Thing to do
Nyhavn
Copenhagen's 17th-century harbour canal, lined with colourful townhouses, wooden ships and waterside restaurants, and the main departure point for canal tours.
Reffen Street Food
A large seasonal street food market on the old shipyard island of Refshaleøen, with food stalls, bars, concerts and harbourside seating from spring to early autumn.
At a glance
- Type
- Seasonal harbourside street food market
- Area
- Refshaleøen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Official site
- reffen.dk
Good to know
- Street food stalls
- Bars
- Coffee shop
- Concerts and events
- Waterside seating
Why we recommend it
Reffen is the largest street food market in the Nordic countries, set on a former industrial harbour lot on Refshaleøen, the old shipyard island north-east of the city centre. The site is made up of shipping containers, open yards and long tables by the water, and it mixes food stalls with bars, small creative workshops, concerts and festivals through its season. On a sunny day it is one of the most relaxed places in Copenhagen to spend an afternoon.
The stalls serve food from many different cuisines, so a group with different tastes can each choose something and meet at the same table. The bars serve beer, wine and cocktails, and a coffee shop opens earlier in the day. Much of the seating is outdoors with views over the harbour, so bring a layer for the evenings, even in summer.
Reffen is seasonal. The main season runs from mid-March to the end of September, with a full programme of events, and an autumn and Halloween season continues through October until 1 November. During the season, the food stalls open daily from 11:30 to 20:30, the bars from 11:00 to 21:30 and the coffee shop from 10:30. Reffen closes for the winter, although it has also announced events in late autumn and around Christmas, so check its website before you travel out in the colder months.
The market suits groups of friends, families and anyone who wants an informal meal without booking. Weekends and warm evenings are busiest, so arrive at lunchtime or early in the evening for an easier choice of tables. Prices are typical of street food in Copenhagen, which is not cheap by international standards, but sharing a few dishes keeps the cost reasonable.
Refshaleøen is a former industrial area that now holds a growing collection of restaurants, bars and cultural venues, including the restaurant Alchemist a little further along Refshalevej. Cycling out from the centre is straightforward, and a journey planner will show the current bus and harbour bus connections. Combine Reffen with a walk around the island's old industrial buildings or an evening at one of the other venues nearby.
Reffen Street Food FAQs
When is Reffen open?
The main season runs from mid-March to the end of September, followed by an autumn and Halloween season until 1 November. It closes for the winter.
What are the opening hours during the season?
Food stalls open daily 11:30 to 20:30, bars 11:00 to 21:30 and the coffee shop from 10:30.
Where is Reffen?
At Refshalevej 167A on Refshaleøen, a former shipyard island in the harbour north-east of the centre.
Do I need to book?
No, Reffen is an informal street food market with shared seating, so you can simply turn up.
Is Reffen good for families?
Yes. The choice of stalls and the open outdoor space make it easy for families and groups.
How do I get to Reffen?
Cycling from the centre is straightforward, and a journey planner will show current bus and harbour bus connections to Refshalevej.
Is there anything happening in winter?
Reffen closes for the main winter period but has announced some late-autumn and Christmas events, so check the website.
Can I contact Reffen by phone?
Yes, on +45 33 93 07 60, staffed on weekdays from 10:00 to 16:00.