Copenhagen is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia. It may not be the cheapest city in Europe, but there are certainly a lot of things to do in Copenhagen in the winter, and throughout the rest of the year too. Its historic cobbled streets together with some stunning pieces of modern architecture, as well as the food scene, are just a few things that draw in millions of visitors every year.
The history of Copenhagen dates back to the 10th century when it was established as a fishing village. It wasn’t until the 11th or 12th century (depending who you ask), when the Viking Age ended, that Copenhagen started to grow as a city. In the 15th century, Copenhagen was named the capital of Denmark and since then it has flourished and become an important city of culture.
Visiting Copenhagen in the winter is a great time to explore the city without a high number of tourists filling its street. But just like visiting other Scandinavian cities such as Stockholm and Oslo, make sure you pack appropriate clothing for the winter weather!
Why you need the Copenhagen Card
If you’re planning to visit Copenhagen on a budget but you still want to see some of the main attractions around the city, purchasing the Copenhagen Card is a must. There are two versions of the Copenhagen Card available, Discover and Hop, but I would recommend purchasing the Discover Card to get the most out of your money. With this card you’ll get access to 80+ attractions, have unlimited public transportation, which includes to and from the airport, and two kids can be added for free.
The Copenhagen Card – Discover is available for different time frames, from 24 hours up to 120 hours, so prices vary. You’ll be able to visit attractions that are further out of the city centre too, including the famous Kronborg Castle in Helsingor, so it’s definitely something worth considering if you’re spending some time in Copenhagen in the winter.
Budget friendly things to do in Copenhagen in the winter
Take a walk around Nyhavn
The most iconic part of Copenhagen is Nyhavn. The colourful 17th and 18th century houses that line the waterfront are instantly recognizable. It’s a fantastic spot to grab something to eat or drink, but be prepared to pay a little more due to the location.
Nyhavn, or New Harbour, dates back to the 17th century and it was built as an alternative for the old harbour. It was originally a commercial port where ships from around the world would dock, so it was a very vibrant area with sailors and artists of all kinds.
Today, Nyhavn is just as vibrant. If you’re looking for things to do in Copenhagen in the winter, you’ll find some festive stalls here during Christmas which are worth visiting.
Rosenborg Castle and Treasury
Those of you who enjoy visiting historic places shouldn’t miss the opportunity to stop by Rosenborg Castle. This Renaissance castle was built in the 17th century by Christian IV and it started out as a small summer palace before undergoing additional development stages. It was used as a royal residence until the start of the 18th century and it later opened to the public as a museum.
The Copenhagen Card – Discover will grant you access to both Rosenborg Castle and the Treasury beneath the castle, which is where the Danish crown jewels and regalia are on display. The King’s Garden is also worth walking around if you have nice weather, and it’s accessible without a ticket to the castle for free.
Walk to The Little Mermaid
Another iconic tourist attraction in Copenhagen is The Little Mermaid statue. It was inspired by the fairytale written by Hans Christian Andersen and it was unveiled in 1913. It’s quite a walk from the city centre to get to, as it’s located at Langelinie along the waterfront, but there are also public transportation options to get you there quicker. I would recommend reading up about the story behind the statue before visiting, otherwise it can seem underwhelming considering all of the hype.
If you want photos of The Little Mermaid without a huge crowd in front of it, make sure you arrive as early as possible or be prepared to wait for a gap to take your photo.
Explore the grounds of Kastellet
One of the best preserved fortresses in Northern Europe can be found in Copenhagen. Kastellet is a beautiful star-shaped citadel that dates back to the 17th century, and it sits very close to The Little Mermaid. It’s completely free to enter, which is ideal if you’re visiting Copenhagen on a budget. The well preserved 18th century barracks, together with the rampart and moat, are what makes the citadel such a popular attraction in Copenhagen.
This is an open space, so if you plan to visit Copenhagen in the winter make sure you’re wrapped up and prepared for the colder temperatures.
Go on a canal tour
The most unique way to see Copenhagen is through a canal tour. The Copenhagen Canal Tour by Stromma we chose lasted for 1 hour and 45 minutes, and during this time we explored different canals in the city and ventured out into the harbour. This is a great way to see some of the main attractions from a different perspective as well as learn about hidden gems in Copenhagen.
The tour departs from both Nyhavn and Ved Stranden, and there are two tour options available. The Classic Canal Tour lasts just 1 hour and doesn’t include the harbour, so I would recommend the Classic Canal Tour and The Harbour option instead. If you have the Copenhagen Card – Discover, you can hop on the tour for no extra cost.
Spend some time at Christiansborg Palace
Spending a few hours at Christiansborg Palace is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen in the winter. Not only do you get to escape the cold weather, but you also get to immerse yourself in centuries of royal history. The palace seen today was built in the 18th century, but underneath are remains of a much older castle. There are several areas of Christiansborg Palace that can be visited, so you can easily spend a few hours here.
The main attraction inside the palace are the Royal Reception Rooms. These rooms are still in use by the Queen for formal occasions and are stunning to walk around. The Ruins Under the Castle were a highlight for me though, as you get to learn about the 800 year old history of this site and see the archaeological remains of the castle. You can also purchase tickets for the Royal Stables and the Royal Kitchen, and the Palace Chapel is free to enter.
For each attraction you can either purchase a ticket separately, or there’s a combination ticket available which includes all four attractions. Alternatively, the Copenhagen Card – Discover includes entry into all of the sites as well.
Enjoy walking along the historic streets of Copenhagen
There are a lot of beautiful historic streets in Copenhagen to enjoy. The main shopping street in Copenhagen, Stroget, is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. Everything from high-end fashion retailers to budget friendly shops and restaurants can be found here. Coming off of Stroget are a number of smaller streets that offer their own charm too. Everywhere you go in Copenhagen, especially further away from the main tourist areas, you’ll find plenty of photo-worthy streets and hidden gems.
Marvel at the Copenhagen University Library
One of my favourite things to do in Copenhagen in the winter is to visit the Copenhagen University Library. Unfortunately, there’s an entry fee to access the library, but once you’re inside you can spend as much time here as you want and you’re free to read any of the books. The library was founded in 1482, making it the oldest library in Denmark. You won’t find another library like it, so it’s worth paying to go inside if you have some spare time on your hands.
Walk to the top of the Round Tower
The Round Tower, or Rundetaarn, is another iconic landmark in the city. It sits along one of Copenhagen’s busiest shopping streets and offers visitors stunning views of the city from its rooftop. The Round Tower was built in the 17th century and it’s the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. There’s a very small entry fee to access the tower, and to get to the top you need to walk up a wide spiral path inside. The views from the top can’t be beat, and along the climb you’ll find a few exhibitions taking place in different rooms where you can stop to take a break.
Get lost in the Copenhagen Christmas markets
If there’s one thing you have to do in Copenhagen in the winter, it’s visit the Copenhagen Christmas markets. These markets aren’t as big as the ones in Berlin, for example, but the intimate atmosphere they create is magical. There are numerous Christmas markets scattered around the city, varying in sizes, but the ones at Tivoli Gardens (pay to enter), Thorvaldsens Plads, and Hojbro Plads are ones not to be missed.
Eating from the food stalls at the markets can also save you a bit of money, though they’re still not considered “cheap”.
Take a stroll through Freetown Christiania
One of the best free things to do in Copenhagen in the winter is to walk around Freetown Christiania. This part of the city was founded in 1971 on the site of military barracks, and it quickly became a well known area for buying hash and pot. Today, Christiana still has its 70s vibe attached to it, but many of the buildings have been turned into galleries, workshops, and music venues which has made it a popular place to visit for both locals and tourists.
You’ll also find a few places to eat in Christiana, and at Christmas there’s a large indoor Christmas market that takes place here.
Enjoy the views from the Church of Our Saviour
There are a lot of churches in Copenhagen, but one that really stands out, and ranks among the most famous in Denmark, is the Church of Our Saviour. It was opened in 1752 and is known for its iconic serpentine spire which allows visitors to climb to the top using an external staircase for the last 150 steps. If you suffer from vertigo or are afraid of heights, you might want to sit this one out because the closer you get to the top the narrower it becomes!
It’s highly recommended that you book your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment. The Church of Our Saviour is included with the Copenhagen Card – Discover, but you’ll still need to book a timeslot online and show your card at the desk when you arrive. The tower will close if it’s raining or very windy due to safety reasons.
Go museum hopping
The good thing about visiting Copenhagen in the winter is that if the weather takes a turn, you can always shelter inside one of the many museums around the city. Some of the museums in Copenhagen offer free entry, and you’ll find that many with an entry fee are included with the Copenhagen Card – Discover.
Which museums you decide to visit is entirely down to personal interests. The National Museum of Denmark always has interesting exhibitions taking place, and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is always a popular choice due to its unique architecture. If you have some spare time, visiting the Open Air Museum or the Viking Ship Museum should be on your list too.
Amalienborg Palace
In the heart of Copenhagen lies Amalienborg Palace. This palace was built in the 1750s and it’s the official winter residence of the Danish royal family. The complex consists of four palaces that are built around a courtyard, and the Amalienborg Museum is open to the public. It doesn’t take as long to visit this palace as it does others in the city, but it’s still worth going to if you want to learn more about the Danish monarchy.
If you time your visit right, you’ll also be able to watch the changing of the guard which takes place at 12:00 daily, but only when the Queen is in residence. This is another attraction in Copenhagen that’s included in the Copenhagen Card – Discover.
Visit some churches
As you walk around Copenhagen in the winter, you’ll come across a lot of beautiful churches. Many of these architectural masterpieces are older than they appear, as Denmark has been a Christian nation for over 1000 years. Apart from the Church of Our Saviour, another must-see church in Copenhagen is Frederik’s Church, located near Amalienborg Palace. Also known as the Marble Church, Frederik’s Church opened in 1894, almost 150 years after the foundation stones were laid.
The church was sadly closed when we visited, but it’s one of the top free things to do in Copenhagen so it shouldn’t be missed. You can climb to the top of the dome for some amazing views of the city as well.
Join a free walking tour
Copenhagen isn’t a budget friendly city, but there are some great affordable things to do in Copenhagen in the winter to add to your itinerary. If you want to learn more about the city but you have limited time to spare, joining a free walking tour of Copenhagen is a great place to start. There are a lot of these tours available throughout the city, so do some research online beforehand to find one that’s the most suitable for you.
Cheap places to eat in Copenhagen
KOPAN Street
Street food is always a good option in Copenhagen if you want to save money, and one of the best places to stop for a quick bite to eat is KOPAN Street. This is Korean street food at its finest where you can find a wide variety of Hotteoks which are essentially pancakes with different fillings inside. Although the traditional Hotteok is sweet, KOPAN Street has taken things to the next level with savoury fillings, including a delicious cheese and corn version. It’s a great spot to eat in Copenhagen in the winter if you’re on the go.
Momo Wok Box
Wondering where to eat some tasty noodles and Asian street food in Copenhagen? Momo Wok Box is located along Frederiksberggade and it has a fantastic menu featuring ramen and wok boxes. The noodles from here are very nice, and they’re reasonably priced too considering the location. You’ll find vegetarian alternatives available or you can build your own wok box. There aren’t too many places to sit inside at Momo Wok Box but they do have outdoor seating if you’re willing to brave the cold.
Original Coffee Bredgade
It can be overwhelming trying to find a nice and affordable place for breakfast in Copenhagen. We came across Original Coffee Bredgade on our way to Amalienborg Palace, which is known for being one of the best coffee shops in the area. It’s very cozy inside, and they have a few breakfast options on the menu that are both healthy and affordable compared to similar cafes nearby. The overnight oats were a highlight for me and they came nicely portioned.
Pizza Huset
Pizza Huset might still be considered a hidden gem in Copenhagen, especially among tourists. There were a lot of locals ordering pizza from here when we visited which is a good sign. All of the pizzas are reasonably priced and made to order, using high-quality ingredients and traditional Italian methods.
The menu is only available in Danish and there are no seats inside, which is something to consider. There are some tables outside that you can stand at to eat, or you can take your pizza back to your hotel with you like we did.
The Coffee Factory
The Coffee Factory is located along Gothersgade, near Pizza Huset, and it’s been serving coffee here for 10 years. It’s a very cozy cafe to grab a drink and a quick breakfast or snack in the morning before heading out to explore Copenhagen. The prices for drinks are reasonable, but the food prices aren’t the cheapest. Everything we ordered tasted very nice though which is a plus.
Hello Pasta
One of my favourite budget friendly places to eat in Copenhagen is Hello Pasta. They serve a variety of freshly prepared pasta dishes, available in two different sizes. You’ll find everything from traditional bolognese to carbonara with a twist here. Seating is available inside, though spaces are limited, but most people order a takeaway.
I’d highly recommend checking out their Instagram or TikTok pages for offers before ordering. We managed to get 50% off our food using a code as first-time users of their app which was fantastic.
Lagkagehuset
Lagkagehuset is a popular bakery and cafe in Copenhagen with a few locations around the city. You’ll even find them at the airport! I normally try to support small, local businesses when I travel, but unfortunately they all seemed to be closed in the evening and Lagkagehuset was one of my only options. The cinnamon buns here are very popular, and they have lots of drinks on offer such as iced matcha lattes.
Street food stalls
There are many street food stalls and restaurants to choose from in Copenhagen. The largest street food market in the Nordic Region is Reffen, so you can find a lot of options all in one place here. Alternatively, if you’re visiting Copenhagen in the winter, you’ll come across a lot of Christmas markets with street food stalls set up inside of them. Our trip was centred around the Copenhagen Christmas markets so we managed to eat a good variety of food without spending a lot of money at restaurants.
Where to stay in Copenhagen on a budget
Generator Copenhagen
If the prices of attractions and food in Copenhagen scares you, wait until you look for accommodation. Luckily, we found an incredible design-led hostel in the very centre of Copenhagen to stay at, that not only fit within our budget but was also in an ideal location near a metro station.
Generator Copenhagen has both shared and private rooms available. The Deluxe King is the most spacious option with a comfortable bed, a seating area and a desk, and an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower. Our room also had a nice view over the rooftops of Copenhagen.
There are a lot of great features within Generator Copenhagen too. This includes the city’s largest shuffleboard centre, a bar featuring quirky cocktails, a restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast, and a play bar. There are also lockers available to store your luggage which are available 24/7.
Generator Copenhagen offers something for everyone, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or in a larger group with family or friends. All of their room options are affordable, even the private rooms, and the location can’t be beat, nestled between Nyhavn and Rosenborg Castle.
>> Choose your room at Generator Copenhagen now <<
Visiting Copenhagen in the winter
Visiting Copenhagen in the winter is an enjoyable experience, as long as you’re prepared for colder weather. There are a lot of incredible things to do in Copenhagen in the winter, from visiting museums and historic attractions to enjoying the numerous cafes and restaurants. Planning a trip to Copenhagen in the wintertime also means that you won’t have to battle through the crowds of tourists as much at the city’s most popular attractions which is always a bonus.
If you have any questions about visiting Copenhagen in the winter, please feel free to reach out through the contact form on my website or by email. You can also get in touch through Instagram and TikTok where I’m always sharing helpful travel tips and ideas about where you should travel to next.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I would personally recommend.
Pin this blog post for later!
