Free Walking Tours in Copenhagen

Denmark’s buzzing capital combines royal history, contemporary architecture, and an inventive food scene, making it perfect for a European weekend break. Whether you want to stroll along canals or explore medieval castles, Copenhagen has it all. Danish pastries are optional.

Start your vacation by checking out the free walking tours in Copenhagen. They’re a fun way to help you get your bearings, and you’ll see places that many tourists miss.

Here's what you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing activities in Copenhagen.

How do free walking tours in Copenhagen work?

Free walking tours have recently been introduced in Copenhagen, and they’re a great way to see the sights. There is nothing to pay upfront and no fixed price for the excursion. You just tip the guide after the tour, paying whatever you feel the experience was worth.

Online reservations are free, and there is no need to leave any credit card details to book your place. Just remember to take some cash with you on the day for the tip.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Copenhagen?

When it comes to tipping your tour guide, there really is no right or wrong amount. To help you come up with an appropriate number, consider how long the tour lasted, and how much you learned.

Many participants on free walking tours in Copenhagen give between €10 and €15 per person. If you have had a patricianly enjoyable time, feel free to offer a little more.

Which Copenhagen free walking tour should you choose?

There are a few different free tours in Copenhagen to choose from. Each is customized around a particular topic, or explores a specific area. So, for the full experience, you might want to take more than one!

Essential Copenhagen free walking tours

These excursions take in some of the major historic landmarks in Copenhagen, giving you an insight into the complex heritage of this Scandinavian city. You’ll be traveling through time to the 17^th century, hearing stories about the people who have left their legacies in these streets.

Start your day by admiring the stunning architecture of the town hall, and the golden statue of Absalon, warrior priest and founder of the city. Then it’s time for a wander along the iconic Nyhavn port where you’ll find those famous colorful houses. Your guide will spill the beans about why the buildings here come in all shades of orange, red, and yellow.

Another highlight is the Christiansborg Palace on the islet of Slotsholmen, which is the seat of the Danish Parliament. Check out the tower – it’s the tallest in the city. Some tours also stop by the Marmorkirken marble church and the Copenhagen Opera House.

The final sight is the Royal Palace on Amalienborg Square where you will learn all about the Danish Royal family.

Christianshavn free walking tours

Delve deep into this famous bohemian district of Copenhagen and see an alternative side to the city. Christianshavn is located across several small islands and feels a little like Venice with its canals, cafes, and boats.

The houses are vibrant, and many visitors think pedestrianized Christianshavn is the most beautiful part of Copenhagen. Soak up the relaxed vibe as you meander down winding cobblestone streets, stopping at quaint little chapels along the way. Popular stops include the pretty Christianshavn Canal and the Baroque Church of our Savior which boasts a striking black and gold spire.

You’ll discover what has been drawing the international community to Freetown Christiania since the 17^th century, and why hippie culture is here to stay. This autonomous “state within a state” has a few surprising architectural tricks up its sleeve, like the house made entirely out of windows!

Renaissance Copenhagen free walking tours

This one is for the history buffs who want to dig a little deeper into the Renaissance heritage of the city. These free walking tours in Copenhagen reveal the golden age of Danish culture with a jam-packed itinerary full of churches, castles, and towers.

Discover just how Copenhagen was founded by Bishop Absalom, and stop to photograph the Neoclassical cathedral, which is called Church of Our Lady. It might remind you a bit of temples in Greece. Next up is the Rundetaarn – a 17^th-century round tower built as an astronomical observatory. Inside, there’s a ramp for horse carriages to drive up to the top!

The icing on the cake is the Rosenborg Castle, which is a splendid example of the Dutch-Renaissance style. Constructed in the 1600s as a royal summer residence, it’s more palace than fortress. You’ll see the King’s Garden here too. It’s the oldest park in Copenhagen and one of the most popular.

Finish your free walking tour at the Torvehallerne Market, where the food stalls will have your mouth watering. The selection of Danish pastries on offer here is staggering!

In which languages are the walking tours operated?

At present, Copenhagen walking tours are offered in both English and Spanish. As the popularity of this type of excursion picks up, we expect to see further languages added in due course, so keep an eye out.

Where do the Copenhagen free walking tours start?

Free walking tours in Copenhagen all begin within the historic city center. The locations are easy to reach on foot or by public transport and leave you in a good position to continue your explorations afterward.

Most of the essential Copenhagen tours begin at City Hall Square, either outside the Sparekassen Vendsyssel bank, at the plaza entrance, or opposite the City Palace steps. Some excursions also kick off from the Gammelstran Metro Station.

The tours of Christianshavn and the Renaissance excursions both start from the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon in Højbro Plads – a public square in the city center.

How long do free walking tours in Copenhagen last?

Typically, free tours in Copenhagen are between 1.5 and 2.5 hours long. Denmark’s capital city is easy to explore on foot, so this gives you enough time to visit the main attractions.

If you have the energy, why not combine a couple of tours in one day?

What's the best time of day to join a free walking tour?

You’ll find that free walking tours in Copenhagen mostly operate during the morning, although there are a few midday and afternoon options available too. The city streets tend to be less crowded before lunchtime so if you prefer to avoid the bustle, aim for an earlier excursion.

If you can, book a tour for the first day of your vacation. It will help introduce you to the city, giving you the perfect soft landing in this unfamiliar destination.

Should Copenhagen free walking tours be booked online?

Definitely! Copenhagen walking tours are super popular, especially during the summer, so places do fill up fast. Make sure you bag your spot by booking online ahead of your visit.

Having a prior reservation will save you time on the ground too. After all, you don’t want to be spending your vacation researching things to do.

Copenhagen walking tour bookings are completely free, and you can cancel at any time without charge. You don’t even need to give any credit card details. Making a reservation is quick and easy, so you’ve really got nothing to lose.