Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
Europe's longest-running free walking tours led by passionate local guides sharing authentic Copenhagen stories.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours is Europe's longest-running and highest-rated free walking tour operator, founded in 2012 by local guides passionate about sharing their city. Operating on a pay-what-you-wish model, the company offers expertly-led tours covering iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, and Amalienborg Palace, as well as specialized routes through Christianshavn and Carlsberg's historic brewery district. With over 12,000 combined reviews across Google, TripAdvisor, and Facebook, the company is renowned for knowledgeable, entertaining guides who balance historical insight with humor and local recommendations.
A brief summary to Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
- Mikkel Bryggers Gade 9, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1460, DK
- +4593891167
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Arrive 10 minutes early and look for the orange umbrella at the meeting point. Tours start exactly on time, and punctuality ensures you don't miss the opening context that guides provide.
- Book morning tours for smaller group sizes and better light for photography at iconic spots like Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid. Combine multiple tours on different days to experience contrasting sides of Copenhagen without repetition.
- Have your tip ready at the end of the tour. Consider Copenhagen's cost of living when deciding on gratuities, and remember that guides pay marketing fees per participant.
- Ask your guide for neighborhood recommendations beyond the tour route. Guides regularly suggest hidden gems in Vesterbro, Nørrebro, and other areas, plus restaurant and café tips that enhance your stay.
- Dress warmly for winter tours. Guides maintain excellent energy and humor in cold weather, and the experience remains memorable regardless of conditions.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
-
Metro
Take the Copenhagen Metro to Gammelstrand Station (Lines M1 or M2), approximately 5–10 minutes from most central locations. Exit toward Mikkel Bryggers Gade. Single journey tickets cost 24 DKK (approximately €3.20). The station is directly accessible from the meeting point.
-
Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes cycling an ideal option. Rent a bike from any of the city's numerous rental stations (approximately 80 DKK per day, or €11). The location is centrally situated in Indre By, accessible via dedicated cycle lanes from most neighborhoods within 10–20 minutes of cycling.
-
Walking
If staying in central Copenhagen (Nyhavn, Strøget, Amalienborg area), the meeting point is walkable within 10–25 minutes depending on your starting location. The route follows Copenhagen's flat, pedestrian-friendly streets with clear signage. Wear comfortable shoes as the city center involves considerable walking.
-
Bus
Multiple bus routes serve central Copenhagen, with stops near Mikkel Bryggers Gade. Journey times vary from 10–30 minutes depending on origin. Single tickets cost 24 DKK (approximately €3.20). Check the Rejseplanen app for real-time schedules and route planning.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
A Legacy of Local Expertise and Authentic Storytelling
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours stands as the longest-running free walking tour operator in Copenhagen, established in 2012 by a collective of passionate local guides determined to share their city with visitors from around the world. The company has grown into a trusted institution, earning over 12,000 reviews across Google, TripAdvisor, and Facebook, and consistently ranking among Europe's highest-rated free walking tour providers. What began as a small initiative to make quality guided experiences accessible regardless of budget has evolved into a sophisticated operation with guides boasting combined experience exceeding 30 years in the profession. The philosophy underlying Copenhagen Free Walking Tours centers on democratizing access to expert-led discovery. Rather than charging fixed fees upfront, the company operates on a pay-what-you-wish model, allowing visitors to decide fair compensation based on their experience. This approach reflects the founders' belief that everyone deserves a memorable tour regardless of financial constraints. Guides pay a modest marketing fee per participant to support the company's website, administrative operations, and presence on third-party booking platforms, ensuring sustainable operations while maintaining affordability for travelers.Diverse Routes Revealing Copenhagen's Many Faces
The tour portfolio encompasses multiple carefully curated routes, each designed to reveal distinct dimensions of Copenhagen's character. The flagship Grand Tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Little Mermaid statue, Nyhavn's colorful waterfront, Amalienborg Palace, and the King's Garden. The Christianshavn tour explores one of Copenhagen's most distinctive neighborhoods, delving into the bohemian history and alternative lifestyle that define this area. For those interested in industrial heritage and Danish craftsmanship, the Carlsberg brewery tour showcases the historic Dipylon and Elephant Gates, underground tunnel lore, and the personal homes of the brewery's founding family. A specialized food-focused walking tour introduces visitors to traditional and contemporary Danish cuisine through carefully selected stops featuring smørrebrød, fiskefrikadeller, craft beer, and local honey.Guides Who Transform Landmarks Into Living History
The distinguishing feature of Copenhagen Free Walking Tours lies in the caliber and personality of its guides. Regularly praised across review platforms, guides like Mikkel, Martin, Jack, Wayne, and Daniel are celebrated for their ability to balance rigorous historical knowledge with engaging storytelling, humor, and spontaneity. Visitors consistently report that guides provide not only accurate historical context but also entertaining anecdotes, local recommendations for restaurants and hidden neighborhoods, and insights into Danish culture that extend far beyond standard guidebook information. Many guides offer personalized recommendation maps at tour's end, directing visitors to lesser-known gems in neighborhoods like Vesterbro and Nørrebro. The guides' approach transforms routine landmarks into living narratives, whether by timing stops to coincide with the King's Guard parade at Amalienborg or by sharing quirky, lesser-known facts that make Copenhagen's history feel immediate and relevant.Practical Experience and Visitor Engagement
Tours typically last between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on the route selected, with morning departures attracting smaller groups and softer light ideal for photography. The company deliberately maintains smaller, intimate group sizes to ensure visitors can hear guides clearly and engage meaningfully with content, addressing a common challenge in larger tour operations. Tours operate year-round, including during Copenhagen's colder months, with guides known for maintaining enthusiasm and humor regardless of weather conditions. Most tours are family-friendly and accessible to people with reduced mobility, though some routes involve moderate walking distances. The company's commitment to preserving the quality of everyday life for Copenhagen residents means tours are designed to minimize inconvenience to locals while maximizing memorable experiences for visitors.Recognition and Community Trust
With a 4.9-star rating across thousands of verified reviews, Copenhagen Free Walking Tours has earned recognition as a trusted institution in Copenhagen's tourism landscape. The company's longevity—now operating for over 13 years—reflects consistent quality and visitor satisfaction. Guides are encouraged to share stories that go beyond conventional tourist narratives, creating experiences that feel authentic and personal rather than scripted. The pay-what-you-wish model has proven successful precisely because guides deliver experiences that visitors feel genuinely compelled to compensate fairly, creating a virtuous cycle of quality service and appropriate gratuities that sustain the operation.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
0.1 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.2 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Jorcks Passage
0.3 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Rutschebanen
0.5 km
Iconic 1914 wooden roller coaster in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, offering nostalgic thrills and hands-on history amid the city’s legendary amusement park.
Gråbrødretorv
0.5 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.5 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.5 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Amagertorv
0.5 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
The Tube
0.5 km
Experience 17 immersive rooms of sensory adventure at The Tube in Copenhagen Central Station.
Højbro
0.6 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Frihedsstøtten
0.6 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Christiansborg Palace
0.6 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Bishop Absalon
0.6 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Højbro Plads
0.6 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.6 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.1 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.1 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Rainbow Square
0.1 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.1 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.1 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
City Hall Square
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Nytorv
0.2 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.2 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Nytorv 2
0.2 km
An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Statue of Andersen
0.2 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Gammeltorv
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.3 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Magstræde
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
National Museum of Denmark
0.3 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Essential places to dine
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.1 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Restaurant Puk
0.2 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.2 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Krebsegaarden
0.3 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.3 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.3 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Rio Bravo
0.3 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Københavner Cafeen
0.3 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Spisestedet FEED
0.3 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Restaurant Karla
0.4 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Vækst
0.4 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Marv & Ben
0.4 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
0.1 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.1 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Souvenir Shop
0.1 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.2 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Wasteland
0.3 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.3 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Quirky Lane
0.3 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Notre Dame
0.3 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
København K
0.3 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.3 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.3 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.4 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
not your USUAL wine bar
0.0 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.0 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Centralhjørnet
0.1 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Musen & Elefanten
0.1 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Southern Cross Pub
0.2 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
The Rooftop Bar
0.2 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Floss Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Zefside
0.2 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
The Scottish Pub
0.3 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
Bar7
0.3 km
Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Proud Mary Pub
0.3 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Godt Øl
0.3 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Ruby
0.3 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dorsia
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
0.2 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Miami Bar
0.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.2 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.2 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Chateau Motel
0.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.3 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Cosy Bar
0.3 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
La Terraza
0.3 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Module
0.3 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Never Mind
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
0.5 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
