Spring in Copenhagen is magical, with longer days, mild temperatures, and the city in full bloom. Expect 9–17°C - perfect for exploring all the city has to offer. Not sure what to do in Copenhagen this May? Our guide has you covered with the best activities, from canal tours to cultural gems!
Enjoy the perfect view of Copenhagen from the water aboard Stromma’s Classic Canal Tour & The Harbour. This extended boat tour takes you through the city’s scenic waterways, passing iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid and the Opera. Admire Nordhavn’s striking architecture and discover hidden gems along the way.
The tour lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and is live guided in English and Danish. Departs from Ved Stranden 26.
Whether you’re travelling with friends or family, Tivoli Gardens is always worth a visit! This historic amusement park offers plenty of rides to choose from, and you don’t need to be an adrenaline junkie to have a great time.
If you want a panoramic view of Copenhagen – and aren’t afraid of heights – we recommend The Star Flyer, which lifts you 80 meters off the ground.
Be sure to explore the entire park and take in the beautiful surroundings, flowers, and seasonal decorations. Recharge with delicious food from one of the many food stalls or renowned restaurants.
Address: Vesterbrogade 3
Getting there: Join Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus and hop off at stop 12 – Tivoli Gardens
Photo: Tivoli Gardens
The Botanical Garden is nestled behind the Natural History Museum and is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen. Stroll along the winding pathways and snap some pictures of the vibrant spring flowers. Pass by the lake, where you’ll see ducks and fish.
Step inside the Palm House and experience different tropical climates, from lush rainforests to dry tropical regions. Here, you’ll be surrounded by rare and exotic plants like mangroves, giant bamboo, and carnivorous plants.
Don’t miss the fascinating Butterfly House, where you can learn more about these colorful creatures – whose numbers, unfortunately, are in decline.
Address: Øster Voldgade 5-7
Getting there: Hop off at stop 9 – Rosenborg Castle/SMK on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus
What better place to take a break than a café named Grandma, which is what “Mormor” means in Danish. Stepping inside feels like visiting Grandma, with old-fashioned wallpaper, cozy furniture, and a sense of time standing still.
Enjoy breakfast or lunch, sip on a great cup of coffee, or try one of Mormor’s delicious cookies or cakes. If you want a taste of Denmark in the good old days, try the Kiksekage – a classic treat that brings back childhood memories for many Danes.
Address: Bredgade 45
In this smaller museum, you can browse through art from the Islamic World, European art from the 18th century, and early Danish modern art.
The David Collection is home to one of the largest collections of Islamic art in the western world, spanning from the 7th to the 19th century. In the beginning, the collection was some medieval ceramics and a few textiles from the Middle East, but now this unique collection features items from almost the entire classical Islamic world.
In the exhibition with Danish art from the early modernism, you’ll find paintings, sculptures, and ceramics from between 1890 to 1950. Explore masterpieces made by Vilhelm Hammershøi and J.F. Willumsen.
Top Tip: There’s no entrance fee to the museum, and it's the perfect thing to do in Copenhagen, if you’re an art and history lover. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Kronprinsessegade 30
Getting there: Hop off at stop 3 – Marble Church/Amalienborg Palace on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus
What to do in Copenhagen in May? Visit an underground art exhibition! Cisternerne is a former water reservoir, where the cold, damp climate and dimly lit space create a truly unique atmosphere; it almost feels like stepping into another dimension.
Throughout the season, you can explore various exhibitions, such as Psychosphere by Jakob Kudsk Steensen, an art installation created specifically for this space. Move through the deep-sea volcanic landscape, past fossils of extinct sea lilies and ammonites, and explore the connections between the physical and psychological worlds.
Pro Tip: It’s a bit chilly underground, so bring a shirt or jacket. They are closed on Mondays.
Address: Søndermarken across from Frederiksberg Palace
Getting there: Take Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus and hop off at stop 23 – Copenhagen Zoo/Cisternerne
Reffen Street Food is ready for another season of delicious dishes from around the globe. Here, you’ll meet both locals and visitors, all gathering not just for the food, but also the vibrant atmosphere and raw, industrial surroundings of Refshaleøen.
Whether you’re craving a tasty barbecue skewer from the Philippines, Greek gyros, or Chinese dim sum, Reffen is the place to go!
Address: Refshalevej 167
Getting there: Join Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus and get off at stop 34 – Reffen Street Food/Refshaleøen. You can also walk along the waterfront, which takes about 30-35 minutes from Nyhavn.
At Christianshavn, you’ll find the colorful alternative neighborhood of Christiania. Founded in 1971, a group of artists, activists, and hippies entered the military barracks in Bådmandsgade, declaring the area a free town outside Danish government laws and regulations.
Stepping through Christiania’s gates feels like travelling back to the 1970s. Many houses were built by the inhabitants themselves, giving the area an eclectic feel. Art in many forms is visible as you walk through the free town – from murals and sculptures to large-scale graffiti. Visit the large wooden troll, Green George, crafted by activist and recycle artist Thomas Dambo, or the incredible graffiti by renowned street artist Rasmus Balstrøm.
Address: Prinsessegade
Getting there: Hop off at stop 32 – Freetown Christiania on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus
Roskilde was founded in the 980s by Viking King Harald Bluetooth and is one of Denmark’s oldest cities. The Vikings ruled the fjord, turning Roskilde into a key hub for both land and sea trade, naturally making it the Viking capital. From the 11th century until 1443, Roskilde was the capital of Denmark.
Since the 12th century, Roskilde Cathedral - with its soaring spires and striking Gothic architecture – has played an important role in Danish history and the monarchy. The cathedral serves as a royal mausoleum and is the final resting place for 40 Danish kings and queens.
This architectural masterpiece was one of the world’s first Gothic brick churches and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Step inside to explore the museum, gallery, royal tombs, and beautifully decorated chapels.
Address: Domkirkestræde 10, 4000 Roskilde
Getting there: From Copenhagen Central Station, take a regional train to Roskilde St. The train ride takes approximately 25 minutes, followed by a 15-minute walk (972 meters) to the cathedral. Plan your trip with Rejseplanen.dk
On the map below, you’ll find our recommendations for the 9 best activities in the city, along with our nearest Hop On-Hop Off bus stops.
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