21 FREE Things to Do in Copenhagen That are Worth It
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Are you looking for free things to do in Copenhagen? You’ve come to the right place!
Copenhagen is known for being one of Europe’s most expensive cities, and I know how frustrating it can be to plan a trip and constantly worry about costs adding up.
That’s exactly why I put together a complete list of free activities in Copenhagen so you can enjoy the city without stressing about your budget.
I’m here to help you experience the city’s culture, history, and charm without spending a single krone.
After living here for a few years, I’m sure that exploring Copenhagen on a budget is completely possible with a little planning and the right local tips.
So, let’s get started!
1. Join a Free Walking Tour
If you want to truly understand Copenhagen beyond what any guidebook can tell you, join a free walking tour with a local guide.
During my first year living here, I joined a few of these tours, and honestly, they gave me one of the best introductions to the city’s history, culture, and everyday life.
Copenhagen city center is small and very walkable, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket or umbrella for Copenhagen’s unpredictable weather.
Join this best-rated 2 Hour Copenhagen walking tour before it sells out!
Politically Incorrect Free Tours, Sandeman’s New Europe, Copenhagen Free Walking Tours, and GuruWalk are reliable companies offering walking tours in Copenhagen.
Tours usually run daily with experienced local guides who share fascinating stories, fun facts, and local insights you might never discover on your own.
The tours are technically free, but tipping your guide at the end is expected and appreciated. You’ll need to book your spot in advance, as these tours can fill up quickly.
It’s a fantastic way to explore the city, meet fellow travelers, and hear the stories that make Copenhagen so special.
2. Stroll Along the Nyhavn Harbour
Your trip to Copenhagen is incomplete without visiting Nyhavn.
Nyhavn is the postcard-perfect image most people imagine when they think about Copenhagen. Rows of colourful buildings reflect beautifully in the water, wooden boats sit along the canal, and the whole area has a lively, cheerful atmosphere.
The name Nyhavn literally means “new harbour,” and the area has a fascinating past. It was once home to the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, who lived in house number 20 for a certain period of time.
Even though the waterfront is lined with restaurants and hotels, you don’t need to spend to enjoy the place. Sit along the canal and simply watch the world go by.
On a nice evening, it’s the perfect place to slow down — I’ve even spent time here painting the colourful buildings myself.
3. Visit the Free Museums in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a wide range of museums and art galleries, and many of them offer free admission on specific days of the week.
Get the list of free art galleries and museums in Copenhagen from here!
One quick tip: Many museums in Copenhagen are closed on Mondays, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
If you are visiting for the first time, I’d personally recommend starting with the National Museum of Denmark, SMK (Statens Museum of Kunst), and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. They give you a wonderful introduction to Danish history, culture, and art.
And if you have extra time, you can always explore a few more of the free museums.
4. Watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
Changing of the Guards is a historic royal tradition that takes place every day at exactly 12:00 noon in the large square at Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish Royal Family.
At around 11:27 AM, the Royal Life Guards start their march from the Life Guard’s Barracks on Gothersgade, near Rosenborg Castle. From there, they march in unison through parts of the city before arriving at Amalienborg Palace.
Visitors usually gather around the square, leaving the center open for the guards to perform the ceremonial routine. I’ve watched this ceremony several times over the years.
If the Danish royal family is in residence, the full Royal Music Band accompanies the ceremony. On other days, the march still happens, but without the music band.
Because it’s such a popular free activity in Copenhagen, the square can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during the summer months.
For a good view, it’s worth arriving a bit early. You can take photos and videos, just be mindful to stay out of the guards’ path.
5. Say Hello to Little Mermaid
The top free things to do in Copenhagen list wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the city’s most famous landmark — the Little Mermaid statue. To the contrary, it is also Europe’s second most disappointing attraction.
The story behind the sculpture is that Carl Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg, was so captivated after watching a ballet based on Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairytale The Little Mermaid in 1909 that he commissioned sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create the statue.
The face was inspired by the ballerina Ellen Price, who performed the role on stage, while Eriksen’s wife, Eline, posed as the model for the body.
Since 1913, the bronze statue has been sitting gracefully by the water. At only 1.25 metres tall, she’s actually much smaller than most visitors expect.
Still, saying hello to the Little Mermaid is a classic experience and one of the best free attractions in Copenhagen to add to your itinerary.
6. Enjoy 360° Views of Copenhagen for Free
It might surprise you, but the highest viewpoint in the city is completely free to visit.
The Christiansborg tower, known as Tårnet, rises about 106 m above the city and offers incredible 360° views of Copenhagen.
Located within the historic Christiansborg Palace complex, the tower offers views of many of the city’s most famous landmarks from above. It’s honestly one of the best free things in Copenhagen you shouldn’t miss.
Getting up there is easy. You can take the elevator most of the way up, and then climb a short set of stairs to reach the viewing platform. Along the way, there’s also a small exhibition area on level two in a space called Pulterkammeret (the Box Room), where you can see the plaster models and displays.
If you feel like taking a break, there’s also a restaurant in the tower at level one — reservations are recommended if you plan to eat there.
Although the Christiansborg Palace has an entry fee, entry to Christiansborg Tower is free, and booking is not required, making it a top budget-friendly activity in Copenhagen.
7. Explore the Free-Spirited Freetown Christiania
Freetown Christiania is a popular free tourist attraction in Copenhagen. It is a place that feels completely different from the rest of the city – an interesting neighborhood to explore.
Known for its alternative lifestyle, bold street art, and creative community, Christiania has a laid-back atmosphere. The community even has its own flag and follows a unique form of self-government described as consensus democracy.
As you walk around, you’ll notice colourful graffiti and murals almost everywhere. The walls are filled with bold designs, messages, and artwork that reflect the community’s free-spirited culture and strong sense of self-expression.
While you are there, visit the graffiti-covered indoor skate park, Christiania Wonderland, that has been open since 1998, and is a fun thing to do in Copenhagen.
Free town Christiania is a car-free area, so the best way to explore is by walking or biking.
8. Swim in Copenhagen’s Harbour — For Free
You can actually swim in Copenhagen’s canals and harbour, right in the heart of the city and completely free.
I still remember the first time I saw people diving into the water and thought, “Wait… people actually swim here?” The answer is yes, and the water is impressively clean. After that first visit, I kept returning and have swum there countless times since then.
Swimming in Copenhagen is only allowed in designated harbour baths and bathing zones, which are clearly marked with floating barriers and buoys to keep everyone safe.
During summer, these spots become lively hangouts where locals sunbathe, swim, and relax by the water. Some harbour baths even have diving platforms and slides, which makes it feel like a giant outdoor pool.
My personal go-to spots are Islands Brygge and Kalvebod Bølge harbour baths.
Both have kid-friendly pools with shallow water. The water quality is tested daily, and lifeguards are usually on duty from June to August. Look out for the coloured flags and digital boards showing the swimming conditions — green means safe, yellow means caution, and red means no swimming.
If you want updates on water quality and locations, download the KBH Havn app.
On a sunny day, taking a dip in the Copenhagen Canals is easily one of my favourite cool things to do in Copenhagen.
9. Wander Copenhagen With a Free Audio Walking Tour
If you want to experience the city without spending, this is for you — The audio walking tours.
Simply put on your headphones and wander the city at your own pace while learning about the places and the history.
The Copenhagen Story app and the Hidden Copenhagen app offer great audio guides. But personally, I’d suggest trying the StoryHunt app.
The Storyhunt app has several walking routes across different neighborhoods in the city. Each tour shares interesting stories about Copenhagen’s culture, history, architecture, and the little details you might otherwise miss while strolling the streets.
I love the flexibility that comes with the audio tours. You can start whenever you want, pause for a coffee, explore side streets, or skip parts that don’t interest you. It’s a relaxed way to discover the city.
10. Enjoy a Picnic in Copenhagen’s Free Parks and Gardens
Copenhagen is full of beautiful green spaces where you can slow down, go for a peaceful walk, read a book, listen to music, or simply sit and relax for a while.
On sunny days, you’ll see locals everywhere — having picnics, playing games, or just sunbathing on the grass.
Many parks also have children’s play areas, skate parks, and ponds with swans, ducks and a lot of fish. Usually, these parks host special events in the summer.
I’ve personally spent hours sitting in these gardens without even realising how quickly the time passed.
The King’s Garden (Kongens Have) in front of Rosenborg Castle is one of the loveliest green spaces with peaceful walking paths, benches, playgrounds for kids, and beautiful monuments, including one dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen. During summer, children can also enjoy free performances and movies at the Marionetteatret in the gardens.
Other lovely parks worth visiting include
- Botanical Garden
- Rosenborg Castle Gardens – Play Petanque
- Assistens Cemetery
- Frederiksberg Have–you can see the Copenhagen Zoo elephants and Giraffes.
- Langelinieparken–especially during cherry blossom season
- Fælledparken–known for sports activities.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend visiting the King’s Garden or simply heading to the park closest to you. It is one of the coolest budget-friendly activities in Copenhagen.
11. Visit the Historic Home of Carlsberg Brewery
Located in the original Carlsberg Brewery since 1847, the Home of Carlsberg is now a lively space to explore.
While the main Home of Carlsberg exhibition, beer tastings, and guided cellar tours require a ticket, you can still visit several parts of the area for free.
Carlsberg horse stables are fun if you’re visiting Copenhagen with kids. There’s also a brand shop where you can purchase merchandise and clothing.
The brewery hosts daily pop-up experiences that are free of charge, like a small cellar guided tour. They also have Friday Bars on the last Friday from April to September in the courtyard with games and a DJ.
The staff are friendly and happy to point out the areas you can visit without a ticket, making it worth including on this list of things to do in Copenhagen for free.
While you are there, don’t miss the famous Elephant Gate entrance.
12. Kayak in Copenhagen’s Canals for Free
Kayak through the city’s canals with GreenKayak. This environmental NGO encourages people to help keep the waters clean by collecting trash while paddling through the canals without any charge.
You can borrow a GreenKayak for free for two hours. Everything you need, including the kayak, paddle, life vest and waste bin, is provided at the location.
You get to explore Copenhagen from the water while also helping keep the harbour clean at the same time. I’ve done this a few times with friends, and it’s honestly a really fun experience.
GreenKayak has several locations around Copenhagen, but it’s a popular activity among locals. So it’s best to pre-book early using their official app. Reservations usually open on April 14, and the kayaking season runs from May to September.
If you’re wondering what to do in Copenhagen for free, this is definitely worth trying.
13. A Quiet Escape at the Royal Library
Head to the Royal Danish Library or Black Diamond, located by the waterfront.
The first time I visited, I honestly felt like I could sit there and study forever. It’s very calm and holds a lot of treasures, from the old manuscripts to the increasing digital prints/books/articles.
The Black Diamond is more than just a library. It’s also a cultural centre and community space hosting exhibitions, music events, talk shows, workshops, and other activities throughout the year.
Visitors are welcome to explore the modern architecture, use the reading areas, enjoy the harbour views, or stop by the cafe.
There are also lockers, cloakrooms, Wi-Fi, and computers available for general use. While borrowing books requires residency, anyone can visit and enjoy the space.
If you are into libraries, you can also visit the Copenhagen Main Library or the University Library.
14. Relax at the Amager Beach Park
Amager Beach Park is one of the best beaches in the city. It’s actually my go-to spot when the sun comes out. It is very easy to reach by metro, and there’s even free parking space.
The Beach Park has plenty of green areas where you can spread out a blanket for a picnic. Helgoland Badeanstalt (also free) is a perfect swimming spot in the summer with changing facilities and a sauna.
On a warm day, you’ll see locals everywhere—swimming, kayaking, playing beach volleyball, or even kite surfing in the lagoon. There’s even a children’s play area, a skatepark, and a handball court.
You’ll find ice cream kiosks and small cafés. During the summer months, lifeguards are on duty.
15. Walk Through the Star-Shaped Fortress
One of the most underrated free places to visit in Copenhagen is Kastellet, a well-preserved 17th-century star-shaped fortress. The name Kastellet means “citadel,” and the fort was built between 1662 and 1665 and is surrounded by grassy ramparts and a moat.
In the past, officers, soldiers, and their families lived here, but today the buildings are used as offices for the Danish Defence staff. It’s open to the public all year, and entry is completely free.
While a few areas are restricted, visitors can freely walk and even cycle most of the grounds.
Inside the fortress, you’ll find several interesting sights, including historic military buildings, an old windmill, and Kastelskirken.
The museums open between May and September — the Kastellet Historical Collection, the Danish Life Regiment Memorial Room, and the Bodyguard Museum.
16. Hang Out at the Street Food Markets
The Copenhagen food markets offer a wide variety of cuisines—from traditional Danish dishes to international flavours.
You’ll also find stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, gourmet foods, seafood, desserts, chocolates, coffee, wines, beers, and plenty of snacks.
But what makes these markets special is the atmosphere. They’re popular hangout spots for both locals and tourists, especially in the evenings when the spaces fill up with music, laughter, and good energy.
Many markets host free events, live music, DJs, and even small festivals.
One of my personal favourites is Reffen, the largest street food market in Northern Europe. I love going there in the evening—the sunsets over the canal are beautiful, and the whole place has a relaxed, social vibe.
Kødbyen (Meatpacking District) is also a great area to explore the nightlife and late-evening energy.
Even if you’re not planning to eat or shop, you can walk around and soak up the lively atmosphere.
17. Find the Prettiest Corners of Copenhagen
Copenhagen is full of beautiful streets, colourful houses, canals, and modern architecture. I often go for slow walks or bike rides through different neighbourhoods.
Of course, the most iconic and photogenic place in Copenhagen is Nyhavn. Their colorful sisters Nybrogade, Gernersgade, Sofiegade, and Krusemyntegade are equally beautiful.
But there are plenty of other beautiful streets worth exploring, like Krusemyntegade, Kronprinsessegade, Grønnegade, and Gråbrødretorv.
Magstræde, Snaregade, or along Frederiksholms Canal are Instagram-worthy spots, where the architecture and peaceful streets make perfect photo backdrops.
During winter, Strøget pedestrian street lights up with festive decorations. Værnedamsvej gives you a little Paris feel.
And if you’re willing to explore a little further, Olufsvej, with its pastel-coloured houses, is another lovely hidden gem for photos.
18. Admire the Beauty of the Marble Church
Frederik’s Church, better known locally as the Marble Church, sits right across from Amalienborg Palace.
Built in the 18th century, this beautiful Lutheran church is famous for its massive dome, which is actually the largest church dome in Scandinavia. You can get a beautiful city view from the dome at 1 PM every day during the summer.
The entry to the Marble Church is completely free and is definitely worth popping in.
Another beautiful church in Copenhagen worth mentioning is Grundtvig’s Church, made up of yellow brick stones. It’s located a bit outside the city centre, but its unique and striking architecture makes it well worth the visit.
19. Unwind in the Superkilen Park
Located in the neighbourhood of Nørrebro, Superkilen Park is a unique urban park and one of the free things to see in Copenhagen.
The park is divided into three distinct areas.
The most famous part is the Black Square (Den Sorte Plads), where the black ground is painted with wavy white lines. You’ll also find fountains, chess and checkers tables, and benches where people often gather and barbecue.
The Green Park is the most traditional section, with open grassy spaces, a skatepark, and giant swings.
Then there’s the Red Square (Den Røde Plads) with bright red pavement, sports courts, a children’s play area, and open space where people walk their dogs.
During cherry blossom season in April, the whole park feels even more colourful and lively.
20. Have Fun at the Free Playgrounds
Copenhagen has many free playgrounds for both kids and adults.
Tower Playground (Tårnlegepladsen) is a mini version of Copenhagen’s skyline where kids can climb towers and play on slides inspired by the city’s landmarks.
Traffic Playground (Trafiklegepladsen) is a miniature city with roads, bike lanes, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings. Kids can ride their bikes or scooters while learning how traffic works in a safe and playful way.
Another great spot is the rooftop playground at Konditaget Lüders, about 24 metres above ground. You’ll get incredible views of the harbour and Øresund. Beyond trampolines and swings, you’ll even see plenty of adults using the space for workouts and stretching.
I love how Copenhagen’s playgrounds are more than just basic swings and slides—they encourage creativity, movement, and lots of outdoor fun.
Adults can also use the free outdoor sports facilities spread across the city. Skate parks, basketball courts, soccer pitches, and even climbing walls are open around the clock and are free for everyone to use.
21. Feel the Breeze from Copenhill Top
What looks like a modern power plant is actually one of the city’s most unique outdoor attractions. CopenHill or Amager Bakke is a great example of how Copenhagen turns sustainable infrastructure into something more fun and exciting for the public.
You’ll find an all-year-round ski and snowboarding slope, and even a rooftop café. One of my favourite things to do here is take the hiking trail that winds its way to the top. Alternatively, you can also climb the stairs, but the panoramic view of Copenhagen from about 85 metres makes the climb completely worth it.
The best part is that hiking, running, or simply spending time on the rooftop is completely free of cost.
I’ve gone back several times over the years, and I say it is definitely one of the top free things to do in Copenhagen.
Visiting Copenhagen on a Budget?
Copenhagen Card – Hop and Discover gives you free entry to many of the top attractions in Copenhagen, along with unlimited public transportation (buses, trains, and metro) across the city.
It’s especially useful if you’re planning to visit several museums, castles, and popular attractions during your trip. Buy now and skip the long queues at each attraction.
You can check if buying the card is worth it by trying the Copenhagen Card Calculator.
Final Thoughts: Best Free Things to Do in Copenhagen
The free things to do in Copenhagen prove that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy this incredible city. Especially in the summer, there are loads of free events and activities happening.
From museums and viewpoints to guided tours, there are plenty of free activities in Copenhagen.
With a little planning, you can easily enjoy Copenhagen while maintaining your travel budget.
I hope this list of free activities in Copenhagen helps you maximize your trip and explore aspects of the city that many visitors overlook
Enjoy exploring Copenhagen and make the most of every experience this beautiful city has to offer.
