Copenhagen is warmest when it’s cold.
Whether indoors or out, get the most out of the Danish capital in the wintertime.
When temperatures go down, Copenhagen becomes a city of contrasts. After all, in what other city is it possible to jump into icy cold sea waters or try a warming ‘saunagus’ session before enjoying an exciting art installation or dining at a well-renowned restaurant? Take in the cool side of Copenhagen.
Getting to Copenhagen by air
It’s a breeze getting to Denmark’s capital by air. Several airlines fly to Copenhagen directly from e.g. London and Manchester, including Ryanair, easyJet, Norwegian, Scandinavian Airlines, and British Airways.
How long is the flight to Copenhagen?
Direct flights from both London and Manchester will get you there in about 1h 50m.
How to get from the airport to the city centre
The metro is your best bet for hassle-free transportation to the centre. It’s easily accessible from Terminal 3, where you can also buy tickets from the ticket machines. Transport time from the airport to various stops in the city centre is only about 10–15 minutes. You’ll also find connections to the centre via train, bus, and taxi.
Fine dining
For the ultimate in fine dining, book a table at highly-decorated Kadeau, which is inspired by traditional cuisine from the Danish island of Bornholm. Or try Barr, located in the beautiful facilities of parent restaurant noma. Barr offers new takes on traditional dishes of the North Sea. And for more affordable fine dining, book a table at Höst, with its Nordic-style cuisine and award-winning interior design.
Community-style dining
If you feel like dining alongside some friendly locals, try community-style dining. Kanalhuset Christianshavn serves up communal dinners every evening in a beautiful historic building. Nordhus is a youth-organised culture centre that offers community dinners and drinks. Absalon is a colourful church-turned-community centre that serves dinners daily. And for the true local experience, book with Meet the Danes, where locals will invite you to their homes for a home-cooked meal.
Photo: Daniel Jensen
Bakeries and teahouses
Denmark is world-renowned for its pastries, breads, and cakes – and Copenhagen boasts the cream of the crop. Sample a bit of it all at Hart Bakery, where you'll want to take a bite out of everything. For beautifully-decorated and delicious cakes, visit Cakenhagen in Tivoli Gardens. Get a coffee that's just as well-prepared as your croissant at Andersen & Maillard. And if you're more into tea, go to A. C. Perch's Tea Room for a lovely pot in traditional surroundings, or Sing Teahouse, which specialises in Japanese tea.
Photo: Daniel Jensen
Museums
At Glyptoteket, the main winter exhibition will be Art as a Battleground, exploring the passionate and turbulent relationship humankind has had with art throughout history. The current exhibition at M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark focuses on the world's oceans and the conservation efforts made by the National Geographic Pristine Seas project to help heal them. At Ordrupgaard, exhibitions lean into the romance of winter with a magical sculpture garden that explores myths, legends, and magic.
Photo: Københavns Museum
Galleries
DesignMuseum Danmark gets all cosy this winter with its key exhibition about cups. It showcases the work of 30 ceramics artists to explore the history of cups and ceramics in Denmark. Arken Museum of Modern Art will feature Danish artist Frederik Næblerød and showcase his fearless creativity in painting, ceramics, and sculpture. Copenhagen Contemporary will highlight pop artist Marta Minujín with her iconic neon strips and video projections. And the Danish Architecture Center will also examine water – specifically how cities are adapting to floods and rising sea levels.
Spas
Treat your body to a decadent wellness experience at Aire Ancient Baths. Located in the famous Carlsberg Byen, this spa offers luxurious pools and massages in a dark, relaxing environment. If you prefer a more informal atmosphere, try La Banchina on Refshaleøen. In the wintertime, their wood-fired sauna is ready to warm you up after a dip in the harbour. Or mix it up at CopenHot with their wood-fired saunas and hot tubs. Stay for an authentic 'saunagus' where a professional infuses the place with essential oils and swishes the air through the sauna with a towel.
Photo: Mellanie Gandø
Wild swimming
The waters of Copenhagen's city harbour are so clean, you can swim in them all year round. But for the best effect, take a dip in the winter! Immersing oneself in cold natural water is great for our health and well-being. It can reduce cortisol levels and blood pressure and increase longevity – while taking in beautiful and tranquil views. In Copenhagen, you can experience this all along the harbour, from Søndre Refshalebassin in the north to Fisketorvet harbour bath in the south, and many places in between.
Photo: Mellanie Gandø
Save time and money with a COPENHAGEN CARD.
Know you're going to be exploring several of the city's museums, castles, and art galleries? You can save big with the COPENHAGEN CARD, especially if you have kids.
Choose COPENHAGEN CARD - DISCOVER for free entrance to 80+ attractions and unlimited public transport, or COPENHAGEN HOP for free entrance to 40+ attractions and the hop-on/hop-off buses. Both options include two kids for free.
