Copenhagen expands outdoor dining in medieval quarter at the expense of parking

Outdoor seating for cafés and restaurants will replace parking spaces on ten streets in Copenhagen’s medieval quarter after city councilors voted Friday to extend a pilot program, Danish broadcaster DR reports.

The decision, backed by a broad majority on the city council, allows businesses to set up tables and chairs on former parking areas. Five streets already participate in the trial, which will now add five more.

Andreas Keil, the city’s employment, integration, and business mayor, said the move supports local jobs and meets strong demand from restaurateurs. “Our business sector is crucial for Copenhagen in terms of creating employment,” he told DR.

Sune Siestø Påskesen, owner of Københavner Cafeen on Badstuestræde, confirmed the program’s impact. “There’s incredible demand for tables during tourist season,” he said. “We’ve hired six full-time staff for the summer because of it.”

Residents, however, have raised concerns about noise and congestion. Søren Rud, chair of the Nørre Kvarter residents’ association, said the area already has outdoor seating on nearly every street. “It generates a lot of noise, especially in the evenings,” he told DR.

Keil emphasized that public consultations will precede the expanded program’s full implementation next year.