As you may know, the capital city of Denmark ain't to kind on us backpackers. The cost for to explore this beautiful city can come at a cost and a high one at that! However, Bree and I recently visited and followed a route where we were able to explore the city without spending a cent. So without further ado, let's jump into the 10 FREE things you can do in Copenhagen, 2025!

Copen Hill (Viewpoint)

First up is a free viewpoint that offers a stunning view of both the North Sea and the city of Copenhagen! Copen Hill serves primarily as a ski slope throughout the year. However, for this itinerary, we are focusing on the free viewpoint located at the top. Once you get there, you can either take the stairs all the way up, but we suggest using the elevator instead. You'll reach the rooftop bar, which is a lovely spot to enjoy a drink, but you'll want to ascend a few more stairs to reach the top view. Unfortunately, the side facing the city is obstructed, with only windows available for viewing, but the sea view is unobstructed. While it may not be the most spectacular view of Copenhagen from above, it is the best choice if you're on a budget, so we definitely recommend a visit! :)

Christiansborg palace, gardens and royal library

We chose to group these three attractions together since they are all situated right next to one another. First is the Christansborg palace which is fascinating in the fact that it is one of the only buildings in the world that houses all three branches of the country’s government - the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court and the Prime Minister’s Office. Besides from witnessing the Neo-Baroque and Neo-Classical styles architecture of the palace, we did hear you can go up to the viewing tower for free and get another view of the city. Unfortunately, we only discovered this after our visit, but had we known, we certainly would have taken the opportunity to check it out!

Also, If you would like to explore inside you can do so but you will need a ticket. There are 4 different ticket options to cater to what specific part of the palace you would like to see. You can choose from The Royal Reception Rooms, The Royal Kitchen, The ruins under the castle and The Royal Stables. You can purchase individual tickets on their website or a combination ticket of all 4 for a cost of 215 DKK ($52 AUD). For more information, click here.

Next is the gardens of the Royal Library which was laid out in 1920. It includes a lovely water fountain in the centre but it is mostly just a calm area to relax in!

Then is the Royal library, the back of which is seen in the garden however that side it is not accessible. To enter you will need to head to the water and enter inside the more modern part. The outside structure being layed with Zimbabwean black granite is quite cool and inside there are some impressive architectural points that are worth checking out!

Following that is the Royal Library itself, with its back visible from the garden, though that side is not open to visitors. To gain entry, you'll need to approach the water and access the more contemporary section. The exterior, adorned with Zimbabwean black granite, is quite striking, and inside, you'll find some remarkable architectural features that are definitely worth a look!

Botanical Gardens

Exploring a Botanical Garden typically requires an entrance fee, but the one located in Copenhagen is entirely free of charge. Established in 1874, this garden is a true treasure for those looking for a lovely and scenic walk, providing a peaceful escape from the city's noise and activity. You can meander through charming pathways, uncovering various themed areas such as the rock gardens or the tranquil lake adorned with its beautiful stone bridge.

Rosenborg Castle and Kings Garden

One of the most beautiful combinations of a castle and gardens that Bree and I have encountered so far on our travels. The preservation of the site is truly remarkable, and walking through the gardens offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. This castle is a historic landmark, renowned for being the home of the Danish Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. Tickets are available for purchase, allowing you to explore the interior and discover the numerous tales surrounding the castle's history. If this piques your interest, we suggest making a reservation through the link provided below!

Explore Nyhavn

Arguably the most popular/touristy part of Copenhagen is the area of Nyhavn. Famously known for the colourful historic wooden houses aligning the canal. It’s a very vibrant and lively area and the spot to be if you want to try local food (all be it, very expensive food), grab a souvenir and of course, taking a cute photo!

Amalienborg Palace

If you’re in Copenhagen, Amalienborg Palace is definitely a must-visit. The charming outside is of course free to enter and one of the highlights is the changing of the guard, which takes place daily at 12 pm. The palace also offers a museum with many exhibits that are full of rich detail, personal artefacts, and fascinating stories from the lives of the Danish royal family.

The Marble Church

Frederik’s Church, also known as The Marble Church is honestly the most beautiful outside architecture Bree and I have ever seen for a church! This church boasts the largest dome in Scandinavia, and its impressive design is inspired by the renowned St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Construction of the church began in 1749 when King Frederik V laid the foundation stone, but it faced financial challenges, leading to a construction period of over 100 years before its completion in 1894. Visitors can enter the church for free and experience its breathtaking interior, adorned with exquisite marble details. This was definitely our personal favourite so it is definitely a must visit!

Explore Kastellet

Copenhagen is home to a beautifully preserved 17th-century star-shaped fortress. Walking along the ramparts provides great views of both the city and the sea, making it a wonderful spot for a peaceful stroll away from the more bustling tourist areas. Our favourite part, however, was definitely the charming red wooden windmill as it is one of the main things i thought of when I imagine what Denmark looks like!

See the Little Mermaid Statue

For some reason this Little Mermaid Statue is a "must visit" when you are in Copenhagen. The story is that the sculpture was inspired by a Danish author called Hans Christian Andersen's and his 1837 fairy tale about a mermaid who gives up her underwater life for love. Which you may of figured out that it was the inspiration for the Disney movie "Little Mermaid". This connection is my guess as to why it is such a popular tourist attraction today which to be fair is quite cool!

Explore Gammel Strand and Strøget street

A free things to do itinerary wouldn't be complete without mentioning some of the notable or touristy streets that are worth checking out! Gammel Strand is similar to Nyhavn where there are brightly coloured wooden houses built in the 18th and 19th century that are located along the canal. Strøget is a popular and beautiful walking street with many shops which include many international brands. Overall though Copenhagen is filled with quaint and beautiful streets that simply getting lost is an attraction in itself!

Summary

So there you have it, those are in our opinion the best FREE things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. We hope our blog has shed like on how you can witness this beautiful city without breaking the bank and if you did enjoy then we would really appreciate it if you left a like, comment and share our blog using the buttons below.

Until next time, happy travels!

Bree & Aiden