10 Things to Do in Copenhagen in March
March marks the end of the cold season in Copenhagen and the beginning of the first one, but it is also an ideal month for music festivals and some of the most interesting alternative events in the Danish capital.
If you want to enjoy Copenhagen during the off-season, but with nicer weather than during January and February, you can choose to visit the Danish capital in March, when the beginning of spring brings warmer temperatures and also marks the formal start of festivals and outdoor events.
Among the best things to see and do in Copenhagen in March are celebrating St. Patrick's Day in the city streets, discovering new flavors at the Coffee Festival, experiencing street art at the Distortion festival, enjoying the Children's Culture Festival with the little ones and participating in the Danish capital's half marathon, which is one of the most challenging in the Scandinavian region.
1. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the streets of Copenhagen
St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17 each year, is a popular holiday around the world and Copenhagen is no exception. The Danish city joins in the celebration with a variety of events and activities throughout the city center, ranging from beer tastings to city tours.
The city's Irish pubs and bars, such as The Dubliner and The Irish Rover, offer a wide variety of Irish beers and live music. In addition, parades and outdoor events are organized in places such as City Hall Square and Tivoli Park. You can also find themed food and drink at other venues throughout the city.
You can also learn about Denmark's links to Irish culture through the interrelationship between the two countries, especially after the cultural exchanges generated by the waves of immigration in the early 20th century.
The Danes wear green and join the celebration with enthusiasm, so if you're in town in March, make sure you don't miss the St. Patrick's Day festivities!
2. Discover new flavors at Copenhagen Coffee Festival
The Copenhagen Coffee Festival is an annual event held in March that is dedicated to coffee and everything that surrounds it, from growing and harvesting to roasting, brewing and tasting.
During the festival, you will have the opportunity to attend talks and workshops by coffee experts, participate in tastings, sample different varieties of beans from around the world and meet some of the country's best baristas.
There is also a wide variety of coffee-related products available for purchase, from utensils and preparation tools to beans and gourmet coffee blends. Many of these tours are often included in the best food tours in Copenhagen during the festival dates.
This event is very popular among coffee lovers and industry professionals, and offers a unique and inspiring experience for anyone who wants to explore and learn more about the world of coffee, which is considered one of the most consumed beverages in the world.
3. Marvel at street art at Distortion Festival
The Distortion Festival is one of the largest and most important festivals in Copenhagen, and is held in March for one week. This event started as a small celebration in 1998, but has since grown in popularity and now attracts more than 100,000 people every year.
The festival focuses on electronic music and street art and offers a unique and vibrant experience on the streets of the Danish capital. During the festival days, parties are organized all over the city, from squares and parks to clubs and bars, making it one of the best things to do in Copenhagen during the night.
In addition to the music and art, there is also a wide variety of food and drink to enjoy at the food stalls and outdoor bars that are set up for the festival, so you can also take a bar tour.
Distortion is one of the most exciting celebrations of the year in Copenhagen and is very popular with locals and tourists alike. If you enjoy music and street art, you should definitely add Distortion to your list of festivals to visit.
4. Experience metal music at Copenhagen's Copenhell Festival
Copenhell is an annual music festival held in Copenhagen in March and is known for its focus on heavy metal and hard rock music. During the days of the event, thousands of people gather in the Danish capital to enjoy music, food and drink in a festive and exciting atmosphere.
Copenhell has been held since 2010 and has attracted a large number of international artists from the metal scene, such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, Slayer and Slipknot. In addition to the music, there is also a variety of food and drink stalls, offering everything from beer to barbecue food and traditional Danish dishes.
The festival takes place at Refshaleøen, a former industrial area in Copenhagen that has been transformed into an event venue. It has multiple stages and seating areas, so it is possible to enjoy the music and atmosphere at any time of the day or night. You can get there by public transport or on the city's hop on-hop off tour buses.
5. Enjoy the Children's Culture Festival
The Children's Culture Festival is an annual event held in Copenhagen during the month of March that aims to offer cultural and creative activities for children and young people of all ages.
Throughout the days of the event, the city becomes a stage for theater, music, dance and art performances, all designed to engage children and allow them to explore and experience different forms of artistic expression.
In addition, workshops and interactive activities are organized where the little ones can learn and develop their creative skills, making it one of the best activities you can do if you plan to visit Copenhagen with children.
This festival is an excellent opportunity for families to explore the cultural scene of the Danish capital and to enjoy a wide variety of fun and educational events and activities for children.
6. Discover the cherry blossoms at the Sakura Festival
If you want to discover an alternative profile of Copenhagen that is closely related to Japanese culture, then you can't miss the Sakura Festival. This annual event is held every year in March and focuses on the cherry blossoms, also known as sakura.
The festival takes place in Langelinie Park, near The Little Mermaid, in the harbor area where you can access the best canal tours in Copenhagen and also some of the city's sweeping views.
During the festival, you can enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms, participate in Japanese cultural activities, listen to live music and enjoy authentic food. In addition, there are stalls selling Asian products, handicrafts and souvenirs.
This festival is the ideal excuse to discover a taste of Japanese culture in Denmark and to take some of the best pictures of your trip, as the cherry blossoms will collaborate with the landscape to create a fascinating frame.
7. Immerse yourself in the under culture with the Copenhagen Blues Festival
The Copenhagen Blues Festival is one of the most anticipated musical events of the season in the city and also a cult of alternative events. It is organized every year in March and during the festival days the capital is filled with live blues, jazz and soul music.
The festival attracts international and local musicians, and features a variety of shows in different venues around the city, from small bars to large concert halls. Some shows even take place at the National Museum of Denmark and other top museums in Copenhagen.
This event also offers a wide variety of music-related activities, such as workshops, seminars and lectures, which aim to promote and share the blues culture, making it one of the most important blues festivals in Europe, and a perfect opportunity to discover new artists and enjoy the music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
8. Attend the Nordic Antiques Fair
If you are a lover of second-hand objects, you can't miss the Nordic Antiques Fair, which is held every year in Copenhagen and is one of the largest events of its kind in Northern Europe. Each edition attracts a large number of both local and international visitors.
The fair presents antiques from different periods and styles, from the 18th century to the 1970s. Among the items exhibited are furniture, silver objects, glassware, ceramics, jewelry and works of art.
In addition to the sale of antiques, the fair also offers lectures and conferences on topics related to the history of art and decoration. Some of these activities take place inside some of Copenhagen's finest palaces such as Christiansborg.
This fair will be a great opportunity for you if you are a lover of antiques and decoration, as you will be able to find unique and exclusive pieces, as well as learn about the history and value of the artworks and antique objects on display.
9. Participate in the Copenhagen Half Marathon
The Copenhagen Half Marathon is one of the city's most important sporting events and is held annually in March. The 21.1-kilometer race attracts runners from all over the world and offers an exciting course through the most emblematic places, including the city's best buildings.
This half marathon is an ideal opportunity for running enthusiasts to enjoy the city in a different and healthy way. In addition, the event has a very lively and festive atmosphere, with music and animation in the streets to encourage runners.
Spectators can also enjoy the race and cheer on the runners from the finish line and along the route, although if you are up for it you can also sign up and participate in the activities. Do you accept the challenge?
10. Experience the celebrations for the beginning of spring
Copenhagen, like many other cities, celebrates the beginning of spring with enthusiasm. The city is filled with festivities that include music, dance, food and drink to welcome the most anticipated season of the year. One of the most popular activities is the celebration of the spring equinox, which takes place every year around March 20.
During the celebration, the King's Garden, located in the heart of the city, becomes the epicenter of the festivities. Activities include live music and dance performances, children's games, arts and crafts workshops, and a variety of seasonal food and drink. The highlight of the celebration is the burning of a large bonfire, symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of spring in Copenhagen.
Another popular activity during the beginning of spring is the boat ride along the city's canals. There you can enjoy the comfortable scenery while relaxing on a cruise and learning about the history of the city. There are also numerous gardens and parks that are filled with seasonal flowers, and are an ideal place for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon.
Finally, culture lovers, you can enjoy the art galleries and museums that the city has to offer. The Louisiana Museum of Art, located about a 30-minute drive from the city center, is one of the most popular galleries in Denmark, with a large collection of contemporary art.
Temperatures in Copenhagen in March
In March, the temperature in Copenhagen starts to improve after the cold winter months. Temperatures average between 1 and 7 °C, with warmer days allowing outdoor activities to be enjoyed. Although it is still advisable to wear warm clothing, especially in the evenings, it is no longer necessary to dress in heavy and bulky winter clothing.
It is important to note that although the temperature is starting to rise, the weather in Copenhagen is still unpredictable and there can be sudden changes in the weather in a matter of hours. Therefore, I recommend that you carry a variety of clothing so that you can adapt to the changing conditions. In general, March is a good time to visit Copenhagen and enjoy the city without extreme temperatures.
The influx of tourists in Copenhagen in March
March is one of the mid-season months in Copenhagen and, although it is not as busy as summer, the city still attracts a considerable amount of tourists. Temperatures start to rise and the days get longer, making the city more pleasant for walking and enjoying outdoor activities, which generates an increase in visitors.
Therefore, and although the tourist influx is not as high as in the summer months, I recommend that you book in advance to ensure you find accommodation and avoid higher prices. Hotels can fill up quickly during popular events and weddings, which are very common in Denmark in March, so you will avoid surprises if you book early.
Prices in Copenhagen in March
Prices in Copenhagen in March can vary depending on the time of the month in which you travel. In early March, prices may be lower because it is mid-season, but as spring approaches, costs may rise due to increased demand. In general, Copenhagen is an expensive city, although in March you will be able to find affordable alternatives.
In terms of accommodation, you can find more beneficial alternatives than during the summer, but it is advisable to book in advance to get better prices. As for food, you can visit food markets and fast food places to save money, while restaurants may have higher prices.
What to pack for a visit to Copenhagen in March?
March marks the beginning of spring and temperatures are warmer, although snowfall persists, so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:
- Lightweight pants
- Sports T-shirt
- Waterproof socks
- Waterproof footwear
- Waterproof coat
- Rain jacket
- Umbrella
- Snow gloves
- Sunglasses
- Camera