“You must come to Copenhagen to work with us. We like people who can actually perform thought experiments!” — Niels Bohr
On my last trip, I went to Copenhagen. Everyone knows the Little Mermaid statue and Tivoli Gardens. But, I wanted to find something more, something different. I wanted the unusual things to do in Copenhagen. I wanted stories nobody tells in travel stories. Over a week, I found places that felt like secrets. Today I will tell you about the most unusual things to do in Copenhagen.
Discover the Underground Art Space
My first stop was so cool. Under a beautiful park called Søndermarken, there is a huge, dark cave called The Cisterns (Cisternerne). Long ago, in the 1800s, it was a water reservoir for the city. Today, it has turned into an underground art museum.
The place feels spooky and amazing at the same time. It is dark and damp. You hear water dripping. Your phone signal even disappears. Each year, artists create special exhibitions here, using lights, sound, and the wet air to make the art feel alive.
It is also the only dripstone cave in Denmark, with stalactites and stalagmites formed in concrete. I stayed until sunset once, and the shadows in each hall moved like living paintings.
For me, this is one of the best unusual things to do in Copenhagen, especially if you love art with mystery.
Why you must see it
You walk down into the dark. Your eyes need time to adjust. Then you see giant art pieces. Light shows play on the walls. It is like being in a different world. It is not like any museum I have ever seen.
Freetown Christiania: A Different Way of Life
Next, I went to a place that everyone told me about, but still felt like a secret. It’s called Christiania. This is a special neighborhood that has its own rules. It’s a place where artists and free thinkers live. When you walk in, the vibe is totally different from the rest of Copenhagen.
The streets are full of colorful street art. The houses are made from all sorts of materials, and they look so unique. There are little cafes, shops with handmade things, and a real feeling of community. I spent a long time just walking around, soaking it all in. It’s a place that makes you think about a different way of living. Just remember, there are rules, like no photos in some areas. It’s important to be respectful.
The Super Cool Superkilen Park
I then went to a park in the Nørrebro area. It is called Superkilen. This is not a normal, green park. It is black, red, and green! The ground is curved and has stripes. There is a giant swing and a funny-looking fountain from Morocco. It feels like a skate park, an art show, and a playground all mixed together.
Hidden Cafés, Sea Saunas & Quirky Corners
I found more unusual things in smaller corners. Things I stumbled on. Here are my favourites:
- La Banchina: a tiny restaurant + sauna by the water. It used to be a ferry waiting room. Beautiful building. Great food. You feel like a local.
- Reffen Street Food, Refshaleøen: Not just food. Also culture, arts, nice sunset views by the water. More edge, less polish.
- Royal Library Garden (Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have): A quiet garden hidden between big buildings. Shady trees. Calm water basins. Peace.
These places gave me breathing space, moments to slow down in Copenhagen. Perfect when you want unusual things to do in Copenhagen that are gentle, reflective.
Views Above It All — Unexpected Sky High Spots
One evening I wanted a view, but not from the Lonely Planet-listed tower. I found spots locals go to.
- Amager Bakke (CopenHill): A ski slope on top of a waste-to-energy plant. Yes, you can ski or walk up the roof. The views are wild, city + water + sunset.
- Mærsk Tower: Part of Copenhagen University. Free public view room. Great for city panorama, especially if you like architecture + science.
From above, Copenhagen looks different. Less neat, more honest. Another unusual thing to do in Copenhagen worth chasing.
Odd Foods & Night Moments
I tried weird food + unexpected nighttime experiences:
- There’s a restaurant called Punk Royale — not for the food alone, but for the fun. Theatre. Weird mood. Sounds different.
- Cocktail bars hidden in courtyards. One I found served burgers from a food stand around the corner — but delivered as part of the bar experience. Delicious chaos.
- Cold water plunges and sauna culture by the harbour. Yes, ice cold swim + heat = full reset.
Unusual Things to Do in Copenhagen: More Hidden Gems
- Gro Spiseri: Imagine having dinner on a rooftop farm. That’s Gro Spiseri. The food is super fresh because they grow many of the ingredients right there. The view is amazing, and the food is even better. It’s a very special dinner experience.
- Bakken Amusement Park: Everyone knows Tivoli, but Bakken is the world’s oldest amusement park. It’s a bit outside the city, in a beautiful forest. It has old-time charm with classic wooden roller coasters and a cozy, nostalgic feeling.
- Assistens Cemetery: It might sound strange, but this cemetery is also a beautiful park. Famous Danish people like Hans Christian Andersen are buried here. Locals come here to walk, bike, and relax. It’s a peaceful and beautiful place to explore.
- The Meatpacking District (Kødbyen): This used to be where they processed meat. Now it’s a super cool area with great restaurants, bars, and art galleries. It’s a great spot to go for a fun night out and try some amazing food.
Frequently Asks Questions
What are the opening hours of The Cisterns?
It is usually open Tuesday–Sunday, with extended hours on some weekdays. Closed Mondays. Check the website for current exhibitions.
Is Christiania safe to visit?
Yes, generally. It is a well-known area. But like any place, stay aware, respect local rules. Avoid photographing restricted zones.
Can I combine unusual things to do into one day?
Yes. You could do a morning in The Cisterns, then lunch by the harbour, then a sauna + sunset view. Plan carefully for public transport or bike rentals.
Is Copenhagen expensive for trying unusual things?
Some are cheap (gardens, walking, public view points). Others—restaurants, saunas—cost more. But even expensive things feel worth it if they are unusual and memorable.
What’s the best season for these unusual experiences?
Summer and late spring are great — long days, better weather for walks, harbour swims etc. But winter has its charm too: The Cisterns feel more atmospheric, saunas are extra cozy, city lights are beautiful.
Final Thought
When I think back, my favourite memories from Copenhagen are from these strange, offbeat experiences. Unusual things to do in Copenhagen helped me see that the city isn’t only about fairytale architecture or clean design. It’s also about surprises: art underground, communities that run by their own rules, corners that feel like secrets, and food or nature moments that wake you up.
If you go, be curious. Take side streets. Ask locals. Let yourself get lost a little. You’ll find the unusual things to do in Copenhagen — and those become the stories you take home.
