Visiting Denmark’s capital doesn’t have to blow your budget, take advantage of this great walking city and our guide to…
Five Free Things to do in Copenhagen!
Let’s go for a walk! Join us on the Gran Tour of Copenhagen every day at 10:45 am @ Copenhagen Downtown Hostel.
If your budget is more Danish pastries and designer world famed restaurant Noma, Copenhagen can be a challenge, but fear not, there is plenty to see for free for the budget traveler! The best way to see Copenhagen is on foot (or bike), walking down the longest pedestrianised shopping street, past the historic canals and famous colourful waterfront buildings at Nyhavn. There are also some museums, galleries, sites and events you can enjoy for free too, from theme parks to festivals. Here are our pick of Five Free Things to do in Copenhagen.
1. The Little Mermaid – Den Lille Havfrue
This Copenhagen icon has been sat on her harbour rock since 1913 (apart from a few thefts and a beheading). You can see her from the shore or from one of the many boat tours and she’s based in the old harbour a few minutes walk from the centre. Made as a gift to the city by Mr Carlsberg (of the Danish lager) and inspired by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name, La Sirenita has become an emblem of the city, with over 1 million photos a year taken of her. Beware of posting them on Facebook though – she recently got in trouble for being topless on social media!
2. Christiania
Christianiael famous ‘freetown’ of Copenhagen formed in the 70’s and still retaining some of their original hippy values including community events, festivals and housing, vegan and vegetarian restaurants, and Pusher Street where you can buy marijuana from the many market stalls (don’t take any photos..) There has been some controversy about the village of over 1,000 residents, which declared itself separate from the rest of Denmark, mostly due to drugs, tax and some violence. This community here is mostly very friendly and there is a great atmosphere, especially at live music festivals or in the summer by the lake, and it’s a great place to explore an alternative neighbourhood in Copenhagen. But – do observe the rules and don’t take photos around any of the drug stalls.
3. Swim in the Harbour Baths at Brygge!
There are a network of harbour baths right in the centre of town where you can swim all summer long (and winter if you’re brave!). The water is clean and you can take a picnic, sunbathe, play ball games and enjoy the diving tower! There are five pools to choose from – all free!
4. The National Museum of Denmark
With museums all over Denmark, the Copenhagen location is in The Prince’s Palace built in 1743, The National Museum of Denmark. The former royal palace now has a permanent collection of historical artefacts and antiquities along with exhibitions from Viking, Stone Age, Middle Age, Renaissance and Modern Danish history.
5. Botanisk Have – The Botanical Garden
These beautiful gardens form a peaceful oasis in the centre of town, and they’re free to explore! The Botanical Garden is primarily for scientific research but is a open to the public and charming in all seasons. Part of the University of Copenhagen and National Natural History Museum of Denmark, this charming garden actually is the only gene bank for wild plants and contains the largest collection of living plants!
Where to Sleep – Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
If you’re visiting Copenhagen then why not stay at our Famous Hostel and the best party place in town, Copenhagen Downtown Hostel! With a friendly bar, communal spaces, retro cool design and even designer rooms, you’ll love your stay here at our great value accommodation.
