Seven cheap things to do in Copenhagen

“Sorry guys, I can’t go with you. I’m broke.”

Ever used the lack of money as an excuse? Don’t do it again. You don’t have to sit on the couch at home with your cat – unless of course you want to.

Our beloved Danish capital has two surprises for every newcomer. First, you are shocked by the high prices. But then you are shocked by the amount of things you can do without paying anything. You can even have a swastika tattoo put on your butt for free (strictly for Buddhist purposes, mind you!).

Unfortunately, rumours about free naked bungee jumping in Christiania are not true, but you can do plenty other things for a price of a coffee or less. How? Read on!

1. Borrow a bike – for free

Start off by borrowing a bike. The sad truth is: not all of us own one. We definitely don’t have a spare one to lend if our friends pass by. Some really nice guys are ahead with the problem and founded a free bicycle rental company. They are all volunteers and all they expect is to return the bikes in time. Careful, only honest people with valid photo ID can use their services. Donations to run the business are also welcome.

For reservation or for more info please go to CopenhagenFreeBikeRental.org.

Have a problem following the unwritten rules of Copenhagen cycling in the crowded city? Read our guide to Danish cycling etiquette here.

2. The cheapest ‘spa’ in town

Let’s take the bike down to the pool. A good relaxing day in a spa shouldn’t be a luxury reserved exclusively for the rich. And in Denmark it is actually not! At the DGI Byens Swim Center you can get student discount and spend the whole day in warm water pools for only DKK 30. A sure treat in the cold winter, but it feels good any other time of the year as well.

See more info about pool facilities and prices here. .

3. Shake it ’til you make it

Studenterhuset is well-known as a place for students to meet up. It is less-known that besides super cheap beer, they also offer free dance classes. If you want to join the fun, go there on Tuesday nights from 7.30pm and participate in swing lessons totally free. The first half hour is always devoted to a short introduction and afterwards you are welcome to stay and try out your newly learnt steps.

Click here to see more details.

4. Eat well – for less

By this time you will have worked up an appetite. The Youth House ‘Ungeren’ will also have put you into a sweat, just by getting there, as it is a little bit far from the city centre. But the Vegan Soup Kitchen opens its doors for the public from 7pm. You can have a delicious meal for 25 DKK only if you also help to clear up.

The address i Ungeren, Dortheavej 61, 2400 Kbh. NV. and here is the website .

For more about cheap specialities, read our article about People’s Kitchen here, which also links to another list of cheap kitchens.

5. Find your inner ‘chi’

So you are souped up at the Youth House. Chances are, you don’t normally want to pay for gym hours. We understand.

The Youth House in Dortheavej 61 offers free classes. You can practice yoga twice a week or try a self-defense class!

All their programs are available here, but unfortunately, most are in Danish so you might need your loyal friend, Google, for a little help here on Ungeren.dk.

This will probably be enough for one day. But next day you might want to surf for some cheap furniture.

6. (Re)-furnish your room on Facebook

Even though Ikea is cheap, there is another way to make your apartment more comfortable – totally free of charge! I bet you spend a lot of time on Facebook (don’t worry, we all do).

Here is the perfect way to combine the joy of shopping without the guilt of money-spending. Do you hear that ladies???

Do some furniture hunting in the group ‘Free your Stuff Copenhagen’.

OK stop surfing now. Time for some more active activity, and this particular activity is our favourite:

7. For all winter lovers: Ice-skating

There is no excuse for complaining about the cold Nordic weather. Thanks to the frosty wind we all hate, you have more time to skate on ice. Several ice rinks open their gates in October or in November the latest. You can find them at Østre Gasværk, Frederiksberg Runddel or Genforingspladsen. Rental of skates is also possible and they only cost around DKK 35.

Icy-chilly mornings and exams are both on their way but you don’t have to stay indoors until the snow melts. Give yourself a break and enjoy your life in Copenhagen on a really low-budget. Money can’t be the excuse from now on!

Here is a gallery of some students out skating in one of the Copenhagen rinks.

Further suggestions or comments are welcome!

universitypost@adm.ku.dk

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