/Copenhagen so much, and we always find that everyone seems so chill and happy to be outdoors. We like to rent a bike and cycle past all the landmarks ending up at one of Copenhagen’s many parks. Kongens Have (The King’s Garden/Rosenborg Castle Gardens) is one of our favourite summer afternoon hangout spots. It’s so picturesque with its sculptures and greenery and feels like a little haven amongst city life, especially when the sun is shining. The perfect spot for picnics when the flowers are in full bloom, grab something to eat from one of the many bakery and deli options, bring a book and your headphones and just relax in the great outdoors. The Botanical Gardens are also nearby which are stunning during the summer months with so many benches to just sit and take in the scenery.
Swim
Copenhagen is a city built around water so it’s no surprise that most activities involve swimming. Make sure to head to La Banchina in rustic Refshaleøen, a spot that truly comes alive in the summer. The restaurant serves small plates and natural wine but the star of the show is the harbour, you could spend all day here taking a dip in the water and sunbathing on the sun decks until the sun goes down (the sunsets are so magical). There’s also the iconic spot at Islands Brygge for open-air swimming in the heart of the city with the city’s skylines as a backdrop. On a hot day, you can find people sunbathing and having picnics on the lawn or swimming in the harbour pools and diving off the high board. If you want a true Copenhagen experience, go here. Alternatively, you can head to Svanemølle Beach in Østerbro. Start your day with a dip in the harbour at Islands Brygge before cycling to Svanemølle Beach to catch the sunset. Go for a swim in the sea and lie back on the sand and bask in the warmth of the Nordic/Scandinavian sun. The pier and hotdog stands just add to the authentic beach vibes. We love a city that can do both.
Weekend flea markets
Sunday morning flea markets are almost a ritual in Copenhagen. We could spend hours searching/rummaging through rails finding hidden gems and Copenhagen is a gold mine for vintage and second-hand shopping. Make sure to go to Veras Market in Nørrebro, open every Sunday throughout the year. A literal treasure chest of pre-loved goodies that you will not be able to say no to or leave behind. The market stalls are set outside during summer making it the perfect activity for a summer’s day. For more vintage markets, read our Copenhagen vintage shopping guide.
Stop for drinks
After all that shopping, reward yourself with a glass of wine in one of the city’s many bars. There are so many bars to discover, most offering small plates and natural wine. Some of our favourites are Pompette, a well-known classic, as well as Ved Stranden 10, a wine bar with outdoor seating next to Holmens Kanal. There’s no set menu, you describe what you like to the staff and they pair you with a wine that fits the bill based on what you tell them or if you’re looking to explore, leave it up to them to introduce you to a hidden gem. The bar usually has between 10-15 wines on glass and The bar changes its wines according to the season so in summer you can expect a glass of chilled rosé as well as fresh sourdough, olive oil and balsamic. You can spend hours here just sipping wine and people-watching. Pure bliss on a summer’s day (or any day for that matter).
Al fresco dining
In the summer months, Copenhagen comes alive with people savouring delicious food while soaking up the suns warm rays. From charming sidewalk cafes to bustling outdoor terraces, the city’s restaurants spill onto the streets and squares creating a lively and convivial atmosphere. Whether indulging in traditional Danish smørrebrød, sipping on natural wines or sampling global cuisines, you’re guaranteed to be treated to a feast for the senses amidst the picturesque backdrop of Copenhagen's historic architecture and scenic waterfronts. We love the chill, sociable vibe of Copenhagen and with the city's long summer days and evenings, al fresco dining is a cherished pastime, where friends and families gather to share good food, laughter, and the simple pleasures of life under the open sky. You can’t beat the Meatpacking District during summer, it’s so buzzy with lots of different restaurants to choose from, you can’t go wrong. Read more about our favourite food spots here.
Rooftops
We love a rooftop vibe. Is there anything better than spending your afternoons at a cool rooftop bar listening to music and drinking good wine? We think not. Nimb Hotel located inside Tivoli Gardens offers a rooftop with a bar and pool exclusively for guests of the hotel. Over summer, it holds various events including sunset sessions with drinks and DJs that are open to the public when buying a ticket. There’s also ‘The Rooftop Bar’ at Hotel Danmark with 360 views of Copenhagen. Every Friday during summer, they hold an ‘Up Sessions on The Rooftop’ with live DJ sets to start your weekend right. For the days where the sun is shining but it’s not quite as warm, there’s the glass-covered terrace rooftop at Hotel Sanders so you can still enjoy the blue skies amongst chic interiors and lots of greenery and of course, you can’t go wrong with Soho House. Head to the terrace overlooking the Nyhavn Canal and order yourself a Picante. If you’re not a member, Grand Joanne in Vesterbro also has an amazing rooftop with a DJ which is open to the public. You can read our review here.