Looking for free things to do in Copenhagen? Don’t forget to check out this list of the most amazing free things to do in Copenhagen.
It is no secret that Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Spending a few days in the Danish capital can quickly become an expensive pleasure. Fortunately, there are also many free things to do in Copenhagen. In fact, you can visit everything from museums, parks, and playgrounds to cultural and historical sites for free.
If you’re visiting Copenhagen on a budget, you don’t necessarily have to get bored. To help you along the way, I’ve made a list of the most amazing free things to do in Copenhagen.
Table of Contents
Free things to do in Copenhagen:
1. Botanical Garden
One of the very best free things to do in Copenhagen is to visit the Botanical Garden. The beautiful green oasis in the heart of the capital is home to Denmark’s largest collection of living plants. It’s seriously a wonderful place to sit back while enjoying the quiet surroundings.
Please note that there’s only free access to the outdoor part of the Botanical Garden. If you want to visit Palmehuset (the palm house), you must pay DKK 60 per. person. Luckily, the outdoor part of the Botanical Garden is a beautiful place itself.
2. Flyvergrillen
Flyvergrillen is a popular eatery located right next to Kastrup Airport. From here there’s a unique view of the many planes that land and take off at the airport. It’s truly a cool thing to do for anyone interested in airplanes. Oh, and it’s one of the best free things to do with kids in Copenhagen too! Even though it’s the ultimate experience, you don’t necessarily have to go to the Flyvergrillen and buy some food. You can easily watch the planes from a distance.
3. The Little Mermaid
One of the most popular free things to do in Copenhagen is also one of the biggest must-see sights in the capital. And of course, I’m talking about none other than The Little Mermaid. She sits beautifully on a rock by Langelinie and looks hopefully out over the water.
The sculpture was erected on the quay in 1913 and is inspired by H.C. Andersen’s world-famous fairy tale about The Little Mermaid. If you’ve never seen The Little Mermaid, just get going! It isn’t a place you can spend several hours, yet it’s still a must-see sight in Copenhagen.
4. Forgotten Giants
In the forests around Copenhagen, you’ll be able to find The Six Forgotten Giants. They hide in vastly different natural areas in six different suburbs. The huge sculptures are made of recycled wood and are located by the water, on hilltops, and in the forests’ bright spots.
When looking for the Forgotten Giants, you’ll embark on a fun treasure hunt in scenic surroundings. It’s definitely one of the best free things to do in Copenhagen for children. You can find the locations of the Forgotten Giants at https://thomasdambo.com/.
5. Frederiksberg Gardens
Frederiksberg Garden is one of the most popular free things to do in Copenhagen. This is because it’s a beautiful green area in the heart of the Danish capital. The romantic landscape garden offers beautiful nature spots with winding paths, large lawns as well as idyllic lakes and canals. You can also find a waterfall, a cave, a Chinese gazebo, and a temple. Oh, and of course you can also see Frederiksberg Castle inside the garden.
6. Havnebadet Islands Brygge
On hot summer days in Copenhagen, it’s a must to visit Havnebadet Islands Brygge. In English, Havnebadet is translated to harbor baths at Islands Brygge. Here there’s ample opportunity to take a cold dip in the harbor. You can find five pools, two of which are for children. You can also find a spring tower from which you can jump from several different heights.
7. Kastellet
Kastellet at Østerbro is an old fortification that’s among the best-preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. Besides serving as a fortress, Kastellet has also once been used as a prison for Denmark’s most infamous prisoners.
Today, Kastellet has several different functions. It both serves as a workplace for the defense, a museum, and a popular free tourist attraction in Copenhagen. When visiting the ancient fortress, don’t forget to take a walk on the surrounding ramparts.
8. Torvehallerne
Torvehallerne is one of the most popular free things to do in Copenhagen. Okay, maybe it isn’t completely free if you’re going to buy some food. However, there’s free entrance to Torvehallerne. This place is home to one of Copenhagen’s most delicious food markets. Here you’ll find about 60 stalls selling all kinds of tasty delicacies.
9. City Hall Square
The City Hall Square is called Rådhuspladsen in Danish and is of course free to visit. Located in the center of Copenhagen, it’s one of the busiest areas in the capital with thousands of people passing daily. The City Hall Square is home to City Hall and is surrounded by Denmark’s largest collection of neon billboards. It’s a great place to hit the road if you’re nearby anyway.
10. Bakken
A little north of Copenhagen, you’ll find Bakken, the world’s oldest amusement park. Here there’s a wonderful atmosphere with more than 30 rides and countless stalls with entertainment and food. This is also where you’ll find Cirkusrevyen and countless free concerts.
If you just want to enjoy the atmosphere, the entrance to Bakken is completely free. If, on the other hand, you want to try the rides, you must pay for each ride. Remember to make your way past Dyrehaven next door with free admission as well. Inside the beautiful park, you may be lucky enough to meet more than 2,000 wild deer.
11. Superkilen
Superkilen is a fun and special public urban space. And then it’s one of the most amazing free things to do in Copenhagen too! The urban space is divided into three areas, which in Danish are called Den Røde Plads, Det Sorte Marked and Den Grønne Park. Here you’ll find lots of unique art, numerous sports activities, lovely cafes, and much more.
12. Christiania
The free town of Christiania is a beautiful green area in Copenhagen. Here the inhabitants live a life based on freedom, creativity, and community. It’s a true paradise for people with an alternative lifestyle and is one of the funniest free things to do in Copenhagen.
At Christiania, you can take a walk around the car-free streets that aren’t reminiscent of anywhere else in Denmark. Enjoy the tranquility of the lake, explore the inventive houses, or eat a cheap meal of food. In addition, many exciting events and concerts are held at Christiania during the year.
13. Gefion Fountain
The Gefion Fountain was created by the Danish sculptor Anders Bundgaard in 1908. In fact, it’s the largest monument in Copenhagen! The fountain illustrates the old Nordic legend of how Zealand was created. Thus, it’s an amazing free attraction in Copenhagen if you’re nearby anyway.
14. Nyhavn
One of the very best free things to do in Copenhagen is a trip to Nyhavn. This iconic and colorful neighborhood is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Copenhagen. Nyhavn especially comes alive in the summer when the area is buzzing with life. When visiting in the summer, it’s obvious to stroll down Nyhavn or enjoy a cold draft beer by the quay.
The old houses at Nyhavn were built in the 18th century and are still used for living today. Inside the houses, you can also find many great restaurants, cafes, and bars. Did you know that H.C. Andersen has lived in Nyhavn on several occasions? You can find a small memorial plaque in his honor at No. 67.
15. Reffen
Reffen is founded by Copenhagen Street Food, which was also behind the former Papirøen. Now they’ve started another major food market on Refshaleøen. In fact, it’s three times larger than Papirøen! Reffen is actually the Nordic region’s largest food market with street food.
When visiting Reffen, you’ll be greeted by a wonderful free-spirited atmosphere. It really is a lovely place and the atmosphere is absolutely perfect! Depending on whether you can resist the many street food stalls with delicious international dishes, you can visit the Reffen for free.
16. Changing of The Royal Guard
Head to the residence of the Danish royal family at noon to experience the Changing of The Royal Guard. Attracting many people daily, it’s definitely one of the most amazing free things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Royal Lifeguard leaves Rosenborg Castle every day at exactly 11:27 AM. After leaving the castle, they march through the streets of Copenhagen. They arrive at Amalienborg Palace Square at 12:00 PM so the Royal Lifeguards can swap around with each other.
17. Amager Strandpark
Just outside the capital, you’ll find Amager Strandpark, the largest beach in Copenhagen. The beach spreads over a huge area with a 4.6-kilometer-long sandy beach and an artificial lagoon. There are also several large green nature areas such as Femøren and Tiøren.
18. Christiansborg Palace Tower
Another of the best free things to do in Copenhagen is a trip up the tower at Christiansborg Palace. With a height of 106 meters, it’s the tallest tower in Copenhagen. Even though you cannot get all the way up to the top of the tower, there’s still an outstanding view of Copenhagen!
Unfortunately, the limited space in the tower means that you may risk standing in line for a very long time. So maybe you should consider paying a little to get up the Round Tower instead. You should also be aware that there are two queues for the tower, one of which is for a restaurant inside the tower.
19. King’s Garden
In the center of the Danish capital, you’ll find King’s Garden, the most popular park in Copenhagen. The park was already laid out in the early 18th century. So, this is actually the oldest royal garden in Denmark!
Inside the King’s Garden, there are many beautiful sculptures, flowers, and plants. Well, and then you can find the enchanting Rosenborg Castle in the middle of the park. Please note that although it’s free to visit the King’s Garden, it isn’t free to visit Rosenborg Castle.
20. Magstræde and Snaregade
Another of the most amazing free things to do in Copenhagen is to slip past Magstræde and Snaregade. These two streets are among the oldest and most beautiful streets in Copenhagen. Several of the houses on the streets miraculously survived the great city fires that ravaged the streetscape in the 18th century. Today, most of the houses are listed and beautifully preserved.
That’s all on this list of the best and most amazing free things to do in Copenhagen. What are your favorite free things to do in Copenhagen? What are you looking forward to on your trip to Copenhagen, Denmark? Feel free to leave a comment.
Thank you for sharing your insight and ideas for free things to do!
I visited recently and it definitely can become expensive but it shouldn’t put anyone off as you’ve shown here!
I managed to spend less than £100 in a weekend, including accommodation!
Thanks for your tips!