The 13 free activities and visits to Copenhagen

Are you visiting Copenhagen with a small budget? Discover our selection of 13 free activities and visits to Copenhagen!

Salted as the most sustainable city and the European bike capital, Copenhagen is known for its remarkable architecture, gardens, nightlife but also for its gastronomy – because the city of design houses the best restaurant on the planet. Unfortunately, the city where people are the happiest in the world is also a costly destination for travellers.

However, even with a small budget, it is always possible to enjoy the wonders of the Danish capital! To help you discover it without spending too much, we have listed for you the best attractions and free activities to do in Copenhagen. They won't cost you anything to visit or enjoy them!

1. The National Museum

Are you looking for free activities to do in Copenhagen? So do not miss visiting the National Museum, which sits in a former royal residence – a superb building built between 1743 and 1744. Besides its architecture, the Nationalmuseet exhibits on the Stone Age, the Viking Age, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the modern Danish history. In addition to its large collections, it houses an excellent toy museum, which also makes it an ideal place for children!

2. The Castle of Christiansborg

Located on the island of Slotsholmen, where the government sits, it is a must-see and also one of the free visits to Copenhagen! The Château de Christiansborg is a large historic palace that houses the Folketinget (Danish parliament) and various government offices. If its entry is free, it can be interesting to book a guided tour, sometimes at symbolic prices, to learn more about the history of this beautiful palace! It should also be noted that free access to the top of the Tower of the Palace of Christiansborg is possible. You will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Copenhagen!

3. The rotation of the Royal Guard

Are you visiting Copenhagen? So don’t miss attending the Royal Guard, called Den Kongelige Livgarde one of the free activities and visits to be undertaken in Copenhagen. It takes place every day at noon. The action takes place between the castle of Rosenberg and the palace of Almalienborg. The guards depart from their barracks on Gothersgade at 11:30 am and arrive at the palace at 12 pm. He then performs a codified and iconic show.

4. The Statens Museum for Kunst

Uncontournable, this fine arts museum houses superb artistic collections. These oldest pieces date back to the 12th century. The visit will allow you to dive into the heart of ancient European and Danish art, with works by Mantegna, Titian, Tintoret, Brueghel l’Ancien, Rubens, Frans Hals or Rembrandt, with paintings among the most representative of the golden age of Danish painting.

The museum also houses a modern art section, with works by artists such as Picasso, Matisse or Emil Nolde, as well as modern Danish artists such as the painter Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg or the sculptor Carl Bonnesen. It is one of the most interesting and pleasant free visits to Copenhagen, especially since it can easily occupy a long afternoon of discovery!

5. Bakken

The most famous amusement park in Copenhagen is obviously the Tivoli Gardens , the second oldest in Denmark, whose entry turns to pay. Fortunately for travellers, Denmark’s oldest amusement park is also close to Copenhagen. It is Bakken, the garden of the daims, preserved in a form close to its origins. This place is just as charming as its competitor.

Located in Klampenborg, the Dyrehavsbakke is thus available for free. If you have to pay to ride on one of the rides, you can still enjoy the atmosphere of the park without starting your budget!

6. Jægersborg Dyrehave

Located next to Bakken, the Cervid Park is a large wooded park of about 11 km2. Ranked in Unesco’s World Heritage since 2015, it is known for its many deer left in total freedom! Trees also enjoy freedom to grow naturally, without being planted and controlled by the human hand. The only ones to be shot are when they become too dangerous for the public. Thanks to these features, this park features sumptuous and almost natural landscapes!

If you stay in the Danish capital for several days, take a walk in this beautiful park, one of the free activities to do in Copenhagen and especially a great opportunity to relax.

7. Christiania

Globally known for being self-proclaimed “free city” in the centre of Copenhagen, the Christiania district was founded in 1971 by squatters and hippies in an abandoned military base. Despite the pressures, Christiania’s soul has remained since that date. The visit will allow you to discover one of the few historical libertarian experiences still active. Fortunately for travellers, Christiania is one of the free visits to Copenhagen. This fascinating place must be on your itinerary and your discovery list!

8. Havneparken

Located in the quiet area of Islands Brygge, Havneparken is known as the most famous swimming place in the Danish capital! In addition to being able to refresh it after a long day of visits, it is a unique experience to live in this city of Northern Europe!

If you don't come in the summer, you can always enjoy this charming place by walking around the park or in the charming nearby streets.

9. The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a statue that represents the central character of Hans Christian Andersen’s history, which was then made famous by Walt Disney. Unveiled in 1913, this statue which might seem insignificant is nevertheless an emblem of the Danish capital and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Enjoy your stay to come and contemplate her and take a selfie alongside her. It is also an excellent excuse to walk on the edge of the Øresund, on foot or by bike – one of the best free activities to do in Copenhagen!

10. Visit Copenhagen by bike

Of course, it is not a totally free activity, however renting a bike will allow you to discover the Danish capital at a lower price. Copenhagen is often cited as the European bike capital, so it is very safe to ride in the city center. With more than 110 stations where you can find a self-service bike, you can travel around the city and its surroundings at all ease.

Don't miss visiting the beach of Amager, 5 kilometers from the city, the statue of the Little Mermaid but also the many parks of Copenhagen. Note that renting a bike costs an average of 20 DK, or 2,70€ per hour.

11. La Citadelle Kastellet

Are you still looking for free visits to Copenhagen? Not far from the statue of the Little Mermaid, you can also visit the Kastellet, one of the best preserved and largest citadels in Europe. This historic fortress dates from the 17th century. And cherry on the cake: its entry is free and free.

12. The Botanical Garden

This is one of the free activities to be done in Copenhagen during the summer. The famous botanical garden of the Danish capital is known to offer one of the most relaxing and beautiful walks in Europe. In the summer, you can enjoy the bright colours and enchanting fragrances of its abundant flowers and plants!

13. Free guided tours of Copenhagen

To conclude this article on the free activities to be done in Copenhagen, we cannot fail to mention the many guided tours of the city at free price. For as in most major European cities, there are free guided tours Copenhagen. To learn more about the history of the city and to discover the city’s emblematic monuments, we recommend these visits that can last between an hour and three hours.

You now know how to take advantage of the Danish city otherwise! What are your free activities and visits to Copenhagen?