A Guide To Copenhagen In Winter
Are you planning a winter trip to Copenhagen and wondering what to expect? Or are you considering visiting the festive markets in December but unsure what to pack? Our guide has everything you need to know about the city during the winter season.
Copenhagen in winter is one of my favourite destinations. Twinkly lights, copious amounts of hot chocolate and pastries, and the most charming festive markets - all wrapped up in a cosy hygge cuddle.
Though the Danish capital is undoubtedly a beautiful city at any time of year (and it really is lovely in spring and summer), Copenhagen in winter is especially magical.
A popular European city break and an easy flight from the UK, Copenhagen is full of wonderful architecture, museums, gardens, incredible restaurants and food, and the most beautiful canals.
But from December onwards, it is transformed into a winter wonderland: mulled wine, twinkling lights, Christmas markets, syrupy waffles, and the cosiest cafes.
Arguably not quite as famous as other festive destinations like Edinburgh or Strasbourg, Copenhagen remains a wonderful winter destination amongst discerning travellers seeking a cold-weather destination in a city with impeccable foodie credentials and boutique accommodation.
Indeed, while it was a Christmas Market trip that caught our eye, the pretty streets, exceptional food, and warm Danish welcome always tempt me back.
In this guide, we’ll cover our favourite things to do and see in Copenhagen during the colder months, the best museums to hide in when it's too chilly, where to find festive markets, and the best places to eat, stay, and brilliant coffee.
This is our guide to winter in Copenhagen.
Is Copenhagen in winter worth visiting?
First and foremost, Copenhagen in winter is a city only for those who enjoy oversized coats and frosty temps.
The winter chill is real here, and even in early December, we had snowy flurries, which meant fur-lined boots and a puffy jacket were absolutely essential at all times.
This might be a problem for some, and those seeking winter sun should look towards the sun-soaked locales of Southern Spain. But for others, this is precisely what makes it a fantastic wintertime destination for those looking for a city break revolving around cosy cafes and copious amounts of hot chocolate.
Copenhagen is very much worth visiting in winter, and, as you can imagine, the city is prepared for the drop in temperature. Cafes, bars, and bistros fill their outdoor terraces with heaters and crackling fires, and thick woollen blankets adorn the backs of every chair.
Where to stay in Copenhagen
If you’re wondering where to stay during your Copenhagen trip, then I recommend choosing a hotel (a) in the city centre, so it’s convenient for accessing the best attractions, markets, and sights; (b) is close to a metro station, so you don’t have to lug your bags far; (c) is super cosy so that you can warm up under a toasty hot rainfall shower!
Personally, I love and highly recommend 71 Nyhavn Hotel, a gorgeous boutique hotel with stylish and spacious rooms. Centrally located and overlooking the canal and famous market, it makes a perfect base for exploring the city. They also include the most delicious breakfast in your room price!
Other excellent central Copenhagen hotels include:
Motel One Copenhagen | An affordable but oh-so-stylish option, this is also a favourite.
WIDE Hotel | A good option for visiting Tivoli Gardens.
Hotel Kong Arthur | Modern rooms, gorgeous bar, and eco-friendly ethos.
CPH Copenhagen | Scandi-style modern and spacious rooms, with a pool onsite.
Grand Joanne | Best for luxury and seriously sumptuous rooms.
Getting to Copenhagen
There are flights to Copenhagen from most major UK airports, and it's only a short journey from the UK (around 1.5 hours). I recommend Jet2 City Breaks, which include flights, a hotel, and a very generous 22kg of luggage. However, most low-cost airlines offer flights throughout winter.
For our US readers, SAS/Scandinavian Airlines fly non-stop to Copenhagen from most major cities.
From Copenhagen Airport its’s an easy 30-minute journey into the city centre on the Metro.
The Copenhagen Card
Chances are you’ll be using public transport at some point on your Copenhagen trip - such as the metro from the airport to the city centre. And you’ll almost certainly be visiting the city’s main attractions. Therefore, I highly recommend buying the Copenhagen Card before your trip.
The card is a fully digital pass you can purchase for a flat fee of £50.
It gives you free access to the best museums and significant savings on popular attractions like Tivoli Gardens. It also includes public transport to and from the airport, such as the regular metro.
Being saved on your phone, it's also incredibly convenient; show your phone at the door or on the metro, and you’re good to go!
Things to do in Copenhagen in winter
As Copenhagen is such a historic city, there are plenty of museums, historic sights, and galleries. All are open in winter and make ideal places to soak up the city’s culture AND shelter from the cold!
This list of things to do in Copenhagen in winter certainly isn’t exhaustive, but it does include the activities and attractions I loved the most during the four days I spent here. There are over 80+ museums and galleries dotted across the city, so there’s certainly lots to see!
Plus, if your winter trip coincides with the festive season, there’s also the twinkliest of yuletide markets to visit!
1. Hop-on-hop-off bus tour
One of the best ways to get acquainted with the city is with the iconic Copenhagen hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
Start the day with a classic Danish pastry and coffee from your nearest bakery (there is one on every corner, and it's sure to be excellent), then head to the bus.
The bus stops at all the main attractions, including the harbour area Nyhavn, the beautiful Rosenborg Castle, the Little Mermaid statue, the alternative Christiania Freetown district, the zoo, and the Danish Royal Palace of Amalienborg.
Once on board, you’ll find free Wi-Fi, a free map, and audio guides in 11 languages to learn about Copenhagen's history and culture. The loop lasts 90 minutes, but as the name suggests, you can jump on and off whenever an attraction takes your fancy.
Tours run every 30 minutes between 10:00 and 17:30, costing £25 per person. To avoid the queues, buy your ticket in advance.
2. Nyhavn Harbour
A classic Copenhagen locale, Nyhavn is situated in one of the city’s oldest parts and is packed with history. This 17th-century waterfront, on the canal's banks, is lined today with restaurants, cosy cafes, and wine bars. And in late November and December, one of the liveliest festive markets.
However, Nyhavn is most famous for its brightly coloured 17th and early 18th-century townhouses. This classic Danish architecture is a hotspot for photographers seeking to capture the classic harbour view, complete with canal boats and historic tall ships. All of this makes Nyhavn very much worth visiting.
Visit early in the morning for the best photography opportunity with the least crowds!
3. Canal Cruise
Once you’ve visited Nyhavn, it’s time to get out on the water on a Copenhagen canal cruise.
This is, without a doubt, one of the best activities in the city, and even in winter, it’s so much fun. Though most cruises are undercover, you’ll still want to wrap up warm!
Canal cruises leave from Ved Stranden, within a few minutes’ walk of Nyhavn. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos and a chance to see famous landmarks, including the iconic harbour, castles, palaces, beautiful churches, and classic Danish architecture.
The best cruises, like this option, come with a local guide who’ll share stories and history as you float along the waterways.
Canal cruises are top-rated and often sell out, so book your ticket in advance.
4. The Round Tower
This little gem is easily one of my favourite places in Copenhagen. The Round Tower (or Rundetaarn in Danish) is a 17th-century astronomical observatory arguably most famous today for its unique spiral ramp.
Climbing steadily upwards, it only takes around 5 minutes to reach the top. Yet it’s a genuinely iconic space and very much worth visiting.
Around the halfway point, you’ll pass the Library Hall, an exhibition and cultural space where you’ll find toilets, souvenirs, and coffee. After a quick break, continue walking upwards towards a narrow stone staircase. Controlled by ‘traffic lights’ to stop bottlenecking, you’ll generally find a small queue; wait till the light turns green and climb the short stairs onto a viewing deck - and what is undoubtedly one of the best views in Copenhagen.
You can find the Round Tower in the city centre (directions here). During the winter season, the tower's opening times are 10am to 6pm, and you can buy tickets for 40 DKK (around £5 / 5€) at the entrance.
5. Rosenborg Castle
If you’re seeking cultural gems, I highly recommend spending an afternoon at Rosenborg Castle - one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Europe.
Originally built in 1606 as a summerhouse by Christian IV, today Rosenborg Castle is best known as a living museum. Inside, you’ll find over 400 years of royal treasures, including the Danish crown jewels. Walking through the corridors is like stepping back in time and into the shoes of Danish royalty. Outside, the extensive gardens offer green space and a leafy haven in the city.
All of which makes Rosenborg Castle very much worth visiting.
Located in the city centre, Rosenborg is a short and easy walk away, with plenty of fantastic cafes along the way. The gardens are free to enter, and you’ll find various places to photograph the castle from the outside. However, you’ll need a ticket to get inside (140 DKK or around £16 / €19), which you can purchase in advance here.
6. Tivoli Gardens
You can’t come to Copenhagen and miss Tivoli Gardens in winter. Part amusement park, part foodie destination, and for some of winter, part festive market, Tivoli is one of those attractions you’ll want to add to your Copenhagen list.
Admittedly, the amusement park is likely most enjoyable on a sunny day. And there’s a strong argument this is a summer activity! However, thrill seekers and rollercoaster enthusiasts will love the variety of rides regardless of the weather, and there are options for kids and adults alike.
Plus, in December, Tivoli is home to one of the biggest Christmas Markets in the city. I recommend visiting at night when the gardens light up. But it’s still impressive during the day when the market stalls are open, and the smell of glögg (Danish mulled wine) fills the air with its deliciously sweet aroma!
When the temperature drops, the cosy food hall is where you’ll find the best eating options and a welcome place to warm up! Over 15 stalls serve a variety of delicious eats, from pizza to ramen to traditional smørrebrød.
Tip | Avoid the often lengthy queues by booking your Tivoli Gardens tickets in advance. When you arrive at the entrance gate, walk past the lines of people waiting to purchase their passes and head to the person who’ll scan your online ticket and usher you inside. Easy!
7. Festive markets
For those of you thinking about visiting during the festive season, I can confirm that December is a wonderful month to visit Copenhagen.
You’ll absolutely want to explore the Christmas Markets that pop up across the city centre. There are five to visit, all easily walkable, hard to miss, and extremely festive! Spot Santa and his reindeer, shop for souvenirs in the little stalls, indulge in waffles, hot chocolates, and mulled wine, and enjoy each market's fairy lights and cheerful festive vibe.
Tivoli Gardens is the biggest of all the markets, but some of the smaller displays are equally beautiful, including the harbourside market at Nyhavn.
You can find more about when and how to visit in this detailed Christmas Market guide.
8. Wander on foot
Lastly, one of the best things to do in Copenhagen in winter is follow your feet around the city. Cobblestone streets, postcard-perfect plazas, and picturesque corners are dotted with gorgeous cafes and wonderful bakeries. Plus, on the lead-up to Christmas, fairy lights and decorations adorn the streets and create the cosiest, most festive atmosphere.
So, pull on your warmest coat, cosy boots, and woolly hat, embrace the chilly weather, and spend a morning simply wandering around.
I recommend heading to the quaint Larsbjørnstræde (here), a charming street that travellers and locals love. While Magstræde (here) and its neighbour Snaregade are two of the most beautiful streets in Copenhagen, these colourful thoroughfares date back to the 16th century and are positively dripping in charm and history.
Lastly, be sure to head to Gråbrødretorv (here), a lovely cobblestone square oasis in the city centre. My favourite part of the city, the cafes and wine bars here are extra lovely and the traditional Danish townhouses colourful.
If you have time (sadly, we didn’t), there are also several charming neighbourhoods further away from the city centre to explore.
9. Take a Bike tour
Do as the locals do and travel around Copenhagen by bike.
Practically everyone in the city rides a bike, and there are miles of dedicated cycling paths to explore. Come sun, rain, or snow, you’ll see the city’s residents on two wheels!
You can rent bikes at various spots around the city, from most hotels, or take a bike tour. Before embarking on a bike ride, it’s best to know a few rules and safety tips in advance - like how to avoid cycling rush hour!
If you’d like to explore by bike but feel apprehensive, I recommend booking a guided bike tour. As well as providing a bike, your local and friendly tour guide will ensure you’re comfortable and safe as you explore Copenhagen’s highlights.
10. Enjoy The Cafe Culture
The gastronomic scene in Copenhagen frankly blew me away.
The variety of restaurants, cafe culture, quality of food, and exceptional produce was a real eye-opener, and in all honesty, I would say Copenhagen easily competes with other foodie hotspots I’ve visited, like Edinburgh or Bordeaux.
While there are remarkable restaurants on every street, including more budget-friendly options (yes, they do exist ), Michelin-starred dining, and everything in between, Copenhagen’s smaller eateries are the real winners. And the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ - essentially staying cosy - is best captured in the city’s many cafes.
There are brilliant cafes, bistros, and bakeries on every corner, each serving up delectable pastries, Smørrebrød (a type of open sandwich), and scrumptious brunch options. And that’s before we mention the chic coffee shops.
I advise following your tummy to whichever delectable cafe you stumble across. However, my favourite spots to hide in during the cold days are:
Chill-ee for sandwiches, pastries, and coffee (here)
Cafe Flottenheimer for brilliant brunch dishes (here)
Café Segalls for brunch (here)
Kaf' Bar for coffee (here)
The Union Kitchen for brunch (here)
BUKA for baked goods, pastries, and coffee (here)
Skt. Peders Bageri is an iconic spot for pastries and coffee (here)
ROAST for really excellent coffee (here)
Kompa'9 for brunch and open sandwiches (here)
Finally, if you’re seeking something stronger than coffee, you might be keen to explore the city's cocktail and wine bars. We uncovered some of the liveliest atmosphere amongst Copenhagen’s seriously hip drinking establishments - and sampled some very delicious wine. You can find my favourites in this Copenhagen wine & cocktail bar post.
What to pack for Copenhagen in winter
For those of you who are unsure what to expect from Copenhagen’s weather during the winter months, I can confirm – it is cold.
We visited in early December, and I spent most days in insulated boots, a quilted jacket, multiple layers of thermals and woollen jumpers. And to be clear, I’m used to harsh winters in Scotland! However, Copenhagen in winter is much colder than the UK, and the temperature rarely rises above 5°, even on the sunniest of days.
One of the questions I’m asked most is will it snow in Copenhagen in December and the answer is yes, most likely. We had some light flurries, which were very festive, but as the month slides further into winter, you should be prepared for far heavier snow showers; often up to 50mm of the white stuff blankets the city, with even colder temps during January and February.
So, before you travel, check the forecast and pack your warmest clothes so the weather won’t get in the way of your plans. Though there is always a cosy cafe to retreat to… I recommend bringing, as a minimum, the following items:
Am insulated / warm jacket
Waterproof, insulated boots
Thermals
Woolly hat/gloves/scarf
Woollen, winter socks
Fleece/jumper/cardigan
Packable waterproof
