Hidden Gems in Copenhagen: The Best Non-touristy Things to Do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is famous for its colorful harbor houses in Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid statue, and Tivoli Gardens; however, the Danish capital also offers plenty of alternative non-touristy things to do!

The hidden gems in Copenhagen spread from secret gardens and unique rooftop gardens to underground art museums, wild alpacas, and forgotten giants.

So, if you would like to explore a different side of Copenhagen, you are definitely up for a treat!

If you have been following along on my blog for some time, you know that I love exploring the more unconventional attractions and places to visit in big cities, such as the best hidden gems in Barcelona or unique things to do in Buenos Aires.

So, I thought it was about time that I also share my favorite hidden gems and non-touristy things to do in Copenhagen with y’all!

I grew up in and around Copenhagen. After high school and during most of my undergraduate degree, I even worked in tourism in Copenhagen. But 10 years ago, I moved abroad and left Copenhagen behind. Now Copenhagen has become more of a holiday destination to visit family and friends than a hometown.

For many years, I never wrote about Copenhagen because far-away destinations like Argentina and Cuba felt more intriguing to blog about.

However, I realized that I have a lot of knowledge about (and a newfound keenness for) Copenhagen that could be helpful to you when planning your trip to Copenhagen.

So, in this post, I want to share my favorite hidden gems and non-touristy things to do in Copenhagen!

Let’s get under the skin of Copenhagen’s hidden gems!

A Local’s Guide to the Best Hidden Gems in Copenhagen

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that at no additional cost to you, Becci Abroad will earn a commission if you purchase through one of those links. This helps to pay the bills and the maintenance of the site.

---

25 Hidden Gems & Non-touristy Things to Do in Copenhagen

Want to avoid the crowds in Copenhagen? Explore the most interesting non-tourist things to do and hidden gems in Copenhagen!

Do you only have one day to explore Copenhagen off the beaten path? Then check out my alternative one-day itinerary to Copenhagen!

Now, let’s explore the absolute best hidden gems in Copenhagen!

Explore the Secret Garden at Opera Parken

Opera Park is a stunning hidden gem in Copenhagen that still flies under the radar for most visitors.

The Opera Park is a public park and greenhouse built on top of an underground parking facility on the Copenhagen harbor front, right by the Copenhagen Opera House.

The park even includes a covered pedestrian bridge connecting the park with the neighboring Opera House, allowing visitors to the opera to park in the underground parking lot and get to the Opera House without getting outside in the unpredictable Danish weather.

On the ground level, the Opera Park features six themed gardens inspired by landscapes from around the world. The outdoor area is designed with winding paths, tall grasses, flower beds, seating areas tucked between trees, and small viewpoints over Copenhagen’s harbor area.

Inside the greenhouse built in the middle of the public park, you’ll find a small restaurant on the ground floor. In the center of the greenhouse is an impressive staircase leading down through the greenhouse’s lush greenery. On each floor, there is access to the underground parking lot.

The restaurant is called Væksthuset, or translated to the Growth House. The restaurant offers breakfast and lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner menus, with a focus on fresh, Nordic-inspired dishes. For lunch, it’s a great spot to try traditional Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches).

I haven’t had the chance to try the Growth House’s menu yet, but it’s high on my list. Even just stopping in for a coffee and walking through the impressive greenhouse staircase is worth it.

The Opera Park opened in October 2023 and was designed by the famous Danish architecture group, Cobe. According to Cobe’s website, the Opera Park aims to create a recreational and relaxing space in the middle of Copenhagen’s dense city center.

So, whether you’re visiting in spring when everything is blooming or on a sunny autumn afternoon, the Opera Park is one of the absolute best hidden gems to visit for a unique experience of modern Danish architecture and stunning views over Copenhagen’s harbor.

Opening hours:

• Public Park
  • Monday through Sunday: 7 am to 11 pm

• Greenhouse & Café
  • Monday to Friday: 10 am to 11 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 11 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 3:30 pm

Admission: Free of charge

Location: Opera Parken, Ekvipagemestervej 29, Copenhagen K

Meet the Danish Wild Alpacas at Sydhavnstippen

Sydhavnstippen is one of the most surprising hidden gems in Copenhagen, where you can meet free-roaming alpacas, goats, and sheep!

Sydhavnstippen is a reclaimed land in the South Harbour that was created from old construction fill. Over decades, it’s become a lush, biodiverse green space, and today, it is home to alpacas, mohair goats, and sheep too!

Despite being only a few kilometers from central Copenhagen, this natural area feels like a mini countryside within the city. As you wander winding paths with harbor views and meadowlands, spotting a few peaceful alpacas eating their way through grass and plants isn’t an everyday sight in Copenhagen!

The alpacas are taken care of professionally by animal caretakers, and they are moved around on Sydhavnstippen to make sure they don’t damage the plants too much.

It is completely free of charge to visit Sydhavnstippen, and the area is accessible year-round – even though spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit.

Sydhavnstippen is a breath of fresh air on a warm day and a great space for walking, photography, or a low-key picnic. The area is a hidden gem in Copenhagen well worth exploring for an unexpected experience with a furry companion

Admission: Free of charge

Location: Sydhavnstippen, Fragtvej 7, Copenhagen SV

Dine at Copenhagen’s Best Garden Rooftop, Gro Eatery

Gro Eatery is a small, cozy restaurant located inside a community-driven urban rooftop farm, and one of the most amazing hidden gems in Copenhagen!

Gro Eatery offers a delicious seasonal farm-to-table breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Whenever possible, the ingredients come directly from the urban farm itself!

The community rooftop farm hosting Gro Eatery is called Østergro, and is located on the roof of a multi-story parking garage in the heart of Copenhagen’s Østerbro neighborhood.

From street level, Gro Eatery doesn’t look like much! Actually, it looks just like the entrance to a regular parking garage. But don’t let that fool you. Take the elevator or climb the emergency stairs to the rooftop, and you’ll step into an entirely different world.

Up on the top, you enter a peaceful rooftop garden and the small urban farm. In summer and early fall, the space is especially impressive, with leafy greens, edible flowers, and herbs. It’s the kind of place that immediately makes you forget you’re standing on top of a concrete building.

Tucked away at the far end of the rooftop, you’ll find a charming little cottage; that’s Gro Eatery’s kitchen and dining area.

The area is cozy, inviting, and filled with the smells of whatever is cooking that day. Gro Eatery is open year-round, but the experience varies depending on the day and season.

Here’s a breakdown of what Gro Eatery offers:

• 3-Course Lunch Menu – Served every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 12:30 pm, this seasonal lunch menu highlights fresh, local ingredients. Many of the ingredients come straight from Gro Eatery’s urban farm.

• 5-Course Dinner Menu – Available on most evenings throughout the year, the dinner service features two seatings: 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm. This multi-course experience is Gro’s signature offering. The beautifully plated, farm-inspired dishes reflect the changing seasons and the kitchen’s creative, sustainable approach to food.

• Breakfast Menu – Offered only on Saturdays and Sundays from April through September, breakfast at Gro starts at 10:00 am and lasts about 90 minutes. The meal includes home-made bread with seasonal spread and unlimited coffee and tea.

All meals at Gro Eatery are served at communal tables, and seating is limited. Reservations are required and should be made in advance through Gro Eatery’s website.

Gro Eatery is a truly unique hidden gem in Copenhagen that you should consider adding to your Copenhagen itinerary!

Location: Gro Eatery, Æbeløgade 4, Østerbro

Ski Down the CopenHill Power Plant

CopenHill is one of the most surprising spots in Copenhagen and a unique place to visit!

CopenHill is a ski slope on top of located on the roof of Amager Bakke, a power plant in Copenhagen.

CopenHill offers downhill skiing and snowboarding on artificial turf all year round. The slope is made of a plastic grass substitute that gives you just enough glide to feel the thrill.

You can rent skiing gear at the entrance to CopenHill, so you don’t have to carry your own. For beginners, there are skiing introductions and practice fields.

Honestly, skiing isn’t really my thing, and if you are like me, you might be wondering if CopenHill is still worth a visit?

Yes, definitely!

From the top, you are met with impressive panoramic views over Copenhagen and the harbor. So, even if you’re not into skiing, CopenHill is definitely still worth a visit for its great views.

Apart from the views, CopenHill is a creative and unexpected use of urban space that is very fun to visit.

The power plant and ski slope on its roof were designed by the world-famous Danish architectural firm BIG, known for their bold and forward-thinking designs.

You can either take the stairs or the elevator to the top of CopenHill. The elevator is free of charge.

CopenHill is definitely one of the most unique hidden gems in Copenhagen!

Opening hours: Monday through Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm (skiing facilities close at 6 pm)

Admission: Free of charge (ski rental is chargeable)

Location: CopenHill, Vindmøllevej 6, Copenhagen S

Get Lunch at the Hill House’s Orangery

Bakkehusets Orangeri, or translated, the Hill House’s Orangery, is one of the best-kept hidden gems in Copenhagen!

This unique orangery is tucked away in the garden of the historic Bakkehuset mansion on Frederiksberg.

Bakkehusets Orangeri is an elegant octagonal orangery created of a glass and steel structure. The design of the orangery blends classic greenhouse design with modern touches.

The cafe located inside the orangery offers both seating inside the orangery and outdoor seating, which is perfect in the summer months.

The menu offers traditional Danish cuisine, including the popular open-faced sandwiches, as well as coffee, tea, cakes, and lemonade.

While the setting within Bakkehuset’s 17th-century romantic garden is gorgeous and well worth a visit, I found the café slightly overpriced for what it offers. So, I would recommend sticking with a simple lunch or coffee break at Bakkehusets Orangery.

Bakkehuset itself is a local historic museum, showcasing a traditional Danish Golden Age house.

Between 1802 and 1830, the mansion was the home of the married couple Kamma and Knud Lyne Rahbek, who invited many important Danish authors, scientists, and thought leaders of their time to spend time in their home – including the world-famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Read more about Bakkehuset’s fascinating history.

Bakkehuset and its orangery are a beautiful hidden gem in Copenhagen, which is perfect for enjoying a lunch in a historical setting and learning more about Danish history!

Opening hours

• The Orangery
  • Friday to Sunday: 12 am to 4:30 pm

• Bakkehusets Museum
  • Tuesday to Friday: 11 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday to Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
  • Closed on Mondays

Admission to Bakkehuset Museum

• Adults: 75 DKK (12 USD)

• Students/under 27: 60 DKK (9 USD)

Location: Bakkehusets Orangeri, Rahbeks Allé 23, Frederiksberg

Explore Street Art at BaNanna Park

BaNanna Park is one of the best hidden gems in Copenhagen if you enjoy street art and green spaces.

BaNanna Park is a small, community-focused green space in Nørrebro that combines play, creativity, and street culture all in one spot.

The park features a colorful climbing wall at its center, which is popular with local kids (and sometimes adults too), and a big green area with benches and patches of grass for nice picnics or simply to soak up a rare bit of Copenhagen sun.

The walls surrounding BaNanna Park are covered in bold, expressive murals that reflect everything from social commentary to the cultural diversity that defines Nørrebro.

Some pieces are playful, others thought-provoking… And if you grew up in Denmark in the ’90s, you might even spot a few familiar cartoon characters hidden among the art!

BaNanna Park is a great spot to pause, stretch your legs, and get a feel for Nørrebro’s creative energy.

It’s not a big park, but the atmosphere makes it worth a visit, especially if you have rented a bike to explore other parts of Nørrebro, such as Superkilen.

You can find more background on BaNanna Park at the Danish Architecture Center.

Admission: Free of charge

Location: BaNanna Park, Nannasgade 6, Copenhagen

Explore more of Nørrebro with a guided tour

Explore Local Wildlife at the Deer Park

The Deer Park is one of those hidden gems near Copenhagen that locals love, and most visitors completely miss!

The Deer Park, called Jægersborg Dyrehave or simply Dyrehaven in Danish, is a huge natural reserve north of Copenhagen. And it is a place that truly makes you forget you’re just a short train ride from Copenhagen.

The massive forest area features ancient oak trees and trails through the forest. But the real highlights of the place are the deers!

More than 2,000 deers roam freely through the park, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a herd grazing quietly nearby or lounging in the shade of the trees.

The Deer Park has a long royal history. It was once used as a hunting ground for Danish kings. The forest area was specially designed for par force hunting or hunting with hounds. The landscape was designed as a star system with trails making up a grid pattern with fences and numbered stone posts.

Today, you can still see some of the grid pattern trails as well as the beautiful Hermitage Hunting Lodge standing proudly in the middle of the reserve.

In 2015, Dyrehaven was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the par force landscape.

Locals mostly use the Deer Park for peaceful walks, bike rides, horseback riding, or lying in the grass with a picnic.

Inside the Deer Park, you’ll also find the world’s oldest amusement park, called Bakken. I have spent countless childhood summers at Bakken with my grandparents.

If you’re coming from Copenhagen city center, take the train to Klampenborg Station and enter through the big red gates.

The Deer Park is an easy day trip and a lovely non-touristy thing to do near Copenhagen to get a break from the city’s busy streets.

Admission: Free of charge

Location: Dyrehaven, closest entrance from Klampenborg Station: Peter Lieps Vej & Dyrehavevej

Get Spooked at Assistens Cemetery

Assistens Cemetery might not look like much from the outside, hidden behind its tall yellow wall near the busy Nørrebros Runddel. But step inside, and you’ll discover one of the most peaceful and atmospheric hidden gems in Copenhagen.

Unlike your typical cemetery, Assistens doubles as a public park!

It’s a local favorite for quiet walks, dog-walking, biking, and even casual coffee catch-ups right alongside historic graves and winding tree-lined paths.

Assistens Cemetery dates back to 1760 and holds some of Denmark’s most famous figures. You’ll find the final resting places of Hans Christian Andersen, philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, and physicist Hans Christian Ørsted. More recent graves include Danish cultural icons like author Dan Turèll, entertainer Master Fatman, and rapper and reggae singer Natasja Saad.

Despite being a cemetery, the atmosphere here is anything but serious. The park-like layout, changing seasonal colors, and mix of sculptures and memorials make it feel more like a quiet and joyful retreat.

You can explore on your own or book a guided walking tour through Assistens Cemetery with Slow Tours Copenhagen for deeper insights into the stories behind the names on the stones.

Assistens Cemetery is one of the absolute best hidden gems in Copenhagen for learning more about Danish history and enjoying a green and peaceful spot in the busy city.

Admission: Free of charge

Location: Assistens Cemetery, Kapelvej 4, Copenhagen N

Enjoy the View from the Mærsk Tower’s Viewpoint

The Mærsk Tower offers one of the best free views in Copenhagen, and it’s one of the city’s most underrated hidden gems!

The Mærsk Tower is a striking copper-clad tower located in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro.

The tower houses the University of Copenhagen’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and while it’s primarily a research and education facility, it also hides one of the best free viewpoints in the city.

On the 15th floor, there’s a public indoor viewpoint with panoramic views across Copenhagen and, on clear days, all the way to Sweden. It’s a quiet and unexpected spot to take in the skyline, far from the usual tourist crowds. Admittedly, the large glass windows can make it a bit tricky to get perfect photos, but for the views alone, it’s worth the ride up.

You don’t need a reservation to visit the Mærsk Tower’s viewpoint. Simply take the elevator from the main entrance up to the top.

The building itself is a modern architectural highlight, designed with sustainability and innovation in mind. Since opening in 2017, it has quietly become a local landmark in the neighborhood, and a perfect hidden gem in Copenhagen to explore!

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 7 am to 5 pm

Admission: Free entrance

Location: Mærsk Tower, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen N

Discover Street Art in Nordvest at Rentemestervej

Rentemestervej is home to one of Copenhagen’s most surprising and colorful hidden gems! The street is a giant outdoor street art gallery with 16 large-scale murals painted directly onto the gable walls of local apartment buildings.

The project, known as Gadegalleriet or the Street Gallery, transformed a quiet residential stretch into a vibrant and thought-provoking public art space over just a few years.

Each mural is a unique artwork, created by Danish and international street artists. You’ll find everything from cartoon characters and poetic animals to geometric shapes and black-and-white astronauts that seem to float across the skyline.

Rentemestervej’s street art gallery is tucked away in the lesser-known neighborhood of Nordvest, a short walk or bike ride from Nørrebro Station.

The murals are located along Rentemestervej and the smaller Møntmestervej nearby, and the best way to explore is by simply wandering the area or renting a bike.

The open-air street art gallery at Rentemestervej is well worth a visit if you’re looking for a truly non-touristy thing to do in Copenhagen!

Admission: Free entrance

Location: The Street Gallery, Rentemestervej, Nordvest

Visit the Royal Library’s Secret Garden

The Royal Library Garden is one of those hidden gems in Copenhagen that you can easily miss if you don’t know to look for it!

The Royal Library Garden, also called det Kongelige Biblioteks Have in Danish, is a peaceful oasis with pathways, benches, blooming flowers (in summer), and a water basin with a massive sculpture at its center.

The water basin in the middle of the garden is a quiet reminder of the area’s past as a naval port during the Danish King Christian IV’s rule.

You can find this peaceful garden tucked away between the Danish Parliament, Christiansborg Palace, and the Royal Danish Library, right in the heart of Copenhagen.

While the Christiansborg Palace is a top attraction in Copenhagen, you can easily walk right past this beautiful and peaceful escape from the buzz of the city.

The garden is, without a doubt, more charming to visit during the spring, summer, and autumn in Denmark when flowers are blooming and the sun is shining. I visited for the first time on a sunny day in September, and the atmosphere in the garden was stunning. Then I visited again with my husband on a cold and windy day in February… Not as charming!

To enter the Royal Library Garden, enter through a gate on Parliament Square or by an alleyway by Søren Kierkegaard’s Plads in front of the Royal Library’s modern building, the Black Diamond.

Opening hours: Monday through Sunday: 6 am to 10 pm

Admission: Free of charge

Location: The Royal Library Garden, Proviantpassagen 1, Copenhagen

Go for Drinks at Filmtaget

Filmtaget is one of the newest additions to Copenhagen’s rooftop scene, and a hidden gem in Copenhagen that might not stay hidden for long.

Filmtaget, literally translated as the Movie Roof, offers a unique blend of rooftop bar and open-air cinema right in the heart of Copenhagen. 

The rooftop is located on top of Cinemateket, Copenhagen’s cultural hub for Danish film. From up here, you get one of the best panoramic views of Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden right across the street.

This laid-back rooftop spot opened in August 2024, making it one of the newer rooftops in the city. For now, it still feels like a hidden gem, and it’s perfect for a quiet drink above the city or catching an outdoor screening under the stars.

Filmtaget is a great stop before heading off to explore more of Copenhagen with its central location and proximity to both the metro and the S-train at Nørreport Station.

I visited Filmtaget on a beautiful sunny autumn day last year, and the views and the atmosphere were amazing! However, during winters, the rooftop might be a pretty chilly encounter.

Opening hours: Monday through Sunday: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm

Admission: Free of charge

Location: Filmtaget, Gothersgade 55, Copenhagen K 

Visit Nordhavn

Nordhavn is one of the best non-touristy things to do in Copenhagen for anyone interested in sustainable design and modern urban living!

Nordhavn is a waterfront district that has rapidly transformed into one of Copenhagen’s most forward-thinking neighborhoods. The area is one of the largest urban development projects in Northern Europe, built with a strong focus on sustainability and innovative design. If you’re into architecture or city planning, Nordhavn is a must-visit.

For decades, the area served as an active industrial port, and the name “Nordhavn” literally translates to Northern Harbour. However, today, Nordhavn has been transformed into a vibrant and trendy district where old grain silos and warehouses now house offices, shops, and stylish apartments.

The blend of old and new is part of what makes Nordhavn so special. Sleek glass buildings sit alongside brick façades from Copenhagen’s maritime past, creating a fascinating architectural contrast.

Nordhavn is a great place to experience a modern off-the-beaten-path local side of Copenhagen while enjoying the sea breeze in your hair and scenic harbor views.

You can explore the area on your own or join a local guided tour with Slow Tours Copenhagen to learn more about the district’s unique transformation.

Taste Local Gin at Danish Distillery

Copenhagen Distillery is a local family-run distillery and one of the best-kept hidden gems in Copenhagen.

Copenhagen Distillery is tucked away in an old industrial building in Copenhagen’s Amager neighborhood, not far from another of the hidden gems on this list: CopenHill.

This small distillery is known for pushing boundaries with its small-batch spirits, featuring award-winning dry gin, oak-aged aquavit, and seasonal liqueurs.

The industrial building functions as the distillery’s production facility, headquarters, and an on-site bar hosting different events throughout the year.

You can drop in for a drink at the bar and enjoy the place’s minimalist interiors while trying out some of their home-made cocktails.

Copenhagen Distillery also offers different types of activities and workshops, including:

• Danish Whisky Tasting – Learn about how Copenhagen Distillery crafts its distinct whiskies and get a taste of them.

• Smørrebrød and Aquavit Experience – Taste traditional Danish smørrebrød (open-face sandwiches) while learning about the Danish liqueur, Aquavit, traditionally served with smørrebrød and beer.

• Gin Tasting – After a tour of the facilities, you’ll get a chance to taste some of Copenhagen Distillery’s unique gin blends.

• Cheese and Spirits – A distinct tasting experience including drinks from Copenhagen Distillery’s own production matched with local cheese.

• Distillation Workshop – Craft your own custom bottle of spirit in a unique workshop at Copenhagen Distillery, where you learn about the craft applied by the distillery’s team.

• Cocktail Workshop – Learn to make better cocktails at Copenhagen Distillery with their 2-hour workshop.

Copenhagen Distillery is a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the trip for a taste of something different!

Opening hours

• The bar
  • Thursday to Saturday: 1 pm to 11 pm
  • Closed Sunday to Wednesday (and sometimes for private events).

• Tours and tastings are available by reservation on Copenhagen Distillery’s website.

Location: Copenhagen Distillery, Kløvermarksvej 70D, Copenhagen

Climb the Stairs to Lüders Exercise Roof

Lüders Exercise Roof, also known in Danish as Konditaget Lüders, is a public rooftop with a playground, fitness park, and viewpoint, and one of the most creative hidden gems in Copenhagen!

You’ll find Lüders Exercise Roof on top of a multi-story parking garage in Nordhavn, offering sweeping views over Copenhagen’s harbor.

The rooftop is equipped with outdoor fitness machines, a running track, a basketball court, and a climbing wall. It’s a space where you might see someone doing pull-ups next to a family enjoying the sunset or kids racing up and down the stairs that double as a striking photo spot.

Even if you’re not in the mood for a workout, Konditaget Lüders is worth a visit for the views alone. From the top, you get amazing sights of Nordhavn’s modern skyline, the waterfront, and on a clear day, you might even see Sweden in the distance.

Access is free, and the rooftop is open to the public year-round. It’s a great stop after exploring Nordhavn’s harborside promenades or grabbing a drink at one of the nearby bars or cafes.

Opening hours: Monday through Sunday: 7 am to 10 pm

Admission: Free of charge

Location: Konditaget Lüders, Helsinkigade 30, Copenhagen

Dine in an Old Grain Silo at Silo CPH

Restaurant Silo CPH is one of the most stylish hidden gems in Copenhagen, where Nordic cuisine meets sweeping views of the city skyline.

Silo CPH is located on the 17th floor of a former grain silo turned architectural landmark in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn neighborhood. The building itself is a perfect symbol of the neighborhood’s transformation, blending Copenhagen’s maritime-industrial past with cutting-edge design.

From the moment you step inside, the floor-to-ceiling windows will steal your attention. The panoramic views stretch over Copenhagen Harbor, Øresund, and on a clear day, even all the way to Sweden.

The menu reflects the modern setting, offering seasonal contemporary Danish dishes with beautiful presentation and a clear Nordic influence. This isn’t your everyday dinner spot, but it’s definitely one worth visiting for special occasions.

A quirky detail that I loved about Silo CPH was how the Danish phrase “Hvad drikker Møller?” (“What does Møller drink?”) decorates the bar area.

This phrase is a playful nod to the silo’s industrial past, and it used to be printed on the silo’s exterior. It is a phrase that most Danes will know as something you shout in empty enclosed places likely to echo, because the echo will make it sound like somebody responds “øller,” which is Danish for beers.

Silo CPH is growing in popularity, so be sure to book ahead!

After your meal, take a sunset stroll along the Nordhavn waterfront or continue exploring more hidden gems in Copenhagen nearby, like Lüders Exercise Roof.

Opening hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 11:30 am to 12 am
• Closed Sunday

Location: Silo CPH, Helsinkigade 29, Nordhavn

Sleep in a Crane

The Krane is one of the most unique places to stay in Copenhagen, and a truly striking hidden gem in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district.

This one-room boutique hotel is set inside a restored industrial crane located right above the harbor. This unique hotel room offers a private stay with jaw-dropping views over the water, the city, and the horizon. 

The Krane is designed with a minimalist Nordic touch, and the stay also includes spa facilities and a lounge, all designed to reflect the area’s industrial past while offering pure luxury.

Be sure to book well in advance—this hidden gem only hosts one guest at a time!

A stay at the Krane is a truly unique experience, perfect for everybody hunting for a true hidden gem in Copenhagen!

Location: The Krane, Kalkbrænderiløbskaj 10, Nordhavn

Booking your stay at the Krane

Bike Through Superkilen Urban Park

Superkilen is a public urban park located in the neighborhood of Nørrebro, just north of Copenhagen’s city center.

While Superkilen has been gaining a lot of attention by being featured in tourism ads and even on the walls in Copenhagen Airport, it has lost a bit its status as a hidden gem in Copenhagen. But I still think it deserves a spot on the list!

Much of the excitement surrounding Superkilen also stems from the fact that the park was designed by the world-renowned Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG).

Superkilen was designed to reflect the cultural diversity of the surrounding Nørrebro neighborhood.

Superkilen spans over three distinct areas, each with its own vibe and purpose:

• The Black Market is known for its black surface featuring the iconic wavy white lines. There’s a small hill in the center that’s a favorite hangout for skateboarders and anyone wanting a cool view of the space. International flags line the square, and on busy days, you might find pop-up food stalls and local vendors setting up shop.

• The Green Park offers a much calmer atmosphere with grassy areas, trees, and picnic spots. It’s where you’ll see people doing yoga, reading a book, or spending time with family. It’s the kind of space that feels like an everyday part of life in Nørrebro.

• The Red Square is bold and playful, covered in bright red pavement with modern art sculptures, giant benches, and installations that nod to global cultures, including what looks like Russian-style signage and a star that might remind you of Cold War Soviet Union iconography. On one side of the square, bike paths lead into the city; on the other, you’ll spot Nørrebrohallen, a local sports and cultural center.

Honestly, I was a bit underwhelmed by Superkilen. In my opinion, Superkilen is more interesting for what it represents than for what’s physically there. It’s a great place for photos, people-watching, or exploring more hidden gems and creative corners of Nørrebro.

Location: Superkilen, Nørrebrogade 210, Copenhagen

Explore more of Nørrebro with a guided tour

Get spooked at the Medical Museion

Copenhagen’s Medical Museion is one of the more bizarre hidden gems that the Danish capital has to offer!

Medical Museion is a museum that blends medical history, contemporary research, and boundary-pushing exhibitions all under one roof, and doesn’t shy away from showing the darker sides of medical history.

Medical Museion is located in a historic neoclassical building in the heart of Copenhagen at the Royal Academy of Surgeons, dating back to 1787.

As part of the museum, you will visit what used to be an anatomical theatre: a dramatic auditorium with high ceilings and curved wooden benches. Here, surgical students once observed dissections of corpses to learn about anatomy.

Their main exhibition is called ‘The Body Collected’, and traces how bodies have been studied in science and medicine over time. From boxes filled with everything from centuries-old fetuses and dried organs to modern DNA samples. But it’s truly an interesting place to learn about the history of medicine and how it has developed over the last century.

The Medical Museion in Copenhagen doesn’t shy away from the macabre and is one of the most unexpected and memorable hidden gems in Copenhagen!

Opening hours:

• Tuesday to Friday: 10 am to 4 pm (longer hours in the summer)
• Saturday and Sunday: 12 pm (noon) to 4 pm
• Closed Mondays

Admission:

• Adults: 90–110 DKK (14 – 17 USD)
• Free Admission for Copenhagen Card holders
• Discounted rates are available for students, seniors, and children.

Check the Medical Museion’s website for more details.

Location: Medical Museion, Bredgade 62, 1260 København, Denmark

Drink Coffee at the World’s Smallest Hotel, Central Hotel & Café

Central Hotel & Café is one of the world’s smallest hotels, and easily one of Copenhagen’s most charming hidden gems.

This tiny boutique hotel features just one single room located in a tiny house tucked away in a quiet corner of Vesterbro. 

But what Central Hotel & Cafe lacks in size, it makes up for in personality and handcrafted charm. The hotel room is designed with warm details, vintage touches, and thoughtful comfort that reflect true Danish hygge.

Even if you’re not staying the night, you can drop by this charming hidden gem in Copenhagen for a cup of coffee in the hotel’s café to soak in the atmosphere.

The building once housed a shoe repair shop, but today it’s been beautifully renovated to create this one-of-a-kind hotel experience in Copenhagen.

On the wall behind Central Hotel & Cafe, you can also find a large mural by famous Danish street artist Husk Mit Navn (Remember My Name), a fun surprise for any street art lovers wandering the neighborhood.

Opening Hours:

• Café
  • Monday to Friday: 8 am to 4 pm
  • Saturday to Sunday: 9 am to 4 pm

Location: Central Hotel & Cafe, Tullinsgade 1, Copenhagen V

Explore a Subterranean Art Museum at The Cisterns

The Cisterns are one of Copenhagen’s most unusual art experiences, and a true hidden gem just beneath the surface of the city.

The Cisterns, or Cisternerne in Danish, are a 19th-century subterranean water reservoir repurposed as an underground exhibition space for contemporary and experimental art.

Each installation at The Cisterns is site-specific, meaning the art is created to interact with the space… and the space itself is something special!

Inside, you’ll find a damp, echoing atmosphere, with water seeping onto the floor, dramatic lighting, and a temperature that stays cool year-round.

The result is a haunting, immersive experience where the lines between art and architecture blur completely.

The Cisterns are located deep underground in Søndermarken Park, right next to the beautiful Frederiksberg Gardens.

If you’re into unusual museums, modern glass art, or just want to explore something truly off the beaten path in Copenhagen, the Cisterns are absolutely worth a visit.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm
• Thursday: 11 am to 8 pm
• Closed Monday

Admission:

• Adults: 120 DKK (18 USD)
• Students and under 27: 90 DKK (14 USD)
• Children under 18: Free

Location: Cisterne, Søndermarken, Frederiksberg

Admire the Architecture of Grundtvig’s Church

Grundtvig’s Church in Bispebjerg is a perfect hidden gem in Copenhagen, if you’re into architecture!

Grundtvig’s Church is a towering yellow-brick structure sitting high on one of Copenhagen’s largest hills, Bispebjerg Bakke. 

Grundtvig’s Church looks almost like a giant organ rising out of the Nordvest neighborhood.

The church is dedicated to Danish philosopher, pastor, and hymn writer N.F.S. Grundtvig. And even if you’ve never heard of him, the church is still a unique hidden gem worth visiting!

The church was built in the 1920s using around five million yellow bricks, and the interior is just as striking as the outside.

Step through the doors, and you’re met with a soaring nave, minimal ornamentation, and beautiful natural light filtering through narrow windows. The central arch stretches 22 meters (72 feet) above the floor and is held up by massive brick columns.

Grundtvig’s Church is a peaceful place to admire Danish architecture away from the crowds of Nyhavn and Støget.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday through Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm (with some exceptions, check the church’s website)

• Monday: Closed

Admission: Free of charge

Location: Grundtvig’s Church, På Bjerget 14B, Copenhagen NV

Explore the Carlsberg City District & the Elephant Gate

The Carlsberg City District, known as Carlsberg Byen in Danish, is a fascinating mix of history and modern urban development, and it’s one of the best non-touristy things to do in Copenhagen!

The Carlsberg City District is the former brewery site for the famous Danish beer brand, Carlsberg. Today, the neighborhood has been transformed into a unique neighborhood where modern apartments, chic cafés, and restaurants lie side by side with historic landmarks from the area’s time as a brewery site.

Wandering around Carlsberg City, you’ll find plenty of original brewery buildings repurposed into creative spaces, schools, and offices, all while keeping the charming red-brick industrial look.

The most iconic landmark of the Carlsberg City District is the Elephant Gate, a massive gate featuring four giant granite elephants holding up a historic tower from the old Carlsberg Brewery.

The Carlsberg City District also houses the popular Home of Carlsberg Museum, where you can learn about the evolution of Danish brewery traditions and get a taste of the famous Danish Carlsberg beers.

The Elephant Gate was built in 1901 and marked the entrance to the brewery site. Each elephant weighs around 20 tons and was inspired by founder Carl Jacobsen’s love for symbolism and strength.

The area is easily reached by public transportation to the nearest train station, Carlsberg Station.

The Carlsberg City District is a perfect hidden gem in Copenhagen for architecture lovers and anyone curious about how old Copenhagen continues to evolve and be repurposed.

Admission: Free of charge

Location: Elephant Gate, Ny Carlsberg Vej 100, Copenhagen V

Learn more about the Carlsberg City District with a guided tour

Stop By Blågårds Plads

If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Copenhagen, Blågårds Plads is a great place to start. This lively square in the heart of Nørrebro is where locals gather to relax, eat, and soak up the neighborhood’s creative vibe.

In Danish, Blågårds Plads means “Blue Manor Square”, and around it, you’ll find a library, cultural center, church, and plenty of small cafés and restaurants.

The middle of the square dips slightly down, making it a natural meeting place. In the summer, kids play football here, and in winter, it transforms into an ice-skating spot.

One of the square’s highlights is the collection of unique granite sculptures created by Danish sculptor Kai Nielsen in 1915. Each figure represents a traditional Copenhagen trade, like a tailor, a baker, a fisherman, or a barber. This gives the square a charming link to the city’s past.

The food scene here reflects Nørrebro’s multicultural community. You can enjoy a classic smørrebrød, grab a fresh salad at a café, or tuck into a juicy Middle Eastern shawarma, now a beloved part of Danish street food culture.

Admission: Free of charge

Location: Blågårds Plads, Copenhagen

Go Troll Hunting for the Six Forgotten Giants

The Six Forgotten Giants are the ultimate playful hidden gem in Copenhagen!

The Six Forgotten Giants are six massive wooden sculptures hidden in parks and forests in the suburbs west of Copenhagen’s city center.

The wooden sculptures are created from recycled wood by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who wanted to invite visitors and locals on outdoor troll hunts away from the city center.

Each giant stands in an outdoor setting such as meadows, lakesides, or in the woods. And the journey to find them is as much about exploring these less-known areas of Copenhagen as spotting the artwork

You’ll find the Six Forgotten Giants scattered across six municipalities west of Copenhagen: Rødovre, Hvidovre, Vallensbæk, Ishøj, Albertslund, and Høje Taastrup.

You can visit all six in one day by renting a bike, getting a car, or simply dedicating a day to public transport and walking.

You can find the maps and details about the giants’ locations on Dambo’s website or Visit Copenhagen’s trail guide.

Troll hunting the Six Forgotten Giants is a great adventure off the usual tourist path in Copenhagen!

---

Final Thoughts: Why Visit Hidden Gems in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is quickly becoming one of the most trendy European travel destinations!

But there is so much more to explore in the Danish capital than the classic tourist attraction!

The non-touristy spots and hidden gems on this list are meant as an inspiration to let you step away from the crowded attractions and discover Copenhagen’s less-known neighborhoods and places full of personality, history, and charm.

So, whether you prefer a peaceful park, discovering unique architecture, exploring creative street art, or enjoying a meal in a lively square, I hope I have given you inspiration for your Copenhagen adventure!

Good luck getting under the skin of Copenhagen!