Discover All The Free Things To Do In Copenhagen 2024
With a wide range of free things to do, Copenhagen can be an ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers who want to make the most of their trip without breaking the bank. Despite being one of the world’s top tourist cities, you can still visit many attractions and events for free.
Discover free museums, watch the changing of the guard, enjoy free panoramic city views, experience live music performances, stroll along Nyhavn waterfront, explore Christiania, swim in harbour baths, visit parks and spot wild deer or hunt for Thomas Dambo’s Forgotten Giants.
Copenhagen is my home, and I’m constantly searching for free activities and attractions to enjoy. This list is updated regularly and only contains events and attractions that are completely free.
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Watch The Changing Of The Guard
The changing of the guard takes place at Amalienborg Palace Square every day at noon.
You can watch from outside the palace or follow the guard through the streets from the Lifeguards Barracks at Gothersgade 100, 1123 København from 11.27 am. The lifeguards typically pass Kongens Nytorv and the Round Tower.
If you miss the ceremonial changing of the guard at midday, you can still see the guards on watch duty changing positions between the four royal palaces throughout the day.
However, if you’re in the city on a Saturday or Sunday, there’s free entry to the Lifeguards Museum. Take a look at 17 Copenhagen Museums With Free Entry in 2024 for more information, including opening hours.
Free Museums In Copenhagen: Explore The City’s Cultural Heritage
Copenhagen has 17 free museums, although not all are free every day.
Take a look at my article 17 Copenhagen Museums With Free Entry in 2024 for more information about all the museums offering free entry.
Copenhagen Museums That Are Always Free
- The David Collection – housed in the former home of C L David, featuring his collection of Islamic and Danish art, paintings, sculptures and treasures, the museum may look small, but the collection is so extensive it takes a couple of visits to take everything in.
- The Royal Lifeguard Museum focuses on the Royal Lifeguards and their 350 history from King Frederik III’s reign to the present King Frederik X.
- Copenhagen Cathedral Museum is a small museum on the first floor of the Cathedral.
- The Bank & Savings Museum at the side of the Christianshavn Canal is a small museum focusing on money, banking and savings.
- Diesel House is spread over three floors and built around the H C Ørested engine (the BW 2000). The museum focuses on diesel engines, past, present and future.
- Magasin Du Nord Museum, around the corner from the Magasin Du Nord department store, is tiny. But the volunteers are full of interesting stories about their time working at Magasin, and it can be a really informative experience.
- Royal Cast Collection houses over 2,000 plaster cast sculptures in an old warehouse, originally built to store coffee from the West Indies. Unfortunately, the collection is only open on special occasions, but a few of the sculptures are on display at Statens Museum For Kunst (SMK).
- Villum Windows Collection Museum focuses on the history of windows and showcases approximately 300 windows dating from the 17th to the 21st century.
- The Migration Museum documents the cultural side of immigration over the past 500 years to the present day. Ask for the documentation in English, and take your time to learn more about migration in Denmark.
- Møstings Hus features modern and contemporary art in a 19th-century house, which at one time belonged to J S Møsting, a Danish finance minister during the reign of Frederik VI.
- Ballerup Museum consists of two farmhouses, a blacksmith’s and a shoemaker’s house in the village of Pederstrup. A fifteen-minute walk from Ballerup Station, the museum takes you into the countryside and back in time.
Copenhagen Museums That Are Free On Wednesday
- Thorvaldsens Museum features the work of Bertel Thorvaldsen, one of 19th-century Europe and certainly Denmark’s most famous artists. His magnificent sculptures adorn the building, the first museum in Denmark, built at Thorvaldsen’s request, and while he died before the museum was complete, he is buried in the courtyard in the centre of the building.
- The Museum of Copenhagen focuses on life in the city from 1200 to the present day, with several temporary exhibitions related to life in Copenhagen changing throughout the year.
- Nikolaj Kunsthal is a contemporary art space housed inside an old church. There’s plenty of space for art installations, which change regularly, with several different exhibitions taking place at the same time. Nikolaj Kunsthal is also free for pensioners on Tuesdays.
- Kunsthal Charlottenborg is one of Northern Europe’s largest contemporary art spaces and is the home of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Exhibitions featuring Danish and international artists change throughout the year. Kunsthal Charlottenborg is only free after 5 pm on Wednesdays.
- Glyptoteket – with ever-changing exhibitions inside a stunning building, the Glyptotek features the work of world-class artists such as Rodin, Matisse, and Degas. Please be aware that Glyptoteket is only free on the last Wednesday of the month.
- Køs Museum of Art in Public Spaces focuses on art that, whether permanently or temporarily, can be seen in the public space. For example, Køs owns the original plaster model of The Little Mermaid, which, when seen so close up, looks much bigger than the statue on the rock. It also owns the amazing artwork created by Bjørn Nørgaard to produce the tapestries seen in the Great Hall at Christiansborg Palace. Køs Museum of Art in Public Spaces is only free on the 1st Sunday of the month.
Enjoy Stunning Views Of Copenhagen For Free
For a panoramic view over Copenhagen, take the elevator up to the top of the following towers and viewpoints. It’s worth visiting as many as possible as they each offer Copenhagen from a different perspective.
Visit Copenhill Rooftop Cafe For An Amazing View Of The City
For a free 360-degree view over Copenhagen, the Øresund Sound, and a good view of Sweden, you won’t get anywhere better than Copenhill.
Copenhill stands 124 metres (406 feet) tall on top of a waste-to-energy plant. It’s a ski slope, but there’s every reason to take the elevator up to the top just for the view. At the top, there’s a bar that also serves hot drinks and snacks.
If you feel athletic, you can also walk or run up the stairs.
Copenhill Rooftop Cafe Opening Hours, Address and Website
| Copenhill Opening Hours | Mon 12 pm – 5 pm Tues – Fri 12 pm – 6 pm Sat 10 am – 6 pm Sun 10 am – 5 pm |
| Address | Vindmøllevej 6, 2300 København |
| Website | Copenhill Website |
Enjoy The Spectacular View From Mærsk Towers
Mærsk Tower was opened in 2017 and stands 75 metres (246 feet) tall. The free entry viewpoint on the 15th floor gives a view of The Lakes and the surrounding area.
On a clear day, you can see the Øresund Bridge, connecting Denmark to Sweden in the distance.
Mærsk Tower Public Opening Hours, Address and Website
| Mærsk Tower Opening Hours | Weekdays 8 am – 5 pm |
| Ticket Price | Free entry |
| Address | University of Copenhagen Panum and Mærsk Tower Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 |
| Website | Mærsk Tower Website |
Visit Konditaget Lüders Rooftop Playground In Nordhavn
Konditaget Lüders is a unique playground, a sports training area, and a place to relax and enjoy the view over the harbour water.
Positioned on top of a car park, 24 metres (79 feet) up, you’ll be pleased to know there’s an elevator to the top unless you want to use the stairs at the side of the building as part of your training regime!
Konditaget Lüders Opening Hours And Address
| Konditaget Lüders Opening Hours | 7 am – 10 pm |
| Ticket Price | Free entry |
| Address | P-hus Lüders på Helsinkigade, Helsinkigade 30, 2150 København |
| Website | Konditaget Lüders |
View The Harbour Waters From The Black Diamond
The Royal Library, also known as The Black Diamond, is part of the national library and several Danish universities.
For a free view, take the elevator to the sixth floor. However, if you’re afraid of heights, you may find it easier to admire the view from the fourth floor.
The Black Diamond Opening Hours, Address and Website
| Black Diamond Opening Hours | 10 am – 8 pm Mon – Fri 10 am – 6 pm Sat |
| Address | Søren Kierkegaards Pl. 1, 1221 København K |
| Website | Black Diamond Website |
There are plenty more towers and viewpoints around Copenhagen, but they aren’t all free. Check out my article, Where Are The Best Viewpoints In Copenhagen to learn more.
What To See At Christiansborg Palace Complex For Free
Whilst there is an entry fee for most of the Christiansborg complex, there are some things you can see for free, including the tour of Folketinget, the Danish Parliament and Christiansborg Tower.
Christiansborg Tower: Enjoy A Free Panoramic City View
Christiansborg Tower is part of the Christiansborg Palace complex. Located above Folketinget, the Danish Parliament, the 44-metre (144-foot) high viewing platform provides an excellent lookout over the surrounding area.
There are two lines to visit the tower, one for guests who have reserved a table at Restaurant Tårnet and another for visiting the tower. Get there early as there is always a queue to go up Christiansborg Tower.
Entry into the building is subject to airport-style security.
Christiansborg Tower Opening Hours, Address and Website
| Christiansborg Tower Opening Hours | Tues – Sat 11 am – 9 pm Sun 11 am – 5.30 pm Closed Monday |
| Address | Christiansborg Slotsplads, 1218 København |
| Website | Christiansborg Tower Website |
Visit Christiansborg Royal Chapel (Christiansborg Slotskirke)
Unfortunately, Christiansborg Royal Chapel is not original; however, it is beautiful and well worth a visit.
In 1992 fireworks from a Sankt Hans Midsummer’s Eve celebration caused severe damage, hitting the dome, which was undergoing repair and covered in plastic, causing a fire which almost destroyed the chapel.
Extensive restoration, which was eventually completed in 1997, is true to the original, and the beautiful chapel is worth a visit.
Christiansborg Palace Chapel Opening Hours, Address and Website
| Christiansborg Palace Chapel Opening Hours | 10 am – 5 pm Sunday Only 10 am – 6 pm Daily in July |
| Address | Christiansborg Slotsplads, 1218 København K |
| Website | Christiansborg Palace Chapel Website |
Watch The Royal Horses Being Exercised At Christiansborg
Although there is no fixed schedule, the royal horses are exercised daily in the Christianborg Palace paddock. If you’re lucky, you could see the horses pulling the royal carriages as they trot around the training ground.
Take A Free Guided Tour Of The Danish Parliament (Folketinget)
When parliament is in recess, Folketinget, the Danish parliament, offers free, 45-minute guided tours.
It’s worth taking a tour whether or not you are interested in politics, as you’ll learn a little more about Denmark and some amusing snippets while taking the tour. I’ve taken the tour several times and learned something new each time.
You must reserve your place in advance and be aware of airport-style security before entering the parliament building.
Watch A Sitting Of The Danish Parliament
The Danish Parliament sits from the first Tuesday in October until mid-June, and during sittings, you can watch the proceedings inside the Chamber. Of course, the sessions are held in Danish, but for more information, visit the Folketinget website.
The Danish Parliament Address And Website
Visit World Famous Colourful Nyhavn
Nyhavn is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Copenhagen. Its iconic beauty makes it a prime spot for photography. I’ve lived in Copenhagen for over ten years and still can’t pass without taking several photos.
Nyhavn is an ideal spot if you’re looking for a bite to eat, but prices are higher than elsewhere. However, there are hot dog vans (pølsevogn) at the Kongens Nytorv end of Nyhavn where you can get a cheap snack.
Nyhavn Address – København K
Wander The Photo Friendly Copenhagen Streets
You’ll come across some beautiful sights and architecture just wandering around the streets of Copenhagen. Whether you are a serious photographer or like to point and click for social media, there are plenty of places to take stunning shots.
Keep your eyes open for places like Børsen (1217 København K), the old stock exchange with its twisted dragons’ spire. While it’s no longer open to the public, the building close to Christiansborg Palace is eye-catching.
And take a stroll along Magstræde (Magstræde, 1204 København), one of the oldest streets in Copenhagen. Wherever you are, look up and look back, and you’ll see some fantastic architecture and social media worthy scenes.
Visit Freetown Christiania
Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous area of Copenhagen, has a population of 800, receives 2 to 3 million visitors annually and will always be free to visit.
During the summer, Cafe Nemoland stages free outdoor concerts on Sundays, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy live music in a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Use this link to check out what’s on at Nemoland.
Located in the neighbourhood of Christianshavn, Freetown Christiania is renowned for its Pusher Street, which offers cannabis products, but there is much more to experience within the area.
Until 1985, Christiania was not subject to any planning regulations—residents could construct housing with whatever materials they chose. As a result, you can see remarkable structures around Christiania’s lake while also marvelling at its vibrant street art across the entire area.
Christiania has several entrances, but the main entrance is on Bådsmandsstræde 43, 1407 København K, close to The Church of Our Saviour, a renowned Copenhagen landmark featuring a climbable spiral staircase around the exterior of its tower.
Find Thomas Dambo’s Forgotten Giants
The enchanting Forgotten Giants, also known as trolls, were originally introduced to Denmark with just six sculptures. However, their popularity spread and there are Forgotten Giants across the globe.
These remarkable constructions are the brainchild of the Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who skillfully creates them using recycled scrap wood.
Each giant is a unique masterpiece, adding a touch of whimsy and wonder to the landscape. They not only showcase Dambo’s creativity and commitment to sustainability but also serve as a reminder of the beauty that can be found in unexpected places.
Where To Find The Forgotten Giants Around Copenhagen
Forgotten Giants can be found at these locations around Copenhagen.
Visit Copenhagen City Hall (Københavns Rådhus) For Free
Designed by architect Martin Nyrop, Copenhagen’s City Hall (Københavns Rådhus) was constructed between 1892 and 1905, with the interior featuring Jens Olsens World Clock, the most accurate analogue clock in the world, mural paintings and glass roofs.
The main hall is the most impressive room, reminiscent of an inner courtyard of an Italian Renaissance palace.
It’s worth a visit, especially if you enjoyed the Danish television series The Killing, as some of it was filmed inside Copenhagen City Hall.
From the 1st of May to the 29th of September, the garden is open to the public between 9 am and 4 pm on weekdays. The entrance is on H C Andersen Boulevard, opposite Tivoli Gardens.
City Hall Opening Hours, Address and Website
| City Hall Opening Hours | 9 am – 4 pm Mon – Fri 9.30 am – 1 pm Sat |
| Address | Rådhuspladsen 1, 1550 København |
| Website | Copenhagen City Hall Website |
Enjoy Copenhagen’s Free Festivals
Celebrate the spirit of Copenhagen with free festivals that occur year-round,
The Copenhagen Light Festival
Each February, the Copenhagen Light Festival presents magical light installations dotted around the city centre and surrounding area. The lights are switched on between 5 and 10 pm every night.
To find the installations, check out the regularly updated website, which includes a map.
Whether you pass one on your travels around the city or set out to view it, all the Copenhagen Light Festival installations are worth a look.
Enjoy Copenhagen Pride
Copenhagen Pride takes place in the middle of August (10th – 18th August 2024) and features various free events throughout the city.
Copenhagen City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) is transformed into Pride Square, with many events occurring throughout the week.
On the last Saturday, a huge Pride Parade begins at Frederiksberg City Hall (Frederiksberg Rådhus) and ends at Pride Square in the city centre.
Winter Pride takes place at the end of February and includes numerous free events throughout the city.
For more information, take a look at the Copenhagen Pride website.
Distortion Street Partys
Distortion is an annual music and street culture festival in Copenhagen. It is one of the largest festivals in Scandinavia. It typically takes place over several days, transforming various neighbourhoods and venues across the city into vibrant music, art, and urban culture hubs.
Nørrebro Street Part and Action Hygge are free to attend events featuring music, art, food and fun. For the lineups and latest information, check out the Distortion website.
Dates: 29th May – 2nd June 2024
However, be aware that Distortion Ø, Distortion X and Distortion Club are all paid ticketed events.
Ballet And Brunch At The Royal Danish Theatre Old Stage
Watch the dancers of the Royal Danish Ballet as they practice on the main stage. The practice session lasts an hour and a half, and you can buy snacks in Cafe August B, inside the theatre.
While viewing is free, you must get a ticket online to reserve your place.
Royal Danish Theatre Address And Website
Where To Enjoy Free Live Music in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a diverse array of venues offering free live music.
Visit Byhaven Pumpehuset For Free Live Music
Byhaven Pumpehuset is an outdoor venue, open from Wednesday to Sunday from the end of April to September. The venue offers free live music, snacks and a well-stocked bar.
Byhaven Pumpehuset Address And Website
Free Live Music at Nemoland, Christiania
Nemoland in Christiania offers free concerts each Sunday throughout the summer, beginning at the end of May. You can choose to watch close to the stage or from the ramparts.
Check the Nemoland website for more details.
Free Concerts At Trinity Church, Next To The Round Tower
Each Friday at 4:30 pm, Trinity Church in Copenhagen hosts free concerts. The performances vary each week, ranging from organ concerts to choral performances. You’ll need to check the website for what’s happening each week; sometimes, it’s an organ concert; other weeks, it can be a choral concert.
Located next to The Round Tower, Trinity Church is beautiful and well worth a visit.
Trinity Church Address And Website
| Address | Landemærket 2, 1119 København K |
| Website | Trinity Church Website |
Holmens Church Free Organ Concerts
Holmens Church offers free organ concerts featuring organists from different parts of Europe every Wednesday at noon from the 3rd of July to the 28th of August 2024.
There are additional free concerts at Holmen Church throughout the year, so check the calendar for more information.
Holmens Church Address And Website
| Holmens Church Address | Holmens Kanal 21, 1060 København |
| Holmens Church Website | Holmens Church Website |
Free Concerts At The Church Of The Holy Spirit
There are occasional free concerts at the Church of The Holy Spirit (Helligaandskirken). Check the website for more details.
Address And Website For The Church Of The Holy Spirit Copenhagen
Visit One Or More Of Copenhagen’s Stunning Churches
Copenhagen has some of the best churches in Europe, with stunning architecture and a rich history. All churches are free to visit, although some may charge a fee to climb the towers.
Take a look at this article about the 12 best churches in Copenhagen for more information, including addresses, opening times and photos.
The article includes Frederiks Church, also known as the Marble Church, with the largest dome in Scandinavia; Copenhagen Cathedral, where King Frederik X married Queen Mary in 2004; Holmen’s Church, where Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II married Prince Henrik in 1967; and Christians Church, often called the theatre church because of the unique floor-to-ceiling viewing boxes.
Free Things To See And Do Outdoors In Copenhagen
Explore Copenhagen’s great outdoors with these free activities.
Visit Copenhagen’s Parks and Picnic Spots
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to parks and picnic spots in Copenhagen’s city centre.
Because there are so many to choose from, I have written a separate article, Explore The Top 10 Best Parks In Copenhagen, which includes green spaces in the city centre and a few further out of town.
The article includes Kings Garden – the oldest royal garden in Denmark and where you can get a good view of Rosenborg Castle; Frederiksberg Park, a great place to spot grey herons, especially in the spring when the chicks hatch; And The Citadel (Kastellet), a green space in a working military barracks close to the harbour waters.
Relax And Enjoy The Botanical Garden For Free
Copenhagen’s botanical garden is an oasis in the middle of the city. There’s plenty of seating and marked grass areas where you can relax, enjoy a picnic or do a spot of inner-city bird watching.
While the botanical garden is free, there is an entry fee to the Palm House and Butterfly House. Opening times for the Palm House and Butterfly House differ from the Botanical Garden. To learn more, check out this article, Explore The Top 10 Best Parks in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Botanical Garden Opening Hours and Address
| Botanical Garden Opening Hours | 8.30 am – 4 pm Oct-March 8.30 am – 6 pm Apr-Sept |
| Address | Gothersgade 128, 1123 København K |
| Website | Botanical Garden Website |
Spot Wild Deer At Copenhagen Deer Park (Dyrehaven)
Located inside a UNESCO forest, Copenhagen Deer Park is a great place to spot wild deer. The park has three types of deer: sika, red and fallow. Because there are approximately 2,000 deer in the park, you have a good chance of spotting not just one but often a whole herd.
The Deer Park is open 24 hours a day and has free entry.
Check out the article The Deer Park, Copenhagen: Everything You Need To Know for more information about getting to the park and what to expect.
Visit The Annual Hubertus Hunt
The Hubertus Hunt, an annual event taking place on the first Sunday in November, happens inside the Deer Park. It’s not a hunt in the traditional sense; no animals are harmed, but it’s a famous spectacle that draws up to 40,000 spectators.
The next Hubertus Hunt takes place on the 3rd of November 2024. Take a look at this article to learn more.
Visit Bakken, The World’s Oldest Amusement Park
Bakken is the world’s oldest operating amusement park, boasting rides and attractions since 1583. While you have to pay for the rides, entry to the park is free.
One of the most iconic attractions at Bakken is Rutschebanen, a wooden rollercoaster constructed in 1932 that remains operational today.
Due to seasonal variations, it is essential to check the website for up-to-date opening times.
Bakken is located within The Deer Park (Dyrehaven), giving you the chance to experience two very different attractions for free. Furthermore, Bellevue Beach is just across the road.
You’ll find more information about Bakken in this article, Explore The Top 10 Best Parks In Copenhagen.
Explore Copenhagen’s Waterfront
Visit The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue)
The bronze statue of the Little Mermaid sitting on a rock in Copenhagen’s harbour waters attracts tourists worldwide.
She’s much smaller than you might imagine, and you’re likely to spot the crowds before you see her. If you want to visit without the crowds, get there early in the morning.
You can view The Little Mermaid 24 hours a day at Langelinie, 2100 København Ø.
Mermaids of Copenhagen: Everything You Need To Know contains details of the Little Mermaid and all the other mermaids and mermen you can see around Copenhagen.
The Genetically Modified Mermaid
Created by Bjørn Nørgaard, The Genetically Modified Mermaid is ten minutes from The Little Mermaid. She sits on a rock in the water, but unlike The Little Mermaid, you can’t get close enough to stand next to her for a selfie without getting more than your feet wet.
Landbound at the Genetically Modified Mermaid’s side, there are six other sculptures entitled The Genetically Modified Paradise.
You can visit The Genetically Modified Mermaid for free 24 hours a day at Langelinie Allé 17, 2100 København.
Hire A Green Kayak For Free
The principle behind Green Kayak, an environmental NGO first implemented in Copenhagen, is to reduce water pollution while having fun.
You can hire a kayak for free, provided you collect trash from the water as you paddle, weigh in the trash at the end of your trip and share the experience on social media at #greenkayak.
Green Kayak is closed between October and April but reopens on the 1st of May.
Green Kayak Address and Website
| Address | Various Locations Check The Website |
| Website | Green Kayak Website |
Swim At The Free Harbour Baths And Bathing Zones
Copenhagen has several purpose-built harbour baths, bathing zones, and some of Denmark’s finest beaches. So I have written a separate article, Where To Go Outdoor Swimming in Copenhagen, which covers the best swimming spots in more detail.
How Can I Help?
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