Living the High Life: Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Copenhagen
By: Judy Cohen
Copenhagen often makes the list of “world’s most expensive cities.” And yes, it hurts.
One dinner out and suddenly you’re questioning your life choices, trying to figure out how half of your paycheck disappeared into a bowl of pasta and a few cocktails... or a dozen (we don’t judge).
But here’s the trick: you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy Copenhagen. Some of the very best bits are very affordable or even free... if you know where to look.
So here’s our collection of tried-and-tested tips from the Career Club DK newsletter team - the things we actually do ourselves when we want to enjoy the high life without the steep price tag.
And while this is written for Copenhagen, plenty of these tips work across Denmark too.
Parks, Picnics, BBQs and Dogs
Warm day? Or even just a hint of sun? The whole city heads outside. Parks, beaches, green patches... it looks like a festival, but it’s just Tuesday.
Bring supermarket snacks, a bottle of something cheap, maybe even one of those disposable grills, and feel free to bring along some games.
The rules are simple:
Clean up after yourself.
Check signs (some parks are no-music zones).
Don’t disturb anyone else.
Dog owners get bonus points: walking one here is basically free networking. Dog parks = instant small talk. Downside, dogs are expensive. But if you already have one... it’s a built-in social life booster.
Eat With Strangers (and Actually Enjoy It)
Forget fancy restaurants. Copenhagen does community dining brilliantly. It’s messy, loud, and full of opportunity to connect... and you’ll leave with at least one story.
These are our favs:
Absalon: dinner every night in a church converted to a community house. Long tables, cheap wine, and the fun of sitting next to total strangers (~60 DKK)
Folkekøkken: local “people’s kitchens.” Budget-friendly, often vegetarian, sometimes pay-what-you-can community dinners. Eat well while getting to know new people.
Libraries - Not just for reading
Libraries here double as free coworking spaces (no overpriced latte required).
Expect free talks, movie nights, knitting clubs, language cafés... and the Black Diamond, which adds concerts, exhibitions, a great café and harbor views you’d normally pay top real estate prices for. On hot days, step out for a swim right after.
Join a Club (any club)
Danes love clubs. Chess, football, ceramics, birdwatching... you name it, there’s a group. Beekeeping and basket weaving are actual things I’ve been planning to join in my area.
Membership fees are low, and you instantly get a community.
If you’re new, check Tilflytterservice. They run game nights, job cafés, and meetups. Basically “how to make friends” with training wheels.
Fitness Without Crying Over the Price
Private gyms? Painfully expensive. Municipal gyms? Affordable. Swimming, Bounce, yoga... all for a fraction of the cost.
Or just use the city itself: outdoor fitness parks, endless bike routes, or harbor swims (free, though water between October and April is basically a personality test).
Two of our team meet up after work before one heads to the gym and the other to eat something with lots of calories and zero exercise involved. They walk the parks to get their “steps in” and to just see each other. No fees with all the benefits!
Free Culture Everywhere
This city does festivals like some people do dinner parties. Constantly. And you learn to love it.
Copenhagen Jazz Festival: free concerts in July, everywhere.
Distortion: chaotic street parties.
Pride Week, Culture Night, Sakura Festival, Light Festival: free events, you often don’t even need to sign up for.
You can find these events on facebook events, special newsletters or your network. The options are endless.
Season Pass = Cheat Code
One-off visits to attractions are pricey. However, season passes pay for themselves in 2–4 trips and come with extra perks.
Tivoli Gardens: The annual pass is just 429 DKK. Go three times and you’re saving already. Some of us are in there twice a month. They decorate for Halloween, Christmas and run special events all summer - all of this is included in your pass!
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: unlimited art from ancient Egypt, the Greek and Roman empires, and also French art from the 19th century and Danish Golden Age paintings and sculptures... plus one glorious winter garden…Perfect for rainy days!
295 DKK (adult),
465 DKK (+1 guest),
150 DKK (students under 27).
Glyptoteket is free the last Wednesday of the month, but be prepared for crowds.
Natural History Museum & Palm House:
Explore fascinating fossils and dazzling minerals at Copenhagen’s Natural History Museum, then step into the lush, tropical beauty of the iconic Palm House at the Botanical Garden.
210 DKK/year, plus reduced entry to related museums.
Designmuseum Denmark:
Be sure to take a ride on the indoor slide!
290 DKK/year, or 130 DKK if under 27.
Includes “bring a friend” days.
Frederiksberg Museums:
Discover royal elegance, modern art, and serene gardens across Frederiksberg Museums, where history and creativity meet in the heart of Copenhagen.
175 DKK/year for four museums.
Parkmuseerne Ticket:
The ticket unlocks access to six top museums in central Copenhagen, offering a rich mix of art, history, and natural science all nestled in scenic green surroundings.
345 DKK/year for six museums, including SMK and Rosenborg.
Everyday Copenhagen hacks
Try the waterbus - a boat ride and city water sightseeing tour for the price of a bus ticket.
Take a dip in one of the canals - clean, free, and very Copenhagen. Make sure to get some hygge with a nice warm drink afterwards.
Botanical Gardens, Frederiksberg Have, Amager Fælled… or as we refer to them in the newsletter team, our outdoor living rooms.
Famous last words
Yes, Copenhagen is expensive. However, some of the best experiences here don’t cost much, or anything at all.
BBQs in the park, communal dinners, water taxis, and dips in the canal you’ll never forget.
That’s the real high life, Copenhagen style.
Loads of love from the Career Club DK Newsletter Team. Enjoy the tricks we actually use to make the most of this city without draining our wallets while still having the most fun.
