What to do and see in Copenhagen

We've rounded up the best things to see in Copenhagen, while sticking to a budget!

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a city with so much to offer that we recommend spending at least a few days exploring, to get a real feel for the place. Home to both tradition and innovation, where the old blends seamlessly with the new, Copenhagen is sure to provide you with some fantastic memories (and pictures!). Home to the Danish Royal Family, the city is not known for being a budget destination, but surprisingly there are many free or cheap things to do around the city. To save you time, HostelsClub has searched out the top attractions that you can't miss, along with some tips and tricks to help you enjoy the city on a budget, along with, of course, the best low-cost accommodation the city has to offer.

Before you even begin exploring, check out the Copenhagen card and what it has to offer. This is an absolute must if you are planning on visiting a lot of the tourist sites and want to travel around the city cheaply. The card gives you free access to 86 different attractions and museums, as well as free unlimited use of transport in the Copenhagen region (including to the airport and back!) saving you an absolute fortune. For more information on the Copenhagen card, see here.

Nyhavn

The picturesque canal area of Nyhavn is a must when visiting the city. Originally a bubbling old port, Nyhavn has now been converted into an entertainment centre of restaurants and bars, the perfect place to snap some pics during the day, or visit in the evening and relax with a drink like the locals do. The old 17/18th century houses that line the street have now been restored and with bright and varied colours - they are just waiting to be photographed (and Instagrammed).

Everyone's favourite Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen, used to live at house n.20 in 1835, and allegedly is where he wrote the stories of the 'Princess and the Pea' and 'The Tinderbox', amongst others. We would really recommend stopping by Nyhavn if you are visiting around Christmas time, as the streets are lined with festive lights and the magical Christmas markets make for a truly festive experience.

If you're looking to save some cash then you can avoid the canal-front restaurants, but enjoy a picknick on the waters-edge with some regional food and drink, just like the locals do!

Entrance Price: Free!

Tivoli Gardens

A visit is Tivoli Gardens is a must when you're visiting Copenhagen, whatever your age! Located just a few minutes walk from City Hall and right next to Copenhagen Central Station, you'll also have no problems finding it. Founded in 1843, the secret of Tivoli Gardens is, well... it's not really just a garden. Among the lush greenery you can find old and new fairground rides, exotic architecture, restaurants, and live music played every day. At night, the whole area is lit with magical fairy lights, giving it a truly unique atmosphere.

Image: www.visitcopenhagen.com

The rides are designed to match the style of the gardens and architecture, and you can find old, nostalgic rides, such as the Wooden Rollercoaster built in 1914, along with those popular amongst the thrill seekers, such as Vertigo, that will flip you upside down at 100km/h (Save lunch for after!). Recently a new virtual reality experience named 'The Deamon' has been added that will take you on a digital adventure through a Chinese Universe. Just in case the Trivoli gardens were not enough for you, you can always head towards Bakken (Dyrehavsbakken), an old amusement park just north of Copenhagen.

Image: www.visitcopenhagen.com

If music is more your thing then Tivoli Gardens have got you covered - aside from the yearly Fredagsrock (Friday Rock) concerts, and the Summer Classic program in the warmer months, there is live music every day, featuring Jazz, Classical, Big Band and typical Danish Music.

The gardens also follow the themes of the Seasons - expect a Halloween Wonderland in October, and the inevitable Christmas Universe and Markets throughout November and December. Luckily, all the attractions in the park stay open all year, so you're sure to enjoy it whenever you visit. With everything on offer, it's no surprise that the famous fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney were great fans of the park, having both visited it many times.

Entrance Price: 110.00DKK- 120.00 DKK

FREE WITH COPENHAGEN CARD

The Little Mermaid Statue

Now over 100 years old (it was unveiled on the 12th of August 1913), the statue of the Little Mermaid was a gift to the city by the brewer Carl Jacobsen and was inspired by a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen. Having watched a ballet of the fairy tale, Carl Jacobsen fell in love with the character of the Mermaid and commisioned the sculpture to be made. The sculpture now sits on a rock at Langelinje Pier, where the Mermaid gazes out upon the water.

You'll just have to hope that she is one piece when you see her: unfortunately she has been the victim of some vandalism, including having her head removed twice and an arm sawn off. Luckily, she's back in one piece, for now :)

While you're in that part of the city then watch out for the Gerion Fountain, which features the sculpture of the Norse Goddess of Gefion and her Oxen, next to St. Albans Church.

Entrance Price: Free for Both!

Amalienborg Palace

A must for any royal-family lovers, Amalienborg Palace is home to the Royal Family of Denmark, who still reside in the palace today. Much like the United Kingdom, Denmark has its own royal guard called the Den Kongelige Livgarde, and at 12 noon every day, you can watch the Changing of the Guard when the guards march from the barracks through the streets of Copenhagen until they arrive at Amalienborg.

Amalienborg itself is actually made up of four identical buildings (or palaces), including Christian VII's Palace, Frederik VII's Palace (home of the crown prince family), Christian IX's Palace and Christian VII's Palace. I think we can say that the name Christian was pretty popular with the Royals!

Image: www.visitcopenhagen.com

Within the Christian VII's palace, you can also find the Amalienborg Museum, which will open up the private interiors of recent kings and queens and a fascinating insight into royal life. Usually, the Gala Hall and other royal rooms on the Piano Nobile will also be open for visits.

While your there, don't forget to stop by the Frederik's Church which is open free to the public. Inside you can admire the largest church done in Scandinavia, that was inspired by St. Peter's in Rome.

Entrance Price for Amalienborg Palace : Free!

(Museum): 95.00 DKK or free if under 17
FREE WITH COPENHAGEN CARD

Fredrik's Church: Free!

The National Museum

The Danish National Museum sure covers a lot of history (14,000 years to be exact) - with exhibits ranging from the Stone and Viking ages, right up to the Renaissance and Modern periods along with a Toy Museum, you can be sure that there is something in for everyone. Located in the 1743 Prince's Palace just a short walk from the centre of the city, the museum was established 199 years ago in 1819. With so much to see we suggest you set aside an entire afternoon, or full day to enjoy it to the max. Don't worry, there's the obligatory gift shop and museum cafe to relax in when you're done. For more information on the museum, check out their website here.

Entrance Price: 95.00 DKK or free if under 17

FREE WITH COPENHAGEN CARD

Photo: en.natmus.dk

Christiansborg Palace

Located on the small island of Slotsholmen, Christiansborg Palace is the seat of the Danish Parliment, the Ministry of State, the Supreme court and more. It is also the place where the Royal family hold receptions, and if you want to visit the grandeur of Royal Stables, Reception Rooms or Kitchen then you will have to pay (around 50.00DKK for each), but luckily, the church and tower are open to the public for free. Climb up to the top of the tower and visit the viewing platform to enjoy some awesome views of the city.

Entrance Price for Tower and Church: Free!

PALACE ROOM FREE WITH COPENHAGEN CARD

The Rosenborg Castle Garden (King's Garden) and the Botanical Gardens

The King's Garden is one of the oldest and most popular parks in Copenhagen. Originally the 17th-century private gardens of King Christian IV, the gardens are now open to the public and are home to the Rosenborg Barracks and various other statues and monuments. If you visit Copenhagen in spring then you have to stop by the gardens to admire the endless flowerbeds that flourish in full blooms of colour. Inside you will also find rose gardens, a Rennasiance style garden and, of course, a statue of Hans Christian Andersen. And best of all, visiting the garden is free!

Not far from the King's Garden you can also find the famous Botanical Gardens, established as far back as 1600, and now home to 13,000 different species of plants, 27 glasshouses and a new Butterfly house, opened in 2018. Access to the Botanical gardens is free, but you do have to pay to get into the some of the Greenhouses and Butterly House.

Entrance Price: King's Garden and Botanical Garden are Free!

Palm House + Butterfly House 40-60 DKK

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