What to Do on a Dreary Day in Copenhagen

The switch from summer to winter is a fast one in Copenhagen. That means that all of those days spent drinking beers in the park and sitting by the canals while the sun is still shining at 11 pm are quickly replaced by scrounging around drawers for extra candles and deciding which scarf will make you sweat least while you’re cycling to work.

If, by some miracle, you do feel like getting off the couch between the months of November and February (okay, let’s be real, late March), or if the Danish summer just won’t cooperate, here are a list of activities that you and your family can do when the city is wet and grey.

Museum Day

There are plenty of great museums in Copenhagen, many of which are free. I recommend Statens Museum for Kunst; they have a great permanent collection of Scandinavian art, including a wonderful modern section. Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket, with its grand courtyard and wonderful pieces ranging from marble statues to important impressionist work, is a must-see and is free on Tuesdays. Arbejdermusett, the Worker’s Museum, is a fabulous place to learn about labor history in Denmark. There’s also a great little cafe attached to the museum; it’s a cosy place to spend an afternoon. Design Museum Denmark has an extensive collection of all aspects of Danish design – everything from chairs to textiles to graphics. Bonus: it’s free if you’re under 26 or are a student.

Torvehallerne

In my student days I visited Torveharllerne to take advantage of free samples (did you know you can make a whole meal of cheese cubes?). I still do that, but now I also like to walk around the flower stalls and even buy a meal or drink. It’s the perfect place to walk around with a friend, date or your kids. Pick up groceries for dinner, presents for Christmas or just people-watch while nibbling lunch.

Den Blå Planet

The aquarium is worth going to for the building alone. But also, there are fish. So if you’re into that kind of thing, Den Blå Planet is for you. Easily accessible by metro or cycle, the aquarium is a great mix of aesthetic, educational and simply wonderful. It’s not so big that it will take up your whole day, but you can spend a solid afternoon walking around and then enjoy lunch or a snack in their cafeteria.

Get Hygge in a cafe

Copenhagen is full of cafes with comfortable chairs, hot drinks and various sweet treats. Bring a good book or magazine, head there with a friend or make a party of it. Most cafes in Copenhagen are pretty laid back; stay for 30 minutes or the whole afternoon. Atelier September has delicious fresh lemonade and avocado sandwiches. However you enjoy your coffee break, find a local spot and make it your own. Some neighborhood recommendations are: Good Mood Cafe in Indre By, Café Bopa in Osterbro, Clarke’s in Norrebro, Provstevej 10 in NordVest, Wilders Café in Christianshavn, and Café Alma on Islands Brygge. Enjoy!

Mind Quest

If you’re into games or puzzles, Mind Quest is the ultimate treat. 2-5 people are locked into a room and have to put together the clues in the room to get out. It. Is. Fun. Take a group of at least five; the cost is about 1000 DKK per room, for up to five people, so it’s not too steep if you make it a group outing. Spots book up quickly so make an appointment in advance through their website.

Get outside!

Look, Copenhagen is going to be cold and rainy and monochromatic for essentially three more months, possibly more. Embrace it, get a rain coat and just venture out there. Amager Faelled is a beautiful spot to walk around, as is cultivated woodland Dyrehaven. A great place to take the kids and dog for a run around before heading back to the city for that piping hot coffee.

Article reprinted from The Local Denmark