Copenhagen is beautiful anytime of the year however especially in the European Summer. Below are my recommendations for the BEST FREE THINGS TO DO IN COPENHAGEN.
Map of the Best Free Things To do in Copenhagen
There’s a full list below, but, here’s a quick map of the best free things to do in Copenhagen.
Little Mermaid Statue
Launching off the list of top free things to do in Copenhagen is the Little Mermaid Statue. Many foreigners don’t know but The little mermaid was originally written by a Danish Author Hans Christian Andersen. The statue was installed in 1913 and is now in the list of cities recognisable by a statue, along with the statue of liberty and Chris the Redeemer.
Best time to see it is early in the morning as it is only small and gets very busy!
Amalienborg Palace – Danish Royal Palace
The Danish monarchy is one of the oldest in the world. It’s origins can be traced back 1000 years. The palace ground can be easily accessed for free near the city’s centre (paid tours are available) with a striking statue of King Frederick the 5th from the early 1700’s.
Rosenborg Castle and Gardens
The Rosenborg Castle is an iconic 17th century royal establishment. The Danish government houses the Crown jewels here (which you can also pay to see). Attached to the Palace is the completely open to the public gardens. This free things to do in Copenhagen is centrally located and easy to reach.
Frederik’s Church
Located directly onlooking to the Royal Palace, the next free things to do in Copenhagen is Frederik’s Church. The church’s construction was started in 1749 however abandoned due to cost. It stood as a ruin for 150 years before being completed in 1894. It is free to visit, go inside and marvel at the architecture.
Chariot Statue – Gefoin Statue
Between the Kastellet and the Little mermaid statue lies the Gefoin Statue. Finished in 1908 the Gefoin statue was donated by the Carlsberg brewery to celebrate their 50th birthday. The Gefoin statue depicts a the story of creation on Zealand, the island Copenhagen’s located on.
Nyhavn
Nyhaven is one of Copenhagens most recognisable locations. A bustling and colourful street along the water bosting bars, boat tours and unending people watching. The closest Metro stop is Kobenhavn, a short 7 minute walk away.
Copenhagen Opera house
A short walk from Nyhavn lies one of the most expensive opulent Opera house ever built. Again, there are paid tours available but it is free to walk around the grounds.
Copenhagen Market
Torvehallerne isa. Very well known fresh market populated with lcoals and tourists alike. It’s absolutely free to marvel at the produce however it’s also well known for Copenhagen’s local delicacy, Smorsbrot.
Carlsberg Factory
Fancy a pint? The Carlsberg factory produces 1.3 million litres of beer a year and the factory takes up multiple blokcs. It is iconic for its progress towards sustainability before it was a hot topic and the controversial swastika elephants. Don’t be alarmed. When the elephants were built the symbol represented peace.
Kastellet
Kastellet is a 1600’s fortification and one of the best preserved fortresses in Europe. It is still In use today with a fully operational military barracks inside. It is however completely open to the public.
Go For a swim
A little known part of Danish culture is to start the day off with a swim in the ocean. Yes it’s brisk, but it’s a fact, you never regret a swim. Clothes are optional.
Hope you’ve enjoyed my list of the best free things to do in Copenhagen!
Feel free to check out some other European adventures HERE.
