Free Things to Do in Copenhagen

10 Free Things to Do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen for Budget Travellers

Copenhagen, despite its reputation as an expensive place to visit, has plenty of historical attractions and activities that don’t cost a thing. Going for a stroll along the canals often results in beautiful photos of pastel-coloured buildings. If you’re looking to learn about Denmark’s rich history, the national museum has many interesting exhibits that are free to visit all year round.

Copenhagen is one of the most sustainable cities in Europe. In keeping with the city’s eco-friendly outlook, free bikes can be hired at over 110 bike racks around the city centre. Take advantage of the wide bike lanes lining most roads and pedal past grand palaces, botanical gardens, and hippy neighbourhoods throughout the day. Read on for our guide of free things to do in Copenhagen.

1. The Little Mermaid

Check out this bronze statue at the Langelinie promenade

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen

Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico


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 harbour. Visit at dusk to enjoy beautiful sunset views of the figure.


Localização: Langelinie, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark

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The Little Mermaid

Langelinie, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark

2. Nyhavn Waterfront

Take photos of colourful houses by Nyhavn Harbour

Nyhavn Waterfront in Copenhagen

Ideal para: Foto, Econômico


The Nyharvn Waterfront is lined with pastel-coloured 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 harbour.


Localização: K, 1051 Copenhagen, Denmark

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Nyhavn Waterfront

K, 1051 Copenhagen, Denmark

3. Copenhagen Botanical Garden

Enjoy views of Copenhagen from the top of Observatory Hill

Copenhagen Botanical Garden, Denmark

Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Econômico


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-metre-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.


Localização: Gothersgade 128, 1123 Copenhagen, Denmark

Abre: Daily from 8.30 am to 4 pm (April – September, open until 6 pm)

Telefone: +45 3532 2222

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Copenhagen Botanical Garden

Gothersgade 128, 1123 Copenhagen, Denmark

4. National Museum of Denmark

See a preserved bog girl at the Danish Prehistory gallery

National Museum of Denmark

Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico


The National Museum of Denmark displays thousands of artefacts 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.


Localização: Prince’s Mansion, Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 Copenhagen K, Denmark

Abre: July–August: daily from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays from September to June)

Telefone: +45 3313 4411

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National Museum of Denmark

Prince's Mansion, Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 Copenhagen K, Denmark

5. Free Sundays at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Check out over 10,000 masterpieces at this 19th-century gallery

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen

Ideal para: Casais, História, Foto, Econômico


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.


Localização: Dantes Plads 7, 1556 Copenhagen, Denmark

Abre: Tuesday–Wednesday and Friday–Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm (closed on Mondays)

Telefone: +45 3341 8141

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Free Sundays at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Dantes Plads 7, 1556 Copenhagen, Denmark

6. Changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace

See this royal ceremony at the palace square at 12pm

Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen

Ideal para: Foto, Econômico


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.


Localização: Amalienborg Slotsplads 5, 1257 Copenhagen K, Denmark

Abre: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

Telefone: +45 3312 2186

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Changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg Slotsplads 5, 1257 Copenhagen K, Denmark

7. Islands Brygge Harbour Bath

Go for a midday swim at this open-air swimming complex

Islands Brygge Harbour Bath, Copenhagen

Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Econômico, Solteiros


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 centre 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 centre 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. Leia mais


Localização: Islands Brygge 14, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark

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Islands Brygge Harbour Bath

Islands Brygge 14, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark

8. Freetown Christiania

Check out unique murals and sculptures at this hippy enclave

Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen

Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Solteiros, Grupos


Freetown Christiania is a hippy neighbourhood 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.


Localização: Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Freetown Christiania

Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark

9. Frederiksberg Garden

Enjoy a picnic with views of Frederiksberg Palace

Frederiksberg Garden in Copenhagen

Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, História, Foto, Econômico


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.


Localização: Frederiksberg Garden, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark

Telefone: +45 3395 4200

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Frederiksberg Garden

Frederiksberg Garden, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark

10. Free Wednesdays at Nikolaj Kunsthal

See contemporary artwork at this performing arts centre

Nikolaj Kunsthal, Copenhagen

Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico


Nikolaj Kunsthal is a refurbished church that displays travelling exhibits, focusing mainly on contemporary artwork. It’s also a performing arts centre, 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.


Localização: Nikolaj Plads 10, 1067 Copenhagen K, Denmark

Abre: Tuesday–Wednesday, Friday–Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm, Thursday from 12 pm to 9 pm (closed on Mondays)

Telefone: +45 3318 1780

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Free Wednesdays at Nikolaj Kunsthal

Nikolaj Plads 10, 1067 Copenhagen K, Denmark

Penny Wong
Viajante compulsivo

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