Copenhagen Off-the-Beaten-Path: An Alternative One Day Itinerary
Are you planning a trip to Copenhagen and looking to spend one day exploring a more off-the-beaten-path side of Copenhagen?
Then you have come to the right place!
This is not your ordinary one-day itinerary to Copenhagen exploring Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, or the old amusement park Tivoli Gardens!
This post is a guide to Copenhagen off the beaten path, a one-day itinerary guiding you through alternative things to do in Copenhagen away from the popular attractions to experience another side of Copenhagen!
Despite having lived over 10 years abroad, I was born and raised in Copenhagen.
After I moved from Argentina to Spain two years ago, I have been able to visit friends and family in Copenhagen more frequently.
On my last trip back to Copenhagen in September, my mum (who also happens to own the tour guide company, Slow Tours Copenhagen), went out to explore a couple of the less-known places in Copenhagen!
So, instead of keeping it to ourselves, I wanted to share it with the rest of you!
Hopefully, this one-day itinerary to Copenhagen off the beaten path will inspire you to explore new parts of Copenhagen on your next trip!
Let’s get started on exploring the best off the beaten path in Copenhagen!
A Local’s One-Day Itinerary to Copenhagen Off the Beaten Path
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Copenhagen Off the Beaten Path Logistics
This one-day itinerary to Copenhagen is my suggestion to experience something different while visiting Copenhagen!
Add this one-day itinerary to your Copenhagen weekend getaway or as a stand-alone itinerary if you are a seasonal Copenhagen traveler with a stop-over in the Danish capital.
Copenhagen Off the Beaten Path Map
Check out all the stops on the Copenhagen off the beaten path one-day itinerary. In the top right-hand corner, you can click on the full-screen icon and have the map open directly in your Google Maps app
The red dots are the off-the-beaten-path attractions, and the purple dots are the recommendations for unique hotels in Copenhagen.
How to Spend One Day Off the Beaten Path in Copenhagen
Explore a different side of Copenhagen with this off-the-beaten-path one-day itinerary to Copenhagen!
Let’s get started!
Morning – Copenhagen Street Art & Cemetery
Good morning and welcome to your one-day itinerary to Copenhagen off-the-beaten-path!
Get ready to explore some truly unique corners of the Danish capital city!
Breakfast at Gro Eatery
Start your day with breakfast at Gro Eatery in the heart of Østerbro, Copenhagen’s classy well-off neighborhood often overshadowed by more touristy areas in Copenhagen.
Gro Eatery is a cozy café and restaurant located on the roof of a multi-storey parking lot in the heart of Østerbro.
Gro Eatery, or Gro Spiseri as the place is called in Danish, is part of an urban community-driven rooftop farm, called Østergro.
Østergro has been around for the last 10 years, and the urban farm is driven by the local community in the area of Østerbro.
Gro is the Danish word for “growth” or ” to grow”.
From the outside, it doesn’t look as much. Actually, it just looks like what it is; a parking lot. However, when you climb the emergency stairs or take the elevator up to the roof of the building, you are met with a completely different experience!
On the roof, you’ll find a beautiful garden and farm with a little cottage at the far back. The cottage is the kitchen and restaurant area of Gro Eatery.
Gro Eatery offers a delicious seasonal farm-to-table breakfast menu, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Whenever possible the ingredients may come from their urban farm.
It’s a communal breakfast where everybody sits at the same long communal table and the breakfast menu is fixed for everybody.
When I visited with a friend, we got a bowl of organic yogurt topped with a drizzle of honey, an egg, a homemade pastry, and homemade buns with different toppings like homemade jam, cheese, and butter. There were coffee and tea available with both oat milk and cow milk.
The breakfast servings at Gro Eatery start at 10 am and last around an hour and a half. The breakfast menus are only available on Saturdays and Sundays from April to September.
However, Gro Eastery also offers year-round seasonal 3-course lunch menus on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 12:30 pm.
You can also try out Gro Eastery’s 5-course seasonal dinner menu available most evenings of the year. There are two servings; one seating a 5:30 pm and another at 8:30 pm
Reservations are absolutely necessary because all seating is communal. So book your table for Gro Eatery beforehand.
Breakfast at Gro Eatery is a truly unique way to start your day exploring Copenhagen off the beaten path!
Location: Gro Eatery, Æbeløgade 4, Østerbro
Grød
Alternatively, if you visit on a day when Gro Eastery isn’t open for breakfast, Grød is a fantastic choice for a healthy breakfast.
Grød is a popular porridge bar focusing on a modern take on… yes, you heard it right; porridge!
Porridge is a traditional part of Danish food culture. Actually, I grew up eating oatmeal almost every day for breakfast and I still eat it in the wintertime!
Grød takes porridge to the next level of yumminess! They use wholesome ingredients, serving everything from classic oatmeal topped with seasonal fruits to other savory breakfast options that will leave you feeling nourished and ready for the day ahead.
Location: Grød, Jægersborggade 50, Copenhagen
Note: there are several Grød locations around Copenhagen, so check which one is more convenient for you
After breakfast at Østerbro, hit the road and walk through the streets of Østerbro to Copenhagen’s hip off-the-beaten-path neighborhood, Nørrebro.
Street Art at Nørrebro
Nørrebro is a perfect spot for exploring a different off-the-beaten-path side of Copenhagen, often overlooked by travelers to Copenhagen.
Nørrebro is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Copenhagen with a high immigrant population, making the area a melting pot of cultures, art, and creativity.
BaNanna Park
One of the highlights of Nørrebro is BaNanna Park, a local recreation area and green space with local street art.
BaNanna Park is a local gathering spot with a climbing wall for children to play on and green spaces to enjoy Copenhagen’s occasional sun.
BaNanna Park also offers a great collection of local street art. The different pieces showcase themes ranging from social issues to the cultural diversity that characterizes Nørrebro. Some of the murals at BaNanna Park even featured some of my childhood cartoon heroes!
Learn more about BaNanna Park at the Danish Architecture Center!
Make a stop at BaNanna Park to admire the colorful murals and maybe relax a bit on the grass before continuing to another of Copenhagen’s unique parks, Superkilen.
Location: BaNanna Park, Nannasgade 6, Copenhagen
Superkilen Urban Park
Superkilen Urban Park is one of the more well-known off-the-beaten-path places in Copenhagen since the place has been featured in commercials from Copenhagen’s tourist board!
Every time you see commercials with people biking on asymmetric curved white lines (there are some at Copenhagen Airport!), it’s from Superkilen! So, maybe it shouldn’t even be considered off-the-beaten-path anymore?
Anyway, I still added Superkilen to our Copenhagen one-day itinerary because it is just a short 10-minute walk from BaNanna Park!
Superkilen is an urban space that celebrates cultural diversity through art and design. The urban spans over 30 acres and is divided into three sections: the Red Square, the Black Market, and the Green Park.
Superkilen was designed by the renowned Danish architect studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), and an area of Superkilen reflects different cultural influences and showcases the international community residing in Nørrebro.
Black Market
Superkilen’s Black Market is characterized by its black pavements with asymmetric white lines.
At the heart of the Black Market, is a small hill adorned with asymmetric lines. The hill is a popular spot for local skateboarders to hone their skills.
From the top of the hill, you also have a great view of the Black Market.
At the Black Market, you’ll find a range of international flags along with an outdoor marketplace setup, which often features pop-up shops, food stalls, and local vendors.
Green Park
Superkilen’s Green Park blends lush greenery with lawns and picnic spots.
Green Park is perfect for a stroll or simply relaxing on the grass.
You’ll sometimes see locals doing yoga, picnicking with friends, or playing with their children in the thoughtfully designed play areas.
Red Square
Superkilen’s Red Square features bold red surfaces and striking art installations, including oversized white benches and unique sculptures. Make a stop at the Red Square to shoot some photos and enjoy the colorful installations.
The name refers to the primary color used in this part of Superkilen but is also a playful reference to the Red Square in Mosco. On the square, you’ll find Russian-looking references like a big star, making you think of a communist star or a big sign that looks like Russian (I don’t actually know if it is Russian!).
On one side of the square, bike lanes connect to the other part of Superkilen and the surrounding neighborhood. On the other side, you have the local sports hall, Nørrebrohallen!
Honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed by Superkilen. However, Superkilen is perfectly located between BaNanna Park and Nørrebrohallen, the next step on our Copenhagen off-the-beaten-path one-day itinerary.
Location: Superkilen, Nørrebrogade 210, Copenhagen
Book a tour to explore more of Nørrebro!
Visit the Troll at Nørrebrohallen
Right by the side of the Superkilen’s Red Square, you have Nørrebrohallen, a local sports complex.
Step inside Nørrebrohallen to visit the neighborhood’s troll, Lomme Ulrik!
Lomme Ulrik, or translated to English as Pocket Ulrik, is a playful troll sculpture, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.
Thomas Dambo has become increasingly well-known in the Danish local community for his troll sculptures located in the forests around Copenhagen, also known as Dambo’s Six Giants or the Six Forgotten Giants.
Pocket Ulrik is one of the latest additions to Dambo’s Danish troll family. The sculpture is made from recycled materials. Pocket Ulrik embodies the spirit of sustainability and creativity that characterizes Copenhagen’s artistic scene.
Nørrebrohallen used to be a roundhouse for Copenhagen Tram. Inside the sports complex, you can still see features and references to its time as a roundhouse.
Stop by Nørrebrohallen for a photo with the friendly recycled giant and enjoy Copenhagen’s repurposed sports hall.
After visiting the Troll Lomme Ulrik at Nørrebrohallen, head to the main street outside the sports complex, Nørrebrogade. A 10-minute walk from Superkilen and Nørrebrohallen, you will find Nørrebros Runddel, a busy intersection in Copenhagen.
Behind the metro station for Nørrebros Runddel, you will find the next stop on our off-the-beaten-path Copenhagen itinerary: Assistens Cemetery.
Location: Lomme Ulrik inside Nørrebrohallen, Nørrebrogade 208, Copenhagen
Explore Assistens Cemetery
Assistens Cemetery is one of Copenhagen’s lesser-known treasures, and can easily be missed hiding behind its giant yellow-painted wall right by the bustling Nørrebros Runddel.
But don’t miss out on adding this unique place to your Copenhagen off-the-beaten-path itinerary!
This cemetery is not your typical burial ground but instead, a cemetery park that doubles as a cemetery and public park filled with Danish history and spooky stories.
At Assistens Cemetery, you will find locals biking through the park, walking their dogs, or meeting up with friends for a coffee side-by-side with the old graves.
The oldest part of the Assistens Cemetery dates back to 1760 and features important Danish personalities such as the world-famous Danish writer H.C. Andersen, physicist Hans Christian Ørsted, and Danish philosopher Søren Kirkegaard.
The cemetery is also the final resting place for local contemporary celebrities like Danish musicians and writers such as Dan Turrèll, Master Fatman (aka Morten Lindberg), and Natasja Saad.
The cemetery park offers a unique mix of nature and art right in the middle of Copenhagen’s busy Nørrebro neighborhood. Stroll along the winding paths and enjoy the tranquility of Assistens Cemetery on your own or sign up for a private guided tour of Assistens Cemetery with Slow Tours Copenhagen.
After exploring Assistens Cemetery, continue your Copenhagen off-the-beaten-path itinerary by heading to Blågårds Plads for lunch.
Location: Assistens Cemetery main entrance Kapelvej 2.
Lunch at Blågårds Plads
Blågårds Plads is a local square in the heart of the Nørrebro district that offers a mix of culinary delights. Unlike the touristy spots in the city center, Blågårds Plads is where locals gather to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and diverse cuisine.
Translated from Danish, the meaning of Blågårds Plads is “Blue Manor Square”. Around the square, you will find a local library, a community center, a local church, and local eateries. The central section of the Blågårds Plads square is slightly depressed and used for soccer matches and ice-skating in the winter.
The square at Blågårds Plads features several unique granite sculptures by the Danish sculptor Kai Nielsen. The sculptures date back to 1915, and feature different traditional craft workers from Copenhagen; a tailor, a baker, a fisherman, a barber, etc.
Around Blågårds Plads there is a range of different eateries, from cozy cafés serving artisan sandwiches and fresh salads to charming restaurants offering Danish and international dishes.
The eateries around Blågårds Plads highlight Copenhagen’s multicultural food scene and Nørrebro’s culturally diverse community.
For a quick bite, try the classic Danish open-faced sandwich “smørrebrød” or an authentic Middle Eastern shawarma, which has become an inherited part of modern Danish Food culture.
If you visit this Copenhagen off-the-beaten-path place during the summertime, you might also run into concerts with local musicians or artists showcasing their talents.
Location: Blågards Plads, Copenhagen
Korsgadehallen & The Green Square Courtyard
After lunch, make a quick stop at Korsgadehallen and the Green Square Courtyard, located just off Blågards Plads.
The Green Square Courtyard, also known as “Den Grønne Firkant” is a unique green oasis in the heart of Nørrebro.
Korsegadehallen is a local sports hall partly built inside the hill that makes up the Green Square Courtyard. The construction of the hall is lowered and the roof is created as a hill with wild plants and flowers.
You can’t visit inside the sports hall without a membership. However, you can access the roof – or the hill!
Act respectfully as this is a sports hall used by the local community. If you visit during the daytime you’ll mostly find school kids using the sports hall for indoor sports.
Korsgadehallen and the Green Square Courtyard must-visit if you are interested in suitability and alternative Nordic architecture.
Location: Korsgadehallen, Korsgade 29, Copenhagen
Afternoon – Copenhagen From Above
Are you ready to get on with your afternoon exploring off the beaten path in Copenhagen?
From Blågards Plads or Korsgadehallen, head down to the end of Korsgade (the street where the sports hall is on) and walk by the shore of the iconic Copenhagen lakes.
Walk by the Lakes, Søerne
The five big lakes in the center of Copenhagen, commonly known as Søerne in Danish or “The Lakes”, separate the old historical city center from the surrounding neighborhoods.
Today, the old city center and the surrounding neighborhoods are closely connected and all densely populated, however, it has not already been like that. Back in time, the surrounding areas were separated from the city center by the lakes and the city gates.
The Lakes are a favorite spot for Copenhageners to go for a walk, a run, or meet up with friends. Enjoy the local atmosphere and the amazing views of the big interconnected lakes.
Before we head on; how about a little coffee break?
Coffee Break at Café MellemRummet
Make a stop at Café MellemRummet, a cozy volunteer-driven non-profit cafe nestled away on Ravnsborgsgade in Nørrebro. Recharge with a warm beverage or maybe one of Copenhagen’s famous pastries?
The café focuses on sustainability and quality, sourcing their coffee from fair-trade suppliers and serving homemade pastries.
Café MellemRummet also features different English and Danish-speaking events. Check out their event calendar on Facebook or Instagram.
After a well-deserved break, walk or bike through the busy and vibrant streets of Nørrebro towards the Mærsk Tower.
Opening hours at Café MellemRummet:
- Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 12 am
- Sunday: 10 am – 4.30 pm
Location: Café MellemRummet, Ravnsborggade 11, Copenhagen
The Mærsk Tower’s Viewpoint
The Mærsk Tower is a modern and innovative building located in Nørrebro and part of the University of Copenhagen’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.
On the 15th floor, there is an indoor viewpoint with views over Copenhagen facing over towards Sweden!
The indoor part of the viewpoint is properly the biggest downside as it can be a bit difficult to get good pictures through the glass windows.
It is possible to visit the viewing area as a member of the public without prior reservation, simply take the elevator up to the 15th floor.
The construction of the Mærsk Tower began in 2012 and was finalized in 2017. The architecture and design of the building focus on innovation and sustainability. Read more about the Mærsk Tower.
After visiting the Mærsk Tower, jump on a local bus or walk towards the city center of Copenhagen to explore the city’s most recent rooftop: The Movie Roof or Filmtaget.
Opening hours of Mærsk Tower:
- Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm
Location: Mærsk Tower, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Nørrebro, Denmark
Get more information about the Maersk Tower and closing days on the University of Copenhagen’s website.
Drinks at Filmtaget
Filmtaget is a rooftop bar and open-air cinema located right in the heart of Copenhagen by the famous King’s Garden and Rosenborg Castle.
Filmtaget, best translated to “The Movie Roof” in English, is located on top of Cinemateket, a cultural center for Danish cinema and part of the Danish Film Institute.
Stop by Filmtaget for a quick drink while enjoying one of the absolute best views over Copenhagen!
For now, Filmtaget is still a relatively new addition to Copenhagen’s rooftops since Filmtaget opened in August 2024.
So, I’m sure that soon we’ll not be able to mark this rooftop bar as “Copenhagen off-the-beaten-path” anymore… But that doesn’t change the amazing views you get from the top, so give it a try anyway!
After a refreshing drink with the gorgeous views of the King’s Garden, head back to Nørreport Station. Take the metro or the red S-train to the new trendy neighborhood still off the beaten path in Copenhagen: Nordhavn.
Opening hours of Filmtaget:
- Monday through Sunday from 10 am to 11 pm.
Location: Filmtaget, Gothersgade 55, Copenhagen
Evening at Nordhavn
Nordhavn is a unique waterfront district that showcases Copenhagen’s dynamic mix of contemporary sustainable architecture and maritime history.
Nordhavn is a perfect place to end our one-day itinerary to Copenhagen off the beaten path!
Architecture in Nordhavn
In Danish Nordhavn means the Northern Harbour and the area was once an industrial port. Now Nordhavn has been transformed into a trendy neighborhood where modern buildings sit alongside historical buildings.
Throughout Nordhavn, you will find an impressive mix of repurposed old buildings; either in the form of old grain soils being transformed into apartment blocks or old warehouses being used for offices and shops.
The development project in Nordhavn is one of the largest urban development projects in Northern Europe, focusing on sustainable and energy-conscious architecture.
Nordhavn is a must-visit if you’re interested in modern architecture.
Wander Nordhavn on your own or try a guided tour of Nordhavn to learn about the neighborhood’s history and unique development.
Konditaget Lüders
A place you shouldn’t miss out on visiting in Nordhavn is Konditaget Lüders!
Konditaget Lüders, also known in English as Lüders’ Exercise Roof is a recreational exercise space on top of a multi-story carpark right in the heart of Nordhavn.
The Exercise Roof offers several free-of-use exercise machines where locals meet up to work out alone or in groups.
From the top of the 78-foot (24-meter) rooftop, you also have stunning panoramic views of Copenhagen harbor.
Location: Konditaget Lüders, Helsinkigade 30, Copenhagen
Dinner at Restaurant Siloen
End your day exploring Copenhagen off the beaten path by dining with the most spectacular uninterrupted views of Copenhagen’s harbor and coastline!
Restaurant Siloen is a unique dinner experience in Nordhavn.
The restaurant is located on the 17th floor of the unique architectural project, The Silo. The project transformed a former grain silo previously used in the old industrial harbor and remodeled it into luxury residential apartments.
Restaurant Siloen offers amazing panoramic views over Copenhagen and the many modern development projects going on in Nordhavn.
The restaurant merges the historical ambiance of the old grain silo’s iconic phrase: “Hvad drikker Møller?” (What does Møller drink?) with a modern and stylish interior design and massive floor-to-ceiling windows.
Restaurant Siloen features contemporary Danish cuisine and is definitely at the higher end of the price scale for Copenhagen restaurants.
Book a table at Restaurant Siloen before going as this place is becoming increasingly popular among locals!
Location: Restaurant Siloen, Helsinkigade 29, København
Goodnight, Copenhagen!
I hope you are ready for a good night’s sleep after this Copenhagen off the beaten path itinerary!
Get the Most Out of Copenhagen Off the Beaten Path
To get the most out of your one-day itinerary to Copenhagen off the beaten path, here are some ideas for off-the-beaten-path tours to do in Copenhagen, how to get around Copenhagen, and unique places to stay in Copenhagen.
Unique Hotels to Stay in Copenhagen
The Krane
The Krane is an unusual hotel located inside a former industrial crane in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district.
The Krane is an intimate one-room hotel with one of the most exclusive views in Copenhagen! From the hotel room at the top of the restored old crane, you will wake up with Copenhagen at your feet!
The Krane is a truly unique place to stay in Copenhagen and a brilliant way to end your day exploring Copenhagen off the beaten path!
Manon Les Suites
Manon Les Suites offers a unique boutique hotel where you can swim in a jungle-like indoor pool in the heart of Copenhagen!
Manon Les Suites has been increasingly popular on social media due to its very Instagramable pool.
Apart from the pool, the hotel also features a rooftop terrace and stylish rooms.
I definitely wouldn’t mind jumping into the pool of Manon Les Suites after a day of exploring Copenhagen off the beaten path!
Stay Nordhavn
Stay Nordhavn offers stylish fully-equipped apartments in Nordhavn
Stay Nordhavn is perfect for a more local experience if you are looking to stay longer time in Copenhagen.
Stay Nordhavn is a perfect choice if you want to stay in one of Copenhagen’s off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, Nordhavn. Staying in the area will definitely allow you more time to explore the area!
Coco Hotel
Coco Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel located in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro neighborhood (another great place to explore for a more local experience of Copenhagen!)
The hotel features stylish rooms, a gorgeous courtyard, and a summer terrace.
Coco Hotel is a great option for a unique place to stay in Copenhagen!
Hotel SP34
Hotel SP34 is a classy option if you are looking for a hotel with a unique interior design and spacious rooms.
The hotel is located centrally in Copenhagen close to Nørrebro and the popular Copenhagen Lakes, Søerne.
SP34 offers daily wine and drinks on the house for all its guests, so definitely a must stay if you’re looking for a fun time in Copenhagen!
CityHub Copenhagen
CityHub Copenhagen is an affordable and unique option for staying in Copenhagen!
The tiny capsule rooms are perfect for solo travelers or couples who want to cut costs while staying in a safe and clean hotel.
CityHub Copenhagen is located in Vesterbro, an area with a local, off-the-beaten-path feel that is still close to the city center.
Read a full review of CityHub Copenhagen!
Find More Places to Stay in Copenhagen
Guided Tours to Explore Copenhagen Off the Beaten Path
Do you prefer to explore Copenhagen off the beaten path with a guided tour?
Here are some recommendations for guided tours to explore the less-known places off the breath path in Copenhagen:
- Copenhagen Off the Beaten Tracks: Nørrebro Bike Tour
- Private Food Tour of Multi-Cultural Nørrebro
- Nørrebro Street Art & Food Tour
- Nørrebro Neighborhood Tour
- Assistens Cemetery Private Tour by Slow Tours Copenhagen
- Highlights & Hidden Gems of Copenhagen Private Tour
- Nordhavn Private City Walk by Slow Tours Copenhagen
- Copenhagen Hidden Gems Boat Tour
- Architecture and Sustainability Bike Tour
- The Forest Tower & Forgotten Giants Trolls Trip
- CopenHill Ski Pass
How to Get Around Copenhagen on Your Off the Beaten Path Itinerary?
To get the most out of your one day off the beaten path in Copenhagen, consider walking which will allow you to experience the city.
However, if you don’t feel like walking around a whole day Copenhagen offers an efficient and easy-to-use public transportation system.
There is also the possibility to rent a bike and get around to Copenhagen’s off-the-beaten-path location like a local.
Bike Through Copenhagen
Biking is one of the best ways to explore Copenhagen’s charming streets and picturesque spots off the beaten path.
Copenhagen is famously known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
The city offers plenty of designated bike lanes, and renting a bike is one of the best ways to get around!
Be cautious when biking in Copenhagen! Copenhageners are famous for zero-tolerance on the biking lanes, especially for visitors fooling around!
A couple of local tips for surviving on the bike lanes in Copenhagen:
- Always signal with your hand when stopping on your bike.
- Whenever possible use the bike lane, and don’t drive on the pedestrian path.
- Don’t drive in the middle of the bike lane, keep to the right.
Biking to explore less visited local areas is a great and fast way to get around Copenhagen.
Where to Rent a Bike in Copenhagen?
There are many other bike rental services around Copenhagen! Here are three ideas of places to rent a bike in Copenhagen:
- BikeCopenhagen – Classic Copenhagen bike rental with beautiful colorful bikes to rent with pick-up in the heart of Copenhagen. BikeCopenhagen has many different bike types and sizes available for rent. The locks and helmets are included in the price.
- Donkey Republic – An app-based bike rental system that allows you to rent bikes from various locations throughout Copenhagen. You simply download the app, find a nearby bike, and unlock the bike using your phone.
- Rent an e-bike – Bike faster and more effortless around Copenhagen with an electric bike. The helmet and battery charger are included in the price.
Unfortunately, the local city bike-sharing system, Bycyklen, is no longer available. I think too many of the bikes ended up in the canals in Copenhagen!
Public Transportation
Copenhagen has an excellent public transportation system comprising buses, trains, and the Metro.
A couple of local tips for navigating Copenhagen’s public transportation:
- Public Buses: Copenhagen has an extensive bus network that can take you to almost every corner of the city. The “A” buses (like 5A or 2A) run more frequently than the normal buses.
- Metro: The Metro is a fast way to travel around Copenhagen. The metro runs every few minutes and even runs until late at night.
- S-Trains: The local S-trains are hard to overlook in Copenhagen! They run frequently and connect you to both different areas of the city center as well as nearby suburbs.
Use Google Maps or the local Journey Planner to navigate the local public transportation in Copenhagen.
Using the local public transportation in Copenhagen is a good option if you want to get around fast to make the most of your day exploring Copenhagen off-the-beaten-path.
Copenhagen Card
Consider purchasing a Copenhagen Card if you are staying longer than one day in Copenhagen and want to visit some of the most popular attractions together with exploring Copenhagen off the beaten path!
The Copenhagen Card provides unlimited access to public transport and includes admission to many attractions and museums.
The Copenhagen Card is a digital card you download directly to your smartphone with the Copenhagen Card app. The Copenhagen card can be purchased for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, or 120 hours
City Pass
The Copenhagen City Pass is another great option for making your life easier for your Copenhagen off-the-beaten-path itinerary.
The City Pass offers unlimited rides in public transportation (buses, trains, metro, and harbor buses) in Copenhagen for the time you choose; 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, or 120 hours.
The City Pass allows for effortless travel where you don’t need to worry about ticket prices for every single ride you take.
Final Thoughts: Why Should You Spend One Day in Copenhagen Off the Beaten Path?
Copenhagen is one of the most popular European cities to visit right now! However, as in many popular European destinations like Barcelona, visitors crowd around the same main tourist attractions.
While there are many beautiful buildings and picturesque canals to visit in Copenhagen’s city center, there is so much more to Copenhagen than its popular attractions.
For me, getting off the beaten path means heading to the neighborhoods often overlooked by tourists to experience a bit of what life is like for people living in the city you are visiting.
When you start to look for it, Copenhagen has plenty of hidden gems and alternative non-touristy things to do.
This was my recommendation on how to get off the beaten path in Copenhagen and explore a unique side of the city!