Buy a couple of innocent coffees in Copenhagen and you’ll soon realise you should have stuck with beer. After forking out for food, caffeine, accommodation, transportation, and quite possibly pharmacological experimentation, the word free will sound like a rapturous hymn to your aching frostbitten ears, unless it’s proclaimed in Danish that is, but that’s a whole other story.

Our Copenhagen locals (you can call them your guardian angels) have put together a list of their favourite free things to do in this far corner of the earth, minus The Little Mermaid. Amen.

1. Defrost and unwind at Botanisk Have

Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden is a glorious place to seek respite in winter and bask in the sunshine in summer. While it’s open daily year-round, its gorgeous greenhouses are only open at certain times on certain days, so be organised or you’ll probably be disappointed.

With tropical temperatures and high humidity, the 16-metre light-filled palm house does a fine job of bringing a sweat to your brow and your frozen limbs back to life. The cacti and succulents house is also a real winner.

Photo credit: Clément

 2. Make the most of free gallery entry

Several of the city’s best museums and galleries offer free entry one day a week.

Nikolaj Kunsthal (free on Wednesdays), housed in an atmospheric former church, is an absolute delight with its fascinating contemporary art and photography exhibitions, video installations, and beautiful backdrop.

Kunsthal Charlottenborg (free on Wednesdays from 5 pm) is another top pick, offering an ambitious programme of cutting-edge modern art exhibitions in a truly special space.

Home to Europe’s largest collection of ancient Mediterranean art, an impressive collection of French Impressionist paintings, as well as a lovely sub-tropical garden, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (free on Sundays) also deserves a mention.

Photo credit: Kunsthal Charlottenborg

 3. Hunt for freebies at Torvehallerne gourmet food market

Yes, Torvehallerne is expensive, sometimes outrageously so, but like all good gourmet food markets, many stalls shower their customers with freebies in the hope of making a sale.

It’s a great place to taste classic Danish delicacies such as gooey warm liver paste, super stinky but equally as tasty cheese, and liquorice that’s saltier than a runner’s armpit. Some stalls hand out morsels freely, others only offer samples to those brave enough to ask.

Photo credit: Torvehallerne

4. Get your bling fix at Den Sorte Diamant (The Black Diamond)

With a shimmering black granite exterior and a sublime interior of undulating balconies, this learning cathedral of concrete, glass, and steel is the epitome of modern Scandinavian architecture, and a much-loved Copenhagen landmark.

Besides being so beautiful you’re going to want to lick it, this gem of a library offers free WiFi, a free permanent exhibition (of the literary persuasion), and pretty harbour views.

Photo credit: Ben Rimmer

5. Soak up some sunshine in the city’s green spaces

Copenhagen is home to plenty of parks, so do as the locals do and get grilling! Once part of a fortification that protected Copenhagen from the sneaky Swedes, Ørstedsparken is a picturesque inner-city park that’s now a popular hangout for both locals and passer-bys.

Just north of the city you’ll find Dyrehaven, an immense and beautifully wild park that has been attracting city dwellers with its roaming deer and protected forests for centuries.

Frederiksberg Have is another delightful green space, featuring dreamy English-style gardens, historical houses, and loads of grassy spots perfect for picnics. It also borders Copenhagen Zoo, so take a wander and see if you can spot the elephants!

Photo credit: Jacob Vangkilde Hansen

6. Kick back at Assistens Kirkegård

Despite being a cemetery full of respected great Danes, such as Hans Christian Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard, and Niels Bohr, Assistens is not the reverent and sombre place you might expect it to be.

Located slap bang in Copenhagen’s vibrant and noisy Nørrebro district, this little slice of heaven is filled with secluded spots where you can chill out with a book, steal a romantic kiss, or grill on a grave over a few beers with friends.

Photo credit: Asbjørn Sørensen Poulsen

7. Unleash your inner hunter-gatherer with Byhøst

Byhøst, which literally translates to “city harvest”, is a non-profit concept that encourages city dwellers to keep an eye out for food they see growing on public land within the city and to mark their finds on the website’s map. From nuts and berries to herbs and fruit-bearing trees, how can you say no to free food?

Simply check the map for hundreds of tasty locations (Google Translate is your friend), grab your loincloth and spear, and tune in to your inner hunter-gatherer.

Photo credit: Fiona Shields

8. Enjoy some sweet sounds at Bolsjefabrikken (The Candy Factory)

Housed in an abandoned warehouse and run by volunteers, this alternative cultural institution is a non-profit, non-commercial space that aims to foster the work of young artists, musicians, and performers. It regularly hosts free underground, dancehall, and reggae concerts, and while the beer’s not free, it’s heartwarmingly cheap.

Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events. Special tip: brand the words “gratis entre” into your brain.

Photo credit: Bolsjefabrikken

9. Bond with bohemians at Christiania

Christiania, Copenhagen’s self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood, is one of the most interesting and definitely one of the most challenging attractions in the city. Founded in 1971 on an abandoned military base by an alternative theatre group, it’s now home to higgledy-piggledy workshops and houses, organic eateries, music venues, bars, cafés, and around 1000 freethinking inhabitants.

Push your way through Pusher Street and wander along the winding paths, admiring the funky architecture and lush nature, before taking a seat by the scenic lake. You’ll be sure to spot some curious characters along the way.

Special tip: In the spring of 2015, Christiania’s local cinema, Byens Lys, recommenced its popular (and free!) Science & Cocktails evenings.

Photo credit: Kieran Lynam

10. Hang with locals at Islands Brygge

The brutal fist of Scandinavia’s almighty winter God may have already packed quite a punch, BUT, a free guide to Copenhagen would be sorely incomplete without a mention of the city’s beloved summer harbourside hangout. Smoky grills, tasty tunes care of portable bike sound systems, sweet, sweet sunshine, sweat, and swims. Now that’s the real Copenhagen.

Feeling brave? Jump in the harbour in the depths of winter and your guardian angels will reward you with dinner. Disclaimer: you’ll have to pay.

Photo credit: Camilla Bartholdy

For more local recommendations read:
What locals like to do in Copenhagen
Where locals like to eat in Copenhagen
Where locals like to party in Copenhagen

Special tip:
For a more authentic Copenhagen experience, get the Like A Local mobile app

Opening photo credit: LasseLeth