Copenhagen in summer: the places that’ll make you fall in love with the Danish capital

Copenhagen in summer is a city that dazzles with its blend of historic charm and contemporary cool. While the Tivoli Gardens (worth it) and the Little Mermaid (not really worth it) pull in the crowds, the real magic of this city lies in its less-travelled corners. And as we’re all about uncovering the unexpected, we’ve picked 7 places (the hidden gems that make Copenhagen so wonderfully unique) that will delight and make your trip very special. From an innovative art space in a former industrial zone to a peaceful stroll through a cemetery that’s more like a park, our 7 places will take you beyond the typical tourist trail. So, grab your bike, your sense of adventure, and let’s dive into the delights of Copenhagen in the summer.

The 7 places you should see in Copenhagen:

1 | Brunch (or lunch) at the Torvehallerne Market

Smørrebrød at Torvehallerne Market (Credit: DMR)

Head to Torvehallerne, a bustling (and quite ‘high end’) food market where you can sample so many Danish delicacies. From open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) to fresh seafood and pastries, it’s paradise for food lovers. It’s a great place to stroll and drool or you can sit down at one of the many eateries with seating inside and outside. You can also just buy your fresh groceries from here too.

2 | Wander through Assistens Cemetery

Peaceful walk through Assistens Cemetery (Credit: DMR)

Assistens Cemetery in Nørrebro isn’t just a final resting place but also a beautiful, peaceful park where locals come to stroll and relax. It’s the burial site of famous Danes like Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard. The cemetery's serene atmosphere makes it an interesting and reflective place to visit. A great place to slow down, breathe and be at peace.
Entry is free, please respect the burial ground

3 | Discover the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen)

Warpigs BBQ joint in the Meatpacking district (Credit: DMR)

This area is known for its trendy vibe, with a mix of art galleries, creative spaces, and an array of bars and restaurants. You can grab breakfast, coffee or lunch, but it's a great place to enjoy dinner and drinks in the evening. Try WarPigs, a brewpub with an impressive selection of beers and some serious BBQ (tip: if there’s two of you or more, one of you needs to queue up for food first and the other one can order drinks using the QR code on your table).
Variety of meats and sides, a pulled pork sandwich at WarPigs is DKK 105 (£12 / $15.50 / €14)

4 | Cycle to Amager Strandpark

Credit: Guillaume Baviere, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Rent a bike and cycle to Amager Strandpark, a beautiful man-made beach just outside the city centre. The park features a lagoon, sandy beaches, and plenty of space for a picnic or a swim. It’s a great spot to enjoy the summer weather and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tier or Bolt ebikes are available throughout the city.

5 | Visit the Glyptoteket

Winter garden inside the Glyptotek museum (Credit: DMR)

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is an art museum founded by the Carlsberg family, and it’s an absolute gem. The museum is known for its impressive collection of ancient sculptures from Egypt, Rome, and Greece, as well as French and Danish art, including works by Gauguin and Rodin. The winter garden in the centre of the museum is a beautiful place to relax.
Entry is DKK 125 (£14 / $18.50 / €16.75)

6 | Hop over to Refshaleøen

Credit: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Once an industrial area, Refshaleøen is now a creative hub filled with street food markets, art galleries, and quirky shops. Visit Reffen, the biggest street food market in the Nordics, offering a variety of international cuisines, or try your hand at wakeboarding at the Copenhagen Cable Park. It’s a great area to explore for a different side of Copenhagen.
Free to visit the area, food and activities will cost.

7 | Climb the Round Tower (Rundetårn)

Walk to the top of the Roundtower (Credit: DMR)

The Round Tower is one of Copenhagen's most iconic landmarks, dating from 1642 and still offering stunning views of the city from the top. What makes this tower unique is its spiral ramp, which you walk up instead of climbing stairs. Along the way, you can stop at the observatory and the library hall, which often hosts exhibitions.
Entry DKK 40 (£4.50 / $6 / €5.40)

Your Copenhagen challenge | Explore the floating Kayak Bar

Paddle up to the Kayak bar and relax with a cold beer in the evening sun (credit: DMR)

For every city we go to, we like to set a challenge for the more adventurous traveller. There is a floating Kayak Bar where you can paddle through the canals while sipping on a cocktail or a cold beer. If you don’t like kayaking, then you can still just lounge on one of the floating wooden pontoons whilst drinking (and you won’t know if you are getting tipsy or if it’s the pontoon that’s rocking gently). It’s a fun and refreshing way to see the city from the water, combining a bit of exercise with a relaxed atmosphere.
Difficulty rating: 1/3

Travel essentials: getting around Copenhagen

Getting around Copenhagen is so easy. First, there’s a 24/7 metro system with fours lines criss-crossing the city. One of the metro lines (M2) starts at the airport and gets you into the city in 15 minutes. And then there are buses for the parts that the metro doesn’t cover (travel tip: if you’re planning on using the metro/buses a lot, buy a City Pass for 24, 48 or 73 hours. And finally, and probably most importantly, there are bikes. Copenhagen is the city of bikes (even more so than Amsterdam in my opinion). You can rent one for days on end or for 10 mins (using Bolt or Lime apps) and there are cycle tracks and paths that can take you anywhere. Just be aware of other cyclists as there are loads of them and they are fast!

Enjoy the summer in Copenhagen!

As you explore these hidden corners of Copenhagen, you'll discover that the city's charm goes far beyond its famous landmarks. Whether you've been inspired by Danish design, relaxed in a peaceful park, or tasted something new in one of the city’s food markets, we hope these experiences make your summer in Copenhagen unforgettable. remember, best time to visit in the summer is May and June (good weather, long days, fewer people) but July and August are still worth it (more people, great weather usually). And… if you’ve stumbled upon a gem of a place we haven’t covered, we’d love to hear about it! Share your own favourite spots in Copenhagen with us (on Insta would be best) – let’s keep the spirit of discovery alive together.