Top Things to Do in Copenhagen in Summer

Heading to the Danish capital and wondering what to do in the sweltering summer heat? From swimming in the harbour baths, to catching some rays in the park, Copenhagen is full of great summer activities!

Summer in Copenaghen is a time to enjoy long, light evenings and to bask in the sunshine. While it might not be in the Mediterranean, summers here are still hot! Copenhagen is built on a few islands and canals so it’s surrounded by sea water and plenty of green space to cool down in and enjoy. There’s plenty going on, even on a budget, so here are the Top Things to Do in Copenhagen in Summer.

Copenhagen in Summer

1. Swim in the Harbour Baths

One of our favourite places to cool off is Islands Brygge. It’s one of the liveliest spots in Copenhagen in summer, and for good reason. It has a picnic & BBQ area, chill-out and sunbathing space, and of course, swimming areas in the Harbour Baths! The baths are part of the city’s canals, but have been sectioned off as a designated swimming area, so they’re clean and safe to swim in. And while there are several around town, this one is the most popular for sunbathing and people watching.

2. Take a Canal Stroll

Since Copenhagen is a notoriously clean city, you can imagine the canals are popular in summer. You can take a boat ride or a stroll alongside the canals, or if you’re feeling adventurous, hire a kayak and take a tour. The famous Lungomare di Nyhavn is popular spot for grabbing a drink or ice cream, and it’s also where you’ll find the colourful houses which feature so often on Copenhagen postcards. You can also take harbour tours from here.

For something more local check out Christianshavn, which also has a pleasant network of canals where you can dip your feet in the water.

Canal Stroll

3. Festival Season in the City

Summer means festivals in Copenhagen, and along with famous street parties like Distortion and Friday Rock parties at Tivoli, there are plenty of others. We recommend checking out Copenhagen Jazz Festival in early July. There’s loads of events with International and Danish artists, at various venues. It’s a mixed bag with DJ sets and the more traditional Nat King Cole line-ups. Check out their website for events, some are even free!

For the fashion crowd, Copenhagen Fashion Week takes place in early August and is recognised as the leader in setting global trends in Scandinavian design. See what all the beautiful people will be wearing at the free events in the town square!

Copenhagen Pride Festival shimmies into town in mid-August, and is the city’s most sparkly and outrageous party. There are plenty of concerts and parties around town, including a main stage in the town square. There are also workshops and talks, which you can take part in with the purchase of a wristband pass. Don’t miss the best bit as the Pride Parade winds through the city’s neighbourhoods showcasing the fanciest costumes in town! It’s truly the highlight of Summer in Copenhagen!

Festival Season

4. Enjoy the Parks and Green Spaces

Copenhagen is a super green city, so the summer time is perfect to enjoy its parks and green spaces, and even its cemeteries. For literature fans, you can visit H.C. Andersen’s grave, located in Assistens Cemetery (Assistens Kirkegård). Langelinie Park is a great place to wander around and you can check out the famous Little Mermaid statue. King’s Garden is also popular with locals due to its central location next to Rosenborg Castle.

There are also great skate parks including the awesome Fælledparken ed Refshaleøen, if you want to take your board and have a ride.

Parks and Green Spaces

5. Svanemølle Beach

Copenhagen is on the sea, so that means beaches, and you can visit some amazing ones a short train trip from town. For the closest, check out the popular Svanemølle beach, located just a short walk from the Nordhavn S-train station. There’s a small area of sand and a long jetty to jump off or sunbathe on the decks. There are city views from here so it’s not as natural and peaceful as Amager Strand outside the city. Nevertheless, it’s a great place to cool down. Get here early as it gets crowded!

Top Things to Do in Copenhagen in Summer

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Our top recommendation is Copenhagen Downtown Hostel. With a cool Scandinavian retro design, you’ll love their friendly hostel and lively bar!