You might wonder what to do in Copenhagen when it rains or during the winter. The following 15 indoor activities can brighten up a dark winter or a rainy day in Copenhagen.
1. Visit the Glyptoteket
Explore Art and History in the Heart of Copenhagen! The Glyptoteket, also known as the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, is an exceptional art museum. It was established in 1888. and was founded by Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Brewery, and is named after the brewery (“Glyptoteket” translates to “Sculpture Collection”). The Glyptoteket is focused on ancient Mediterranean civilizations from the 19th and 20th-century French and Danish art. It features sculptures from ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman
One of the highlights of the Glyptoteket is its stunning Winter Garden, which includes charming cafés, where you can order refreshments and snacks.
2. Visit Christiansborg Palace
Underneath the Danish parliament building, Christiansborg Palace, you can find the ruins of another castle dating all the way back to the 11th century. Christianborg Palace was constructed in 1733 as a royal palace. Today it is home to the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister’s Office and the Supreme Court of Denmark. Besides the ruins of the palace from the 11th century, you can visit The Royal Reception Rooms with The Great Hall and The Tapestries, The Royal Stables, The Royal Kitchen and Christiansborg Palace Chapel.
3. Visit the National Gallery of Denmark
The National Gallery of Denmark, also known as Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK). The gallery’s permanent collections include 14th-century to contemporary art including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and decorative art objects. One of the highlights of the museum is its exceptional collection of Danish Golden Age paintings from the 19th century. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions. It has shown masterpieces by Danish and international artists including Rembrandt, Rubens, Picasso, Matisse, and Hammershøi.
The gallery is home to a little café, which you can visit without a ticket to the museum. It offers simple food made from local and seasonal produce.
4. Visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (1958) is an art museum located in Humlebæk (about 35 kilometres north of Copenhagen). It is known for its exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art from renowned masters like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Jean Arp, Alexander Calder and many more. The museum has an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia art. One highlight of the museum is the sculpture park with the pop-up café (not ideal for when it rains). Besides its permanent collection, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art features regular temporary exhibitions. The Louisiana Museum offers various courses, workshops and events for visitors of all ages. One
To get to the museum, catch a train from Copenhagen Central Station (around 45 minutes by train + 12 min walking). You can buy tickets at the station from the DSB machines.
Why is the Louisiana Museum in Denmark called Louisiana? Alexander Brun (first owner of the property) named the building after his three wives. who were all called Louise.
5. Visit the National Museum of Denmark
Established in 1849, the National Museum of Denmark is Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history, showcasing the history of Danish and foreign cultures including the National Treasures of Denmark. It holds an impressive collection of artefacts, ranging from prehistoric times to the present day. Additionally, the museum sponsors the SILA – The Greenland Research Centre, which focuses on further archaeological and anthropological research in Greenland.
6. Visit the City Hall Tower
The City Hall was constructed in 1892 and opened in 1905. The City Hall is the home of the Copenhagen City Council as well as Copenhagen’s Lord Mayor. In the City Hall, the Jens Olsen’s World Clock or Verdensur, which is an advanced astronomical clock) is displayed. With its 105.6 metres, the City Hall (Tower) is one of the tallest buildings in Copenhagen. You can climb the around 300 stairs to the top of the tower. It gives you a great view of Copenhagen and Tivoli. Please be prepared for a little bit of rain on the top.
7. Visit the Cisterns
The Cisternerne or Cisterns is an exhibition space for contemporary art and an abandoned subterranean reservoir. It is the only real dripstone cave in Denmark The Cisterns were created between 1856 and 1859 and contained the supply of drinking water for Copenhagen (up to 16 million litres of clean water) Today, Cisternerne is part of the Fredriksberg Museum and offers large-scale exhibitions of international recognized artist.
8. Danish Architecture Centre
Founded in 1985, the Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) brings new architecture, urban development, innovation and sustainability in construction closer to you with workshops, events and exhibitions.
9. Visit the Carlsberg Brewery
Visit the Carlsberg Brewery and learn more about Danish beer. The Carlsberg Brewery was founded in 1947 by J. C. Jacobsen, and named after his son. Its products are sold all around the world.
10. Play Game at Bastard Café
Denmark is big on board games. You can visit the Faraos Cigarer board game store and buy yourself a nice board game as a souvenir. If you do not want to buy, you can visit the famous Bastard Café, which has over 3800 board games for you to play while hiding from the rain.
11. Play a round of Indoor Minigolf
At Camping, a ‘drop-in’ bar and minigolf course, in the former meatpacking district, you can play indoor minigolf and enjoy some cold beers.
12. Solve an Escape Room
Danes love games and puzzles. What could be a better puzzle than an escape room? I recommend the ones from BreakOutRooms.
13. Shop at Magasin du Nord, ILLUM or on Strøget
The department store Magasin du Nord was established in 1869 and moved into its current building at Kongens Nytorv in the late 19th century. it features interior design brands, beauty products and fashion for men, women and children as well as Mad&Vin, which offers delicacies. Alternative shopping opportunities are just around the corner. If you walk down Strøget (Main Street), you will find H&M, Zara, Prada, etc. as well as ILLUM another premium department store, which was established in 1891.
14. Enjoy hygge Cafés and Danish Food
Copenhagen is known to offer great food and its many Michelin-star restaurants. Some of the most famous ones are the Alchemist and Noma. You can also visit Torvehallerne. It is a covered marketplace in the heart of Copenhagen with local produce and gourmet food. I can also recommend Det lille Apotek (The Little Pharmacy). It is the oldest restaurant in Copenhagen and serves traditional Danish food. Another great option is the Best Smørrebrød Tour. You can learn more about the popular Danish open sandwich and try some.
For a little break, you can visit La Glace Denmark’s oldest, and probably also best patisserie or Paludan Book Café, which is a combination of a book store and café.
If you got inspired by Paludan Book Café, to go book shopping check out Arnold Busck and Politikens Boghal. They sell English books.
15. Enjoy a Spa day – Manon Les Suites or AIRE Ancient Baths
Are soaked and cold? It is the ideal time for a spa day. A great place is Manon Les Suits. You can buy a day pass to access the hotel Manon Les Suites Jungle Fish Pool & lounge as well as sauna & steam room. The pass includes a spa bag with a kimono, slippers, and towels for use during your stay. In the former Carlsberg factory from 1881 has opened a unique spa called AIRE Ancient Baths.
