12 Things to Do in Copenhagen [2024]: Top activities!

The capital city of Denmark is often not the first destination that springs to mind when planning a budget trip. 

Copenhagen is well-known as one of the most expensive cities in Europe. But with a little planning and inside tips, Copenhagen can fit anyone's budget! Let's discuss the best cheap and free Copenhagen attractions that you can enjoy while you're there.

What are things to do in Copenhagen on a budget?

Even if you're on a tight budget, there are plenty of fun things to do in Copenhagen. Here's a list of budget-friendly Copenhagen attractions and activities that you'll love.

12. Get Lost in the Norrebro District

The Norrebro District is a vibrant part of the city. This multicultural hub is a favorite hangout for students, hippies, and young adults. The area is bursting with cafes, restaurants, and clubs. 

A visit to the Norrebo district is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen at night. The whole area comes alive with a vibrant party scene.

You can wander among the narrow alleyways, listen to live music performances, or simply take in the sights. The Norrebro District is a bit out of the way from the touristy areas and is a nice vibe if you're tired of the sightseeing crowds.

11. Join a Canal Tour

Canal tours are very popular in Copenhagen. Before you discard this as a typical tourist trap, think again. 

Canal tours are a fun experience that's easy on a budget. Touring on a boat is a great way to enjoy unobstructed views of the most popular Copenhagen tourist attractions and landmarks, especially its modern architecture. 

Most canal tours last about an hour to 75 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the views and chill.

So if you're looking for unique things to do in Copenhagen, go on a canal tour and embrace your inner tourist!

10. Explore the Famous Harbor of Nyhavn

No visit to Copenhagen would be complete without a trip to Nyhavn. It's one of the most photographed parts of the city. You've probably seen it on a postcard: the waterside lined with vibrantly colored buildings. 

Nyhavn is popular as an entertainment district, and the cafes and bars tend to be a bit pricey. But the picturesque townhouses are the main attraction in Nyhavn, and there's also plenty of awesome street art in this area. 

This is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen if you're looking for a place to wander around and soak up the local atmosphere.

9. Unleash Your Inner Child at Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is known as the world's oldest theme park. 

The entrance ticket prices to Tivoli Gardens are $19.60 on weekdays and $20.90 on weekends. 

You can opt to pay for individual rides at Tivoli Gardens instead of buying a ride pass which will probably work out cheaper - unless you're there for an adrenaline rush! If that's the case, you may as well splash out and get a ride pass too!

But the main attraction is the beautiful gardens and festive atmosphere. Tivoli Gardens is one of the most fun things to do in Copenhagen all year round. 

8. Go on a Troll Hunt

Add this to your list of unusual things to do in Copenhagen. 

Thomas Dambo is a local Danish artist who created troll sculptures made from recycled wood. He decided to hide these trolls in various parts of the city – from parks to wooded areas. Thomas posts clues online on the whereabouts of the hidden trolls. 

It is a fun activity to do if you're in Copenhagen for a few days and you want to try something new. Not to mention, it's free!

7. Rent a Bike

Denmark is known for its bicycle culture, and most of the locals in Copenhagen get around using their bikes. 

You can rent a bike to go sightseeing around the city. The streets have bike-friendly lanes and are very easy to navigate. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the city's culture and be one with the locals.  

The 24-hour bike rental in Copenhagen costs $40 to $80. But it's a worthwhile investment since it makes it easy to get around and you can save on transport costs.

Or you could treat yourself to a bike tour and get the inside scoop on Copenhagen!

6. Rest and Relax at the Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens is a free attraction that you can add to your list of free things to do in Copenhagen. The garden spans a total of 25 acres and is in the heart of the city. 

The Botanical Gardens were founded in 1600 and changed location twice before permanently settling in its current location in the late 19th century. 

The garden is home to 13,000 plant species and glasshouses. The 52-feet tall Palm House is a central feature in the garden. 

If you're interested in exploring the Palm House, the tickets are $9 per person. 

5. Visit Hans Christian Andersen's Grave

Literary fans cannot miss the opportunity to visit and pay respects to the grave of Hans Christian Andersen while in Copenhagen. 

The Danish writer died in 1875, and you can visit his grave at the Assistens Cemetery. Entrance to the cemetery is free. 

The exact location of Andersen's grave is available on Google Maps. 

4. Enjoy Coffee and Danish Delicacies

You have to have a danish in Denmark! Because one thing the Danish are known for is their love of coffee and pastries. 

You can check out any of the local neighborhood coffee shops for a taste of their local coffee culture. Most places offer a dizzying array of delicious Danish pastries. 

Some of the must-try pastries in Copenhagen are Rhubarb Horns, Poppy Seed Tea Buns, Danish butter cookies, and Cinnamon Rolls. 

3. Join a Free Walking Tour

A walking tour is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen when you've just arrived. It'll help you get your bearings and figure out how things work in this beautiful city. 

The free guided tours take you to some of the top attractions in the city like the University of Copenhagen, Stroget, Amalienborg Palace, and some other historic canals.

The tour guide will provide insightful commentaries about these major attractions. But admission to the buildings and attractions isn't included in the tour. If you're curious, you can check out any of the sites on your own afterward.

2. Visit the Little Mermaid Statue

The Little Mermaid Statue by Edvard Eriksen is one of the most iconic attractions in Copenhagen. This artwork is on the bucket list of many literary fans as it pays homage to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales. 

You can see the statue if you embark on a canal tour. But you can also take a walk along the promenade to get up close to it and take pictures. 

The Google Maps address will help you locate the statue, which can be accessed on foot or by bike. 

1. Tour the Round Tower

The Round Tower is one of the top attractions in Copenhagen. King Christian IV built it in the 17th century, and the tower is made up of a church on the ground floor, a church library, and an observatory. 

The spiral ramp is a unique feature of the Round Tower because the architecture of the era would usually use a spiral staircase. 

You have to complete seven full turns before you reach the top of the tower, but the steep walk is worth the impressive city views below! 

The cost of admission for the Round Tower is $3.75. 

Explore Copenhagen with Pilot!

Copenhagen is a wonderful city with so much to offer. If you're turned off by the idea of visiting it merely because you think it's out of your budget, you're missing out! 

You can find plenty of budget-friendly attractions and affordable accommodation in Copenhagen. 

There's a myriad of things to do in Copenhagen, and you'll have a jam-packed itinerary trying to experience it all. Doing a little bit of planning is a good idea if you want to make the most of this picturesque capital.