Lifestyle

Discover the unmissable schedule at Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens this summer

By Billie Miro Breskin

Photo: Lasse Salling /Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli's latest schedule drop confirms the inner-city Copenhagen destination as the place to be this summer, as the meeting point of music, fine dining, and entertainment

When Tivoli Gardens opened in 1843 (making it one of the oldest amusement parks), Copenhagen, Denmark, and the world at large were all very different places from today. Indeed, Tivoli itself has undergone many changes in its tenure, each additional ride or experience offering something new. What has remained consistent, however, is the sheer joy Tivoli Gardens has brought over the years, providing treasured memories to generations of visitors.

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This summer, Tivoli has a packed schedule of unmissable events for visitors. From its famous rides and glorious gardens to displays of fireworks, world-class concerts, and Michelin-starred dining, there are delightful opportunities around every corner. Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or local, with family and friends or solo, and no matter your age, Tivoli is a treat for the senses. Below, discover Vogue Scandinavia’s picks of the best sights, sounds, and tastes at Tivoli Gardens this summer.

Sights

Photo: Lasse Salling / Tivoli Gardens

Photo: Lasse Salling / Tivoli Gardens

It’s not a visit to Tivoli without taking a spin (or two, or three) on the many famed rides. If you’re a thrill-seeker try The Demon, a looping roller coaster sure to spike your adrenaline. Another option, the Roller Coaster, was built in 1914 and provides old-world fun. While the views of Tivoli itself are stunning, you can also discover a bird’s-eye perspective of Copenhagen from the Ferris Wheel or – if you dare – the 63 metre-tall Golden Tower. This is just a sampling of the rides at Tivoli, along with classic options like a carousel, bumper cars, and even a haunted house.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, Tivoli’s got you covered. The Tivoli Aquarium features a coral reef complete with sharks, rays, and fish while The Alley provides a fantastical stroll through a Danish market town. It goes without saying that Tivoli Gardens has stunning greenery, but the beauty of the flowerbeds, bamboo forest, and orangery has to be seen to be believed. Finally, head to the Pantomime Theatre for entertainment for the whole family, from pantomime to dance to children’s theatre.

If you’re visiting Tivoli on a Saturday, you’re in luck. Every Saturday night from June 3rd to September 23rd this year, guests will be able to experience the spectacular fireworks show above Tivoli. Lean back and look up as a dazzling series of fireworks explode high above, all set to stirring music. It’s truly a sight to behold.

Sounds

Photo: Rasmus B. S. Hansen / Tivoli Gardens

Photo: Agnete Schlichtkrull / Tivoli Gardens

For music-lovers, Tivoli’s summer schedule is fit to burst with exciting concerts in every genre. There are plentiful opportunities to hear outstanding music from some of the world’s best performers throughout the season, with a host of options each week. One such offering is the Thursday Classical series, a set of concerts at Tivoli’s Concert Hall that feature the Tivoli Copenhagen Philharmonic alongside acclaimed conductors and soloists. In addition to the series, three star pianists will visit for performances throughout the summer and August is particularly packed with masterful programs.

If you would rather hear something more contemporary, Tivoli has just the thing. The Friday Rock events will bring legends like Chaka Khan and Diana Ross to the Open Air Stage this summer. Alongside those musical icons, Tivoli will feature everyone from Danish star Medina to Norwegian twins (who most recently represented Sweden at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest) Marcus & Martinus, making it a truly Scandinavian affair.

For a happy medium between classical and 21st century pop and rock, Saturday Swing and Jazzy Wednesday nights are sure to delight. On Saturday nights, the Lawn or the Orangery at Tivoli is transformed into a dance floor, where visitors can dance the night away to smooth swing. Wednesdays, on the other hand, feature world-class jazz soloists, whom you can hear improvising and grooving each week. No matter your musical preference, Tivoli has something special in store every day of the week.

Tastes

Photo: Lorang&Co / Tivoli Gardens

Photo: Flemming Gernyx / Tivoli Gardens

After a day of riding adrenaline-inducing roller coasters or before a night of dancing, it’s key to find something good to eat. Luckily, Tivoli Gardens boasts a wealth of options to satiate your hunger. Between traditional restaurants and informal fast food joints, each visitor will find something to make their mouth water. Whether you’re craving Mexican, Japanese, or Italian – or just want a quick coffee and pastry – Tivoli will never disappoint.

For visitors who are looking for an elevated dining experience, Tivoli goes above and beyond. At the Japanese Pagoda, Tivoli hosts star chefs, who recreate the renowned dishes of their prestigious restaurants over month-long residencies. These Michelin-rated restaurants are carefully picked for their prestige, innovative techniques, and refined ingredients. On the menu this summer? Menus from Ösch Noir, ASKA, and Modu. Traditional French cooking meets modern innovation in the menu at the German Ösch Noir, while ASKA presents inspired Nordic cuisine and Modu brings Korean gastronomy to the table.

If you want it all

Photo: Lasse Salling / Tivoli Gardens

Photo: Tivoli Gardens

Searching for the best of all worlds? Nimb Hotel is the treasure hiding in plain sight. Originally called Bazaren, the building was built in 1909 and home to small shops. In the years since, the building has undergone renovation, with the hotel opening its doors in 2008. The boutique hotel houses 38 unique rooms, each outfitted with luxurious amenities and thoughtful additions (for example, there are yoga mats in each room). Crowning the hotel is the roof terrace, where a dazzling pool propels swimmers with a built-in tide and guests can look out over Copenhagen.

The hotel is a gorgeous feature of the Tivoli Gardens grounds (which can be seen from all but one room) but also is intertwined with the events taking place throughout Tivoli this summer. Not only is Nimb Hotel the organiser of the Michelin-starred restaurant residencies at the Japanese Pagoda, but the hotel is home to several delectable restaurants, from the Roof’s barbeque to Nimb Brasserie’s French cuisine. Not only are these restaurants locales for standout dining, but they also provide the perfect place to view the concerts taking place at Tivoli’s Open-Air Stage. The Roof restaurant even offers its own concerts on select evenings, with jazz performances matched by special menus.

No matter your goal – whether it’s to indulge in a special meal, hear amazing music, or bask in the beauty of the Tivoli Gardens – Nimb Hotel will satisfy your every wish. The hotel is straight out of a fairy-tale, and will certainly make you feel like you’re the protagonist of your own fantasy.