When it’s too cold to be outside, but you’ve found yourself in Copenhagen, what is there to do? Thankfully a lot of things to do in Copenhagen in winter are indoors. Plus, there’s less tourists visiting during the winter months so you won’t need to deal with crowds.
When I visited in early January, yes, it was cold. And to top that, it rained for the days I was there, but I still had a really great time. Here’s things to do in Copenhagen in winter when it’s too cold out.
Shop and Admire the Architecture at Strøget
Strøget is a long 1.1 kilometer pedestrian street in the center of Copenhagen. It runs through storefronts of internationally recognized high end brands, local stores, restaurants, historic buildings and leading to popular tourist destinations like Nyhavn waterfront area. When it gets too cold to walk, pop into one of the stores or cafes.
Go Cafe Hopping
When you need a caffeine fix or a hot beverage to warm up, Copenhagen’s streets are filled with cafes. You can’t go wrong with franchises like Espresso House. There are locations all over Scandinavia, but one to look out for is right off Stroget on Højbro Plads. One window seat allows you to see the intersection of two roads and Stork Fountain while people watching and eating a cinnamon bun. Also check out Lagkagehuset at Grønningen for a window view. (This cafe also has three locations in NYC.)
Explore Copenhagen Bookstores
Bibliophiles looking for bookstores around Copenhagen won’t have to look far from popular tourist attractions. There’s Arnold Busck, a Danish bookseller with a location across the street from The Round Tower. It’s been at that spot since 1900 and is also a tourist center so you can get information about the city. Also not to be missed is Politikens Boghal, which carries a large selection of books in English.
Enjoy the View from The Round Tower
The Round Tower is a 17th century tower that was used as an observatory. At the top is an observation deck where you can enjoy a view of Copenhagen. But one of the main features of visiting the tower is getting to the top. There isn’t an elevator, just an ascending spiral ramp. Tickets are 25 DKK per adult, which is just under USD $5.
Transport Back to the 1600s at Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle is a 400 year old castle. (Today the Royal Family resides part of the year at Amalienborg, a 15 minute walk east of Rosenborg.) See how past monarchs lived through rooms including The Knight’s Hall with tapestries and coronation chairs and don’t miss the Crown jewels, some of which are still worn by members of the Royal Family.
Eat Smørrebrød at Torvehallerne Market
Torvehallerne Market is a covered food hall. It’s where you can try different street foods without actually being on the street and can stay warm indoors. There are stalls with fresh produce and prepared foods of all sorts, including Hallernes Smørrebrød, a store for traditional Scandinavian open faced sandwiches with all sorts of toppings from fried herring and smoked salmon to roast pork and beef tartare.
See Performances and Rides at Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli is an amusement park in Copenhagen that opened in 1843. Walt Disney visited a few times and Disney theme parks might’ve been inspired by it. The park hosts music performances, theatre, dance, and other performing arts events, has plenty of restaurants and a food hall, rides and stalls, an aquarium and fountains and gardens. During winter, Tivoli is closed during most of January and opens in February. Check out their site to see opening times and dates.
Sunrise at Nyhavn
Beat the crowds and get to Nyhavn early in the morning. It’s also a magical time during a winter sunrise to see the sky light up around the already colorful facades along the waterfront. The sun doesn’t rise that early (around 8:30 am) so you won’t have to worry about getting up too early. Pay attention to Nyhavn 67 towards the end of the canal. This is where Hans Christian Anderson lived for a few years.
See the Rooms and Tower at Christiansborg Palace
Stay warm inside another palace, Christiansborg Palace. The palace is currently used by The Queen for official events and where the office of the Danish prime minister and Danish parliament operate. Visit the Royal Reception Rooms, including The Queen’s Library which contains her private book collection. While at Christiansborg Palace, don’t miss the Tower. It’s the tallest tower in Copenhagen and is free to visit for a view or go up to have a meal at The Tower restaurant.
Modern and Old Architecture at the Black Diamond
Before heading to Christiansborg Palace, see The Royal Library. It’s also home to The National Museum of Photography and The Museum of Danish Cartoon Art. See the old facade that was built in 1906 then head to see the extension known as the Black Diamond built in 1999. The library is a merge of modern and old architecture.
Take a Walk to the Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is a sculpture by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, unveiled in 1913 and sits on a rock along the Langelinie promenade. It was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, The Little Mermaid. While there, check out the Kastellet, a pentagon shaped fortress founded in 1626 and still in use today as military barracks and offices. You can walk right in and see lots of locals jogging.
A Cozy Meal at Heering
Most of the facades at Nyhavn belong to restaurants. Heering at Nyhavn 15 is a cozy bistro where you can warm up after a bit of walking along the canal. Try Danish classics like a herring platter, smørrebrød open sandwiches or choose from the menu’s various seafood options.
Have you been to Copenhagen in winter? What did you do? Leave a comment!
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