Copenhagen Hidden Gems: 18 Offbeat Things You Shouldn’t Miss
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Looking for the best Copenhagen hidden gems beyond the usual tourist attractions?
While most visitors head straight to popular places like Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens, there’s a completely different side of Copenhagen that many travelers never experience.
After living in Copenhagen and spending years exploring the city, I’ve discovered these not-so-popular spots. And even after being here for over five years now, I still uncover new gems every day.
Many of the places mentioned here cannot be found in typical travel guides.
If you visit Copenhagen frequently, you probably don’t want to keep seeing the same places again and again. That’s exactly why I put together this list of lesser-known spots that are actually worth your time.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth trip to the city, this list will help you explore a different side of Copenhagen that most travelers miss and are away from the crowded tourist areas.
1. Tour the Danish Parliament
Christiansborg Palace is the workplace of Denmark’s Parliament and the centre of Danish democracy.
A free guided tour of the Danish Parliament is conducted by Parliament officers. Some sections of the parliament remain restricted to the general public. The tour lasts around 45 minutes and is available in both English and Danish every morning at 10:30 AM.
During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of Christiansborg Palace, how the Danish Parliament works, and the development of democracy in Denmark.
Booking is mandatory, so I’d suggest reserving your spot in advance, especially during the tourist season. Photography and filming are allowed during the guided tour.
I attended this tour myself, and honestly, it was really informative. I highly recommend adding this to your Copenhagen itinerary.
It’s one of those unique things to do in Copenhagen that many visitors miss, but it’s genuinely worth doing.
2. Watch Danish Classics at Cinemateket
Located inside the Danish Film Institute, this film and cultural centre screens everything from classic films to contemporary cinema from around the world. Many movies are shown in English or with English subtitles, and more than 70 films are screened every month.
One of my favourite things is the free permanent exhibition about Danish cinema, where you can learn about the history of Danish films through clips, posters, and interactive displays.
During the summer, the open-air Sky Cinema on the terrace are a really fun experience. Even if you don’t watch films, it’s worth heading up to the fifth floor for the view of Copenhagen over King’s Garden and Rosenborg Castle.
The building also has a café, restaurant, bookshop, film library, and play areas, making it easy to spend a few relaxed hours here. Tickets can be booked through the Danish Film Institute.
Do not miss adding Cinemateket to your list of hidden gems in Copenhagen.
3. Meet Alpacas at Sydhavnstippen
If you want to experience Copenhagen beyond the tourist spots, head to Sydhavnstippen.
This nature park feels like an open-air animal park, with free-roaming alpacas, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and even cows spread across a huge green area near the water.
It was actually my first time seeing alpacas in real life. The animals are calm and friendly, and the whole area feels pleasant.
It’s a lovely place for long walks, picnics, cycling, or simply relaxing by the water. Also, remember not to feed the animals and always respect their space.
One thing I’d recommend is bringing your own water and snacks if you plan to stay for a while, since there aren’t many food places nearby.
You can easily reach Sydhavnstippen by taking the metro to Sluseholmen Station and walking from there, or biking from the city center.
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4. Try Rail Cycling in Old Copenhagen Railway
At Amagerbanens Venner, you can ride the rail bikes and pump-powered trolleys on the old Amager railway line.
Honestly, it’s such a fun thing to do in Copenhagen, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
The railway track is around 1 km long, and the ride usually takes about 15–25 minutes, depending on how fast you pedal.
The activity takes place every alternate Sunday from April to October. It’s completely free, although donations are appreciated since everything is run by volunteers.
The starting point for the ride is near Christianshavn Metro Station. Prior booking is not necessary.
5. Paddle Through Copenhagen with Green Kayak
Instead of joining a typical canal tour, try something more local and meaningful with GreenKayak.
This environmental NGO project lets you kayak around Copenhagen canals for free for two hours in exchange for helping collect trash from the water.
I’ve done this several times with friends, and honestly, it’s one of the amazing things to do in Copenhagen. You get to see the city from the water, spend time outdoors, and do something good for the environment at the same time.
Just check the weather before you go and wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet.
Booking through the GreenKayak app is mandatory, and slots can sell out quickly during summer, so reserve early if you’re visiting in peak season.
You can book a single or two-person kayak and paddle on your own without an instructor. Everything you need, including the kayak, paddle, life vest and waste bin, is provided at the location.
Green Kayak is popular among locals and is not well-known to many tourists. Hence have added to the offbeat things to do in Copenhagen.
6. Visit the Hidden Viewpoint at Mærsk Tower
Mærsk Tower, a part of the University of Copenhagen, is one of the best free viewpoints in Copenhagen.
You can simply walk through the main entrance, take the elevator to the 15th floor, and enjoy panoramic views over Copenhagen completely free of charge. The view from the top is excellent and gives you a different perspective of Copenhagen.
I honestly think this is one of the most underrated hidden places in Copenhagen.
The modern architecture and design of the Mærsk itself is worth seeing.
The tower is usually open to visitors on weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM.
7. Watch a Free Puppet Show at the King’s Garden
If you’re visiting Copenhagen with children, don’t miss the free puppet shows at Marionetteatret in King’s Garden.
Marionetteatret is a small outdoor theatre that operates during the summer from June to August. It is one of the lesser-known things to do in Copenhagen for families.
The performances are mainly designed for children aged 2–10 and focus on imagination, creativity, music, and storytelling. Each puppet show lasts around 35 minutes, and they’re completely free and don’t require tickets.
Some days even include puppet-making workshops after the show, which kids love.
Shows normally take place twice a day except on Mondays and public holidays. I’d recommend checking the schedule at Det Lille Teater before visiting.
Outside of summer, performances move indoors to Det Lille Teater from September to May, with ticket prices starting from around 40 DKK.
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8. Sip Tea at Nordic’s Oldest Tea Shop
A.C. Perchs Thehandel is the oldest tea shop in the Nordics, operating since 1835. It’s one of those real hidden gems in Copenhagen that many tourists miss, but it’s absolutely worth visiting.
The shop still looks almost the same as it did many years ago, with its old-style interior and peaceful atmosphere.
They sell more than 150 types of tea from around the world, including green tea, black tea, white tea, herbal tea, and more. You can even create your own tea blend.
I personally recommend trying their afternoon tea experience. You’ll get tea served with scones, cakes, and small sandwiches, and the whole experience feels very special.
Reservations are highly recommended. I’d suggest booking at least a week in advance because tables fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.
9. See the Hidden Side of Copenhagen City Hall
Copenhagen City Hall (Råadhuspladsen) is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. But joining a guided tour is one of the lesser-known experiences in Copenhagen that I genuinely recommend.
The tour gives you access to parts of the City Hall that are usually closed to the public.
During the 45-minute tour, you’ll learn about the history of the building, Danish politics, and small architectural details that are easy to miss when visiting on your own.
I found the stories and little facts, shared during the tour much more interesting than I expected. The view from the clock tower is a nice bonus.
Tours are available in English and Danish from Monday to Friday at 13:00 and Saturdays at 10:00. Tickets cost around 80 DKK, and honestly, I think it’s well worth both the time and money. Booking in advance is required.
If you’re looking for a quieter cultural experience away from the usual tourist crowds, this is for you!
10. Step Inside a Kaleidoscope at Cosmic Room
Cosmic Room is a small art installation that looks simple from the outside but feels completely different once you step inside.
The mirrored glass space creates endless reflections, making it feel like you’re standing inside a giant kaleidoscope.
The permanent installation was created by Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson and was inspired by one of his ocean voyages with explorer Tim Severin. During a storm at sea, they experienced the feeling of being surrounded by endless sky and water, and Cosmic Room was designed to recreate that sense of infinite space.
If you happen to be nearby, I’d definitely suggest stopping for a few minutes. What an offbeat thing to do in the middle of Copenhagen!
11. Pedal a Swan Boat on Copenhagen’s Lakes
Take a swan boat ride on The Lakes near Nørreport Station. The three lakes—Sankt Jørgens Sø, Peblinge Sø, and Sortedams Sø—are some of the nicest places to slow down and enjoy the city.
Near Dronning Louises Bro, the café Kaffesalonen rents cute swan-shaped pedal boats from mid-April to September.
A two-person swan boat costs 125 DKK for 30 minutes or 180 DKK for an hour. Larger pedal boats are also available for groups.
After the ride, you can enjoy drinks or snacks by the water from the café. Their happy hour cocktails are surprisingly good too—especially the 2-for-1, 100 DKK offer between 18:00 and 20:00.
12. Find the Underwater Mermaid Sculptures
A group of underwater sculptures, Agnete and the Merman, located near Højbro Bridge, sits beneath the canal water, so many visitors walk right past it without noticing.
The bronze sculptures depict a merman and his seven sons, all reaching their arms upward, calling for Agnete to return home. The artwork is based on an old Danish folk tale and was created by Danish artist, Suste Bonnen.
You can usually see the sculptures clearly when the water is calm, although algae sometimes makes visibility difficult. In the evening, lights in the water make the figures easier to spot.
You can also look out for other mermaid sculptures in Copenhagen, including the famous Little Mermaid, Mermaid by Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen and the Genetically Modified Little Mermaid.
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13. Explore Arctic Culture at North Atlantic House
If you’re interested in museums, culture, or alternative places in Copenhagen, visit North Atlantic House. This five-floor cultural centre focuses on the art, history, and traditions of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, while also exploring their historical connection with Denmark.
Inside, you’ll find a mix of permanent and changing exhibitions, along with film screenings, music performances, talks, dance shows, and cultural events throughout the year.
It is less crowded than many of Copenhagen’s bigger museums.
Denmark has a long colonial history, and the exhibitions explain those connections in an interesting way.
Don’t miss the top floor while visiting. There’s a lovely view overlooking Nyhavn.
Copenhagen has many museums and galleries like this that tourists often overlook, and honestly, some of them turn out to be the most interesting, informative, and memorable experiences in the city.
Did You Know? The Danish National Archives in Copenhagen holds centuries of Danish history. In Copenhagen City Archives, you’ll find original sources and historical records connected to Copenhagen’s past, from old photographs to local documents. It’s a hidden spot for history lovers.
14. Wander Through Copenhagen’s Prettiest Streets
One of my favourite things to do in Copenhagen is simply walking or cycling through the city’s quieter streets and neighbourhoods.
Beyond famous spots like Nyhavn, there are so many beautiful streets, canals, squares, and neighbourhoods that feel calm, local, and many tourists never explore.
Here are some beautiful streets and hidden corners in Copenhagen worth exploring:
- Nybrogade – Quiet canal-side street with colourful buildings and local cafés
- Gernersgade – Charming residential street lined with colourful houses
- Sofiegade – Local street in Christianshavn with beautiful old buildings
- Krusemyntegade – One of Copenhagen’s prettiest streets
- Kronprinsessegade – Elegant street near King’s Garden
- Grønnegade – Small pedestrian-friendly shopping street
- Gråbrødretorv – Beautiful square surrounded by colourful historic buildings
- Kartoffelrækkerne – Historic 1870s workers’ houses, now one of the city’s most expensive areas
- Latin Quarter – Historic neighbourhood with narrow streets, cafés, and independent shops
- Gammel Mønt – Lovely old street in central Copenhagen
- Nyboders Mindestuer – Yellow naval houses once used by the Danish armed forces
- Værnedamsvej – Cozy café street with a small Paris-like atmosphere
- Jægersborggade – Trendy local street known for bakeries, coffee shops, and ceramics
- Magstræde – One of Copenhagen’s oldest and most photographed streets
- Snaregade – Quiet cobbled street filled with old Copenhagen charm
- Frederiksholms Kanal – Peaceful canal walk with historic buildings
- Paper Island – Waterfront area with modern architecture, cafés, and harbour views
- Strøget – Copenhagen’s main shopping street, especially beautiful with Christmas lights and winter decorations
15. Admire the Architecture of Grundtvig’s Church
Grundtvig’s Church, a short walk from Bispebjerg Station, was built in memory of Danish priest, writer, and educator Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig.
The church is famous for its unique architecture and massive yellow-brick design created by architect Peder Vilhelm Jensen Klint.
More than five million yellow bricks were used in its construction, and the details are incredible both outside and inside. The Gothic-style interior feels calm and spacious, with high arches and natural light coming through the tall windows.
The first time I visited, I was in awe! It is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen.
The church is large with space for around 1,440 people. Entry is completely free, and no tickets are needed. Just remember that the church is closed on Mondays, and opening hours may change, so it’s best to check the timings before visiting.
16. Experience Art Inside the Underground Cisternerne
Cisternerne is an old underground water reservoir transformed into an immersive art gallery.
The huge underground halls are filled with dim lights, reflections, dripping water, and ambient sounds, creating an atmosphere that honestly feels hard to describe until you experience it yourself.
Every year, an internationally known artist or architect holds a special exhibition.
When I visited, I honestly felt like the most underrated art experiences in Copenhagen. If you enjoy hidden places beyond the usual tourist attractions, Cisterne is definitely a must-visit.
Entry is free with the Copenhagen Card.
17. Scavenger Hunt the HC Andersen Attractions
One of the most unusual things to do in Copenhagen is turn the city into your own Hans Christian Andersen scavenger hunt.
Denmark’s most famous writer, Hans Christian Andersen, is a celebrity here. He is connected to many places across Copenhagen, and if you grew up reading stories like The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and Thumbelina, explore his trail.
Here are some H.C. Andersen spots in Copenhagen worth visiting:
- Det Lille Apotek – Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where Andersen regularly sat at what is now known as Table No. 5
- Nyhavn – Andersen lived at Nyhavn 20, 67, and 18 during different years of his life.
- Nyhavn 20 – Where his first fairy tale was published in 1835. Marked with a memorial plaque today.
- Nyhavn 67 – Between 1845 and 1864, Andersen lived here for almost 20 years of his life on the second floor.
- Nyhavn 18 – Moved in 1871 and stayed until 1875. Now home to an H.C. Andersen souvenir shop.
- King’s Garden – Home to the Andersen statue near Rosenborg Castle
- City Hall Square – Features a seated bronze statue of Andersen
- Assistens Cemetery – Where Andersen is buried
- The Little Mermaid statue – Inspired by Andersen’s famous fairy tale
- Hans Christian Andersen Experience – Interactive fairy tale attraction inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not
- Magasin Du Nord – Visit Andersen’s preserved attic room on the third floor of Magasin du Nord Shopping Mall. He lived for one year from 1827 to 1828. The house remains untouched and looks as it did almost 200 years ago. You can get assistance from the sales staff if you need help navigating.
18. Step Inside Copenhagen’s Beautiful University Library
The beautiful University Library in Fiolstræde, which opened in 1861, is a hidden gem in Copenhagen.
It is one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve visited, and the interiors feel like stepping into a Harry Potter-style fairytale world. Inside, you can walk through the impressive old book hall and explore exhibitions.
A free 25-minute guided tour is offered on opening days — in Danish at 1 PM and in English at 2 PM. The tour explains the building history, its architecture, and the story of the University of Copenhagen.
Entry costs around 75 DKK, while children under 18 can enter for free. UCPH employees and UCPH students can also bring one guest for free.
The library is closed on Sundays and Mondays. This is one of those offbeat places many tourists completely miss.
If you have extra time in Denmark, I’d also recommend visiting Odense, Andersen’s birthplace, where his childhood home has been turned into a museum.
Other Interesting, Lesser-Known Places in Copenhagen
- Flyvergrillen – Restaurant with a view of the runway of CPH airport
- HISTORIE & KUNST – Explore 168,096 photos from Copenhagen and Frederiksberg
- Strøget Lego flagship store – Here, you can build a mini Lego and save it as a souvenir (not a free activity)
- Nature Center Amager Strand – Experiences, education and activities in nature on Amager beach
- Christiania Strand Park – A small, lesser-known beach in the hippie town of Christiania
- TrainGamia – A fun gaming area controlling model trains
- Pool in the Manon Les Suites – Experience the junglefish pool surrounded by lush greenery
- Aire Ancient Bath – Spa, massages and rituals are created for the body and mind,
- Floss Bar – Known for the hidden spiral staircase at the back of the bar, which leads to a big basement with pool tables.
- A little “hole in the wall” bakery serving pastries from the cellar window at Kong Hans Kælder
- Harry’s place – Copenhagen’s original hot dog stand since 1965
Final Thoughts: Copenhagen Hidden Gems
After spending years exploring Copenhagen, I’ve realized that the city feels completely different once you step away from the busiest attractions or the usual tourist checklist.
While the famous landmarks are worth seeing, some of the best experiences in Copenhagen come from discovering quiet neighborhoods, local cafés, hidden viewpoints, and lesser-known local spots that many visitors miss.
If you’re visiting Copenhagen and want a more local and authentic experience, these lesser-known places can make your trip far more memorable.
And if you come across a hidden gem during your trip, let me know — I’m always looking for new spots to explore in the city.
