3. The Little Mermaid Statue
One of Copenhagen’s must-see attractions is completely free for the gawking. The famous bronze statue of local author Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale favorite can be seen perched on a rock near the Langelinie Pier. Although she’s been defaced and decapitated several times, and even draped in a burqa twice, she’s the symbol of the city and is always restored to her gleaming glory. You don’t have to spend a lot of time here, but you can’t come to Copenhagen without snapping a selfie in front of her.
4. Nyhavn
The quintessential waterfront community of Nyhavn offers plenty of free fun in Copenhagen. As long as you can resist spending at the shops, galleries and restaurants in the area, strolling around won’t cost you a krone. Soak in the charms of the colorful 17th and 18th century buildings along the canal, and check out the wooden ships in the “heritage harbour”. For an inexpensive treat to bypass the pricey bars and cafes, buy a beer (Carlsberg or otherwise) at a nearby store and drink it quayside, like the locals do.
