This free tour is an excellent opportunity to see some of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks while hearing the stories behind them. It’s also a great way to spend a day exploring this beautiful city.

This study analyzed 37 free guided tours from Berlin, Tallinn and Warsaw (Widtfeldt Meged & Zillinger, 2018). The findings show that guides’ biographies accentuate their international experiences and their role as mediators of glocalization.

Nyhavn

Nyhavn, a popular free tour copenhagen attraction, is home to the picture-postcard waterfront district where narrow colorful traditional houses flank charming boutiques and cafes. Its quay is pedestrianised and lively day and night, with many restaurants serving a range of smorrebrod dishes to suit all tastes.

Once a thriving commercial port, Nyhavn began to dwindle in the early 20th century due to larger ships taking over its role. However, a rejuvenation campaign in the 1960s and 1980s saw Nyhavn’s historic importance recognised again.

As well as being a great place to explore the city’s history, this vibrant area is home to some of Copenhagen’s best attractions and restaurants. A stroll along its colourful northern side is a great way to spend an afternoon, and it’s also a favourite with visitors at Christmas for its festive market stalls.

To get the most out of your visit to this picturesque area, book a hotel or hostel within walking distance of the quays. You’ll be able to take in the views of the water and boats from your room or suite.

The Little Mermaid

A sculpture of the Little Mermaid, which inspired Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairytale, sits on a rock in Copenhagen’s harbor. It was sculpted by Edvard Eriksen in 1913, and is among Copenhagen’s most popular tourist attractions.

After watching a ballet performance based on the Little Mermaid, Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of the brewery Carlsberg, commissioned the statue. He wanted the ballerina Ellen Price to model for it, but she would not pose naked, so Eriksen’s wife Eline took her place.

The Little Mermaid is a staple of the Langelinie Promenade, a popular tourist attraction where you can take pictures and get your photos taken with the mermaid for free! The busiest time of year to visit the mermaid is in summer, so it’s best to plan your trip well in advance.

Christianshavn

Christian's Harbor (Christianshavn) is one of Copenhagen's most picturesque districts. Originally laid out as an independent privileged merchant's town, it now features cobblestone streets, canals and Dutch-style homes with painted facades.

Taking a guided tour of Christianshavn is a great way to discover the neighborhood's rich history, cultural attractions and charming mix of old and new. You'll see a woman's prison, a military base and famous landmarks like the Church of Our Savior and the North Atlantic House.

In addition to walking the streets of Christianshavn, you can also take a boat tour of the area's canals. This is a perfect way to experience this historic area and get a different perspective on Copenhagen.

Another must-visit attraction is Freetown Christiania, a hash-scented commune straddling the eastern side of Christianshavn. This autonomous “state within a state” is a quaint neighbourhood of quirky DIY workshops, collective business and a healthy dose of hippie culture.

The Old Town

Founded in the 12th century, The Old Town is a colorful kaleidoscope of historic buildings and cobbled streets. It's packed with architectural wonders and is a must-visit on any free tour copenhagen attraction list.

You can take a walk on the famous Stroget, the pedestrian thoroughfare that links Radhuspladsen (City Hall Square), Copenhagen's main shopping district, to Nyhavn, the salty mini-harbor. From there, you can head into Frederiksstaden, an elegant 18th-century district of rococo palaces and cafés, or to Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish Royal Family.

Christianshavn is another famous bohemian district, located across several small islands, which feels a lot like Venice with its canals, boats and cafes. It is a perfect spot to delve into the alternative side of Copenhagen, and the tour can be done with just one or several experienced English-speaking guides.