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The best free and cheap things to do in Copenhagen
Planning a weekend in Copenhagen? While flights there are often cheap, we know that things can get a bit pricier once you're on the ground. But worry not - we've compiled some of our favourite free or cheap things to do in the Danish capital city!
From free kayaking along Copenhagen's waterways to free walking tours of the city's most iconic landmarks, which will be your favourite free activity in Copenhagen?
Like most of the Nordic countries, most UK holidaymakers consider Denmark to be as expensive as its neighbours. But, just like most cities around the world, you can always find free or cheap things to do if you know where to look!
And this definitely applies to Copenhagen too. Whether you're there for a day or two or even longer, our tips below should help you stretch your holiday budget a little further. Here are our top cheap and free things to do in Copenhagen.
1. Explore colourful Nyhavn
We'd be surprised if Nyhavn, with its colourful waterfront buildings and photogenic boats, wasn't on your list. Thankfully, this beautiful spot is free to visit, but you may want to time your visit if your goal is to get the perfect photo of Nyhavn.
If you can drag yourself out of bed for it, we'd recommend visiting Nyhavn just as the sun comes up. This will be the quietest time in the neighbourhood, as it can get fairly crowded during the day and at sunset.
In Nyhavn, you'll be able to stroll along the waterfront while passing by shops and cafes that are mostly geared towards tourists. But a visit here should be mandatory for any Copenhagen holiday and, thankfully, it's totally free.
2. Stop by the Little Mermaid
We might as well get the big hitters out the way. One of the most famous statues in Europe, Copenhagen is synonymous with the Little Mermaid, which can be found near Langelinie Pier. You would think that such a famous sight would be a ticketed attraction, but it's actually completely free to visit.
While it may not look much like Disney's Ariel, this sculpture is indeed inspired by the original fairytale penned by Hans Christian Andersen. It's another popular attraction in Copenhagen, so it's best to plan your visit earlier in the day. However, in summer it'll be busy no matter what time you go.
3. Hit the water
Available in various locations throughout the city, Green Kayak gives paddlers the opportunity to kayak for free for two hours - as long as you pick up any trash you find along the way!
You do have to book your kayak in advance as it's a popular activity for locals and holidaymakers but it's a great opportunity to explore Copenhagen from the water while also doing something positive as you go along!
4. Visit the Museum of Copenhagen
For those who want to get acquainted with Copenhagen's long history, the Museum of Copenhagen is a great stop to include on your holiday. While tickets normally cost DKK 100 (around £11) per adult, admission is free for everyone on the last Wednesday of every month.
The museum is filled with permanent and temporary exhibitions, with the former focusing on the city's past. There are displays on the city's Viking history, as well as artefacts from other periods.
There's a cafe on-site too, all of which is particularly useful if your holiday coincides with some rain!
5. Get some fresh air at Copenhagen's Botanic Garden
If the weather's on your side, get outdoors and explore one of Copenhagen's prettiest green spaces: the Botanical Garden. Comprising 10 hectares, this is an ideal spot to have a picnic or to simply walk around to see some of the 13,000 plant species that call this garden home.
While it's free to visit the garden itself, you'll need to pay for a ticket (currently DKK 115 or £13) to enter the historic Palm House. Here you'll see palm trees, orchids and succulents; your ticket will also include entry to the nearby Natural History Museum. The latter will be especially popular with kids, thanks to the museum's many dinosaur fossils!
6. Take a dip
The sun is shining and you feel like having a swim during your holiday, so where do you go? Havnebadet Islands Brygge, of course. This spot is a section within the harbour and it's Copenhagen's answer to an open-air swimming pool.
The best part is that it's free to have a swim here, and it's also open all year round (yes, even during the depths of winter!). There are lap pools, pools for children or toddlers as well as launch platforms; you can find toilets and change facilities on-site too. Keep in mind that lifeguards are only present from June to August, when the pools are most popular.
7. Go on a free walking tour
Like in many cities around the world, free walking tours are available in Copenhagen. While they are free to join, it is recommended to book these tours in advance.
Copenhagen's free walking tours focus on a variety of themes, from classic tours that take in the city's most famous landmarks to tours that focus on specific neighbourhoods, like the harbour or Christianshavn. And, yes, while the tour is free, we'd suggest tipping your guide at the end of your walk.
8. See Christianshavn
Speaking of Christianshavn, this is another neighbourhood that should be explored extensively. There are pretty canals, trendy cafes and restaurants and row upon row of colourful houses. It's an ideal spot to while away an entire afternoon.
And if you're keen to see something completely different, Christianshavn is famously home to Freetown Christiania. This area's inhabitants form an alternative community; as of April 2024, open trade of cannabis products is no longer allowed, but you can still come here to see street art, visit cafes and do some shopping, especially for art products and souvenirs.
Make sure that you pay attention to the rules posted at the entrances to Christiania, including where you can or cannot take photos.