Copenhagen in November: Everything to See & Do

 

Though many visit Copenhagen in the summer months to experience the splendour of this beautiful European city, there is something to be said about Copenhagen in winter. The city feels extremely cosy, with Christmas decorations lining the cobbled streets and inviting cafes to escape the cold. November in particular is an ideal time to visit Copenhagen, as you can indulge in the vibrant atmosphere outside of the peak tourist season. 

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about visiting Copenhagen in November. First, we discuss the weather and special events that take place in Copenhagen in November. We then provide some recommendations for the best places to visit and the best things to do in Copenhagen during this month to help you plan your visit. 

So prepare for a whimsical winter adventure as we guide you through November in Copenhagen and all its marvellous attractions.

The Weather in Copenhagen in November

If you don’t mind colder weather, November is one of the best times to visit Copenhagen. The city is gearing up for the festive season but is yet to get very busy, allowing you to explore the top things to do in Copenhagen without worrying about massive crowds. 

The weather in Copenhagen in November is cold and crisp, with average highs of 7°C and lows of 4°C. During the evenings, temperatures in Copenhagen can drop even further to 2°C, so make sure to wrap up warm while traversing the city at night. It is also advisable to pack a rain jacket or umbrella, as there can be up to 10 days of rain across November. 

The Best Festivals and Events in Copenhagen in November

There are fewer events in Copenhagen in November compared to other months which may be disappointing for some travellers. However, with the Christmas season fast approaching, you can attend charming markets across the city and soak up the festive spirit. For a real treat, head to Tivoli Gardens where the magic of Christmas fills the air. 

Christmas in Copenhagen

The Christmas season comes early to Copenhagen, with decorations and twinkling lights going up around the city from the beginning of November. It adds so much character to the city and makes your visit feel all the more special. You can take a Christmas tour of Copenhagen that will give you more insight into Danish holiday traditions and enjoy festive treats and drinks. 

You will find a variety of Christmas markets in Copenhagen which is a perfect way to spend a crisp November day. There are organised markets all over the city, especially in popular areas such as Kongens Nytorv. You can browse a variety of stalls and find exquisite handmade gifts as well as delightful treats. Be sure to try the delicious tornado potatoes and Glögg, a spiced wine mixed with spirits like schnapps or rum. 

The best place to go to soak up the festive ambience is Tivoli Gardens. This gorgeous amusement park can be found right in the heart of Copenhagen and transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance as Tivoli can get very busy, especially on weekends. 

It is worth noting that the park closes for a week in early November to get set up for Christmas, so be sure to check the official website for opening times.

The Best Places to Visit in Copenhagen in November

There are some great places to visit in Copenhagen that are great for a November trip. You can enjoy some of the best dining in Nyhavn and go shopping in Stroget. There are also some amazing castles in Copenhagen which are a great way to soak up some Danish culture. 

Evenings at Nyhavn

This iconic waterfront area is one of the most picturesque places in Copenhagen. Known for its colourful buildings and historic charm, Nyhavn is a great place to visit in Copenhagen in November. There are a variety of different restaurants which make it one of the best places to go for a delightful evening ambience. 

During summer, Nyhavn can get extremely busy, but thankfully November brings a tranquil calm to the area which is perfect for a relaxed dining experience. While it can be very chilly in the evenings, many venues in Nyhavn have heated outdoor seating, allowing you to bask in the glow of the Christmas lights as they reflect off the waters of the canal. 

Shopping in Strøget

One of the best places to visit in Copenhagen in November is Strøget, the main shopping hub in the city centre. It is entirely pedestrianised, allowing you to wander the shops and buildings without the cacophony of cars and vehicular traffic. There is a diverse range of businesses along Strøget, meaning no matter what you are looking for you are certain to find it. 

This area of Copenhagen is renowned for its extensive shopping, ranging from Danish crafts to high-end fashion retailers. You will find everything from international brands to speciality stores, making it a great place to get some early Christmas shopping done. 

Strøget is very close to some of the best must-see sites in Copenhagen, like the Round Tower and the Church of Our Lady. This makes it a great place to spend an afternoon in Copenhagen as you can break up your shopping trip with cultural excursions and learn more about the city. 

Explore Castles in Copenhagen

History buffs will be blown away by the immaculate castles and palaces in Copenhagen. Many of these incredible buildings, like Rosenborg and Christiansborg, are right within the city centre, making them extremely accessible. The palaces in Copenhagen are exceptionally well preserved and visiting them gives you the feeling of stepping back in time to the Danish Golden Age.  

However, other castles in Copenhagen are slightly further afield but are still worth visiting. You can take a guided tour of Roskilde, Frederiksborg & Kronborg which will give you an astounding perspective of Danish history. Kronborg, in particular, is one of the top attractions in Copenhagen as it is the setting for Shakespeares’ iconic play ‘Hamlet’.

The Best Things to Do in Copenhagen in November

As the city is less busy during this time, you have your pick of the best things to do in Copenhagen in November. We suggest you get situated with a canal tour that will show you all the major attractions in Copenhagen or you can rent a bike and cycle around the city. There are also some great museums and winter activities which are perfect for a November trip to Copenhagen. 

So if you’re unsure what to do in Copenhagen in November, read on to discover what amazing opportunities await you in the Danish capital. 

Take a Canal Tour of Copenhagen

One of the best things to do in Copenhagen is to explore the city on an enlightening canal tour. There is an extensive network of canals in Copenhagen that offer a different way of seeing the city. Canal tours in Copenhagen typically depart from popular locations in Copenhagen such as Nyhavn and Gammel Strand.

Many of the boats used for canal tours are electric, which is in line with the city’s attempt to be more eco-friendly. Most canal tours include guided commentary in multiple languages, offering insights into the history, culture and significance of the sights along the way. 

Explore Copenhagen on a Bike

Copenhagen is a great city for cycling as there are well-organised cycle lanes everywhere. You will also find many hotels in Copenhagen provide bike rentals, allowing you to explore the city very conveniently. Though November in Copenhagen is rather cold, you can still wrap up and hit the pedals for a delightful sightseeing experience. 

While you can certainly enjoy cycling in Copenhagen by yourself, you can also take a guided bike tour of Copenhagen. Guided bike tours are popular for exploring the city’s highlights and learning about its history and culture. These tours cater to various interests and are a great way to stay active while visiting Copenhagen. 

Discover the Museums in Copenhagen

Rainy days should be expected when visiting Copenhagen in November, but this gives you the chance to try some indoor attractions that will keep you out of the cold. One of the best things to do in Copenhagen in November is to explore the amazing museums that the city has to offer. From Danish history to Guinness World Records, there is so much to learn at these astonishing museums. 

A splendid museum to visit is the Glyptotek, which has an extensive collection of Danish sculptures and ancient artefacts. One of the more unique things to do in Copenhagen is to visit the Guinness World Records Museum, where you can learn about incredible achievements through interactive exhibits and games. 

You can also find Viking artefacts in the National Museum of Denmark and explore the ruins under Christiansborg Castle to find out more about local history. These splendid institutions are some of the best things to do in Copenhagen in winter and allow travellers to immerse themselves in local culture. 

Go Ice Skating

You should take full advantage of the festive spirit and go ice skating in Copenhagen. It’s a great way to spend a crisp afternoon and is a fun activity for the whole family. It will certainly get you into the festive spirit, making it a delightful thing to do in Copenhagen in winter. 

You can find ice rinks at a few places in Copenhagen city centre. Kongens Nytorv, the main public square, has a rink that typically opens from mid-November. Likewise, the Frederiksberg Runddel Ice Skating Rink opens in October and offers a picturesque setting for ice skating. 

FAQs about travelling to Copenhagen in November

Is Copenhagen worth visiting in November? 

While it may not be as vibrant as summertime, November is a great time to visit Copenhagen for a more relaxed trip. There are fewer tourists in November so you’ll have many of the main attractions all to yourself. What’s more, the colder weather and festive atmosphere make visiting Copenhagen in November feel cosy and cheerful. 

Is Copenhagen really expensive?

Yes, Copenhagen is quite an expensive city to visit but you can get some great deals on accommodation during November. As it is the off-season, hotels in Copenhagen often have lower nightly rates so you can find some affordable options. Likewise, you can cut some costs by visiting free attractions in Copenhagen and dining in budget-friendly eateries. 

A good way to reduce your spending is to invest in a Copenhagen City Card. This handy card can be downloaded onto your smartphone and gives you unlimited public transport and free entry to over 80 attractions in Copenhagen.

Summary

In summary, visiting Copenhagen in November presents a charming and relaxed experience amidst festive decorations and Christmas spirit. The city’s colder weather and fewer tourists create a cosy atmosphere, making it an ideal time for exploration. 

From iconic landmarks to Christmas markets, Copenhagen in November offers a unique blend of history, culture and holiday cheer. With the added advantage of lower hotel rates during the off-season, this month provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the city’s beauty and warmth at a more leisurely pace.

Are you considering a dazzling winter trip to Denmark? Check out our other guides like Where to Stay in Copenhagen and What to Do in Copenhagen for 3 Days, to get planning your unforgettable escape.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.

About the Author

Author Image

Tom Adams

I am an experienced writer with a diverse background, having lived in 7 countries by age 16. I have specialised in various topics throughout my career, such as archaeology, sports and travel writing. Having grown up abroad I feel a special connection with the countries I once called home, in particular China, Singapore and Thailand. With my archaeological background, I also have a plethora of historical knowledge about Italy, Greece and Egypt. My favourite thing to do while travelling is visiting museums and historic landmarks and learning more about the local culture. As a foodie, I also make a point of sampling as much local cuisine as possible whenever I visit a new country. My favourite place I’ve visited so far has to be New Zealand, but I also loved Hong Kong and Copenhagen.