The beautiful autumn colors add to Copenhagen’s charm, making it the perfect time to visit the Danish capital! October in Copenhagen is a blend of cozy hygge vibes and cultural activities. The weather is typically cool and crisp, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F), perfect for exploring the city’s historic streets or enjoying a warm drink in a cozy café.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 8 best things to do in Copenhagen in October. From the enchanting Tivoli Gardens to the breathtaking views from Our Saviour’s Church, these activities will help you make the most of your autumn visit.
Each year, Tivoli Gardens celebrates the spooky season by transforming the entire amusement park into a Halloween wonderland! More than 20,000 pumpkins are spread around the amusement park, along with scary spiders, scarecrows, and other spooky beings. As you walk around, you’ll encounter witches, ghosts, and other eerie creatures.
All rides are open, and as a special Halloween treat, you can swing by The Haunted House and pay a spine-tingling visit to the patients trapped inside (with very good reason, it seems!). If this doesn’t scare you, go see the horrifying family that resides in Villa Vendetta – if you dare.
Indulge in delicious treats at the open-air stalls or have a meal in one of the many amazing restaurants inside the garden.
Visit Tivoli at Vesterbrogade 3.
Skip the ticket line with Stromma's Combination Ticket that includes a 1-hour Classic Canal Tour as well as an entrance ticket to Tivoli Gardens.
Please check their opening hours before visiting, as they vary by season.
Photo by Tivoli Gardens
The Lakes – Søerne in Danish – in Copenhagen are one of the locals' absolute favorite places to walk and run! There are three lakes in total: Sankt Jørgens Sø, Peblinge Sø, and Sortedams Sø. If you walk around all three lakes, the total distance is 6.35 kilometers.
In Sortedams Sø, you can see two small islands: Fiskeøen (Fish Island) and Fugleøen (Bird Island), both are nesting sites for different bird species.
Along one side of the lakes, you can find cozy cafés where you can either sit and relax or take a good coffee along on your walk.
Start your stroll at Sankt Jørgens Sø at Gl. Kongevej 10 (right by the Planetarium). Join Stromma’s Urban Green Copenhagen route and hop off at stop 21 – Planetarium.
Photo by Daniel Rasmussen
The majestic Rosenborg Castle is located in the heart of the city, within the popular King’s Garden. This former summerhouse of King Christian IV is home to many royal treasures, but the most valuable ones are the crown jewels. Here, you can see everything from crowns and scepters to the coronation rapier and the sword of state. One of the crowns on display is The Crown of Christian V, known as the crown of the absolute monarchs. This crown was used in the anointment of kings from Christian V to Christian VIII.
You can also see an interesting weapons collection, the old anointment throne in the Knights Hall, or visit the Mirror Cabinet commissioned by Christian V in 1684–87.
If the weather is nice, we recommend you take a walk in the King’s Garden after your visit, as the many trees and bushes look amazing this time of year.
Visit Rosenborg Castle at Øster Voldgade 4A. Hop off at stop 9 – Rosenborg Castle on Stromma’s Classic Copenhagen route.
Photo by Lukas Bukoven
The Medical Museion invites you to explore the body and mind through its interesting and thought-provoking exhibitions.
In the Psychiatry Room, you can dive into the history of psychiatry and see straitjackets, a convulsion bed, and a device for electroshock. You’re also encouraged to ponder questions like what the psyche is and when social deviation becomes pathological.
The Kintsugi exhibition focuses on the marks life leaves on our bodies and how medicine and technology help repair us after injuries and breakdowns. You can see both historical and contemporary examples of body repairs.
These are just two of the fascinating exhibitions at the museum. You can also learn more about the connection between mind and gut, the perception of the body through history, and much more.
Go explore at Bredgade 62 (closed on Mondays).
One of the absolute coolest things to do in Copenhagen in October is taking a canal tour! The city is surrounded by water, and on a canal tour, you get to see many of the iconic must-see sights, like the famous Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace. Sailing through the narrow canals and underneath the many bridges is something the locals also love to do, and there is a lot of activity on the water all year round.
Join Stromma’s 1-hour Classic Canal Tour from Ved Stranden or Nyhavn. Daily departures with live guide in Danish and English and with audio-guide in Danish, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. The boats are both covered and heated.
Being in Scandinavia in October means there might be a bit of rain during your visit. The city is a treasure trove of indoor activities, from museums and art galleries to spas, miniature golf, and bowling. If the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor activities, you could also pay a visit to one of Copenhagen’s hidden gems: the Bastard Café.
Here, you can find endless shelves filled with board games, card games, strategy games, and more. There are games for all ages and interests, and they also serve food and drinks, making it easy to spend a couple of hours just playing, talking, and enjoying good food.
Put your phones away and roll the dice at Rådhusstræde 13 – it is located inside HUSET, just look for the neon sign on the building.
At the Royal Stables at Christiansborg Palace, you can get close to the magnificent white horses used by the royal family for special occasions, such as King Frederik’s coronation earlier this year, or when celebrating a royal birthday or wedding.
The horses are also used by the Guard Hussar Regiment, and you can often see them riding through the city or training the horses on the riding course right outside the stables in the courtyard of Christiansborg Palace.
In the stables, you can also see many of the royal chariots that have been used throughout the years, including the one used for King Frederik’s coronation.
Visit the horses at Christiansborg Ridebane 18. Hop off at stop 1 – Ved Stranden on Stromma’s Classic Copenhagen route or Colorful Copenhagen route.
Want to snap the perfect picture of Copenhagen? Climb the 400 steps of the spiraling tower of Our Saviour’s Church and be rewarded with an incredible view of the city! The last 150 steps are outside the tower, and while it might look a bit scary, it’s definitely worth the effort.
The church was built in the 1680s by King Christian V, and his monogram can still be found in many parts of the church. Inside, you can admire the beautiful baroque architecture and the impressive altar. The organ, with its intricate woodwork and golden details, is another highlight. The carillon in the church was the first in Scandinavia in modern times and is a very popular attraction among both locals and tourists.
See the city from above at Sankt Annæ Gade 29. Hop off at stop 31 – Christianshavn on Stromma’s Colorful Copenhagen route.
October in Copenhagen is truly special, offering a mix of enchanting sights, cozy experiences, and vibrant activities. Whether you’re planning to be spooked at Tivoli Gardens or to be mesmerized by the crown jewels, we hope this guide inspires you to explore this amazing city.
Don’t forget to check out the Google map below to easily find all the locations mentioned.
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