10 Free And Cheap Date Ideas To Try In Copenhagen

Copenhagen may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about the ‘world’s most romantic cities‘ but it has so many hidden corners and places that are ideal for a perfect date. This list will unravel locals’ favorite spots for a romantic evening or date night.

Take a Long Bike Ride

Denmark has a strong bicycle culture. So strong, in fact, bikes are now causing a traffic problem in the center of Copenhagen. Do like the locals and move around on a bike. Explore the city and discover many places and hidden corners that otherwise could have missed. Take a break after finding an interesting part of town and revel in the scenery. Copenhagen is mostly flat, so it’s easy and fun.

Tip: Check out the weather forecast. If it’s windy, postpone bike riding for another day unless red-sweaty faces and wind-swept hair aren’t deal breakers.

Savor a Beer by the Lakes

At the western margin of the city center lie a row of three rectangular-artificial lakes which are divided into five basins. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the city and therefore, locals head there for some moments of relaxation or in order to improve their jogging techniques. The lakes around the Dronning Louises Bro that connects the city center with the cool Nørrebro neighborhood is one of the city’s hippest hangouts and is usually packed on hot, sunny days. Those who prefer a more quiet place, just walk to the next basin that usually isn’t as crowded. Grab a bench right by the waterfront and share a beer with for a quick and easy date. The wandering swans are a nice touch to the already ideal-romantic scenery.

Have a Drink at the City's Hippest Bodega

Bar, Bodega

Those wanting to have some cheap drinks with their date, Esrom Kroen is the place to go. The cozy-wooden bar used to be a bodega, but it has recently been transformed into a stylish bar that serves cocktails and other drinks for low—for Denmark standards—prices. It still preserves the warm and authentic atmosphere of a Scandinavian bodega with its low lightning and smoky atmosphere; now, customers can indulge into tasty ice-chilled cocktails as well. It’s the city’s new trend and it’s located in the heart of Nørrebro and within walking distance from Superkilen Park.

Watch a Movie Under the Night Sky

Cinema

Every year in the summer, Cinemateket, the Danish Film Institute, transforms the King’s Garden, one of the city’s most beautiful parks into an open-air cinema. Those visiting Copenhagen this time of the year, make sure to check out the dates and get the chance to watch a classic film under the stars. The entrance is for free so, grab a fellow cinephile, a picnic blanket, and a bottle of wine.

Take a Picnic by the Sea

Prefer a sea view to the city’s lakes and parks? Just take the metro and reach the Øresund Strait in approximately 20 minutes. Amager Strandpark is part of a two-kilometers-long (around 1.2-mile-long) artificial island that was created in 2005. Aside from a long beach, there’s also a grassy area, cycle paths, and an area for training activities. Locals there windsurf, kayak, skate, and even snorkel. Those who don’t feel like showing their physical skills, just grab some ice cream, sit back, and soak up some sun.

Watch a Free Concert at Freetown Christiania

The best way to impress a music lover on a date is to attend a concert or a place with good live music. Fortunately, this is a low-budget activity in Freetown Christiania. The hippie district brims with music venues and bars. Some of them require a low entrance fee while others are for free. Check out Loppen, Nemoland, or Operaen for events and concerts dates. Jazz enthusiast who don’t mind being in a super smoky place, make sure to stop by Christiania Jazz Club.

Loppen, Sydområdet 4B, 1., Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 32 57 84 22

Cafe Nemoland, Fabriksområdet 52, Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 32 95 89 31

Operaen, Pusher Street, Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 32 57 29 09
Christiania Jazz Club, k, Psyak 61C, Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 26 22 51 78

Julemarked i Den Grå Hal, Christiania, Copenhagen

Grab an Inexpensive but Romantic Meal

Grab a bite on the cheap at Pizzeria la Fiorita. It offers authentic-Italian delicacies for affordable prices and is considered one of the best pizza places in Copenhagen. Unfortunately, it’s quite small, so sitting inside isn’t possible. It does, however, have a cute backyard ideal for a warm day.

Or try some traditional-Danish dishes at Det Lille Apotek (The Small Pharmacy). The cozy restaurant is the oldest in the city and consists of four separate low-ceilinged rooms. Rainy weather offers the chance to enjoy a meal under the candlelight.

Pizzeria la Fiorita, Charlotte Ammundsens Plads 2, Kld.,Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 33 99 60

Restaurant Det Lille Apotek, Store Kannikestræde 15, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 12 56 06

Indulge in a Cocktail by the Canals

With its innovative decoration, Kayak Bar is an exotic oasis in the middle of the city. It is located near some of the most important historical buildings in Copenhagen and the canal. What makes this place so special and ideal for a summer date is its wooden platform filled with sand and beach chairs. Soft music comes from the speakers while experienced barmen serve frozen cocktails until midnight.

Relax Under the Parks’ Blossomed Trees

Luckily, Copenhagen has many green parks ideal for a picnic or a barbeque. The magnificent Frederiksberg Garden, the extensive Fælledparken, and the smaller charming Ørsteds Park all enable guests to enjoy a quiet place to relax away from the city’s noise.

Frederiksberg Garden, Frederiksberg Runddel, Frederiksberg, Denmark, +45 33 95 42 00

Ørsteds Park, Nørre Voldgade 1, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 66 33 66

Fælledparken, Edel Sauntes Allé, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 66 33 66

Walk Among Exotic Flowers

Botanical Garden

Add some culture activity to a date without worrying about museums‘ entrance fees by visiting Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden and roaming around a great variety of plants from all over the world. Its free admission offers a nice way to combine knowledge with entertainment without breaking the bank. After all, learning about the Bronze Age or seeing a mummy up close may be super interesting, but it may lack in the romance department.

About the author

Aliki Seferou

When she doesn't have her headphones on, Aliki likes to talk about cinema, the peculiar stories she has experienced during her various travels around the world, and her desperate attempts to capture landscapes and people with her lens. Originally from Athens, Greece, Aliki moved to Copenhagen to find out if Denmark is actually the happiest nation in the world (still looking into it) and at the same time study Film and Media.