Located on Refshaleøen, this waterfront food market brings together international food stalls, bars, events, music, workshops and a relaxed industrial setting that feels very different from the old city centre.
Visit Reffen in Copenhagen
If you are looking for a fun and informal food experience in Copenhagen, Reffen is one of the top places to add to your itinerary. The market is known for street food from around the world, outdoor seating, harbour views, colourful containers, creative events and a lively atmosphere that works well for couples, families, groups and solo travellers.
Booking car rental through Terminal3.dk gives you the flexibility to collect your vehicle at Copenhagen Airport, reach your hotel and explore more of Denmark beyond the city centre. For Reffen itself, the best approach is usually to drive only if you are not planning to drink, park responsibly nearby and explore Refshaleøen on foot.
What is Reffen?
Reffen is a large street food market and cultural hotspot on Refshaleøen, a former industrial area on Copenhagen’s harbour. The area has become one of the city’s most exciting creative districts, with food, events, art, music, workshops, waterfront hangouts and raw urban surroundings.
Instead of a traditional restaurant experience, Reffen offers a casual open-air market atmosphere. Visitors can walk between stalls, choose different dishes, sit at communal tables and enjoy Copenhagen’s harbour energy in a relaxed setting.
Food at Reffen
Food is the main reason many visitors come to Reffen. The market brings together food stalls inspired by cuisines from around the world, so groups with different tastes can all find something to enjoy in the same place.
You may find options such as:
- Asian street food including noodles, dumplings, curries or rice dishes
- Latin American food such as tacos, grilled meats or empanadas
- Middle Eastern dishes including flatbreads, falafel or grilled specialities
- Burgers, barbecue and comfort food
- Seafood and vegetarian options
- Desserts, coffee, drinks and snacks
The exact vendor mix changes, so check Reffen’s current food list before visiting if you are looking for a specific cuisine or dietary option.
Bars, events and atmosphere
Reffen is more than a food market. It often hosts live music, DJs, workshops, markets, cultural events, seasonal activities and creative pop-ups. The atmosphere is informal, colourful and social, especially during warmer months when visitors gather outside by the water.
Because events and opening hours can change by season, check the current programme before planning your visit. Reffen is especially popular in spring, summer and early autumn, but seasonal opening periods may vary.
Refshaleøen: Copenhagen’s creative harbour district
Reffen is located on Refshaleøen, one of Copenhagen’s most interesting former industrial areas. The district was once connected with shipbuilding and heavy industry, but today it is known for food, culture, events, restaurants, harbour baths, creative businesses and raw urban landscapes.
Visitors who enjoy alternative city areas, industrial architecture and waterfront views should allow time to explore beyond Reffen itself. The area gives a different impression of Copenhagen than Nyhavn, Strøget or Amalienborg.
How to get to Reffen
Reffen can be reached by several transport options depending on where you are staying and how you want to experience Copenhagen. Many visitors arrive by bike, bus, harbour bus, taxi or car.
If you are using a rental car from Copenhagen Airport, check parking options before you go and remember that Refshaleøen can be busy during events, weekends and good weather. For a relaxed visit, consider parking once and walking around the area rather than trying to drive between nearby stops.
Should you drive to Reffen?
You can drive to the wider Refshaleøen area, but whether you should depends on your plans. A rental car is useful if you are coming from the airport, staying outside central Copenhagen or combining Reffen with other destinations. However, if you plan to drink alcohol at Reffen, do not drive afterwards.
Denmark has strict drink-driving rules, and Reffen’s bar and nightlife atmosphere makes it important to plan transport responsibly. If you want to enjoy beers, cocktails or late-night events, leave the car parked and use taxi, harbour transport, bus, bike or public transport instead.
Why rent a car at Copenhagen Airport?
Renting a car at Copenhagen Airport is useful if your trip includes more than central Copenhagen. While the inner city is often best explored on foot, by bike or by public transport, a rental car gives you more freedom for airport transfers, hotels outside the centre, family travel, business meetings and day trips.
With car rental from CPH Airport, you can combine Reffen and Copenhagen’s food scene with destinations such as Dragør, Roskilde, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Kronborg Castle, Helsingør or southern Sweden if your rental agreement allows cross-border travel.
Things to do near Reffen
Reffen works well as part of a wider Refshaleøen and harbour itinerary.
Copenhagen Contemporary
Copenhagen Contemporary is one of the city’s major contemporary art spaces and is located on Refshaleøen. It is a strong cultural stop before or after food at Reffen.
CopenHill
CopenHill is one of Copenhagen’s most unusual modern landmarks: a waste-to-energy plant with an artificial ski slope, hiking route and views from the roof. It is close enough to combine with Refshaleøen by car, bike or taxi.
La Banchina and harbour bathing areas
The Refshaleøen area is known for waterfront restaurants, bathing spots and informal harbour life. In warm weather, it is a popular place to swim, eat and relax by the water.
The Copenhagen Opera House
The Opera House is located across the harbour from central Copenhagen and can be combined with a wider harbour route before or after visiting Reffen.
Christiania and Christianshavn
Christianshavn and Christiania are not far from Refshaleøen and offer canals, cafés, alternative culture and historic streets. They are best explored on foot after parking or arriving by public transport.
Suggested Reffen itinerary from Copenhagen Airport
Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel or a parking area near your planned route.
Late morning: Explore Copenhagen’s harbour area, Christianshavn or CopenHill depending on your interests.
Lunch: Head to Reffen for international street food, outdoor seating and harbour atmosphere.
Afternoon: Visit Copenhagen Contemporary, walk around Refshaleøen or continue toward the Opera House and harbourfront.
Evening: Enjoy Reffen’s bars or events only if you have arranged safe transport and are not driving afterwards.
Practical tips for visiting Reffen
- Check current opening hours before travelling, as the market is seasonal.
- Check the current vendor list if you want specific food or dietary options.
- Bring layers, as the waterfront can be windy even in good weather.
- Arrive earlier on sunny weekends if you want easier seating.
- Use official parking areas and check local parking rules if arriving by car.
- Do not drink and drive after visiting Reffen.
- Combine Reffen with Copenhagen Contemporary, CopenHill, Christianshavn or the harbourfront.
Book car rental at Copenhagen Airport and explore Copenhagen’s food scene
Reffen is one of Copenhagen’s most enjoyable food and culture destinations, offering international street food, creative events, waterfront views and a relaxed atmosphere on Refshaleøen. It is a great place to experience the modern, informal side of the city.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk and enjoy the freedom to combine Reffen with airport transfers, Copenhagen sightseeing and day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
