Free things to do in Copenhagen

Free things to do in Copenhagen

1. 
   SeeArt museumIndre By

   Christiansborg

   the Parliament

   This Neo-baroque palace, completed in 1928, after 11 years of construction - is unique in the world, housing both the executive power, the legislative power, and the judicial power of Denmark, in a single building. It is the 5th construction at the site, and the ruins of the original castle dating back to the 12th century - was excavated during the construction of the current palace, is open to the public (adult 85 kr, student 60 kr). Apart from the ruins there are a few other places that can be visited: free guided tours of the parliament building are conducted during summer months; Parliament's tower can be visited free of charge Tu-Su 11:00-21:00; the Royal Reception Rooms (including the Great Hall with the tapestries) 150 kr; the Royal Kitchen 85 Kr, the Royal Stables 85 kr; the Palace Chapel - free admission. Besides, there is a combination ticket which allows entrance to all of the aforementioned sights - 225 kr. You get a discount of 10 kr for all tickets when ordering online.

   10:00–17:00, May-September opens one hour earlier·Free entry
2. 
   SeeArt museumIndre By

   Thorvaldsens Museum

   Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844) was a Danish/Icelandic sculptor, who lived most of his live in Rome. He is one of the major internationally renowned Danish artists. The museum houses many of Thorvaldsens original models, and several marble casts makes the collection almost complete. It is big and impressive, and the building itself is a striking piece of architecture.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00·Adult 70 kr, students 50 kr, children free, retired Danish citizens: Free. Free admission for all on Wednesdays
3. 
   SeeFortØsterbro

   Kastellet

   Frederikshavn Citadel

   A superbly preserved and restored star-shaped citadel. First built in 1626 as St. Anne's Bulwark and completed in 1664, it was the stronghold at the northern end of the East Rampart, which arched through the city and remains in the form of the many parks extending down to Tivoli. The Citadel now houses the Danish Defense Intelligence Service, and is a popular spot for picnics. As well as two small museums with limited opening hours: Livjæger Museum and the museum in the North Gate which displays Garrison's Historical Collections.

   24hrs daily·Free · Wheelchair accessible · Built 1664
4. 
   DoParkIndre By

   Kongens Have

   King's Garden

   This park adjacent to Rosenborg is the most frequented park in the city. It is a place for a stroll, a picnic, drinking beers in the sun, or whatever you feel like doing. The topless sunbathers often inject a shock into foreign visitors. Also the marionette theatre in the eastern corner is doing plays every day at 14:00 and 15:00. Great for kids.

   Open now · closes 10 pm·Free · Free entry
5. 
   SeeArt museumIndre By

   Davids Samling

   The David Collection

   Art from the Islamic world, European 18th-century art, and Danish early modern art. Free guided tours are only in Danish and are given in the spring and autumn.

   Tue-Sun 10:00–17:00, Thu 10:00-21:00, Mondays: closed·Free · Free entry
6. 
   SeeHistoric siteIndre By

   Marmorkirken

   The Marble Church, Frederik's Church

   Officially called Frederikskirken, this impressive church imposes a massive presence on the Copenhagen skyline, with its 31 m. diameter dome. Because of financial turmoil in the country, it took over 100 years to complete. The church takes its name from the original lower part of the structure which is made from Norwegian marble. Guided tours of the dome: adults: 35 kr, children (under 18) 20 kr (cash only); June 15-Aug 31: daily at 13:00; at other times: Sa Su at 13:00. Tickets are sold from 12:50. Visits might be cancelled due to services or concerts. Services in Danish on Sundays and holidays at 10:30.

   Mon-Thu Sat 10:00-17:00, Fri Sun 12:00-17:00·Free
7. 
   SeeMuseumIndre By

   Krigsmuseet (previously: Tøjhusmuseet)

   Danish War Museum (previously: the Royal Danish Arsenal Museum)

   The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum covers the history of the Danish Defence, its collection dating back to 1604. It covers the development of weapons from the introduction of firearms to the present day, and is well known for its many activities for kids - especially its medieval knight days, during the schools autumn break in week 42.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed Mondays·Adult 80 kr, adult with a child: 70 kr, children: free admission · Wheelchair accessible
8. 
   SeeHistoric siteIndre By

   The University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden

   The Botanical Gardens are one of several parks, dotted along the string of lakes, which used to form part of the old city fortifications. Run by the University of Copenhagen, the garden hosts Denmark's largest collection of living plants, including an impressive collection of orchids. The signature palm house is a huge greenhouse, with large tropical trees, and a sky walk in the canopy.

   Palmhouse:10:00-15:00, garden: Mar-Oct 08:30-18:00 Nov-Feb 08:30-16:00·Garden free, palm house access included in the ticket for the Naturhistoriske Museum or 60 kr for adults and 40 kr for kids and students · Free entry
9. 
   SeeAttractionIndre By

   The City Hall

   Rådhuset

   The City Hall is open to the public, so you can stroll through the hallways, stairs, and study all the paintings, frescoes, and other decorations on your own. City Hall guided tours in English M–F at 13:00, Sa 10:00, 50 kr. Visit the tower: M–F 11:00 and 14:00, Sa at 12:00, 30 kr or free with Copenhagen Card. There is a nice little garden that cannot be seen from outside the city hall. The city hall is also home of Jens Olsen's World Clock - this mechanical masterpiece of a complete astronomical clock is in the foyer.

   Mon-Fri 07:45-17:00·Free · Built 1905 · Wheelchair accessible
10. 
    SeeHistoric siteØsterbro

    Trekroner

    Trekroner fortress

    This 18th-century fort was built to guard the sea approach to Copenhagen's harbor in 1786. It has a special atmosphere, and some gorgeous views over Øresund. There are several well-preserved military buildings and fortifications. A restaurant and a café have been opened in a renovated building. The only access is via Canal Tour's green hop on hop off route (summer only).

    Summer: 10:00-15:00 daily, closed the rest of the year·Admission is free, boat costs 35 kr
11. 
    SeeHistoric siteNorthern suburbs

    Mindelunden

    Ryvangen Memorial Park

    Mindelunden is a memorial park in Hellerup where the Danish freedom fighters who died in World War II are buried. The park has among other things a memorial wall, tombs for the victims of the KZ-camps and a shooting range which the Germans used for execution.

    Open now · closes 4 pm·Free
12. 
    SeeHistoric siteFrederiksberg

    Møstings Hus

    Changing art exhibition in small but very cute house next to the Frederiksberg Garden and a small idyllic pond. It is open to any artist that applies and is accepted by the municipality.

    Tue-Fri 11:00-16:00·Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
13. SeeBotanical gardenFrederiksberg

    Landbohøjskolens Have

    Horticultural Garden

    The University Garden of the University of Copenhagen's Frederiksberg campus is a relatively small but beautiful botanical garden with a focus on cultivated plants.

    sunrise to sunset·free · Built 1858

14. 
    SeeModern art museumAmager

    Kastrupgårdsamlingen

    Set in a beautiful old mansion-like country home from the 18th century, this museum displays a large collection of graphics from mainly Danish artists, including a large collection of the somewhat internationally known Cobra artists. There are also a temporary exhibition space.

    Tue-Fr 13:00-17:00, except Wed 13:00-20:00, Sat,Sun 11:00-17:00·Free · Heritage listed · Wheelchair accessible
15. 
    SeeMuseumØsterbro

    Enigma

    Museum for Postal, Tele, and Communications

    So far only stage one of the new telecommunications museum is implemented. Which means that there is exactly one item on display, an old rusty Enigma machine. But it is free and they have a nice cafe and a museum shop with lots of expensive modern design. So if you are in the area it is worth a visit.

    Mon-Thu 11:00-21:00; Fri 08:00-18:00; Sat Sun 10:00-16:00·free · Wheelchair accessible
16. 
    SeeLibraryIndre By

    The Royal Library

    Det Kongelige Bibliotek, Black Diamond (Den Sorte Diamant)

    The library was founded in the 1650s and have an impressive collections of rare books and manuscripts, which includes a Gutenberg Bible, tormented philosopher Soren Kierkegaard's original manuscripts and "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen's diaries, as well as a newer collection that includes most of the original drawings of the controversial Mohammad cartoons. Changing exhibitions of books and art, often from the libraries own collection, are displayed in a new striking building overlooking the harbor, called the black diamond.

    Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat 10:00-14:00·Free · Wheelchair accessible
17. 
    SeeArt museumChristianshavn

    Overgaden, institut for samtidskunst

    Institute for contemporary art

    Established in 1986 by a group of local artists, Overgaden has for more than two decades been among the leading non-profit exhibition spaces for contemporary art in Copenhagen.

    Tue-Sun 13:00-17:00, Thu 13:00-20:00·Free
18. SeeArt galleryChristiania

    Gallopperiet

    Stadens Museum for Kunst, Christiania Art Museum

    A pun to the much more conformist "Statens Museum for Kunst" in downtown, Stadens (which is the colloquial name for Christiania) Museum for kunst is a gallery and book café with changing art exhibitions. It's in the 2nd floor of the Loppen building which was a military storage building when it was constructed back in 1863. A good call, since the quite large and rustic exhibition space, is a really pleasant place to breeze through.

    Tue-Sun 14:00-19:00·Free entry

19. DrinkPubNørrebro

    Cafe Tjili Pop

    Small cozy cafe that gets up and going Fridays and Saturdays with live music and a lively, rocking crowd. Their live music quality is rather high, but is free entry.

    Mon-Thu 10:00-midnight, Fri Sat 10:00-03:00·25 kr for beer

20. SeeMuseumChristianshavn

    Spejdermuseet

    The scouts museum

    Housed in a 250-year-old arsenal building, this museum showcases the history of the Scouts movement in Denmark, back to its beginning in 1905, through models, old equipment, posters etc.

    Wed 17:00-20:00, Thu 14:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-15:00·Free

21. 
    SeeHistory museumØsterbro

    Østerbro lille Museum

    small local history museum run by volunteers at the archives of local history.

    Fri 11:00-15:00·free · Free entry
22. 
    DoBeachØsterbro

    Svanemølle Strand

    Beach with a 130-m pier

    24/7 but there are lifeguards 10:00-18:00 in the summer·free
23. SeeChristianshavn

    Christianshavns Mound

    Christianshavns Vold

    Christianshavns Mound is part of Copenhagen's old defense system. It is now an excellent area for a walk surrounded by green and water, passing a number of historical buildings, cafes and restaurants. Christianshavns Mound was built by Christian IV in 1618-23 and was further developed in the following centuries. The defense purpose ceased towards the end of the 19th century and public access to the area was successively established in 1961.

    Open 24 hours·Free

24. SeeNørrebro

    Assistens Cemetery

    between Nørrebrogade, Jagtvej and Kaptelvej.

    Both a cemetery and a peaceful park, replete with sunbathers and joggers. The A-section has big trees, bicycle paths and historical graves, including such famous Danes as the philosopher Kierkegaard, children's writer Hans-Christian Andersen and Scherfig. The place has very special atmosphere, in that it also doubles as a park, so you can see people having picnic or tanning in the sun, between the often impressive tombstones.

    Open now · closes 8 pm·Free

25. SeeNorthern suburbs

    Bagsværd Church

    Church from 1976 by world famous Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Especially the interior is striking.

    Open now · closes 4 pm·Free

26. SeeNorthern suburbs

    Brede Værk

    Brede Works

    Guided tours of this complex from industrialization of Denmark. It is a rare display of a preserved full industrial complex from the 18th century, with both the works, homes of workers and leaders, the dining hall, garden and the rich factory owners home to put it all in context. Easily combined with a visit to Frilandsmuseet.

    Sundays during summer 12:00-14:00·Free

27. SeeChristianshavn

    Dansk Arkitektur Center

    Danish Architecture Centre

    Each year, 5-10 exhibitions on Danish and foreign architecture can be seen here. Conferences, lectures and guided tours are held in connection with exhibitions.

    Daily 10:00-17:00, Wed until 21:00·Adults DKK 60, students DKK 40, under 18 years free. Free admission on Wednesdays 17:00-21:00

28. SeeVesterbro

    Diesel House

    This museum, run by B&W, houses what was the largest diesel engine in the world for around 30 years. Nowadays it has a lot of diesel related exhibits spread over three floors, especially to do with ships - all very well presented. The volunteers are retired B&W employees and are very friendly. They run the main engine every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, plus on some other occasions as advertised on their website. There's a small gift shop where you can buy t-shirts, notebooks, etc. They ask that you email ahead if you want a guided tour.

    Mon-Thu 10:00-16:00, 1st and 3rd Sun 10:00-13:30·Free

29. SeeVestegnen

    Forstadsmuseet

    Suburban Museum

    Not a traditional museum. You get to explore places in the surrounding suburban landscape.

    Mon-Thu 10:00-15:00·Free

30. SeeNorthern suburbs

    Furesø Museums

    Furesø Lake museums of local history, Farum

    This is a string of 4 museums housed in old historic buildings, 3 of them in the small village of Stavsholt. There is one permanent exhibition on Stavnsholtvej 170, which is the immigration museum, showcasing stories about the lives of individual immigrants through the times. The other 3 properties centers around local history, and have shifting art exhibitions as well as local history.

    Tue-Fri 11:00-16:00, Sun 13:00-16:00·Free

31. SeeVestegnen

    Greve Museum

    Various exhibitions relating to rural history, and the history of the 200 years old farmhouse the museum in housed in. Also hosts various temporary exhibitions. There is a small café and a shop on the premises, and a lovely garden to enjoy a small picnic.

    Tue-Fri 11:00-15:00, Sun 11:00-17:00·Free

32. SeeNørrebro

    Grundtvigskirken

    Is a huge brickwork church at Bispebjerg, designed by Peder Klint and finished by his son, famous architect Kaare Klint. It is a peculiar mix of a traditional Danish village church, and bombastic Gothic style.

    Mon-Sat 09:00-16:00, Sun 12:00-16:00·Free

33. DoAmager

    Havnebadet

    Island brygge or Bryggen

    Enormously popular green area and city beach, with enclosed salt water pools, including some shallow ones for kids, and a 5-m "jumping" tower, shower, grill and toilet facilities, and it is manned with life guards. Excellent spot for hanging out with locals on sunny days, and it is quite a peculiar sensation having a swim smack in the centre of the city.

    1 June-31 August·Free

34. SeeVestegnen

    Kroppedal

    A good museum, if a bit out of the way, but in beautiful surroundings by a small river valley. The museum has various stationary and changing exhibitions on astronomy, archaeology and modern history.

    Tue-Fri 10:00-16:00, Sat Sun 14:00-17:00·Free

35. SeeNorthern suburbs

    Lyngby Møllerne

    Nordre Mølle, Lyngby

    This is a functioning museum water mill, which also houses Exhibitions about Mølleåen, and the industrial development connected to it. It is a good idea to call ahead, and get a tour since its openings hours seems a bit random.

    Mon Tue Thu-Sat 10:00-16:00, Wed 16:00-20:00·Free

36. DoVestegnen

    Middelalderlandsbyen

    The medieval village

    A living history museum opened in 1999. The village consists of seven reconstructed houses as they would have looked in the 13th century surrounding a small village pond. There are several workshops with many activities for the kids.

    No set opening hours·Free

37. DoØsterbro

    Niels Bohr Institutet

    If you are a physicist or just interested in physics, come to the Institute and see the room of Niels Bohr with photos of the staff of the institute when he was the head of it, a model of the famous thought experiment weighing the clock, the archive, the photos of all the famous people who were developing the quantum theory during the so-called "golden age of physics, when even small people could do big things" and also the modern part of the institute. The people at the archive are willing to show the institute to other people, if they are not too busy.

    You should make an appointment in advance.·Free

38. SeeNorthern suburbs

    Sorgenfri Palace & Park

    While the inside of this palace and its inner garden is not open to the public, since it is one of the active royal properties, it still lends grace to the surrounding park, which is quite pleasant, and a good place for a stop if you are touring Mølleåen river.

    Always open·Free

39. SeeVestegnen

    Thorsbro Vandværk

    Thorsbro waterworks

    An industrial museum, displaying the history of the beautiful classic building, and its machinery - both are from the turn of the 20th century.

    Mon-Fri 10:00-14:00, Thu also 16:00-18:00·Free

40. DrinkVesterbro

    Vega

    Bar, concerts, night-club in a 1956 Vilhelm Lauritzen building with dark wooden panelling, mahogany floors, friezes, 1950s lamps, etc. the building itself is worth a visit. The largest concert hall, Store Vega has room for 1500 guests, the smaller Lille Vega has room for 500 guests, and the weekend nightclub (Friday & Saturdays) is happening on two different floors with house/electronica and R&B/hip-hop.

    Open from 23:00·free entrance before 01:00, after that 60 kr

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