Planning a spring trip to Copenhagen to get those shoulder season savings? Don’t let the pastel Instagram photos fool you — April and May in Denmark’s capital can be full of surprises. From unexpectedly chilly weather to a brief cherry blossom season, there are a few things I wish I’d known before visiting Copenhagen in spring. Whether you’re here for Tivoli Gardens, mind blowing museums, or the city’s vegetarian scene, these 9 tips will help you pack smarter, eat better, and make the most of your Copenhagen itinerary.

1. It can be very cold, even in spring
Don’t be fooled by the calendar — Copenhagen in April or May can feel like Sydney in July: wet, windy, and shockingly chilly. We visited around Easter and were not prepared. We ended up buying gloves from a street market just so we could keep our fingers from freezing while enjoying Tivoli Gardens. If you think you’ll “just layer a bit,” think again — pack proper winter gear.

2. Tivoli is tourist central… and totally worth it
Yes, it’s in every guidebook. Yes, it’s packed with visitors. And yes — you should still go. The rides and gardens feel timeless, even if you’re bundled in a coat. Just note that Tivoli is not open year-round; in 2025 it opened on April 4. Fun fact: Walt Disney visited Tivoli and was so inspired that it helped shape Disneyland’s design. Want to know more? Read about it here.

3. Wear really sturdy walking shoes
Cobbled streets + long days exploring = seriously tired arches. And with canals criss-crossing the city, point A to point B can be surprisingly far (kind of like Vegas, but with better beer). I brought running shoes, but the soles weren’t enough to handle the cobblestones. I swapped over to my trusty hiking boots and never went back.

4 .Art is everywhere — old and new
From the National Gallery’s classics to giant murals tucked in back alleys, Copenhagen’s art scene is outstanding. We loved SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen Contemporary, and especially the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (yes, it’s 100% worth the trip out of the city). Even without stepping into a gallery, you’ll find historic sculptures and contemporary street art around every corner.

5. The vegetarian food scene is strong
Danish cuisine is often associated with cured meats and salmon, but Copenhagen is incredibly veg-friendly. You’ll find upscale plant-based tasting menus, casual street food stalls, and even Michelin-starred vegetarian options. In 2023, Denmark introduced a national action plan to shift towards a more plant-based food system — and you can taste it happening. And it all goes goes down great with a local beer like Mikkeller.

6. Spring can bring cherry blossoms — but only briefly
I had no idea Copenhagen had cherry blossoms, but it does. The catch? They bloom for only a couple of weeks. We missed them this time, but if you’re lucky with timing, check out Bispebjerg Cemetery or Langelinie Park for peak pink magic, here is more information.

7. Fun spots can be in unexpected places
We stumbled on Reffen Street Food Market after visiting a gallery in an industrial area — we literally followed the sound of music between two warehouses. And WarPigs? It’s in what looks like a strip mall, serving authentic Texas BBQ (plus vegetarian-friendly sides) in the middle of the meatpacking district. And really, this is what we loved about Copenhagen; discovering not so hidden treasures.

8. BA business class from London to Copenhagen wasn’t worth it
Short-haul European business class can be underwhelming. Our seats from London were just regular economy seats with the middle one blocked out by a fixed tray — which I then had to awkwardly climb over to get out. The warm meal was fine but far from “business class” expectations. Save your kroner for something fun in Copenhagen.

9. Seven days is nowhere near enough
We thought a week would be plenty. It wasn’t. There are so many museums, neighborhoods, and day trips we didn’t get to — and so many things I’d happily revisit. Copenhagen is the kind of city that leaves you with a longer list of “next time” ideas than when you arrived.

So what do you think? Is Copenhagen on your bucket list? Would you be game to visit in spring?

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