Summer in Copenhagen: 21 Best Things to Do

Planning to spend the summer in Copenhagen? You’ve picked the best time to visit the city.

Summer completely transforms Copenhagen into a whole new side, making the most of its long daylight hours.

As someone who has lived in Copenhagen for years, summer is easily my favourite season here.

If you’re visiting Copenhagen for the first time, I also have a quick guide covering the must-do things in Copenhagen and another detailed one with 50 amazing things to do in Copenhagen.

This guide is dedicated entirely to summer in Copenhagen, featuring seasonal experiences that go far beyond the usual museums and castles.

I’ll help you experience Copenhagen at its summer best.

So grab your sunglasses and let’s explore the top things to do in Copenhagen during summer you don’t want to miss!

Copenhagen Summer Weather

Summer weather in Copenhagen is usually milder than in many cities in southern Europe, but don’t be surprised if you experience a heatwave or a cloudburst. Yes, it also rains during Summer in Copenhagen!

I always recommend packing a light rain jacket and, of course, sunscreen.

This summer, temperatures touched 37°C. On some days it could also be 15°C. Before heading out each day, I always recommend checking the official weather forecast, as conditions can change quickly.

“There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” – Danish Saying.

Summer also brings very long daylight hours, with the sun rising around 4:30 AM and setting close to 10:30 PM. 

Air-conditioned Places in Copenhagen

Most homes, apartments, cafés, and even many hotels in Copenhagen don’t have air conditioning, so it’s good to know where you can cool off on a hot day.

I always recommend packing a small portable fan if you’re sensitive to the heat.

Some of my go-to air-conditioned places in Copenhagen are

• Reading room at Copenhagen Central Library, which is free to enter
• Supermarkets like Meny, Bilka, and Føtex are also a great place to escape the heat for a while, and there’s no obligation to buy anything
• Shopping malls
• Ikea and Illum
• Cinema Theatres
• Some 7-Eleven convenience stores (not all)

Even when temperatures reach 30°C, I find Copenhagen very manageable thanks to the sea breeze, shaded green parks, and plenty of places to swim. You just need to know where to go!

1. Swim in the Copenhagen Harbour Baths

No summer in Copenhagen feels complete without a swim in the harbour. The harbour baths are designated swimming areas and one of the best free things to do in Copenhagen.

As soon as the sun comes out, canals are filled with people relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing, making the most of the sunshine. Everybody is outside enjoying the sun.

During summer, lifeguards are on duty, and the water quality is tested daily. You’ll also see coloured flags showing whether it’s safe to swim—green means safe, yellow means caution, and red means no swimming.

My favourite spots are Islands Brygge Harbour Bath and Kalvebod Bølge, but there are plenty of other great swimming locations across the city.

2. Pick Your Own Strawberries at a Local Farm

One of my favourite things to do in Copenhagen in summer is visiting a pick-your-own strawberry farm.

The season is short, usually from mid-June to mid-July. It’s a fun day out for families, couples, and anyone travelling with kids.

If it’s your first time, I recommend Rokkedyssegaard. I had a great experience there, and it’s one of the easiest farms to reach from Copenhagen by public transport.

I’ve also put together a separate guide covering the best strawberry farms near Copenhagen, entry fees, the best time to visit, and tips for planning your trip.

Did you know? Many school playgrounds are open for play during the summer holidays in Denmark.

3. Celebrate Sankt Hans with Locals

If you’re visiting Copenhagen in late June, I highly recommend experiencing Sankt Hans Aften on 23 June.

It’s one of Denmark’s important traditions, where locals gather around bonfires, listen to a bonfire speech, sing the traditional Midsummer Carol, and enjoy the long midsummer evening together.

Many celebrations also include live music, DJs, and food stalls.

I’ve written a separate guide with the best places, timings, and tips for celebrating Sankt Hans in Copenhagen, so be sure to check that out.

4. Shop at the Copenhagen Flea Markets

One of my favourite ways to spend a warm weekend is wandering through Copenhagen’s flea markets.

It’s a great place to browse for vintage treasures, second-hand clothes, antiques, and quirky local finds. If you enjoy thrift shopping as much as I do, I highly recommend visiting one.

They are held all across the city, from small neighbourhood markets to large, well-organised events, and most are free to visit (although a few charge an entrance fee).

My favourite is Københavns Loppetorv at Israels Plads, which takes place every Saturday. 

To find the latest flea markets across Copenhagen, I recommend joining the Loppemarked KØBENHAVN Facebook group, where organisers regularly share upcoming events and locations.

5. See Summer Fireworks at Tivoli Gardens

During the summer, fireworks at Tivoli light up the city’s night sky. It takes place every Saturday at 23:30 from June to August, as well as on Tivoli’s birthday (16th August).

Fireworks are best seen in Tivoli from the Open Air Stage, Glass Hall Theatre, and Nimb. You can also watch the fireworks for free from outside Tivoli, especially near Rådhuspladsen or by the Tivoli’s main entrance. 

This year, 2026 Saturday fireworks also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic Danish film The Olsen Gang Sees Red, making the show even more special.

A perfect celebration to end the day during summer in Copenhagen!

Related: How to save money at Tivoli Gardens?

6. Free Summer Parties at Byhaven

Byhaven has my whole heart during summer in Copenhagen. If you ask me where I’d go to soak up the local atmosphere, this would top the list.

You can grab a drink, order some food, listen to live music, and end up staying for hours without even noticing the time.

Open from April to September with free entry always, Byhaven hosts everything from Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and Latin music to electronic and metal events.

It is open from 15:00, and there are plenty of places to hang out. For me, it’s more than just a music venue—it’s one of the best places to experience the Copenhagen summer vibe alongside locals.

7. Learn to Dance for Free

One of the most fun things I’ve done in Copenhagen is joining the free summer dance classes in Fælledparken, and I had so much fun.

The instructors make the steps easy to follow, so you don’t need any experience. The community is really good, and I have made new friends here.

Running through June and July, Sommerdans offers 5 weeks of free outdoor dance events with different dance styles such as Salsa, Swing, Tango, Kizomba, Bollywood, Afrobeat, Dancehall, and more.

Beginner-friendly lessons run Monday to Thursday from 7–8 PM, followed by free dancing with DJs until 10 PM. There are also special sessions for children, seniors, and families.

If you’re looking for a fun, social, and active evening in Copenhagen Summer, I can’t recommend it enough.

The summer dance lessons also take place at John Winthers Plads in Frederiksberg.

8. Eat Lots of Ice Creams

For me, summer in Copenhagen is eating plenty of ice cream.

You’ll see long queues outside ice cream shops all over the city, and even supermarkets stock plenty of delicious ice cream during summer.

Whether it’s a cone with soft serve or a homemade gelato, eating ice cream by the coast is a summer ritual.

I especially love enjoying ice cream during strawberry season, when many flavours feature fresh local berries.

If you’re only visiting one place, Ismageriet is my top recommendation. And if you’re craving a classic ice cream waffle, you can’t go wrong with Vaffelbageren Nyhavn.

9. Head to the Hundested Sand Sculpture Festival

For a unique summer day trip from Copenhagen, I highly recommend visiting the Hundested Sand Sculpture Festival.

It’s a popular summer event where artists from around the world create incredible sand sculptures. 

I visited the festival a couple of years ago and was genuinely impressed by the level of detail in the sculptures.

This year 2026 theme is the Middle Ages, with sand artworks featuring castles, knights, kings, churches, and mythical creatures. There’s also a new indoor exhibition where light and sound bring the stories to life.

The sand festival runs from 14 May to 18 October, and tickets cost 75 DKK for adults and 35 DKK for children (4–12).

You’ll find cafés, local shops, and beautiful views of the Kattegat Sea. You’re welcome to bring your own food, and dogs on a leash are allowed too.

Tips: If you’re travelling via the Rørvig–Hundested ferry, buy a combined ferry and festival ticket for just 160 DKK at the Rørvig ferry ticket office. That’s a saving of 51 DKK per adult and 28 DKK per child compared to buying the tickets separately.

10. Visit Bakken

Just 10 minutes north of Copenhagen, Bakken is the oldest amusement park in the world, and entry is completely free. Many Danish families visit Bakken during summer, so the atmosphere feels much more local.

It is a great alternative to Tivoli if you’re travelling on a budget and a must-visit place in summer.

At Bakken, you’ll find 33 rides, classic carnival games, arcades, restaurants, fast food stalls, ice cream shops, free entertainment, and music events throughout the summer.

It’s a place of leisure for the whole family. And don’t leave without saying hello to Pjerrot—he’s a Bakken tradition that every first-time visitor should experience.

Bakken is open every day throughout summer from May to August and on selected days from October to March.

11. Watch Open Air Cinema

Watching a film under the open sky is one of my favourite free summer activities in Copenhagen.

One of the best places is Banegaarden, which hosts free outdoor movie nights throughout June, July, and August. The screenings are open to all ages, and seating is first come, first served. The films are shown in their original language with Danish subtitles.

Another place I really like is Himmelbio, the rooftop open-air cinema at Cinemateket. They screen more than 70 films each month, with many shown in English or with English subtitles.

Some screenings are free, while others require a ticket that you can book online.

I also recommend spending some extra time inside Cinemateket. There’s a free permanent exhibition about Danish cinema, a rooftop with lovely views over Copenhagen, plus a café, restaurant, bookshop, film library, and play areas for children.

Reminder! Drink plenty of water. Seek shade, use a hat, and wear cotton clothing.

12. Get Lost in a Beautiful Sunset

Even though Copenhagen is a east facing city, I’ve watched some truly beautiful sunsets here over the years.

Summer is the best time to enjoy the sunshine, with long evenings and plenty of waterfront spots, green parks, and outdoor cafés to choose from.

Some of my favourite places to watch sunsets in Copenhagen are Ofelia Plads, La Banchina, Reffen, Valby Strand, The Lakes (Søerne), Amager Fælled, and Konditaget Lüders.

I keep going back because every sunset feels different. If you’re looking for more viewpoints, I’ve put together a separate guide with the best sunset spots in Copenhagen.

13. Watch Ballet and Opera Under the Open Sky

Every summer, Verdensballetten showcases world-class ballet and opera, featuring international ballet stars alongside talented solo dancers from the Royal Danish Theatre.

In 2026, the outdoor ballet and opera performance takes place at the Royal Danish Horticultural Society’s Garden in Frederiksberg on 7 July at 17:30.

The performance lasts about 2 hours, with tickets starting from 495 DKK. This beautiful cultural experience is on my Copenhagen summer bucket list for this year.

If you understand Danish, catch a performance at Grønnegårds Teatret. Its open-air theatre performances are a popular summer activity among Copenhageners, and tickets start from around 400 DKK.

14. Enjoy Drinks at Outdoor Cafes and Bars

During summer in Copenhagen, the whole city moves outdoors and comes alive. As soon as the weather is warm, cafés, bars, and restaurants fill their terraces and storefronts with tables to enjoy the sunshine.

In Kødbyen, Blågårdsgade, and Nørrebro, you’ll find plenty of lively outdoor cafes. 

Some of my personal favourites are Green Island, La Banchina, Kayak Bar, Broens Street Food, Reffen, and Kaffesalonen. These places are perfect for soaking up Copenhagen’s relaxed summer atmosphere.

15. Attend Summer Festivals in Copenhagen

Summer is the festival season in Copenhagen, and there’s always something happening.

If your trip matches one of these dates, I highly recommend joining in. It’s one of the best ways to experience the city’s atmosphere, music, food, and local culture.

Each festival offers a completely different experience. Some of the biggest events include

• Distortion (3–7 June 2026)
• Copenhagen Carnival (5–14 June 2026)
• Roskilde Festival (27 June–4 July 2026)
• Copenhagen Jazz Festival (3–12 July 2026)
• Copenhagen Summer Festival (19 July–2 August 2026)
• Copenhagen Pride (8–16 August 2026)
• Copenhell (24–27 June 2026

16. Go Kayaking for Free

The coolest thing you can do in Copenhagen is paddle a GreenKayak for free in exchange for collecting trash, helping clean the harbour.

It’s a fun way to explore Copenhagen canals and do something good for the environment at the same time.

This activity is very popular in summer, so I recommend booking as soon as reservations open 30 days in advance through the GreenKayak app.

You can choose from single kayaks to larger kayaks that seat up to six people, and they are available at several locations in Copenhagen.

17. Head to the Beach

The best way to ward off the summer heat is jumping into the water. In addition to swimming in the harbour, many locals also make their way to the Baltic Sea for a beach day.

Amager Strand is my favourite for its long sandy beach, boardwalk, and excellent swimming areas, with plenty of space for sports and relaxing.

Svanemøllen Beach is a great choice for families thanks to its shallow water and 120-metre pier leading to deeper water.

Bellevue Beach is another popular option with its wide sandy shoreline and classic Danish beach atmosphere.

If you’re looking for more beach recommendations, I’ve put together a separate guide to the best beaches near Copenhagen.

18. Spend a Summer Evening at Ofelia Plads

Ofelia Plads is a place where I love to sit on a summer evening with great views and a good atmosphere.

Throughout summer, the waterfront comes alive with free concerts, cultural events, and outdoor activities.

• Thursdays in June and August from 5 PM – free live classical concerts.
• On Tuesdays in July and August from 4-7 PM – free jazz concerts. This 10-year anniversary edition includes a guest speech and community singing. They sing two songs together for 10-15 minutes before the Jazz concert starts.
• Every Friday morning at 9 AM from May to October, join one-hour outdoor dance classes where experience is not required. You can also drop in, and the prices start from 95 DKK.
• 23 June – Ofelia Plads is also one of the best places to celebrate Sankt Hans.
• 7 June – Free one-hour special Royal Danish Summer Ballet performance under the open sky.
• April to October, three days a week – paid outdoor yoga classes for both experienced and beginners. Check the schedule and buy tickets here.

Grab a coffee, sit by the water, and simply enjoy one of Copenhagen’s best harbourfront spots.

19. Go on a Picnic at Islands Brygge

Islands Brygge is the perfect free summer spot for picnics facing the Copenhagen canals.

Many Danes enjoy the open space along the waterfront to swim, sunbathe, play Spikeball, read books, meet up with friends, or even simply to people-watch. 

Many local events also take place at Islands Brygge throughout the summer.

In August, you can also join free outdoor dance evenings from 6–9 PM, with Kizomba on Mondays, Salsa and Bachata on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Tango on Wednesdays, and DJ dance nights on Fridays from 7 PM.

The area also hosts a large outdoor flea market every month in summer with up to 150 stalls and is one of the most popular places to celebrate Sankt Hans Aften.

I recommend checking the Cultural Centre’s Facebook events page before your visit, as new events are added regularly.

20. Witness a Danish Graduation Celebration

In June, keep an eye out for Denmark’s most unique summer traditions: Studenterkørsel (student drive). Every year, it happens in the last week of June.

After finishing their final high school exams, thousands of graduates put on their white student hats and spend the day riding around the city in decorated open trucks with drinks, music, flags, and banners.

They stop at each student’s home, where family and friends welcome them with food, drinks, cake, and more celebrations before heading to the next house.

The celebrations often last 10–15 hours or even the entire day. You may also spot students proudly wearing their white caps all over the city for weeks afterwards.

I think you should definitely see this tradition if you’re in Copenhagen during graduation season.

21. Join Free Bachata Classes All Summer

Bachata House hosts free outdoor Bachata classes every Wednesday and Saturday throughout June, July, and August at 2 PM.

The one-hour lesson is open to both beginners and intermediate dancers.

After the class, the dance floor stays open for social dancing from 3–6 PM, with mostly Bachata and a little Salsa.

Bachata classes take place at different locations, including BLOX, J.W. Plads, and Fælledparken. It’s a fun way to meet new people, enjoy the summer weather, and experience Copenhagen’s social dancing.

Other Lovely Things to Do in Copenhagen in Summer

The activities above are what make summer in Copenhagen so special. If you have more extra time, I also recommend adding a few year-round attractions to your Copenhagen itinerary. Together, they give you a well-rounded Copenhagen experience.

These attractions aren’t just for summer; they’re equally enjoyable during the colder months and are well worth adding to your itinerary to experience the best of Copenhagen.

22. Find All The Forgotten Giants
23. Visit the Free Museums and Art Galleries
24. Explore Christiania
25. Go on a Day Trip from Copenhagen
26. Witness the Changing of the Guards Ceremony
27. See the Aerial View of Copenhagen
28. Go on a Canal Boat Tour
29. Rent a bike and explore the City

For more things to do in Copenhagen, here are 50+ activities for you!

Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Summer in Copenhagen

Summer is my favourite time of the year in Copenhagen, and once you experience it, you’ll understand why.

The city feels more alive than ever—There’s something special happening around, and the long daylight hours give you more time to explore.

I hope this guide helps you experience the very best of Copenhagen in summer and inspires you to try a mix of the city’s famous attractions and local favourites.

If you’re planning your trip, save this guide for later and use it to build your summer itinerary.

Also, do not miss these offbeat activities in Copenhagen that are absolutely worth it!

Embrace the Danish summer lifestyle!