5 Cheap Or Free Things To Do In Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a very vibrant city with lots of things to offer and see but the cost of touring this city is equally high with the prices of meals and most of the activities being relatively high. Fortunately, there are plenty of inexpensive, or even free, attractions throughout the Danish capital that can accommodate travelers of any financial bracket. Here are 5 of the best cheap or free activities in Copenhagen.

1. Start with a Free Walking Tour
You can also choose to take a free tour around central Copenhagen to learn more about the history and culture of Denmark. This article describes the following activities from a relatively closely located company, Copenhagen Free Walking Tours, which includes daily tours across various districts accompanied by an expert guide. Tours you catch in city squares and people are encouraged to tip at the end, but there are no charges. It is entertaining and has a friendly atmosphere taking a couple of hours to listen to legends and stories and walk on narrow medieval streets.

2. Wander Through Freetown Christiania
Christiania is among the most colorful districts of the Danish capital that attracts tourists with its peculiar atmosphere. This is a self-proclaimed autonomous district that has been an experimental art-focused community since 1971 after a group of hippies and squatters occupied the former military base. The tourists can simply walk and bike through the car-free lanes with occasional street art and DIY houses. Take a break for cheap food at a community restaurant or just chill out by the lake. Remember that although everything in Christiania is organized differently, there are some places where photography is allowed and some places where it is not, and although Pusher Street is famous for selling marijuana, it is forbidden in Denmark. Well, getting into Christiania itself is free and it sort of becomes quite an interesting few hours.

3. Stroll around the lush and green Botanical Garden
CBG is located in the heart of Copenhagen, occupying an area of almost 40 hectares and appearing like an island of green amidst urban constructions. It was established in 1600 and thus is one of Europe’s oldest public gardens. It is open to the public and has a variety of attractions, 27 glass houses have plants from different parts of the world such as palm trees and cacti in the desert house, and the world’s largest Victoria Amazonica water lily in the water lily house. There are also beautiful gardens and courtyards which can be enjoyed for relaxation, such as, rose gardens, rockeries, and paths with flower beds. Weekend concerts for music and opera begin mid-April through to October and would cost anything from $6 if there was any entry fee. Bring your lunch or just snacks to make the most of a relaxing Sunday walk amidst the flowers without any expense.

4. Be a guest of Statens Museum for Kunst
Art lovers can get their cultural needs met without dropping a dime at the national gallery in Denmark. The Statens Museum for Kunst also has one of the largest collections in Scandinavia that is from the 14th century up to the present time. See the works of great painters from the past like Rembrandt and other great European painters like Matisse. There are also temporary exhibitions of modern art and sculptures in the contemporary art section and the museum features Denmark’s largest art collection. The museum’s permanent collection is available to the public for free, though there may be a charge for special exhibits and, as such, this art gallery offers a taste of art and culture for little or no fee. It is just as well to have a sculpture garden and a cafe that overlooks the Royal Garden for some leisurely coffee time.

5. Admire the Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace
The Danish royal guard performs the changing of the guard each day, which is quite a sight to see. Every day at midday, the royal guard in full regalia parades through the streets of Copenhagen from the barracks in Rosenborg Castle to the palace in Amalienborg Castle. People come to watch the change of the red and blue tunics and bear fur hats of the guards as well as bear witness to the ceremonial march from the palace and the change of guards. It is a free thing that many people enjoy and it only lasts for about 15 minutes. It is suggested to come on occasions such as the Queen’s birthday, for the ceremony will be longer and the royal brass band will play. This is especially so if you want to be in a strategic position to observe the activities of the day or evening as is the case in watching wild animals.

Public transport, cycling, as well as other means of transportation within the town are also relatively cheap. Moreover, it is possible to choose several restaurants and cafes that provide lunch offers where main courses with soft drinks cost no more than $15. Oh, Copenhagen is a simply marvelous city and it is not very difficult to discover it without overspending!