Top 10 free things to do in Copenhagen

It's easy to fall in love with Copenhagen, a city at once historic and modern, traditional and innovative. Known for its design scene, top-notch cuisine and hip, laid back atmosphere, this Scandinavian capital is certainly not considered a budget destination. Surprisingly, though, there is a multitude of experiences to be had for no cost at all, among them some of the most famous sights that Copenhagen has to offer.

Explore nautical Nyhavn

Its vibrant colours and historic tall ships make Nyhavn Copenhagen's most famous destination. Stroll down the less famous side for the best views and photographs, and to look at the lighthouse ship Geyser Rev, as well as house number 20, where beloved Danish author Hans Christian Andersen was living in 1835 when he published his first volume of fairy tales.

Picturesque Nyhavn © Caroline Coupe / Lonely Planet

To avoid the sky-high prices of the harbourside restaurants, do as the locals do and pick up a snack and some beers to enjoy a picnic at the water's edge. And don't let the crowds discourage you from going to see this picturesque harbour in high season; it's still well worth the visit.

Marvel at the views from Christiansborg

Christiansborg Palace is home to the Danish Parliament and Royal Reception Rooms. Although there is a fee to tour much of Christiansborg itself, entrance to the tower and church are free. Christiansborg Tårnet is Copenhagen's highest viewpoint, with stunning views in all directions. From here, you can take in the sweeping cityscape and even see across the water to Sweden.

A view of Copenhagen from the tower at Christiansborg Palace © Caroline Coupe / Lonely Planet

The adjoining Christiansborg Kirke is the official church of the Danish Royal Family, site of formal events like christenings, confirmations, and funerals. Behind the tower is the outdoor Royal Riding Ring, where you can often spot some of the Queen's 20 white horses enjoying warm weather or training for their royal duties.

Promenade along the harbourside

Visitors from all over the world eagerly flock to see Copenhagen's most famous resident, Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid. Perched on her rock, the sculpture is much smaller than many expect, and some say she is an overrated attraction. However, the walk up the harbourside is worthwhile, as there are other sights to take in on your way to visit the iconic mermaid. The Gefion Fountain, featuring the mythical Gefion and her oxen, is an imposing creation overlooked by St Alban's Church. Behind the fountain is Kastellet, a star-shaped fortress built in the 1600s to defend the city, and visitors are free to stroll the grounds and its historic buildings and windmill.

Gefion Fountain and St Alban's Church, along the Harbourside Promenade © Caroline Coupe / Lonely Planet

Visit world-class museums

While a number of Copenhagen's museums and galleries offer free entry one day per week, Denmark's Nationalmuseet and Statens Museum for Kunst are both free every day. Set in a former palace, the Nationalmuseet boasts many fascinating exhibits, but the most highly recommended for visitors to Copenhagen are those on the history of Denmark, from the Vikings to the Renaissance, and from WWII to present day life. Here visitors can get a feel for Danish history, culture, traditions, and more. Meanwhile, Statens Museum for Kunst offers a varied selection of impressive works in a multitude of styles, from Renaissance masterpieces to avant-garde contemporary works. While the permanent collections are free, there is a charge for special exhibitions.

Shop on Strøget

Pedestrianised Strøget is the hub of Copenhagen's lively centre. One of the longest and oldest pedestrian streets in the world, it's a shopping paradise, particularly for Danish design. Walking from one end of Strøget to the other, you'll discover historic buildings, squares, and fountains. At the bottom end sits Rådhuspladsen, home of Copenhagen's Italian-inspired City Hall, where visitors can admire the ornate lobby and marvel at Jens Olsen's World Clock, an incredibly intricate piece of timekeeping. Exploring Rådhuspladsen, you can discover the Gothic-style Dragon Fountain, the popular statue of Hans Christian Andersen, and the stone pillar marking the former site of Vesterport, the western gate of the city once surrounded by walls.

Take a breath of fresh air in Copenhagen's green spaces

Copenhagen is full of green spaces, but the King's Gardens are especially lovely. The gardens serve as the sweeping grounds of Rosenborg Castle, which was built as the Royal summer home in the 1600s and is now a museum.

Rosenborg Castle, in the King's Gardens © Caroline Coupe / Lonely Planet

The gardens are the perfect place for a quiet stroll to admire the flowers, tree-lined alleys, and sculptures. It's also a popular spot with locals to enjoy a picnic in warmer weather. The nearby Botanical Gardens is a 10-hectare oasis boasting 13,000 species of plants, flowers and trees, as well as a lake and a series of glasshouses.

Have a right royal time at Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg Palace is the official city residence of Queen Margrethe II and the Danish Royal Family. It's unique in that the palace is made up of four former mansions facing a central square. The best time to visit Amalienborg is at noon to witness the Changing of the Guard. Every day, members of the Royal Life Guard march through the city from their barracks to the palace to take over the watch.

The Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace, residence of the Danish Royal Family © Caroline Coupe / Lonely Planet

Seeing these soldiers march around the courtyard in their midnight-blue uniforms and distinctive bearskin helmets is a fascinating spectacle, even more so when the Queen is in residence as they are then accompanied by a marching band. Frederik's Church is also part of the Amalienborg complex, and is open to the public. Enter and marvel at its ornate dome, the largest in Scandinavia.

Savour the flavours of Torvehallerne Market

Torvehallerne is a wonderland of food, a place where everyone from home cooks to professional chefs go to source fresh, local produce. Within the complex of two glass halls and many outdoor stands, you can shop for quality ingredients for a dinner at home, pick up goodies like wines, teas and chocolates, or sit in and enjoy one of the many cafes.

Fresh produce at Torvehallerne Market © Caroline Coupe / Lonely Planet

If you're keen to sample some of the local cuisine, try an open-faced smørrebrød sandwich from Hallernes, or a gourmet pølse – Danish hot dog – from Pølse Kompagniet.

See unique sights on Slotsholmen

The island of Slotsholmen, the seat of Danish government, is home to much more. A unique feature is the Royal Library, which is made up of two sections: the original building, founded in 1648, and the modern extension, completed in 1999. The newer part of the library gleams on the shores of Copenhagen harbour, and is known as the Black Diamond due to its shiny marble exterior.

The central hall of the Black Diamond in the Royal Library © Caroline Coupe / Lonely Planet

The library holds almost every book ever printed in the Danish language, dating back to 1482. The interior is a fascinating piece of architecture and the central hall is accessible to the public, but books must be reserved in advance and accessed in one of the reading rooms. The Royal Arsenal Museum next door houses exhibits exploring the history of Denmark at war through the ages, including weaponry and uniforms, and the museum also offers special exhibitions.

Discover a life less ordinary at Christiania

Found on the island borough of Christianshavn, the Free Town of Christiania is a unique and somewhat controversial part of Copenhagen. It was established in 1971 when, in the midst of a housing shortage, squatters took over an abandoned military base and formed an alternative society.