Free experiences in Copenhagen

Written by Jakob Ellermann, General Manager at Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center

A visit to Copenhagen does not have to break the budget. On the contrary, the capital offers a wide range of free experiences, where you can explore everything from cultural experiences and green oases to iconic sights. You will find both popular attractions and hidden gems that allow you to discover the city from new perspectives.

Find inspiration for free experiences in Copenhagen

Whether you're interested in iconic landmarks, green spaces, culture or gastronomy, we've gathered our best recommendations for experiences in and around Copenhagen. Find inspiration for your visit here:

• Great experiences on a budget
• Iconic landmarks and attractions
• Experiences for children
• Nature and green spaces
• City life
• Active experiences
• Museums with free admission
• Budget-friendly food experiences
• Free experiences near Copenhagen

You do not have to spend a fortune to experience some of Copenhagen's most popular attractions. The city offers plenty of experiences at an affordable price, from historic landmarks and impressive architecture to fascinating museums, cultural events and charming public spaces.

Folkehuset Absalon is a vibrant community hub where locals and visitors come together for communal dining, bingo, yoga, concerts and creative events. The programme changes regularly, and many activities are available at an affordable price, making Absalon a great place to experience everyday life in Copenhagen.

Folkehuset Absalon hosts more than 100 events every week.

At the top of Amager Bakke, you will find CopenHill, one of Copenhagen’s most unique landmarks. Here, you can take a walk along the hiking trail to the top and enjoy the view of the city, or try activities such as the ski slope and the world’s highest climbing wall. Access to the hiking trail and viewpoint is free, while the other activities are available for a fee.

A canal tour is one of the best ways to experience Copenhagen from the water. Cruise past Nyhavn, Christianshavn, and many of the city's iconic landmarks while listening to stories about the Danish capital's history and development. It's a relaxing experience that offers a whole new perspective on the city.

Make your way up the winding spiral ramp to the top of the Round Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views across Copenhagen's rooftops. Along the way, you'll pass the tower's historic spiral walkway, and at the top you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the city and its many historic landmarks. Admission is modest, but the experience is unforgettable.

Visit Thorvaldsen’s Museum and experience the works of the renowned sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. The museum impresses with its colourful rooms, beautiful courtyard, and unique collection of sculptures, art, and historical artefacts. It is an ideal experience for those looking to combine art, history, and architecture.

Would you like to experience some of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks? Here you will find iconic attractions and viewpoints where you can explore the city’s history, architecture, and atmosphere – completely free of charge.

No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to The Little Mermaid. H.C. Andersen’s world-famous statue is located at Langelinie and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Combine your visit with a stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the views across the water.

Climb the Tower at Christiansborg Palace and enjoy fantastic views over Copenhagen. Standing 106 metres tall, the tower is the highest in the city. From the top, you can see the city’s rooftops, spires, and the Medieval Quarter, which forms the historic heart of Copenhagen.

Access to the tower is free and offers one of the city’s best viewpoints. Once you return to ground level, take a walk across Christiansborg Palace Square and experience the historic atmosphere surrounding the palace.

You can also book a free guided tour of the Danish Parliament at Christiansborg, where you can gain fascinating insight into both the work of the Parliament and the history of Christiansborg.

The daily changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace is a truly special experience. The Royal Life Guards march through the city accompanied by music before the changing of the guard takes place in the palace square in front of the royal family’s residence.

End your day with a stroll through Nyhavn, where colourful buildings, historic wooden ships, and a charming atmosphere make the area one of Copenhagen’s most photographed locations. Nyhavn is located along Copenhagen’s harbour, and the area is full of life all year round, even though experiencing its unique atmosphere is completely free.

There are plenty of free experiences for children in Copenhagen. The city offers exciting playgrounds, green spaces, and family-friendly attractions where children can play, explore, and burn off energy while adults enjoy the surroundings.

The Nature Playground in Valbyparken is one of Copenhagen’s largest playgrounds and an ideal destination for families. Here, children can explore climbing structures, balance courses, slides, and green surroundings while adults enjoy the spacious park. There is plenty of room for play, movement, and a cosy picnic.

The Tower Playground in Fælledparken is inspired by Copenhagen’s iconic towers and is one of the city’s most popular playgrounds. The imaginative play structures invite children to enjoy hours of fun, and the central location makes the playground easy to combine with other experiences in the city.

In the heart of Vesterbro, you will find Skydebanehaven, a charming playground particularly known for its iconic wooden castle. The playground is surrounded by green spaces and is the perfect place to take a break while children play in a safe and welcoming environment.

The playground in the King’s Garden is an ideal stop for families with children when visiting Rosenborg Castle. While children explore the play equipment, adults can enjoy the beautiful surroundings in one of Copenhagen’s oldest and most popular parks.

Remiseparken on Amager offers a large activity playground with plenty of space for play and movement. Here you will find climbing structures, swings, sports fields, and other activities that make the park a popular destination for families with children of all ages.

Need a break from the buzz of the city? Copenhagen offers plenty of green spaces where you can unwind. Take a stroll, enjoy nature, and explore parks, cemeteries, and natural areas that invite you to relax and recharge.

The Botanical Garden offers free admission and is located in the heart of Copenhagen. Here, you will find a peaceful oasis with winding paths, lakes, and a wide variety of plants. The green park is perfect if you need a break from the pace of the city and want to enjoy nature.

Visit Bispebjerg Cemetery, a beautiful 43-hectare green space with scenic walking paths, best known for its blooming cherry trees in spring. From here, continue to the impressive Grundtvig’s Church, a masterpiece of Danish church architecture.

You can also explore the area between Nørrebro and Bispebjerg, where charming streets, local cafés, and vibrant street art add character to the neighbourhood. Be sure to look out for works by the Japanese artist Lady Aiko, which can be found near Utterslev Square. If you are looking for even more nature and peaceful surroundings, end your visit with a walk around Utterslev Lake.

Covering 54 hectares, Vestre Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Denmark. Its wide avenues, lakes, and mature trees make it much more than a cemetery – it is a peaceful green space where many Copenhageners go for a walk, enjoy the tranquillity, or take a break from the pace of the city.

Assistens Cemetery is a peaceful green oasis in the heart of Nørrebro. If you are looking for free experiences in Copenhagen, it is well worth a visit. Stroll among the historic graves, visit the resting place of H.C. Andersen, or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings, where many locals come for a relaxing walk.

Amager Beach Park is a popular destination featuring a sandy beach, bathing jetties, walking paths, and beautiful views across the Øresund. Here, you can relax on the beach, take a refreshing swim, or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront. It is a free attraction that offers opportunities for both relaxation and outdoor activities all year round.

Sydhavnstippen is a hidden natural gem near Copenhagen, where the city's buzz gives way to open meadows, scenic walking trails, and abundant wildlife. It is the perfect place for a relaxing walk, a run, or a picnic in the great outdoors. If you're lucky, you may even spot the free-roaming sheep and alpacas that help maintain the landscape.

Sydhavnstippen is a wonderful destination if you want to experience a greener, more peaceful side of Copenhagen – completely free of charge.

Experience the unique atmosphere that defines Copenhagen. From creative neighbourhoods and historic streets to local walking tours, you will find experiences that bring you closer to the city's culture, history, and everyday life.

Founded in 1971 as a social experiment, Freetown Christiania is now one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive neighbourhoods. Take a stroll through the area and experience its creative atmosphere, colourful houses, and many works of art, all of which make Christiania a truly unique place to visit.

If you are looking for free experiences in Copenhagen, a walking tour with Local Walks in Vesterbro is an ideal choice. The tour takes you through one of the city’s most distinctive neighbourhoods, where you will discover charming side streets, green urban spaces, fascinating stories, and hidden gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

Along the way, the local guide shares stories about Vesterbro’s development, culture, and everyday life, giving you an authentic insight into the neighbourhood. The walking tours are free to join, and you can choose to leave the guide a voluntary tip after the tour.

If you would like to combine sightseeing with movement, Copenhagen offers plenty of free activities to enjoy. Discover the city from new perspectives, get your heart rate up, or take in the views while staying active.

Konditaget Lüders covers 2,400 square metres and serves as both an activity area and a viewpoint. Climb the stairs to the top and enjoy views over Nordhavn, while both children and adults can make use of the free fitness equipment and play facilities.

On warm days, Copenhagen’s harbour baths are popular gathering spots for both locals and visitors. The city has three harbour baths with free admission: Islands Brygge Harbour Bath, Fisketorvet Harbour Bath, and Sluseholmen Harbour Bath. Here, you can take a refreshing swim, relax by the waterfront, or enjoy the unique atmosphere of Copenhagen Harbour.

If you would like to get out on the water, GreenKayak allows you to borrow a kayak for free in exchange for helping collect waste from the harbour. Since 2017, GreenKayak has helped collect more than 100 tonnes of waste, giving you both a nature experience and the opportunity to make a positive difference. It is a sustainable way to experience Copenhagen from a whole new perspective.

Bella Activity Rooftop is a 7,000 m² rooftop landscape featuring a running track, sports courts, fitness equipment, and relaxation areas. Here, you can get your heart rate up, unwind, or enjoy views over Copenhagen from a different perspective. The rooftop is freely accessible and is an ideal free experience if you want to combine exercise, fresh air, and city views.

You don’t need to buy a ticket to enjoy great art and cultural experiences in Copenhagen. Several of the city’s museums offer free admission, either all year round or on selected days. This gives you the opportunity to explore art, history, and culture while discovering even more free experiences in Copenhagen.

Dive into the history of the Danish capital at the Museum of Copenhagen, where you can explore everything from the Middle Ages to modern city life. The museum offers free admission to everyone on Wednesdays, making it an ideal opportunity for a cultural experience.

David Collection houses one of Europe’s finest collections of Islamic art, as well as Danish and European art. Admission is free every day to both the permanent collections and special exhibitions, so you can visit the museum whenever it suits you.

Møstings Hus on Frederiksberg presents changing exhibitions of contemporary art in a historic setting. Admission is always free, so you can stop by any day and experience new art at no cost.

Charlottenborg Kunsthal is one of Northern Europe’s largest contemporary art centres. If you visit after 5:00 pm on Wednesdays, you can enjoy free admission to the current exhibitions.

Copenhagen is renowned for its food scene, and fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well. Throughout the city, you will find everything from street food and cosy cafés to small local restaurants, where quality ingredients and great flavours go hand in hand with affordable prices.

Located by the Inner Harbour Bridge, you will find Broens Street Food (formerly Broens Gadekøkken), where a wide selection of food stalls serves everything from juicy burgers and tacos to Asian street food and sweet treats. The lively atmosphere and waterfront location make it an ideal place to enjoy lunch or dinner outdoors.

Located on Refshaleøen, Reffen is one of Northern Europe’s largest street food markets. Here, you can taste dishes from around the world while enjoying the creative atmosphere by the waterfront. Reffen is a popular gathering place with food stalls, events, and plenty of seating areas, making it easy to find a meal that suits both your taste and budget.

In addition to the popular street food markets, Copenhagen offers a wide range of bakeries, coffee shops, and smaller restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal at a great price. Take your food to go and enjoy it in one of the city’s green parks or by the waterfront – a simple way to combine great food with Copenhagen’s charming city life.

Free experiences are not limited to Copenhagen itself. Just outside the city, you will find scenic natural areas, exciting art experiences, and charming destinations that are perfect if you want to explore more of the Greater Copenhagen area. Whether you are looking for forests, beaches, culture, or family-friendly activities, there are plenty of opportunities for an eventful day – completely free of charge.

Go on a treasure hunt outside the city centre and discover The Forgotten Giants – six impressive wooden sculptures created by artist Thomas Dambo. The giants are hidden in natural areas around Copenhagen, inviting both children and adults to embark on an adventure.

Each of the six giants has its own personality and story, making the search for them an experience in itself. The journey combines art, nature, and outdoor activity, making it an ideal free excursion if you want to explore areas beyond the city centre.

Bakken offers free admission and has been open since 1583, making it the world’s oldest amusement park. Located in the middle of Dyrehaven north of Copenhagen, the park offers a charming atmosphere with entertainment, restaurants, and lively surroundings.

At Ordrupgaard, you can explore the Art Park, where contemporary art and nature go hand in hand. Admission is free, and you can discover spectacular works created by some of today’s leading Danish and international artists. Enjoy the impressive installations created especially for the park and experience art that invites play, reflection and interaction in the green surroundings.