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 in for a treat!
If you have been following along on my blog for some time, you know that I love exploring the lesser-known 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 as you plan your trip to the Danish Capital.
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
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The Short Version: What Are My Favorite Hidden Gems in Copenhagen?
You might be wondering what my favorite hidden gems in Copenhagen are as an expat Copenhagener who uses Copenhagen more as a holiday destination than as a home city.
So, to help you narrow down which hidden gems and lesser-known places I would prioritize if I were you, here are my six favorite hidden gems in Copenhagen:
For Gro Eatery and the Silo Restaurant, reservations are required, and it’s a good idea to book well in advance. However, the other four of my favorite hidden gems are completely free of charge to visit.
A Local’s Best Hidden Gems & Non-touristy Things to Do in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has become a very hip and trendy holiday destination in Europe, but everybody also seems to be following more or less the same trail of the Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, Christiania, and a trip in a canal boat.
But if you’re planning a trip to Copenhagen and want to get off the tourist trails (and maybe also avoid the crowds a bit), I have put together this list of some of the lesser-known places and non-touristy things to do in Copenhagen.
The guide is divided into neighborhood-by-neighborhood sections to help you find the most interesting non-touristy things to do near you.
Many of the hidden gems in the same area can also be combined into a day of exploring a certain area, such as, for example, Nørrebro and Nordvest.
Now, let’s explore the absolute best hidden gems in Copenhagen!
Copenhagen Hidden Gems on a Map
Check out all the best hidden gems in Copenhagen on this map. 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.
Hidden Gems in Downtown Copenhagen
Downtown Copenhagen, also known as Indreby in Danish, is the old historic town of Copenhagen where you’ll find many of Copenhagen’s most popular attractions and landmarks such as Nyhavn, the Royal Palace, and the Little Mermaid.
But downtown Copenhagen also features some very nice and unique hidden gems that you can easily add to your Copenhagen itinerary while exploring the more traditional attractions.
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, which translates 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, Operaen
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, Indreby
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 winter, the rooftop might be a pretty chilly experience.
Opening hours: Monday through Sunday: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Admission: Free of charge
Location: Filmtaget, Gothersgade 55, Indreby
Shop Danish Recycled Jewelry at Sisi Copenhagen
Sisi Copenhagen is a Danish jewelry brand and a bit of a lesser-known place in Copenhagen, but it’s perfect if you’re looking for a unique Danish souvenir or gift to bring with you home.
Sisi Copenhagen makes jewelry from recycled precious metals and lab-grown diamonds, which I find so extremely cool and Danish forward-thinking that I think they deserve a spot on this list!
Sisi Copenhagen offers everything from everyday pieces to a Fine Jewelry collection made of 9 kt solid gold and a Diamond Collection with their ethically produced diamonds.
I’m normally very picky with jewelry design (I have literally used the same earrings for the past 10 years), but Sisi Copenhagen’s designs are so beautiful and elegant that I just needed to stop by last time I was in Copenhagen.
I ended up buying a beautiful set of unique earrings and a cute necklace with two hearts.
The Copenhagen showroom is a true little hidden gem located just off the popular Købmagergade near Nørreport station. I recommend stopping by to find some unique Danish jewelry to take with you home.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 am to 5:30 pm
- Saturday: 10 am to 3 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Admission: Free of charge – only pay what you purchase
Location: Sisi Copenhagen, Rosenborggade 1B, Indreby
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, Indreby
Hidden Gems in Østerbro
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:
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
Copenhagen Hidden Gems in Nørrebro & Nordvest
Nørrebro and Nordvest are two neighborhoods located north of downtown Copenhagen, known for their multicultural communities and creative atmosphere.
These two neighborhoods are great for exploring local street art and getting a more local feel of life in Copenhagen.
There are plenty of lesser-known spots and non-touristy things to do in Nørrebro and Nordvest, so you can easily spend a whole day exploring these two areas – and hunting my recommended hidden gems!
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, Nørrebro
Explore more of Nørrebro with a guided tour
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, Nørrebro
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, Nørrebro
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 of 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:
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, Nørrebro
Explore more of Nørrebro with a guided tour
Stop for Lunch at 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, Nørrebro
Stop by Korsgadehallen & The Green Square Courtyard
Korsgadehallen and the Green Square Courtyard are two unique hidden gems in Copenhagen, located just off Blågards Plads, and worth a quick stop if you’re in the area.
Korsegadehallen is a local sports hall partly built inside the hill that makes up the Green Square Courtyard. The construction of the hall is sunken, and the roof is created as a hill with wild plants and flowers.
The Green Square Courtyard, also known as “Den Grønne Firkant“, is a unique green oasis in the heart of Nørrebro.
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 are must-visits if you are interested in sustainability and alternative Nordic architecture.
Location: Korsgadehallen, Korsgade 29, Nørrebro
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
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
Hidden Gems in Vesterbro & Frederiksberg
Vesterbro and Frederiksberg lie just west of Copenhagen’s city center, so they’re easy to add to a day of sightseeing.
Vesterbro starts right behind Copenhagen’s Central Station, and you can walk there in about 10 minutes from the main sights.
Frederiksberg is a bit different. It’s technically its own municipality, but it’s completely surrounded by Copenhagen, so you’ll hardly notice when you cross the border. It’s a short bike ride or metro ride from the center.
Both neighborhoods feel much calmer than the busy streets around Nyhavn and Strøget. Here you’ll find a historic orangery, one of the world’s smallest hotels, an underground art museum, and the old Carlsberg brewery district.
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 made 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 Bakkehuset’s 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 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
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, Vesterbro
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
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, Carlsberg Byen
Learn more about the Carlsberg City District with a guided tour
Hidden Gems in Amager & Southern Copenhagen
Amager is the island just southeast of Copenhagen’s city center, and southern Copenhagen stretches along the South Harbor.
Both are only a few kilometers from the main sights, but they feel like a different world. You won’t find big crowds here. Instead, you’ll find a ski slope on a power plant roof, a family-run distillery, and wild alpacas grazing by the harbor.
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, Sydhavnen
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 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 its 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, Amager
Book your CopenHill rental gear here!
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 homemade cocktails.
Copenhagen Distillery also offers different types of activities and workshops, including:
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, Amager
Hidden Gems in Nordhavn, the modern Copenhagen
Nordhavn is one of the lesser-known places in Copenhagen, and the neighborhood is perfect 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.
Join a Guided Tour of Nordhavn
One of the best ways to experience Nordhavn and learn about the area’s unique transformation and its modern architecture is by joining a guided tour with Slow Tours Copenhagen.
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.
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 beer.
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
Lesser-known Day Trips from Copenhagen
Some of the best hidden gems are just outside the city, and you can reach them without a car.
North of Copenhagen, a short train ride takes you to a forest full of roaming deer. West of the city, you can hunt for giant wooden trolls hidden in parks and meadows.
Both trips are easy to do in a day, and they’re a great way to see a quieter side of the Danish capital.
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. 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 deer!
More than 2,000 deer 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 Parforce 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.
Both Dyrehaven and Bakken are also great places to visit if you are planning a trip to Copenhagen during December and want a unique Christmas experience.
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
Book a guided tour of the Deer Park
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 lesser-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!
Explore the Hidden Giants near Copenhagen
Frequently Asked Questions
Copenhagen Hidden Gems FAQ
Find answers to commonly asked questions about hidden gems and non-touristy things to do 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 attractions!
The non-touristy spots and hidden gems on this list are meant as inspiration to let you step away from the crowded attractions and discover Copenhagen’s lesser-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!
