Copenhagen is known for its food scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food stalls. Its selection of markets right in the centre of the city offers an affordable range of cuisines in a casual setting, each with its own vibe and personality.
Here's your guide to the best food markets in Copenhagen that also give you an insight into the unique vibe of the city.
Torvehallerne: classic market hall
With 60 stalls, lively Torvehallerne offers plenty of choices and is a favourite among Copenhagen's foodies. It has two glass halls filled to the brim with prepared food and fantastic products. Visitors to the Danish capital can sample local fare like smørrebrød open-faced sandwiches from Hallernes, beer from Mikkeller, or meats and cheeses from Omegn & Venner, and pick up a foodie souvenir of organic chocolates from Summerbird. Torvehallerne also features international bites from banh mi to gourmet pizza – in the summer months, try the tacos at Hija de Sanchez, one of the best street food spots in Europe.
Tivoli Food Hall: fast gourmet food
Part of the iconic Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world, Tivoli Food Hall opened its doors in 2017. The modern glass hall is open year-round and can be accessed from the street as well as from within the park if you're spending the day riding rollercoasters. The Food Hall is billed as "fast gourmet", a place to enjoy a quality meal on the go at a good reasonable price.
With 16 stalls, the market is fairly modest in size, but offers an impressive range of choices, from Icelandic organic to spicy Moroccan or classics such as a burger or burrito bowl. If you're just looking to relax with a drink, enjoy a glass of bubbly from the Le Petit wine bar. Pull up a stool to one of the high communal tables or take your meal outside and enjoy the views of Tivoli from the terrace.
Nørrebro Station: the local favorite
While this place is technically not a full-blown street food market, it is a local favorite that features a handful of renowned street food trucks. Locals trek here to get a taste of some of the best, and most unique, street food in Copenhagen. At Iranian Kuku, you get to taste authentic cuisine from Iran. Try the national dish, Ghorme Sabzi, a stew that comes with rice, homemade sauces, herbs, beans and ox meat, or a vegetarian version of it with eggplant.
Next door, you find Mexihagen, serving up the popular and delicious birria tacos where the taco is dipped in broth. It also offers mouthwatering nachos and their take on a quesadilla mixed with birria tacos – a QuesaBirria. If you find yourself in Nørrebro, a neighborhood dubbed the world’s coolest, make sure you check out some of the must-visit places in the area.
The Bridge Street Kitchen: elevated street food
The Bridge is a joint project of Copenhagen Street Food and the owners of the famed New Nordic restaurant noma. Just across the Inner Harbour Bridge from the iconic Nyhavn harbor, the Bridge serves up elevated street food. Debate your dining options while strolling the selection of stalls, past sausages and ribs sizzling on grills and naan baking in a gleaming tandoori oven.
Explore outlets of popular local eateries such as South-American-influenced Lola Impact and burger hot spot Gasoline Grill which has been named one of the best burgers in the world by Bloomberg. If you want to have a taste of Noma but without the hefty price tag, visit their new burger outpost, Popl, located right by The Bridge Street Kitchen. The Bridge has a total of 14 stalls and four bars and features pop-ups and guest chefs from around the world. This street kitchen is situated close to Reffen street food if you want to hop between stalls.
Reffen: stalls in shipping containers
It's worth the trip up Copenhagen Harbour to Reffen, where around 50 food and artisans' stalls can be found in old shipping containers. Food offerings include local favorites like crispy roast pork sandwiches and Nordic-style hot dogs, as well as cuisines from around the globe. On a warm summer day, pick up a delicious Danish hotdog at Nordic Hotdog to enjoy by the water with a Mikkeller beer, or if there's a chill in the air, enjoy a hearty African stew from Baobab in one of the heated seating areas. Local products on offer include handcrafted soaps, locally-designed clothing, and blown glass.
Reffen isn't just a market but a community space, with a variety of recurring events taking place throughout the season, such as coffee workshops, karaoke, yoga, and programmes for kids. On Thursdays, students can enjoy a discount at many of Reffen's stalls. If the weather is good, the vibe at Reffen is just magical with locals and visitors hanging out, enjoying the water and city views with friends, good food and a beer in hand.
The Joker: ‘The Greasy Corner’ in Hornbæk
If you are looking to explore more of Denmark and you love street food markets, you should head north to the Danish version of the Hamptons, Hornbæk - less posh, more lowkey, yet still amazing. Hornbæk is a beautiful beach town and a haven for Copenhageners looking to escape the city. Located just 50km (31 miles) outside the center of Copenhagen, you can drive to Hornbæk in 45 minutes or get there by train in 1.5 hours. It’s a perfect way to spend a summer day in Denmark.
At Det fedtede køkken, which translates to The Greasy Corner, located right by the beach, there's a great summer vibe from the crowd and the seven food stalls that cover various world cuisines. Try fish and chips from Hornfisken, which is a classic dish to enjoy in the area, pick up tacos from Labambar Tacos or try Nepalese street food from Everest Food. Spend the night at the cute beach hotel, Hornbækhus, if you wish to extend your Danish seaside experience.
