Copenhagen On a Rainy Day: 15 Things To Do
The Danish capital of Copenhagen is a fascinating place to visit. From the stunning Royal Reception rooms of Christiansborg Palace to the fascinating exhibits of Danish art and culture in the National Museum to the lively street life outside Copenhagen City Hall, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied here. So much, in fact, that it can be tricky to fit it all in.
Copenhagen has some excellent outdoor activities like the Tivoli Gardens and the Little Mermaid statue. However, the city is located in northern Europe, and that means you can't rely on constant sunny weather. Rainy days are just as common in Copenhagen as blue skies, so when visiting this beautiful city, you should be prepared for bad weather.
If you find yourself spending a rainy day in Copenhagen, consider one of these indoor activities. A wet day doesn't mean you can't enjoy Copenhagen at its best, and these indoor activities make it easy to stay dry even in the wettest weather.
To make the most of a rainy day in Copenhagen, don't forget to drop off your bags at a Copenhagen luggage locker. Lugging heavy bags around isn't much fun even in the sunshine, and it's a lot less enjoyable in the rain.
Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg is the winter home of the Danish royal family, and it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Copenhagen. The palace is open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm, and you can explore the beautiful royal reception rooms, as well as the museum which chronicles the history of the royal family.
Don't miss the changing of the guard that takes place at noon every day in front of the palace. You're unlikely to meet a member of the Danish royal family when you visit, but their home is still a fascinating place to visit and see what life is like for a modern monarchy.
Carré Theatre
Carré is one of Copenhagen's most iconic buildings, and it's home to a variety of different theaters. If you're looking for a cultural activity to enjoy on a rainy day, consider visiting one of the many shows on offer here. From musicals to ballets, there's sure to be a performance to suit your taste. Check their website for details on the performances that will coincide with your trip.
Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle is one of Copenhagen's most popular tourist attractions, and it's easy to see why. This beautiful castle was built in the 17th century, and it's now home to a museum that chronicles the lives of the Danish royal family. You can explore the stunning gardens, the grand reception rooms, and even the royal apartments.
Rosenborg Castle dates back 400 years and is the home of the Danish crown jewels. It's no longer a royal residence and instead functions as a museum that helps you learn more about Danish history. It's also a great place to stay out of the rain and is conveniently located in the Copenhagen city center, making it accessible to many of the other top attractions in the city.
Copenhagen Zoo
Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe, and it's home to over 3,000 animals from all over the world. The zoo is open all year round, and even in the winter, you can see lions, tigers, and elephants.
One of the best things about Copenhagen Zoo is that it's located right in the middle of Copenhagen city center. That means you can easily visit other attractions like Tivoli Gardens or the National Museum while you're here.
Copenhagen Zoo is a great option for a rainy day activity because it's completely indoors. You can spend hours exploring the different exhibits and learning about the different animals on display.
National Museum of Denmark
The National Museum of Denmark is one of the largest and best museums in Copenhagen, and it's home to an impressive collection of Danish art and artifacts. The museum chronicles the history of Denmark from the Stone Age to the present day, and it's a great place to learn more about Danish culture. Don't miss the thrilling Vikings exhibition to learn more about the lives of these famous sea raiders.
The National Museum of Denmark is located in central Copenhagen just across from Rosenborg Castle, and it's easy to reach by public transportation.
Louisiana Museum
Located a little way out of Copenhagen city centre itself, this modern art museum is most definitely worth the trip. The Louisiana Museum is world-renowned, and with good reason – it’s set in gorgeous surroundings on the coast and has a constantly rotating collection of exhibitions that are always worth seeing. The building itself is a work of art and is considered a defining work of Danish Modernist architecture. And the stunning exhibits of modern art will give you a deeper appreciation of more contemporary creativity.
Even on a rainy day, the beautiful coastal setting of the museum is worth the trip. And if you time your visit right, you can catch one of the many special exhibitions that the museum hosts throughout the year.
Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace is home to the Danish parliament, and it's another of Copenhagen's most popular tourist attractions. The palace is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm, and you can explore the beautiful royal reception rooms, as well as the parliament building itself.
There's also a museum onsite that chronicles the history of the palace, and it's a great place to learn more about Danish politics. Christiansborg Palace is located in central Copenhagen, and it's easy to reach by public transportation.
While you're there, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Royal Stables, home to the beautiful white horses beloved by the Danish royal family. Kids will get a real kick out of meeting these majestic horses, and anyone with a love of animals will appreciate the beauty of the horses and the care that is put into raising and training them.
Hans Christian Andersen Museum
The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is dedicated to the life and work of one of Denmark's most famous authors. The museum chronicles Andersen's life, from his humble beginnings to his international fame, and it features exhibits on his most famous stories.
The museum is centrally located and it's a great option for a rainy day activity, as it's mostly indoors. And if you're a fan of Andersen's work, you'll definitely enjoy learning more about his life and seeing some of his original manuscripts.
Children's Museum
Administered by the National Museum of Denmark, the Children's Museum is a great option for families with young kids. The museum is designed to teach kids about Danish culture and history in a fun and interactive way.
It's open from 10 am to 4 pm, and it's a great place to spend a few hours on a rainy day that will keep the kids occupied and learning at the same time.
Blue Planet
Known as Den Blå Planet in Danish, this massive aquarium is a must-visit whether it's raining or not. The Blue Planet is home to over 20,000 animals, and it's a great place to learn about ocean life.
Located in Copenhagen harbor, Blue Planet is the largest aquarium in northern Europe. Check out the adorable sea otters, majestic hammerhead sharks, and the stunning Pacific octopus, among other fascinating creatures. The aquarium also puts on talks that will let you learn more about sea life and its importance to all life on earth, and the aquarium also features an outdoor water playground that's a perfect place to let the kids burn off some energy.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
This impressive museum will take you through 3,500 years of art history from the paintings and sculptures of the pre-classical world up to the likes of Monet and Gauguin. It also features a beautiful winter garden that provides the perfect place to warm up with a coffee and enjoy some outdoor time even on a rainy day. Immerse yourself in Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art, then get more up-to-date with the work of French Impressionists. If you can time your visit on a Tuesday, you'll get free entrance to this fascinating museum and will get to enjoy everything it has to offer without spending a penny - though donations are very much appreciated.
Go shopping at Magasin du Nord
If you want to enjoy the best shopping in Copenhagen, a rainy day might be the perfect opportunity to do so. Visiting this iconic department store is an excellent bad weather activity, as you can browse the high-end labels and pick up some souvenirs without having to brave the elements.
Even if you don't plan on spending any money, Magasin du Nord is worth a visit for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. The store is located in central Copenhagen, and it's easy to reach by public transportation. It's open from 10 am to 8 pm, so you can easily spend a few hours browsing the racks on a rainy day.
National Gallery of Denmark
Known to locals as the Statens Museum for Kunst, this sprawling gallery lets you enjoy more than 700 years of art history in Denmark's largest gallery. The gallery contains everything from drawings, paintings, and sculptures to cutting-edge installations and multimedia exhibits. You'll see work by Matisse, Rubens, Rembrandt, and other masters, as well as by contemporary artists.
Major art lovers owe it to themselves to visit this impressive gallery whether it's raining or not. But even more casual art fans will get a lot out of visiting this iconic gallery and enjoying its incredible collection.
Conditori la Glace
If you have a sweet tooth, don't pass up the opportunity to take a break in Denmark's oldest patisserie. Established in 1870, this charming café is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious coffee and cake break. The patisserie is located in central Copenhagen so it can easily squeeze into your other plans for the day. It's open from 8 am to 8 pm, so you can easily drop in for a treat even on a rainy day. In fact, bad weather might be just the excuse you need to enjoy a coffee and a cake or three without having to feel the least bit guilty about it.
Torvehallen Market
If you love good food, this is the place for you. Torvehallerne is Copenhagen's largest and most popular indoor market, and it's the perfect place to spend a rainy day. With over 60 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheese and meats, there's something for everyone here. You can also find plenty of prepared foods to take away, making it the perfect place to stock up on picnic supplies.
Conclusion
Danes know a thing or two about bad weather. So maybe it's not surprising that the capital city of Denmark offers so much to do when it's raining. You don't have to leave the city centre to find tons of engaging indoor activities, whether your tastes run toward art, history, shopping, or dining.
With so much fascinating history and intriguing culture to explore, rain doesn't need to stop you from having a great day in Copenhagen. In fact, rainy days often give you a good excuse to enjoy those indoor attractions that aren't as tempting when the sun is shining. So drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Copenhagen and get ready to enjoy the city in the rain. You can stay dry and have fun in Copenhagen no matter what the clouds are doing.