Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has a wealth of attractions stashed within it, ranging from museums, art galleries and theatres. Don’t miss them just because you are on a budget! The city is extremely “pedestrian friendly” and a bicycle to whizz around town is one of the best ways to travel. By renting a bike, you can tour the city at your own pace and spend as much time at a particular attraction spot without worrying about a schedule. As you bike along, check out the following sites; many are free of charge, and you certainly won´t be disappointed about that.
National Museum
The National Museum is surrounded with an enormous collection of Viking-era Danish artifacts. It is considered Denmark’s largest museum for these types of objet d’art and has one of the world’s finest collections in Egyptology, too.
The Danish National Gallery (Statens Museum for Kunst)
Rubens, Rembrandt and more classical painters can be found within the confines of this free museum, as well as featured touring exhibits. Modernists need not be disappointed, as an annex was added just to house the newer gems from the 20th century.
Open Air Museum
The Open Air Museum is free admission and you´ll imagine that you have stepped back in time. Unfolding Danish life from 1650-1950 across 86 acres of land, the museum is an authentic representation of more than 50 farms, mills and cottages renovated to exactly as had it once stood. During the summer months, the staff dons historical costumes.
Rosenborg Castle
The Rosenborg Castle is a renaissance palace well worth visiting. It was originally used as a royal residence, but is now a museum. It houses the Danish Crown Jewels, as well as the history associated with Danish Kings Frederik II through Frederik VII.
Botanical Gardens
Across the street from Rosenborg Castle, you´ll find the Botanical Gardens. The gardens contain an exceptional collection of tropical plants in the huge Victorian era greenhouse, “Palm House.”
Nyhavn/Harbor District
Located at the edge of the harbor district, Nyhavn is one of the most scenic and colorful parts of the city. Dating back to the 12th century, this was the original port of Copenhagen. The colorful and fully restored homes facing the canal mostly date to the 17th and 18th Century´s.
Dedicated to Denmark´s own storyteller, Hans Christian Anderson in 1913, meet and greet the beloved fairy tale statue, the Little Mermaid along the harborside.
Canal Boats
One sure way to relax and enjoy a visit is to set aside some to simply soak in the city’s atmosphere with a canal boat tour. Picture perfect opportunities arise with ease and trips last from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. The boat hosts/hostesses are usually fluent in several languages, including English.
Tivoli Gardens
If you want to break free of city life and an urban setting, then head to the serene Tivoli Gardens. Opened in 1843, the gardens are part amusement park, urban oasis, aquarium and music and theatrical entertainment center.
Other Cost Saving Ideas
No trip to Copenhagen would really be complete without having a traditional Danish “buffet lunch” (“Det Store Kolde Bord”). Rather than a formal meal, this Danish version of a smorgasbord is an affordable choice to fill up on.
When planning your trip to Copenhagen, try to secure a hotel near the city centre, which is ideal to all the top attractions in town. Accommodations are known to be pricy, but hotels booked through copenhagenhotels.org will help keep the costs down to experience even more of Copenhagen.
