Enjoy the city on a limited budget 2024
Not everything in Copenhagen costs big money. Therefore you can easily have a few really nice days here without being ruined. In fact, you can have real fun without spending a dime! So this list will provide you a great start. And even more exciting destinations will be added soon so check back often.
Enjoy my unique guide to some fun, interesting and sometimes odd, spooky and strange experiences, all for free!
The genetically modified mermaid
Along Langelinie a very different mermaid resting on a pile of stones. In fact genetics have made her completely unique and this raises many questions. Created by artist Bjørn Nørgaard.
Langelinie Allé 17
The Black Diamond
Have you ever heard about the Black Diamond? This is an interesting library famous for it’s bold architecture and very beautiful location just close to the canal. Additionally lots of activities going on inside the building. And yes there are windows in the Diamond but they are hard to spot.
What’s more, black granite from Zimbabwe is found on the facade and Blue Oyster sandstone from Portugal can be found on the inside. A must visit!
Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1
The alpine area at Botanical Garden
You can always enter the Botanical Garden for free. So just walk around and enjoy exotic plants from all over the world and make sure not to miss the cool alpine area. Because here you can walk on small trails and in the same time enjoy a large collection of plants from the alpine world. Moreover, this park has been around for some 400 years.
Gothersgade 128
A walk along Dyssen
If you are interested in alternative lifestyles a walk along Dyssen could be the right activity a sunday afternoon. Surely you will enjoy several imaginative houses built with simple means. And despite the fact that the area is centrally located in Copenhagen, a peaceful calm prevails. In fact, over here you are still in christianina.
Walk across the Dyssebroen from Christiania and you are at Dyssen
The Tuborg Labyrinth
Spend some quality time in this labyrinth created by the famous beer company Tuborg. In brief It was erected back in 1993. In fact, the open area in the middle of the labyrinth is designed as a Tuborg beer label. So just get in, and hopefully get out. The labyrinth is easy to reach as it is right next to the street.
Recently I could read that the existence of the labyrinth may be threatened.
Pile Allé, Frederiksberg
Freetown Christiania
Welcome to the world famous free-town founded in 1971. Just walk around and experience the hippie vibe. And there are plenty of restaurants and bars here if you get hungry or thirsty.
Remember, In some areas photography is forbidden, so respect the signs. Another rule in Christiania is to not run. Because here running means there’s something to run from or away from, and the culture of fear is something they like to avoid.
Prinsessegade, main entrance
The 6 forgotten giants
In and around Copenhagen several wooden giants awaits you. In fact you can spot one of them already in Christiania! Additionally the others will be found in the outskirts of Copenhagen. So with a good bike it´s easy to seek them all out. Furthermore, do you need a hint how to find them? Just check out their map.
DieselHouse
Once upon a time B&W 2000 was the worlds largest diesel engine. Huh. At this unique museum you can still experience this monstrous machine. In fact, if you come here on the right date you will see this thirsty beast in live action! (1st and 3rd Sunday every month at 11am). Here you can also see an exhibition about Selandia, the worlds first diesel powered commercial ship. And yes, all is for free. Check their website for more info.
Energiporten 8
Assistens Cemetery
Visit this magic cemetery for reflection and relaxation. Because in this dreamy environment you can find yourself and in the same time visit the grave sites of several famous people. For instance HC Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard and Ben Webster rests here. This is quite a large area so make sure you have plenty of time.
Kapelvej 2
Hubbard’s office in Copenhagen
Here is something strange over at the Church of Scientology. Because right from the street you can admire L. Ron Hubbard’s almost perfect office. I guess it will be ready for him when he returns to earth? Finally, he left his hat on the desk.
Jernbanegade 6
Superkilen Park
Very attention-grabbing area. Painted streets and pavements together with interesting things from all over the world. For example palm trees, three tonnes of soil from the Palestinian Territories, a fountain from Morocco and litter bins from England. For sure this is a a colorful excursion for all. However it is not as vibrant now as when it was new. Because over time the paint has faded and worn down.
Furthermore, it´s designed by the famous Bjarke Ingels Group.
Nørrebrogade 210
Christiansborg Palace Tower
This is the highest tower in Copenhagen, 106 meter. So take the completely free elevator and you will get a magnificent view of Copenhagen. However some days you might have to queue to get in and up. Oh, there is also a very popular restaurant in the tower.
Christiansborg
The very little museum at the huge Magasin Du Nord department store
Learn everything about this iconic department store in Copenhagen. That´s right, in this very small museum you will find out how it all started.
By the way, the famous HC Andersen lived here during a period. In fact, you can see the steps up to his room right in the museum. And On the third floor you can visit the actual room where he lived. It is the same place but the decor is reconstructed. So just ask the staff kindly to show you the room.
Vingårdstræde 6
Flyvergrillen, the flight grill
Just close to CPH airport you will find Flyvergrillen. Here you can watch the planes depart and land. And if you get hungry you can have a tasty sausage and some french fries too. This business has been going on for a while. Actually it started all the way back in 1972.
Amager Landevej
Wehrmacht graffiti in Kødbyen, meat district
When German Wehrmacht marched into Copenhagen in April 1940 they took control of Kødbyen (the Meatpacking District). In brief the bored german soldiers on guard started to make graffitti on the brick walls. And still to this day you can come here and read their messages from the war.
Staldgade 35
Kastellet and the Powder House
At kastellet you can experience one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved fortresses. So feel free to wander around this historic setting and breathe in the history that has passed here.
And don’t miss to look for the Powder House. It is well hidden so you might have to walk around for a while before you spot it. This former storage of black powder might look peaceful today, but during a period it was a terrifying prison for 30 slaves. Many carvings on the bricks.
The castle was completed in 1664.
Gl. Hovedvagt, Kastellet 1
Amagerbanen, a trolley in Copenhagen
Ride a trolley just like Indiana Jones, in the middle of Copenhagen? Yep, at Amagerbanen you will find 1200 meter of rail to explore. This place is open during summer season. So check their website for the time table. It´s free but they will be happy if you donate some coins.
Wermlandsgade 33B
Battle of Copenhagen 1807
In 1807 England attacked Copenhagen in what can be described as a terrorist attack. Undoubtedly the target was civilians in the city.
Since English cannonballs could be found and over time they were built into the walls as a memory of the event.
Gothersgade/Øster Voldgade
The propeller at Shell house
Visit a memorial of a spectacular attack on Gestapos headquarter in the city centre in March 1945. Indeed the propeller on the wall is a cast from on of the Mosquito planes who carried out precision bombing of the building. More info here.
Corner of Nyropsgade and Kampmandsgade
A different view of the Marble Church
On the top of Denmarks first parking garage you will get a fantastic view of the Marble church from above. So take the stairs up to the roof and be amazed.
Dronningens Tværgade 4
The lion with the human face
In one corner of Kungens have you will find one of Denmarks eldest outdoor statues. But that´s not all because Its face resembles a human! Created by Peter Husum in 1617-1625, the statue is a near copy of an antique marble sculpture at Capitoline Hill in Rome. By the way, feel free to look at my post about art in Copenhagen.
Øster Voldgade 4A
The origin of Lego?
If you take a closer look at Vor Frue Kirke you can discover decorations that really remind you of Lego! So whether they really have something to do with the famous building blocks, we want to remain silent.
Nørregade 8
Folkehuset Absalon
Why not take part in an exciting cultural center that was originally a church. In fact the weekly program is packed with activities that are completely free of charge. Here you can also try Fællespisning (eat together) for a modest fee.
Find out more right here.
Sønder Blvd. 73
The little face at Hovedbanegården
Many people pass the main railway station every day. but few see the small, strange face that is placed a little way up on the wall. And it has been installed there since the 60s. Indeed no one knows for sure what it is about, and we may never get an answer. But most likely, it is some employee who wanted to end up as a statue among other celebrities who are in the same hall. So look for the face just inside, behind the entrance doors.
Entrance, Vesterbrogade
Bakken or Dyrehavsbakken
do you want to visit a large amusement park without paying admission? Then Bakken (or Dyrehavsbakken, its official name) is the right place for you. Because this is actually the world’s oldest amusement park. In fact, it was founded as early as 1583.
And it´s location in a beautiful forest just outside Copenhagen makes it a classy full-day excursion. Besides, don’t miss a ride with the old rickety roller coaster, made of pure wood. Finally, if you’re into roller coasters, it might be interesting to know that the one at Tivoli is the oldest currently operating in the world!
In the Netflix series “The Rain”, Bakken was used as a filming location.
Dyrehavevej 62
Stellings Hus
This is a famous house that few know about. And sad to say, people weren’t too happy about this house when it was finished back in 1937.
The famous architect Arne Jacobsen had used new building materials and round shapes, which at first were not liked by everyone.
The lamps seen on the first floor are also designed by Jacobsen from the same era.
Gammeltorv
The vines at Kuglegården
The vines at Kuglegården are of the Malvasia variety from Madeira. DNA tests of the specimens at the Kuglegården have later shown that it is really is Malvasia, which is the first grape variety that was planted on Madeira back in the 15th century. Rumor has it that Danish sailors brought plants from Madeira and later brought them back when the plants on Madeira died out.
Danneskiold-Samsøes Allé
The green roof at Rigsarkivet
Visit a park on the roof of the National Archives. And here one had to think in order to solve some questions. The cultivated parts are built up with special soil containing, among other things, crushed brick, in order to retain moisture in the ground. Indeed the roof is built with an ingenious system to be able to conserve rainwater without burdening the municipal sewage system. Lastly, this is a nice place to chill out on a hot summer day.
Kalvebod Brygge 32
The giant Tuborg bottle
This observation tower in the form of a 26 meter high Tuborg bottle originally stood on the current city hall square. In brief it contained, among other things, Denmark’s first elevator, but it has now been replaced with stairs. However nowdays it does not seem possible to go up the tower.
Dessaus Blvd. 4
Kineserbyen (The Chinese village)
Welcome to a relaxing part of the busy city. Because here it is exactly like being in a village in the countryside. So just walk around and enjoy the silence and the greenery. The yellow buildings here date back to the time when staff of the state railway company lived here.
Otto Busses Vej
Grundtvigs Kirke
Up on Bispebjerg there is a magnificent church with an impressive architecture. Furthermore it was built in memory of the priest Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig. While it is possible to accommodate 1,300 people if necessary, 700 is the norm. The church was completed in 1927.
På Bjerget 14B
Sømods Bolcher
Interested in just sugar? Because at the caramel factory, it’s sweet that counts. Here you can see the craftsmanship as they create all kinds of caramels. Entrance to the factory is free. More info here.
Nørregade 36
Visit the best museums for free 2024
Some of the most interesting museums offer free entrance at different times. It is an excellent opportunity for those on a tight budget to experience the best at no cost. this list shows my favorites. There are a few more that offer free entry.
So here we go:
Museum of Copenhagen, free entry on Wednesdays. Stormgade 18
Thorvaldsens Museum, free entry on Wednesdays. Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 2
Glyptoteket, free entry on the last Wednesday of every month. Dantes Plads 7
The Bank & Savings Museum, always free entry. Overgaden Neden Vandet 11
Nikolaj Kunsthal, free entry on Wednesdays. Nikolaj Plads 10
Jarmers Plads
How could a rather inconspicuous place gain a worldwide reputation among skateboarders? Yes, so hot that even the shoe brand Vans paid attention to the area by naming a shoe model after it. Keep wondering but feel free to visit the place to understand for yourself.
Jarmers Plads
Green Kayak
Borrow a green kayak and take a trip in the beautiful canal. But keep in mind that you are expected to pick up some litter along your route. More info is available on their website.
Værløse Air Base
Just outside Copenhagen you will find this abandoned airbase. The cold from the Cold War is still felt here, even though the base was closed back in 2004.
Here at the Værløse Air Base these days you can move around completely freely. So why not take a walk on the runway and look around among the hangars and other buildings.
In Hangar 2 you will find a museum and in the massive Shelter 214 you can visit a great cafe! At the cafe they also rent out pro bikes and electric skateboards if you want to test the runway in a quick way!
Bringing your own bicycle is a good idea because the area is large. You can get here via S-train from the city (Måløv Station).
Sandet 91
Slusen (Lock)
The “slusen” are a set of locks that control the water level in the harbor of Sydhavn, Copenhagen. They’re a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, and they’re also a popular gathering place for locals. They’re known for their unique design and their importance to the local community. Just next door there are a number of exciting houseboats.
And like so many other places in Copenhagen, there is an excellent cafe here.
Ved Slusen
Dragør
Just south of Copenhagen Airport you will find Dragør. Here you are met by a genuine fishing village with nice restaurants and cafes. So walk around and look at this very picturesque environment. This is also the place for a really good view of the bridge to Sweden. And surely you can take some really good photos here.
This is a nice bike ride from City.
Caritas Fountain
Of course, Copenhagen has its own Manneken Piss. And it is even a few years older (1608) than its counterpart in Brussels! (1619). In addition, it is located on Copenhagen’s oldest square.
Oh, right next to the fountain there is a hatch on the ground. Underneath hides a larger room which is a well from the 16th century!
You probably won’t miss the fountain and sculpture because it can be found right along Strøget.
Gammeltorv
Maersk Tower viewpoint
Do you want a new view of the city and this time from a university building? Then it is Maersk Tower that applies. Because up on the 15th floor you get an incomparable view of Copenhagen. And thanks to really large windows, the feeling becomes really intense. So sit down in this quiet and beautiful environment and enjoy the view that reaches all the way over to Sweden.
Open to the public 08-17 weekdays.
Blegdamsvej 3B
David’s collection
This museum houses an impressive collection of Islamic art in the Western world. In addition, an excellent collection of older European art as well as more modern Danish creations.
The museum is nicely located right next to Kongens Have. Here, entry is always free. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10-17, Wednesday 10-21.
Kronprinsessegade 30
Stjerne Radio
If you walk from the main railway station and further along Istedgade, you will soon see a large sign, Stjerne Radio. And that’s actually how it looked in the 1940s when the business was an important part of the resistance movement during WW2. Now the premises is a museum to be viewed through the shop window.
Istedgade 31
Holmen
Out on the Holmen, an old naval base, there are a number of older ships to view. Not least Denmark’s last submarine which made its last trip in 2004. Nowadays it is on land, and it is a nice walk out on Holmen where you get very close to it. If you redeem a ticket, you can also see what it looks like on the inside.
Henrik Gerners Pl.1
The old Carlsberg bridge
It is said that the bridge was built so that Carlsberg’s founder, Jacobsen, could visit a friend on the other side. Initially it was a brick bridge, but it was converted into a metal bridge over time.
The Carlsbergs City District
Take a Sunday walk along the lakes
Yes, take a lovely Sunday walk just like the Danes themselves. Put on your workout clothes or dress up nicely and head out among all the water and lively birdlife.
The lakes all have their own names, Peblinge Sø, Sortedams Sø and Sankt Jørgens Sø.
A suitable starting position might be at the planetarium
Kringlegangen
From Strøget, just behind the Church of the Holy Spirit, you will find Kringlegangen, “The circle walk”. It´s a very narrow and winding passage where the sun never reaches. Once through, you stand on the very picturesque Gråbrødretorv!
Valkendorfsgade 32
Ryvangen WW2 Memorial Park
A peaceful place of remembrance for the Danish resistance and the consequences of the Second World War.
The area was occupied by the German army during the war. Here are also the places of execution where many brave men lost their lives.
See opening hours on this page (in Danish) as they vary throughout the year.
Tuborgvej 33
Kastrup Fort
The fort was built in 1886-1887 and was part of Copenhagen’s fortifications.
During World War II it was used by the Germans and after the war was an internment camp for German refugees.
The view towards Sweden is outstanding and the sandy beach is not far away. A perfect destination for a Sunday stroll.
Amager Strandvej 246
The Marble Church
The marble church is a unique construction that took time to build. The project was down for long periods due to concerns in the outside world and economic challenges. And by the way, it’s not really built entirely of marble because It became too expensive and instead the construction was completed with sandstone and limestone.
So why not step inside and enjoy the quiet and give yourself time to think.
Frederiksgade 4
Agpalilik, the iron meteor
Why not take a look at one of the world’s largest iron meteors?
It hit Greenland 12 thousand years ago, and was transported to Denmark in 1963. Actually it still rests on the same sled that was used when it was released.
Outside the Museum of natural history, Øster Voldgade 5–7
Jarmers Tower
It doesn’t look like much to the world but this tower (a ruin today) from 1525 was part of Copenhagen’s defense facilities. Other towers found on old maps have not been located.
A legend says that the tower is a remnant of a monastery, and that the monks lured the girls into its narrow passages and who disappeared without a trace.
Jarmers Plads
Skovfogedegen
Just north of Copenhagen, at Klampenborg you will find this strange Oak. Yes, it is still alive and is the same age as… Copenhagen! (About 800 years). Its name comes from the fact that during a period prayers were said in the hollow tree.
Strandvejen 503
Kongelundsfortet
The fort was built in 1914-16, so we are talking the First World War here. Its location along the southern coast (just under Copenhagen airport) would prevent enemy troops from entering the bay.
In 1982 the fort was closed down.
It’s a nice bike ride out here from the city center and there are many bike paths to experience in the area. Next to it is a nice sandy beach for a swim.
Brug byen
On this website you will also find lots of free arrangements. So take part in everything from concerts to bike rides and flea markets.
