Copenhagen is a city renowned for its design, history, and vibrant atmosphere. For visitors and residents celebrating a birthday, the city offers a variety of experiences that are either completely free or very low-cost, allowing for a memorable celebration without a significant financial outlay. The following information details specific activities, their accessibility, and associated costs based on available data.
Free and Low-Cost Birthday Activities
Based on the provided sources, several activities in Copenhagen can be enjoyed for free or at a minimal cost, making them suitable for a birthday celebration.
Tivoli Gardens Amble
Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest theme parks, is noted as an unforgettable place for an amble. While rides require tickets, the park itself can be visited for free if you choose not to participate in attractions. The park features romantic 19th-century representations of the Orient and is a significant landmark in the city. For those with children, the park offers rides, including the Star Flyer, which elevates riders 80 meters above the ground. The park's atmosphere is highlighted as a key attraction, even for those not interested in rollercoasters or carousels.
Canal Tours
Canal tours are described as a touristy but highly recommended activity. The cost is approximately $14 USD, making it an affordable option. These tours are particularly enjoyable in the morning, and passengers are permitted to bring coffee on board. The tour provides views of the city's amazing sights. Tickets can be booked in advance or potentially purchased at last-minute booths.
Kayaking with Green Kayak
For those interested in water activities, a company called Green Kayak offers kayak rentals in Copenhagen. The service is unique in that it is free of charge; the requirement is that renters pick up trash from the canals during their paddle. This activity is described as fun and gamified, not feeling like a chore. It allows participants to paddle around beautiful streets in the city at no cost.
Free Walking Tours
Free walking tours are available in Copenhagen. These tours are recommended for the first day in a new city to help overcome jet lag and provide a basic mental map of the city. They also offer the opportunity to ask the tour guide questions and get local tips on places to eat or visit. One specific tour is noted, but it requires advance booking.
Museum Free Days
The National Museum of Denmark offers free entry every Wednesday. This museum is centrally located and features fantastic art and a Viking history exhibit. It is highly recommended for those interested in Nordic history. Visitors should expect crowds on free days.
Public Gardens and Parks
Copenhagen's public gardens are free to visit. While the glass greenhouse (The Palm House) containing butterflies requires a paid entry (approximately 40 DKK), the gardens themselves are accessible at no cost. This is noted as one of the best cheap things to do in Copenhagen during the winter months, allowing visitors to warm up inside the lush palm house.
Freetown Christiania
Freetown Christiania is an anarchistic utopia that operates with its own set of rules. It is free to explore. The area is characterized by buildings covered in art, people riding bikes, a free library in the center, and its own economy. It is described as a neat and interesting place to visit.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is Copenhagen's most famous destination, known for its vibrant colors and historic tall ships. Strolling down the southern side of the canal is recommended for the best views and photographs. Visitors can see the house where author Hans Christian Andersen lived in 1835. While harborside restaurants are expensive, locals often pick up snacks and beers to enjoy a picnic-style on the water's edge.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, is a famous sight that visitors flock to see. There is no cost to view the statue.
Kronborg Castle (Hamlet Castle)
Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, approximately an hour north of Copenhagen by train, is known as the Hamlet Castle. With a Copenhagen City Card, the train ride and castle entry are free. Even without the pass, the day trip or half-day trip is considered worth the cost. The town of Helsingør is described as beautiful, with streets resembling something from a Disney movie, and the castle is massive.
Strøget and the Old Town
Strøget is one of the longest pedestrian streets in the world and serves as Copenhagen's lively center. It is a shopping playground, particularly for Danish design fans, but browsing is free. The street is dotted with historic buildings, squares, and fountains. Quieter squares like Gråbrødretorv and picturesque streets can be found by straying from the main shopping area.
Nikolaj Kunsthal
The Nikolaj Kunsthal is a contemporary art center housed in a former church. It is free to enter on the last Wednesday of every month. Exhibitions change regularly and focus on contemporary social, cultural, or political issues.
Gefion Fountain and Kastellet
The Gefion Fountain, featuring the Norse goddess Gefion and her oxen, is an imposing creation near St Alban's Church. Behind the fountain is Kastellet, a star-shaped fortress built in the 1600s. Visitors can stroll the grounds and investigate its historic buildings and windmill for free. Planning tip: Combine a visit to Kastellet with a stroll through Langelinie Park, passing the Little Mermaid and the Maritime Monument.
Christmas Markets
During Christmastime, Copenhagen has a fantastic free Christmas Market at Højbro Plads. Unlike some markets in Berlin that require an entry fee, this one is free to walk around. It is described as an old-fashioned holiday market full of decorations, over 28,000 lights, secret fairies, reindeer decor, and Santa. Stalls sell wine, food, and artisan goods. While walking around is free, purchasing a cup of mulled wine is recommended as a classic experience.
Reffen Market
Reffen is a street food market located in Refshaleøen, an urban industrial part of the city on the water. While you must pay for food from the stalls, there are many options across various cuisines and price points, allowing for budget-friendly choices. The market has a fun vibe, and visiting for the experience is suggested even if not purchasing anything. Torvehallerne Market is another, smaller market that is easier to get to.
The Royal Danish Library (Det Kgl. Bibliotek)
Known as The Black Diamond, this building is noted for its crazy cool architecture. It merges new age design with the old, with some areas being very modern and others clearly hundreds of years old. It can be seen from water tours.
Conclusion
Copenhagen offers a wide range of activities suitable for a birthday celebration, from completely free attractions like public gardens, walking tours, and museum free days to low-cost experiences such as canal tours and market visits. Key free sights include Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, Kastellet fortress, and Freetown Christiania. For those willing to spend a small amount, options like the canal tour, Green Kayak trash-collection rental, and food markets provide memorable experiences. Planning a visit around free days at museums or taking advantage of a Copenhagen City Card for included transport and attractions can further enhance the celebration without a high cost.