9 Free Things to Do

This might sound crazy, but Copenhagen is actually not as expensive as it is made out to be. In fact, there are a number of things you can do for free there. Yes, free. Who’d have thought it?

Because it is such a small city it is easy to walk from one side to the other which means that you can cut out any transport costs. Of course, if you want to head further afield to attractions outside of the city you might have to actually get your wallet out – don’t worry though, transport is particularly cheap and well-run. Madness, right?

So, what can you do in Denmark’s capital for free? Walk, and walk some more – that’s what! Yes, I hear your collective groans, but there are so many quirky nooks and crannies around the city that walking becomes an adventure rather than a chore. Plus, if you’re there when it’s cold (i.e. most of the time), excessive amounts of walking is a great way to keep warm.

1. The Little Mermaid

Ah yes, Copenhagen’s most famous landmark. For many, the Little Mermaid is greeted with disappointment but, if you’re there, you might as well check it out to see what all the fuss is about. Situated near the main cruise pier, not far from the old harbour of Nyhavn, a brisk stroll to the Little Mermaid is a city meets water experience that takes you to a more deserted part of Copenhagen.

2. The Latin Quarter

The rustic Latin Quarter comprises a network of winding alleyways lined with interesting buildings and cute little cafes. Keep an eye out for the colourful courtyards that break off from the streets every now and again – they are like peepholes into the lives of locals.

3. City Bikes

Tired of walking? No problem! Bikes are quickly becoming the most important form of transport in Copenhagen, and you can join the throngs of cyclists with the city’s free service. Yes, you have to deposit a single coin to release your bike, but you get it back as soon as you return it. Look out for the blue-and-white models and hit the streets with the best of them.

4. Walking Tour

A great way to spend a day is to create your own walking tour itinerary that encompasses everything you want to see; you might wish to include the sixteenth century naval barracks, Rosenborg Castle, and the Amalienborg Palace in your route. If you want to go inside, however, you will have to hand over the cash, but the buildings’ exteriors make for spectacular viewing on their own. Walking tours are a great way to explore a city, and the Generator offers them in all of their properties from the 1st April to the 1st November – great if you can’t decide on a personal itinerary!

5. Christiania

Copenhagen’s hippy district is a popular hit with tourists. You can wander around the colourful, artistic area amongst self-built houses, locally-run cafes, and some of the city’s most interesting people.

6. Soak up some Culture

Entrance to museums can often be pricey, but Copenhagen has a deal for its culture-loving visitors; on one day of the week, the city’s galleries and museums open their doors for free. Wednesdays mark free entry to the Statens Museum for Kunst, the Hirschsprung Collection, and the Tøjhusmuseet, whilst Fridays mean the Københavns Bymuseum is free, and Sundays are the day to visit the Carlsberg Glyptotek if you don’t want to pay a penny.

7. Changing of the Guards

If you find yourself at a loss, head to the Amalienborg Palace which sees the changing of the guards take place every two hours. Not exciting enough? Then head to the Rosenborg Castle at noon to see a whole bunch of new guards set off to take over duty accompanied by drums and a gaggle of onlookers.

8. Window Shop Along the Stroget

The Stroget is Copenhagen’s shopping area. Doesn’t sound that impressive, right? How about the Stroget is Copenhagen’s shopping area and also the longest pedestrianized shopping street in the world? If you don’t want to part with any cash then don’t buy anything – easier said than done, though.

9. People Watch in Nyhavn

Nyhavn harbour is probably Copenhagen’s most recognisable sight. The colourful cafes are the focal point of many a photo of the city, which means only one thing – it’s not cheap. However, you can find yourself a bench along the river, wrap up warm, and watch those who can afford a coffee go about their daily lives.

Copenhagen has a reputation for its hefty price tag but, if you know where to go and what to do, you may find yourself spending a lot less than you anticipated!

Author Bio: Lizzie, a culture-loving travel enthusiast, visited Copenhagen one weekend with the challenge of spending as little as possible. Guess what? She managed to do it whilst ticking everything off her list and staying away from McDonalds! You can find more tips and tricks on making the most out of a budget break over at her blog, Wanderful World.

Like most cities these days, the meat-packing district is quoted as being the place to visit, if being at the heart of the hip scene and immersing yourself in the current haunts of the in-crowd is top of your list and for the locals in Copenhagen, it is no different. ‘Kødbyen’, translated as ‘meat-packing’ is literally just that; in the day, the area is a ghost town, functioning as a meat-packing and warehouse based section of the city. By night, the area, in particular Flaesketorvet, is transformed into a night revellers haven. Kødbyen exists within the larger district of Vesterbro, which can be seen as an extended night time playground, particularly with the array of bars and restaurants down Istegade. Once the red-light district of Copenhagen, the area still bears some more seedy aspects of its past near Central Station but further down the road, a vast mix of modern eateries and alternative shops have breathed fresh life into the area.

1. Drink at Bang & Jensen.

Coffee by day, cocktails by night. This is a favourite local hangout and in the evenings, the place is perfect for a drink or two before (and after!) a meal. Serving a menu of tasty food throughout the day, this carries on in the evening making it a perfect spot to grab a bite to eat to set you off for the night ahead. However, Saturday night has to be championed as the best night for a drink, as after 20:00 the kitchen closes for the cocktail bar to take over. With a mix of some of the best cocktails on the menu (try the Frozen Margarita) and an upbeat soundtrack to accompany it, it’s one place not to miss out on. Drinks from 40Kr.

Istegade 130. Cafe Bang & Jensen

2. Eat at Mother or BioMio.

Stroll down Istegade and head to the ‘Kødbyen’ area and grab a bite to eat at ‘Mother’ or ‘BioMio’ (I can’t decide which is better). BioMio is an organic restaurant housed in an old 1920’s Bosch warehouse, adding to the eclectic vibe the place gives out. Perch in a row, part of the 200 seater restaurant and watch the chefs prepare you food right in front of your eyes. It doesn’t get much fresher than this! Expect meals packed with vegetables alongside tasty fish and meat dishes. Average 200kr per meal (with drink).

Halmtorvet 19; BioMio

Alternatively, if organic veg doesn’t tempt you, visit ‘Mother’ restaurant for some of the tastiest and freshest pizzas I have ever sampled. With a focus on its famous sourdough base pizzas, even the plainest toppings will taste good with that base accompanying it. The restaurant has a clean, modern interior intertwined with a kitchen feel; their tagline ‘Feed me mother’, highlights a focus on home cooked rustic food. Handwritten menus and scrubbed surfaces only further add to this, making you feel very much as being in a better version of your own kitchen. Tourists and locals alike grab a bite to eat before hitting the town. I recommend the ‘Salamina’ Pizza washed down with a blood orange vodka mixer – delicious doesn’t quite cover it.

Hokerboderne 9-15; Mother

3. Party at Jolene Bar.

Round off the night with a trip to one of the bars and clubs within Flaesketorvet at the very heart of the meat packing district. The current hotspot and favourite place to be seen being ‘Jolene’, where crowds can enjoy a mix of live music and beats spun by a combination of both underground and popular DJs, mainly electronica in the week with a change up to more hip hop sounds when the week finishes and everyone comes out to play. Look out for the circus themed DJ booth and the hanging Dolly Parton LP’s decorating the wall (supposedly where the owners got the name of the place from).

Flæsketorvet 81-85; Jolene Bar

Written by Anna Machell and Eleanor Luker

If you would like to write a guest review or city guide on your Generator Copenhagen experience and city life, then get in touch: social@generatorhostels.com

Thomas kicked off his career by buying a Nikon FM camera at age 13 and went on taking pictures of his friends riding BMX bikes and skateboarding. The local photographer was born in Denmark and has lived in Copenhagen & Barcelona (without learning Spanish or Catalan).

He started out at an early age working for photographers who guided him into developing his own style. They supported him with free film and available photography dark rooms.

Thomas’ career as a photographer includes commercial and editorial photography surrounding fashion, portraits and reportages. His portfolio has grown massively over the years as he continues to travel across the globe.

He works without fancy flash set-ups and a crew of assistants, which allowed him to prosper during the economic crisis. Thomas proved he didn’t need a huge amount of money to create beautiful art.

The way Thomas goes about his job is simple. He possesses a unique relationship with the subject and the pictures he takes, making his work stand out from the rest.

An exhibition of Thomas’ photos are touring Generator properties throughout Europe. To make sure you don’t miss his photography, check out our Long Way Home exhibition page to find out when and where is touring.

Pictures from the Aftershow Party:

Beginning with ‘The Long Way Home’ solo photography exhibition in Copenhagen’s new Gallery space.

From 14th December 2012 until 11th February 2013, work form the Danish photographer, Thomas Skou, will be displayed in The Generator Gallery in the recently redesigned hostel in Copenhagen.

Skou’s ‘The Long Way Home’ exhibition combines images of vintage vehicles, nostalgic Americana-style motels with simple, intimate snapshots of people he met along the way. His stunning photos, together with music and film are a personal record of his travels and uniquely illustrate his experience of life on the road.

The event is also being used to showcase the hostel’s cool, new design-led look and feel created by the renowned designer Anwar Mekhayech from The Design Agency in Toronto. After exploring The Gallery, the guest experience continues in the newly designed bar and in-house cinema area where they can watch iconic road-trip films and drink travel-inspired cocktails.

A pre-opening preview party will be held in Generator Copenhagen’s Gallery on 13th December in association with the legendary Vice Magazine. This includes an after party for all Generator guests from 9pm till late in our infamous bar. From 14th December the exhibition will be open, free to the public, until 11th February 2013.

Check out our Thomas Skou Long Way Home gallery on Pinterest for more inspiration.

After its Copenhagen run, ‘The Long Way Home’ exhibition will visit five other Generator properties in 2013:

• Copenhagen – 14 December 2012.
• Hamburg – February 2013
• Dublin – March 2013
• Barcelona (opening March 2013) – Autumn 2013
• Berlin Mitte (opening March 2013) – Autumn 2013

See you there!