10 Free Things to Do in Copenhagen

The Little Mermaid statue, built by Edvard Eriksen in 1913, is one of Copenhagen’s most photographed landmark. Commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, the 175 kg bronze and granite sculpture is based on the fairy tale by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. Today, the Little Mermaid statue is located at the Langelinie promenade, overlooking Copenhagen harbor. Visit at dusk to enjoy beautiful sunset views of the figure. 

The Nyharvn Waterfront is lined with pastel-colored houses, making it one of the most photographed locations in central Copenhagen. Take your time strolling along the canal for Instagram-worthy shots of these buildings before retreating to a café for some Danish pastries and coffee. Thanks to its relaxed setting, Nyharvn is a popular spot for evening drinks by the harbor. 

Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden is home to over 13,000 plant species from the tropics, Arctic, and Europe’s mountainous regions. There are over 25 greenhouses within the garden, the oldest of which is the Palm House. Built 1874, the conservatory has a 16-meter-tall lookout point that’s accessible via a spiral stairway. Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden is free to enter all year round, though plan your visit accordingly as the greenhouses are open at different times throughout the year. 

The National Museum of Denmark displays thousands of artifacts dating back as far as the Ice Age. Its permanent and most prized exhibit is the embalmed body of the Bronze Age Egtved girl. Her 3,500-year-old preserved oak coffin has maintained her body, clothes, comb, bracelets and blonde hair eerily intact. You can also find weaponry used by the Vikings from 800 AD to 1050 AD, a sun chariot made in the Early Bronze Age, and a 19th century Danish home. 

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek displays Carl Jacobsen’s personal collection of over 10,000 masterpieces from Rome, Egypt, Greece, France, and Denmark. After a bite in the glass-domed Winter Garden, explore the post- Impressionists’ gallery upstairs. As well as pieces by Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh, the museum has one of the world’s richest collections of Gaugins. Gaugin was married to a Dane, and the light captured in many of his paintings reflects the work of other Danish painters and of Denmark’s landscape itself.

Amalienborg Palace is where you get to see the Life Guards’ changing of the guard, a tradition dating back to the 17th century. A troop of guards change position every day of the year at 12pm outside the royal palace. During the Vagtparade, the guards are relieved by colleagues arriving on foot from their barracks by Rosenborg Castle. The ceremony is often accompanied by music, especially if the queen or other royal family members are present at the palace.

The Islands Brygge Harbour Bath features an expansive sundeck, 5 outdoor pools and 3 diving towers overlooking Copenhagen’s waterfront Havneparken. This open-air swimming center stretches from Langebro in the north to Bryggebroen in the south, offering beautiful views of the city’s historical landmarks. While swimming right in the center of downtown Copenhagen is the perfect way to cool off from the swelter of a Scandinavian summer, don’t be surprised to see locals going for a dip at Islands Brygge Harbour even in the middle of winter.

Freetown Christiania is a hippy neighborhood located about 2 km east of Christiansborg Palace. Founded in 1971, the self-proclaimed autonomous town was once known for its notorious green light district, where cannabis was openly sold (a practice that’s illegal in Denmark). Today, Freetown Christiania attracts crowds with its live music venues, art installations and wall murals, as well as organic restaurants and cafes. 

Frederiksberg Garden, also called Vondelpark, is one of the largest green spaces in Copenhagen. Adjacent to the Copenhagen Zoo, this English-style garden dates back to 18th century, and was only accessible to royalty until 1971. For a leisurely way of exploring Frederiksberg Garden, Svendsen's Boat Service offers boat tours for a small fee during the summertime. You may find many locals enjoying picnics at Frederiksberg Garden as it offers expansive views of Frederiksberg Palace. 

Nikolaj Kunsthal is a refurbished church that displays traveling exhibits, focusing mainly on contemporary artwork. It’s also a performing arts center, where you get to enjoy movie screenings and public events, including FOKUS, Denmark’s largest video art festival. Admission to Nikolaj Kunsthal is DKK 70, but visit on Wednesday to enjoy all of the exhibits for free.