Now it’s finally here – May. This is the time of year when the sun becomes a regular visitor, the days are long, and the mood is high.

This issue of Copenhagen Unfolded is written by Anna from the Visit Copenhagen editorial team, who this month shares her must‑dos for May.

This month, you’ll find inspiration for everything from a fascinating historical tour to a true May food mecca in Tivoli, as well as our podcast packed with ideas for things to experience. Put on your sunglasses and head out into the spring weather – May in Copenhagen is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. This month, you can read about:

• Tivoli sets the stage for Michelin-level food magic
• A close look at the reconstruction of Børsen: From flames to renewal
• Dive deeper into Copenhagen with our podcast
• May’s specials

If you can't get enough of our recommendations for Copenhagen, you can always check out our Instagram or visitcopenhagen.com

From 23–31 May, Tivoli transforms into a culinary gathering point as this year’s Food Festival fills the gardens with top-tier Nordic gastronomy. Throughout Tivoli, flavour experiences await that celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and the very best ingredients.

Photo: Tivoli

The programme offers everything from a Nordic food market on the Open Air Stage and a Michelin‑chef burger festival to exclusive Michelin dinners in the Japanese Pagoda, the Danish Blind Tasting Championship, a smørrebrød festival and more. The week celebrates flavour with new experiences for curious visitors and passionate food enthusiasts.

This year, the celebrations culminate on the 1st of June, when the Nordic Michelin stars are awarded in Tivoli.

I’m looking forward to experiencing how Tivoli creates an entire week where exceptional gastronomy is allowed to take centre stage.

Just over a month ago, Børsen opened a temporary visitor centre, giving visitors the chance to get up close to the rebuilding of the iconic building after the tragic fire in April 2024. I’ve decided that I must stop by in May and experience this powerful sense of history for myself.

Photos: Mark Tanggaard

The visitor centre consists of 15 interconnected containers raised to first‑floor level. From here, you get a unique view directly over the construction site, where the restoration of Christian IV’s iconic building is well underway.

The exhibition showcases everything from newly carved sandstone figures and hand‑moulded bricks to 400‑year‑old lead bullets and the charred pine beams that survived the fire. At the same time, visitors gain a rare insight into how the reconstruction is progressing – seen through large panoramic windows offering real‑time views of the work.

The visitor centre has free admission and is open every day of the week – on weekdays from 14:00–18:00 and at weekends and on public holidays from 11:00–16:00.

If you’d also like to experience the reconstruction up close, stop by and watch history being rewritten – right in front of you.

If you’re keen to explore even more of Copenhagen’s – and the surrounding area’s – unique experiences, our podcast Insider’s Guide to Copenhagen is the perfect place to start. Here, Copenhageners share their favourite neighbourhoods, hidden gems, and personal routines, ensuring there are always new places to discover – whether you’re a local or just visiting.

Photo: Marvin Kuhr

May is best enjoyed under the open sky, so I’ve gathered a few episodes that are perfect companions for sunny‑day adventures:

Deer Safari, Royal Hunting Palace and Danish Design Galore: A trip into the great outdoors, complete with wildlife, open landscapes, and design experiences.

Bikes, Coffee and Urban Spaces: A tribute to the freedom on two wheels, the city’s small coffee spots, and the urban spaces that make Copenhagen such a vibrant place to explore.

Danish Design, Wine and Kayaking: A journey through Copenhagen’s design highlights, cosy wine bars, and the city’s canals by kayak.

Maybe you’ll feel inspired to give the podcast a listen too and let it spark ideas for your next sunny‑day adventures.

Royal Run: On 25 May, the streets fill with runners, cheering crowds, and great energy as Royal Run returns to Copenhagen. Even if you’re watching from the sidelines, the atmosphere is something special.

Mikkeller Beer Celebration: One of the year’s major beer‑related events returns on 22–23 May, offering flavour experiences from some of the world’s most renowned breweries. Perfect for both dedicated enthusiasts and curious tasters.

Flea markets move back outdoors: With spring in full bloom, the city’s flea markets move back outdoors. It’s the perfect opportunity to hunt for vintage treasures, design classics, or simply soak up a cosy weekend atmosphere.

I’m ready to step into May with open arms and soak up the last of the spring atmosphere. I hope you are too😊

But remember, these are just my recommendations. At the editorial office, we're just as interested in hearing yours, so please let us know if there's anything you feel that we've missed.

We’ll be back in a month with much more on all the best of Copenhagen. 

Copenhagen Unfolded is published by VisitCopenhagen. Our goal is to tell the world about Copenhagen and the great experiences that are to be had here. This issue of Copenhagen Unfolded is put together by Emilie Bødker and Anna Hjørngaard.

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