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Leisure activities in Copenhagen

Leisure activities in Copenhagen
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Updated byAnne-Lise Mtyon 15 August 2019

Whether you have moved to Copenhagen alone or with family, there are lots of activities and no excuses for staying at home – even on weekdays. From nature to museums and nightlife, the city has plenty to offer. Find out more in this article.

Getting outdoors in Copenhagen

One of the biggest challenges for expats in Denmark is adjusting to the mostly cold and rainy climate. Take the path of least resistance and do as the Danes; get outdoors by simply ignoring the weather and dressing appropriately.

With more than 350km of dedicated bike paths crossing the capital, you will miss out on a considerable part of the city's biking culture if you choose to stay inside. Copenhagen has plenty of green areas (like the Botanical Garden) where you can enjoy a walk at any time of the day.

Indoor fitness centres and swimming facilities in Copenhagen

If you've had enough of biking in the rain for a while, consider going to a nearby gym or swimming hall. These indoor places are great for kids and adults alike. Some offer classes and most have reasonable membership fees.
Find out more about sports in Copenhagen.

Libraries and community centres in Copenhagen

With over 20 public libraries, Copenhagen is the perfect city for booklovers. Even if you are just stopping by for a cup of coffee at the library's café or browsing through the selection of comic books on display, this is a great weekday activity for any age.

Museums, galleries, and theatres in Copenhagen

Copenhagen boasts an impressive selection of museums and theatres. If you're on a tight budget, no problem! There are plenty of free museums and galleries that you can visit during the week.

Some great news for parents: all national museums offer free admission to under-18s. Why not swing by the national museum after school?

Here are some highlights of free cultural activities:
Glyptoteket: This gallery houses a unique arts and antiquities collection. Admission is free on Tuesdays.
Thorvaldsens Museum: With free admission on Wednesdays, this museum is an excellent stop if you have the day open.
Møstings Hus in Frederiksberg offers six annual art exhibitions displaying only contemporary works. Check the website to find out about book launches and small concerts. Admission is free.

Activities for kids in Copenhagen

Denmark's capital has fantastic activities for children. Maybe it's a public holiday and you're wondering where to go with the kids; or perhaps your child's birthday falls on a weekday and you would like to take them somewhere special.

Tivoli Gardens is ideal for kids and adults alike. The amusement park offers rides for all ages, while parents can enjoy dinner and a night of live music at one of the many restaurants inside the complex.

The Copenhagen Zoo and Experimentarium always have something new to see. The Experimentarium has even been named as one of the world's 100 greatest places by Time magazine.

Nightlife in Copenhagen

Although dance clubs and bars will definitely be more vibrant on weekends, there are plenty of spots in Copenhagen to have a nightcap or a drink after work. Most bars near the city centre are open until midnight in the week.

Whether you're looking for a casual student hangout, a buzzing sports bar, or a classy wine bar, Copenhagen has it all.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

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