Refshaleøen, Copenhagen - A body of water with buildings in the background
1 / 10

Refshaleøen Copenhagen

4.4
·300 reviews·, Denmark

A former shipyard transformed into Copenhagen's hip industrial quarter, buzzing with street food, art, and urban farms.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Embrace the outdoor vibe

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Refshaleøen, Copenhagen - A body of water with buildings in the background

Refshaleøen Copenhagen

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Embrace the outdoor vibe

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A former shipyard transformed into Copenhagen's hip industrial quarter, buzzing with street food, art, and urban farms.

4.4
(300 reviews)

"Great place to hang out on a sunny day, plenty of food and drinks to choose from."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Havnebus Strategy

Arrive 10 mins early for return Havnebus to secure a seat. :ferry:

🚲 Bike or Bus It

Cycling is popular, but the 2A bus is also a good option. :electric_plug:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Food Delights

Street Food Delights

Reffen Food Market

A vibrant hub of global flavors with diverse food stalls offering everything from Danish pastries to international cuisine.

Reddit
Urban Farm Oasis

Urban Farm Oasis

Øens Have

Explore Scandinavia's largest urban farm, a regenerative oasis offering seasonal, farm-to-table dining experiences.

Instagram
Industrial Charm

Industrial Charm

Refshaleøen waterfront

Wander through this hip, former shipyard transformed into a lively district with art and unique urban spaces.

Instagram

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Reffen

While cycling is popular, consider the Havnebus (harbor bus) for a scenic route. Be aware that it can get crowded, especially after events, so arriving early for your return trip is wise. Reddit

Best Time to Visit

Reffen shines on sunny days with its outdoor vibe, but CopenHot and some food stalls like Amass Fried Chicken and Mikkeller Brewery remain open year-round, offering a cozy winter experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Embrace the outdoor vibe
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter evenings
Why
Cozy up at CopenHot
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Copenhagen, Denmark travel advice! 🇩🇰 #copenhagen #travel #tips #advice #haystore #solotravel #europe #denmark #travelguide
@travellingwithliberty
29.7K likes • 863.5K views

🚢 Havnebus Strategy

Arrive 10 mins early for return Havnebus to secure a seat. Reddit :ferry:

🚲 Bike or Bus It

Cycling is popular, but the 2A bus is also a good option. Reddit :electric_plug:

Free thing to do in Copenhagen ✨ Tucked away in the heart of Copenhagen, the Old Library at Fiolstræde 1 is a hidden gem 📚✨. This historic building is perfect for book lovers, architecture buffs, or anyone looking for a quiet escape in the city. Whether you're here to explore its rich history or just soak in the ambiance, it’s a must-visit spot! Did you know? If you're a student and can show your ...
@un.italiana.a.cop
28.4K likes • 632K views
The sunshine has been spoiling us, so yesterday we took a ferry and spent it exploring Refshaleøen, Copenhagen’s hip industrial quarter. We had the most beautiful lunch at @oenshave_restaurant; surrounded by a stunning organic and regenerative urban farm @oenshave (the largest in Scandinavia) where everything is seasonal and literally farm to table. These guys are doing something so special here ...
happydiane
46 likes • 0 views

💰 Budget Bites

Street food can be pricey, but look for free activities like trash collection for meals. TikTok :moneywithwings:

❄️ Winter Warmth

CopenHot, Amass Fried Chicken, and Mikkeller Brewery are open year-round. Reddit :snowflake:

Welcome to the first episode of “Romanticize life in Copenhagen on a budget”💛 📍My first tip to explore and enjoy Copenhagen on a budget, is to check out CopenPays free activities this summer! At Banegaarden you can get a FREE meal when you help collect trash in the area (annonce bc of earlier partnership). How cool is that? Stay tuned for more activities and things to do in Copenhagen on a low b...
@mariadjonsson
25.2K likes • 206.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Havnebus Strategy

Arrive 10 mins early for return Havnebus to secure a seat. Reddit :ferry:

🚲 Bike or Bus It

Cycling is popular, but the 2A bus is also a good option. Reddit :electric_plug:

💰 Budget Bites

Street food can be pricey, but look for free activities like trash collection for meals. TikTok :moneywithwings:

❄️ Winter Warmth

CopenHot, Amass Fried Chicken, and Mikkeller Brewery are open year-round. Reddit :snowflake:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(300 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Refshaleøen is praised for its vibrant street food scene and unique industrial atmosphere, offering a lively experience, especially on sunny days. However, concert exits can be chaotic and disorganized, leading to significant delays and crowds.

"AMAZING

This was my first ever concert, so I could be biased. I went to see Imagine Dragons and I very much enjoyed my visit. Leaving however was awful, no order at all. We all left at the same time, so there was delays and crowds of hundreds of people.

Took an hour just to get round the corner 🤣 but ah well. Well worth it.

Sorry im advance for my terrible singing voice in these videos 🤣"

Asasia Bainbridge

"Great concert and sound, but the exit was a nightmare – poor traffic flow and no separation between cars and pedestrians."

Olena Lukashenko

"Imagine Dragons concert was great in this venue but to get into was so unorganized, leaving the venue was madness, no clear instructions of where to get the bus, no sign of extra buses, when we did get a bus it was so jammed it was hot, it took an hour to get to Christianshavn station , there were cars, buses , taxis and hordes of people trying to get out. I would not recommend it as a concert venue"

Gwen Frazer

What People Like

Vibrant street food
Unique industrial vibe
Waterfront location

What People Dislike

Chaotic concert exits
Crowded transport

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Refshaleøen by the 2A bus or the Havnebus (harbor bus). Cycling is also a popular option. Reddit The Havnebus typically runs every 10-20 minutes, but it's advisable to arrive at the stop a bit early, especially for your return journey, as it can get crowded. Reddit

Yes, Refshaleøen is accessible via public transport. The 2A bus route serves the area, and the Havnebus (harbor bus) offers a scenic way to get there. Reddit

Many visitors prefer cycling to Reffen due to its scenic waterfront location. Alternatively, the Havnebus provides a convenient and picturesque route. Reddit

The shortest route to Reffen might involve crossing a canal via a footbridge with stairs, which could be a consideration for those with mobility issues. Reddit

The Havnebus generally departs every 10-20 minutes. While it can get full after events, extra buses are sometimes added. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Refshaleøen itself is a public area and generally does not require tickets for entry. However, specific attractions or events within the area may have their own admission fees. Reddit

Yes, Refshaleøen offers free activities. For example, you can participate in trash collection at Banegaarden in exchange for a meal. TikTok Exploring the industrial waterfront and enjoying the atmosphere is also free. Instagram

Refshaleøen is an open area, but individual food stalls and venues have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check the specific hours for any vendors or attractions you plan to visit. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to access the street food market at Reffen. You only pay for the food and drinks you purchase. Reddit

Yes, Refshaleøen is worth visiting in the winter. While the summer vibe is more prominent, places like CopenHot, Amass Fried Chicken, and Mikkeller Brewery remain open. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Refshaleøen boasts a diverse range of street food, offering global cuisines from Danish specialties to international favorites. It's a great place to sample various flavors. Reddit

The food at Reffen can be a bit expensive, as is common in Denmark. However, the variety and quality often make it a worthwhile experience. Reddit

Given the wide array of international food stalls, you can expect to find vegetarian and vegan options available at many vendors within Reffen. TikTok

While known for its street food, you can likely find coffee at various cafes and stalls within Refshaleøen, especially those offering breakfast or lighter fare. TikTok

Øens Have offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience. For year-round options, Amass Fried Chicken and Mikkeller Brewery are popular choices. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Refshaleøen offers a unique blend of industrial architecture, waterfront views, and vibrant street art, making it a photogenic location. The Øens Have urban farm also provides beautiful, green backdrops. Instagram

Absolutely. The dynamic mix of old industrial buildings, bustling food stalls, and local life provides ample opportunities for compelling street photography. Instagram

A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, would be ideal for capturing both wide shots of the industrial landscape and closer details of the food and people. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for the expansive waterfront views. TikTok

Generally, photography is permitted in public areas of Refshaleøen. However, always be mindful of private property and individuals, and ask for permission if you plan to photograph people up close. TikTok

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful, soft light for photography. However, the vibrant atmosphere during the day, especially when the street food stalls are busy, also makes for great shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Refshaleøen offers a fun and engaging experience for families. The street food market provides a wide variety of options to please picky eaters, and the open spaces allow kids to explore. Reddit Look out for Banegaarden, where kids can participate in activities like trash collection to earn a meal, making it an educational and rewarding experience. TikTok

While some activities might be more geared towards adults, the general atmosphere is family-friendly. Consider visiting during the day when it's less crowded and the weather is pleasant for outdoor exploration. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Refshaleøen can be enjoyed on a budget, especially if you focus on the free aspects. While street food can add up, look for promotional activities like the trash collection at Banegaarden for a free meal. TikTok Exploring the industrial architecture and enjoying the waterfront views are completely free. Instagram

Consider cycling to Refshaleøen to save on transportation costs. Reddit While some venues might be pricier, the overall experience of soaking in the atmosphere and trying a few affordable street food items can be a great budget-friendly outing. Reddit

couples

Refshaleøen offers a unique and trendy date spot. Enjoy a romantic stroll along the waterfront, taking in the industrial charm and harbor views. Instagram Share a variety of global street food dishes at Reffen, creating a fun and interactive dining experience. Reddit

For a truly special evening, consider a visit to CopenHot for a relaxing sauna or hot tub experience with city views, especially magical during the cooler months. Reddit The area's vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings make it a memorable destination for couples looking for something beyond the typical tourist path. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Refshaleøen's Industrial Past and Present

Refshaleøen, once a bustling shipyard, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a vibrant cultural and culinary hotspot. The area retains much of its industrial charm, with old warehouses and maritime structures now housing art galleries, event spaces, and innovative businesses. This juxtaposition of its gritty past with its modern, creative present is a key part of its appeal. Instagram

Visitors can wander through the area, taking in the unique architecture and imagining its seafaring history. The transformation is a testament to Copenhagen's ability to reinvent its urban spaces. It's a place where you can feel the echoes of its industrial heritage while enjoying contemporary urban life. Instagram

Beyond its aesthetic, Refshaleøen is a hub for creativity. You'll find street art, pop-up installations, and a general sense of artistic energy permeating the district. It's a dynamic environment that continues to evolve, making each visit a potentially new discovery. TikTok

A Culinary Journey at Reffen

Reffen, the renowned street food market at Refshaleøen, is a paradise for food lovers. It brings together a diverse array of international cuisines, offering everything from traditional Danish smørrebrød to exotic flavors from around the globe. The market's layout encourages exploration, with numerous stalls set up in shipping containers, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere. Reddit

The emphasis is on quality and variety, with many vendors focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. While it's a fantastic place to try new dishes, be prepared for Danish prices, which can be on the higher side. However, the unique experience and the sheer breadth of culinary options often justify the cost. Reddit

Beyond the main food market, Refshaleøen also hosts unique dining experiences like Øens Have, Scandinavia's largest urban farm, offering a true farm-to-table concept. Instagram For those seeking year-round culinary delights, Amass Fried Chicken and Mikkeller Brewery provide excellent options even in the colder months. Reddit

Activities and Entertainment

Refshaleøen is more than just food; it's a destination for a variety of activities and entertainment. The area is known for hosting concerts and events, drawing large crowds. [^Review] For a unique experience, CopenHot offers a public sauna and hot tub with views of the harbor, perfect for a relaxing dip, especially during winter. Reddit

For the more adventurous, there are opportunities for climbing and other recreational activities. The artificial ski slope, though perhaps less prominent than the food scene, adds another dimension to the area's offerings. [^Description]

During the summer, swimming in the clean waters of Sandkaj Harbour is a popular activity, showcasing Copenhagen's commitment to urban water quality. TikTok The area's transformation from a working shipyard to a leisure and entertainment hub highlights its adaptability and appeal to a wide range of visitors. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2