Affordable and free experiences in Copenhagen – a guide for your visit

Three people sit on a bench by a lake, surrounded by trees and ducks. Bicycles are parked nearby, and a person stands beside them. The scene is peaceful under a clear, blue sky.

Copenhagen may be among Europe’s most expensive capitals – but the city is also full of experiences and activities that do not have to cost a fortune. Throughout the city, you will find plenty of affordable and free experiences that give you a genuine sense of the city’s life, atmosphere and character.

On this page, we guide you to some of them – but Copenhagen has much more to offer if you explore on your own.

Stay at Wakeup Copenhagen at a great price

When you stay at Wakeup Copenhagen, you can enjoy accommodation at a competitive and reasonable price. Our hotels are located at three attractive addresses in Copenhagen, so you are always close to everything:

With Wakeup Copenhagen, you get affordable accommodation in Copenhagen – and therefore more room in your budget for all the fun the city has to offer.

Experience Copenhagen on a budget

Below you will find a small selection of some of the many affordable experiences you can enjoy when visiting Copenhagen:

Folkehuset Absalon

A large group of people sit at long tables covered with colorful tablecloths, sharing a meal in a spacious, high-ceilinged hall with tall windows, chandeliers, and a warm red accent wall.

Experience Folkehuset Absalon – a vibrant community house where locals and visitors meet and connect in new ways. Every evening at 6:00 pm, affordable communal dining is served at long tables, with the daily menu presented on large platters.

Buy tickets in advance if you want to secure a seat.

Canal tour in Copenhagen

A modern, glass-fronted building with a unique textured upper section sits by the water. A long, open-top boat with tourists passes in front of it. Clear skies and scattered clouds are visible in the background.

A canal tour is a relaxed and atmospheric way to experience Copenhagen. With Netto Boats, you can enjoy an affordable and cosy guided boat trip that takes you through the city’s canals and past both classic landmarks as well as old and new neighbourhoods.

If you would like to experience the city from the water on your own, you can also take the Harbour Bus with a regular bus ticket. Here, you get the same view of the harbour and city life – just at your own pace and as part of public transport.

CopenHill

Aerial view of a modern power plant with a sloped green roof, featuring a ski slope and viewing areas. The plant is surrounded by water bodies and urban landscape. Smoke rises from the plants stack, and there are roads and vehicles nearby.

CopenHill is a very different and modern attraction. The iconic building offers a combination of architecture, sustainability and fun activities – right in the middle of the city.

It is free to visit CopenHill as a walking guest. You can explore the rooftop via the landscaped paths, experience the green areas and enjoy the views over Copenhagen, the harbour and the city.

If you would like to ski, go sledding or climb the wall, a ticket is required, but access to the rooftop and surrounding area is free. CopenHill is therefore an ideal stop if you want to experience something new and different – even without spending money.

Free experiences in Copenhagen

There are plenty of exciting experiences in Copenhagen with free access to public spaces, parks and selected attractions. Here, we have gathered some of the best suggestions for what you can experience and do in the city – without spending any money.

The Tower at Christiansborg

The image shows a large, historic European building with a central tower topped by a spire. The facade is symmetrical, with a courtyard in front. The sky is clear and blue, and there are trimmed hedges lining the sides.

The Harbour Bath at Islands Brygge

People dive and sit on a wooden ramp by the water, with modern buildings in the background. The sunny day shows a lively, recreational scene by the waters edge.

The Harbour Bath at Islands Brygge is especially a popular place to visit during the summer months, when both locals and visitors enjoy the sun and the water along the cosy harbourfront at Islands Brygge.

There are plenty of opportunities to relax on the green lawns or take a refreshing swim in the harbour. You can easily bring your own food and drinks to enjoy, or visit the charming cafés nearby.

The free town of Christiania

A wooden sign with the word Christiania in yellow capital letters arches over a pathway bordered by lush green trees.Several bicycles are parked beneath the sign. Totem-like carvings decorate the poles supporting the sign.

Freetown Christiania is a must-see and remains one of the country’s biggest attractions if you have not visited before. It is free to walk around this free-spirited oasis. In addition, it is relatively affordable to eat at one of the area’s restaurants.

Konditaget Lüders

A person swings on a red swing set on a rooftop playground with a modern, cylindrical building in the background under a clear blue sky.

Konditaget Lüders is a unique and active urban space in Nordhavn, offering free access to exercise, relaxation and panoramic views. The colourful rooftop functions as a playground and activity area with stairs, slopes and seating areas – making it an ideal stop if you want to experience Copenhagen from a new perspective.

Here, you can take a break, get your heart rate up or simply enjoy a fantastic view over the harbour, the city and the water. Konditaget is popular with both locals and visitors and fits perfectly into a day filled with walking, city life and free experiences in Copenhagen.

Thorvaldsens Museum

A hallway in a museum features classical sculptures on pedestals. The statues, mostly of human figures, are lined along one side. The floor is checkered, and the ceiling has decorative patterns. The foreground shows a partial marble bust.

Thorvaldsens Museum is centrally located on Slotsholmen and is dedicated to the famous sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, one of Denmark’s most renowned artists. The museum houses a large collection of Thorvaldsen’s sculptures, reliefs and personal belongings, offering a unique atmosphere where art, architecture and history merge.

A major advantage is that admission to Thorvaldsens Museum is free every Wednesday for both children and adults, making it an ideal stop if you want to combine culture with budget-friendly activities. Explore both the impressive artworks and the museum’s colourful halls while experiencing one of the capital’s most unique museums.

The Glyptotek

A person with long blonde hair walks through a lush indoor garden with tropical plants, a central fountain, and a glass roof in a grand, historic building.

The Glyptotek is one of the most atmospheric museums and an ideal place to explore art, architecture and history in peaceful surroundings. The museum is centrally located near Tivoli and offers an impressive collection of ancient art, sculptures and paintings – including works by Rodin and Degas.

A special advantage is that admission is free every Wednesday, making the Glyptotek an excellent choice if you want to combine culture with budget-friendly activities in the city.

Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg

A group of uniformed guards stand in formation outside a building. They wear tall black hats, dark jackets, and blue trousers with white accents. Their swords are sheathed at their sides, and they stand on a stone pavement.

The Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg is one of Copenhagen’s most classic and atmospheric experiences. Every day, you can watch the Royal Life Guards march through the city and into the palace square, where the guard change takes place in front of the royal family’s residence.

The experience is free of charge and attracts both locals and visitors who want to witness a living tradition in the heart of the city. The atmosphere in the palace square, the historic surroundings and the guards’ distinctive uniforms make the Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg an ideal stop if you want to experience part of Copenhagen’s royal history up close.

Thomas Dambo’s Trolls

A large wooden sculpture resembling a reclining animal, possibly a rabbit, lies on the ground in a sunlit, leafy forest clearing.

Thomas Dambo’s trolls offer a unique and creative experience for both children and adults. The large wooden constructions are created as art in nature and are hidden throughout the landscape – ready to be discovered if you explore outside the centre of Copenhagen.

Among the most well-known works are “The Six Forgotten Giants” located in the western suburbs of Copenhagen. They invite you on a treasure hunt through forests, hills and green areas. Each of the six trolls has its own personality and story, and the experience combines play, nature and art in a way that makes the trip truly special.

More free experiences:

Walk along the waterfront at Copenhagen Harbour

A walk along the harbour is a perfect way to experience the city at a relaxed pace. Along the waterfront, you will encounter modern architecture, historic buildings and lively quays, while the city reflects beautifully in the harbour waters.

You can, for example, walk from areas such as Islands Brygge and Christianshavn to the Inner Harbour Bridge, Nyhavn and further towards Nordhavn.

Churches in Copenhagen with free admission

There are many churches in Copenhagen with free entry, offering you the opportunity to experience history, architecture and tranquillity in the middle of the city. A church is often a natural place to take a break from Copenhagen’s pace and discover another side of the city.

A great example is the Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke), known for its bright, simple interior and the impressive sculptures by Bertel Thorvaldsen. The church is free to visit and centrally located, making it easy to combine with other sights in the Inner City.

Whether you are interested in architecture, culture or simply looking for a quiet moment, churches are ideal stops when you want to experience Copenhagen in an atmospheric and budget-friendly way.

Walk at Kastellet

A walk at Kastellet is a calm and atmospheric experience in the heart of Copenhagen. The historic fortress is surrounded by green ramparts, paths and water, inviting you to take a break.

Here, you can explore the old bastions, walk along the ramparts and enjoy views of the water and the city. The area is free to visit and perfect for both short and longer walks – whether you are interested in history, nature or simply want to experience Copenhagen at a relaxed pace.

Kastellet is located close to The Little Mermaid and Langelinie and is easy to combine with other attractions in the area.

Bispebjerg Cemetery

At Bispebjerg Cemetery in Copenhagen’s Nordvest district, you will find some of the city’s most charming and beautiful tree-lined avenues, perfect for a peaceful walk. The cemetery is especially known for its cherry trees, which bloom in full splendour every spring.

When the cherry trees blossom, the area attracts many visitors who come to enjoy the sight and capture beautiful photos of the pink flowers that create a truly special atmosphere. Bispebjerg Cemetery is therefore an ideal place to experience spring in Copenhagen.

GreenKayak

GreenKayak gives you the opportunity to experience Copenhagen from the water in a kayak – without having to pay. The concept is simple: You borrow a kayak free of charge in exchange for collecting waste from the harbour along the way. This way, you combine an active experience with a positive contribution to the environment.

A trip with GreenKayak is a different and meaningful way to see the city. You glide through canals and harbour areas in your kayak, enjoy the view and at the same time help keep the harbour clean.

GreenKayak is popular among both locals and visitors and is an ideal free experience if you want to combine activity, city life and sustainability.

Get free admission to attractions with the Copenhagen Card

With the Copenhagen Card, you can experience some of Copenhagen’s best sights with free admission to attractions and museums throughout the city. The card provides access to a wide range of popular experiences and makes it easy to get the most out of your stay without having to purchase separate tickets.

The Copenhagen Card also includes free public transport by bus, train and metro, allowing you to move easily between the city’s many attractions. It is an ideal solution if you want to see a lot in a short time while maintaining full flexibility during your stay.

In short: The Copenhagen Card is perfect for those who want to experience Copenhagen efficiently, conveniently and with maximum value for money.

Read more about the Copenhagen Card

Rent a bike

A person rides a bike while another walks beside theirs on a large wooden deck. In the background, theres a brick building with a large Billy Elliot The Musical poster. The sky is clear, and several other parked bikes are visible.

When you are in the city, it is ideal to experience Copenhagen by bike. You can rent a city bike at an affordable price at all Wakeup Copenhagen hotels. The locals cycle everywhere, and getting around on two wheels is easy, fast and budget-friendly.

Explore Copenhagen’s neighbourhoods

One of the best ways to experience Copenhagen – and get close to the city’s cosy and authentic atmosphere – is to lace up your walking shoes and explore the different neighbourhoods.

With the StoryHunt app, you get a free neighbourhood guide that takes you through areas such as Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Frederiksberg and Østerbro.

The guide is free to use, and you can explore at your own pace, stop along the way and truly experience vibrant Copenhagen – just as the locals experience their hometown.

Download app

Gastronomic experiences on a budget

People sit at outdoor picnic tables at a food truck area under string lights. Two women in the foreground face food trucks, and theres a mix of other patrons and greenery in the background under a clear blue sky.

You do not need to spend a fortune to eat well in Copenhagen. You can find plenty of budget-friendly places to eat where quality and atmosphere are a priority – and where you get great value for money.

Street food markets are a great place to start. At Reffen, you can taste dishes from around the world in raw and relaxed surroundings, while Torvehallerne in the city centre offers everything from traditional Danish open sandwiches and gourmet hot dogs to pizza, tacos and sweet treats. Both places are popular – also if you want to capture a photo for social media.

Across the city, you will also find popular budget-friendly favourites such as DØP – Den Økologiske Pølsemand, Gasoline Grill and Hija de Sanchez, where you get high-quality street food at reasonable prices. If you prefer Asian cuisine, places like Pho Hanoi and Ramen to Bíiru are great choices for an affordable lunch or dinner.

Copenhagen also offers bakeries and cafés such as Lagkagehuset and Democratic Coffee, where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch without exceeding your budget.

Stay in Copenhagen from only   per night

At Wakeup Copenhagen, you can stay overnight in Copenhagen at a competitive price right in the heart of the city – while still enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep. You stay centrally with easy access to the city’s vibrant life, attractions and free experiences in Copenhagen, making it easy to get the most out of your stay without spending extra money.

Wakeup Copenhagen offers smart and affordable budget hotels in the centre of Copenhagen. No matter which of our three hotels you choose to stay at, you can be sure that it is both affordable and centrally located – every time.

Breakfast at a great price

Start your day the best way with breakfast from only   per person. For children under 12 years, the price is  , and children under 3 years eat for free.

Read more about our delicious breakfast
A round table with two breakfast plates; one includes an egg, orange slices, apple, and bread roll, the other has sliced vegetables, cheese, and a bread roll with butter. Accompanied by a cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice.
Small modern bedroom with a single bed, white bedding, a wall-mounted TV, and a glass desk. Green and white patterned curtains frame a window showing a cityscape. Minimalist hotel room with a double bed, wall-mounted TV, and a small glass desk. A window offers a view of a cityscape with a tall tower and distant water. The decor is modern with white bedding and lime-green curtains. Modern white bathroom with a large mirror, a black marble countertop, and a round sink. Towels are neatly stacked beside a wall-mounted hairdryer. In the corner, theres a glass-enclosed shower. Soft lighting overhead brightens the space. A round table with two breakfast plates; one includes an egg, orange slices, apple, and bread roll, the other has sliced vegetables, cheese, and a bread roll with butter. Accompanied by a cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice. Modern café kiosk with glass display of pastries and snacks. Black counter with Café written vertically. Potted plants suspended above, and fridges with drinks visible in the background. Bright lighting and sleek design. A row of black bicycles with baskets is lined up next to a reflective glass wall. The bicycles have green accents and are parked on a paved surface. Small modern bedroom with a single bed, white bedding, a wall-mounted TV, and a glass desk. Green and white patterned curtains frame a window showing a cityscape. Minimalist hotel room with a double bed, wall-mounted TV, and a small glass desk. A window offers a view of a cityscape with a tall tower and distant water. The decor is modern with white bedding and lime-green curtains. Modern white bathroom with a large mirror, a black marble countertop, and a round sink. Towels are neatly stacked beside a wall-mounted hairdryer. In the corner, theres a glass-enclosed shower. Soft lighting overhead brightens the space. A round table with two breakfast plates; one includes an egg, orange slices, apple, and bread roll, the other has sliced vegetables, cheese, and a bread roll with butter. Accompanied by a cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice. Modern café kiosk with glass display of pastries and snacks. Black counter with Café written vertically. Potted plants suspended above, and fridges with drinks visible in the background. Bright lighting and sleek design. A row of black bicycles with baskets is lined up next to a reflective glass wall. The bicycles have green accents and are parked on a paved surface.

Common to all rooms

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • TV with a wide selection of channels
  • Desk
  • Air condition
  • Double bed 160 cm
  • Getama mattress
  • 100% smoke-free hotel
  • Breakfast Buffet
  • Business Center
  • Bike rental
  • Parking

FAQ about free experiences in Copenhagen

Several museums in Copenhagen offer free admission on selected days. Among the most popular are Thorvaldsens Museum, the Glyptotek and the Copenhagen Museum, which can be visited free of charge on Wednesdays. In addition, some museums and exhibitions offer free entry during specific periods, so it can be worthwhile to keep an eye on current offers.

On Wednesdays, you can experience art and culture completely free of charge at, among others, the Glyptotek and Thorvaldsens Museum. This makes Wednesday an ideal day to explore Copenhagen’s museum scene without spending money on admission.

Copenhagen offers plenty of outdoor experiences all year round. You can take walks along Copenhagen Harbour, explore green areas such as the King’s Garden, Fælledparken and Kastellet, or discover the city’s different neighbourhoods. Copenhagen is also ideal for cycling and walking tours, where you can experience city life, architecture and nature at the same time.

There are many free experiences in Copenhagen. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg, take a walk in the city’s parks, explore Assistens Cemetery, visit CopenHill as a walking guest or go on a treasure hunt to find Thomas Dambo’s trolls. In addition, the city often offers free events, outdoor concerts and cultural activities.