This 3-hour alternative walking tour of Copenhagen is a story of two distinct neighborhoods; Christiana that is well-known for its green-light district and Vesterbro that is popular for its red-light district. Join us as we explore both neighborhoods and their edgy sense of freedom and creativity, with a grittiness you won’t find in the downtown core.
Your Alternative Copenhagen Tour meets in the center of the city at Espresso House Rådhuspladsen and ends at Christiania. Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Copenhagen with an expert guide and visit some favorite hangouts of local Copenhageners!
Copenhagen’s underground scene
Outside of the center and away from the mainstream attractions you’ll find a very different Copenhagen: across the water to the East lies the self-declared Freetown of Christiania, and just south of the central train station is the uber-hip district of Vesterbro. Each has a fascinating history bound together by their vibrant diversity and uncompromising counter-culture.
This is more than just a story of hipsters and down-and-outs; this is a tale of a totally different world questioning the social, political and cultural status quo.
Versterbro; from hipsters to sex workers
Vesterbro started out as a working-class district and has evolved into an area filled with an eclectic mix of young artists and entrepreneurs, sex workers and drug addicts.
The area had always been associated with poverty and drug problems (that admittedly still exist in certain spots), but with recent state renovations to the area, Vesterbro has quickly become a favored place to live because of its central location. We will stroll through Istedgade and see how it has changed the last 100 years, and of course visit the meatpacking district.
The Freetown of Christiania
The last stop of the tour will take you to the world-famous Freetown of Christiania. The international community and peace-loving commune is a stark contrast to the area’s previous military use. Learn about the self-governing system they have and hear about the struggles with authority that they still face today. As tour groups aren’t permitted in the Free State, we will leave you to meet the residents and explore this unique society for yourself at the end of the tour.
The Alternative Tour of Copenhagen starts in the center of the city at Espresso House Rådhuspladsen (Vesterbrogade 2A)
Discover what it is like to live in the Freetown of Christiania
Explore the meatpacking district (Kødbyen) filled with cafes and creative spaces
Discover Vesterbro - the beating heart of Copenhagen
Get into the experimental beer scene at the Mikkeller gypsy brewery
Learn about the difficult local issues such as prostitution and homelessness
TOUR SCHEDULES
Today
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PHOTOS
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Local English-speaking guide
Transportation to Christianshavn
Additional Information
As tour groups aren't permitted in Christiania, your guide will leave you to explore it for yourself at the end of the tour
Wheelchair accessible
Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
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The Copenhagen Alternative Tour starts at Espresso House RådhuspladsenOpen in Google Maps
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Customer reviews
Do the Alternative Tour! I cannot say enough good things about the Alternative Tour! I had an amazing time and learned about parts of Copenhagen's history and culture that I would have otherwise neglected. And the tour guide, Nina, was amazing - very personable and full of tons of information. The tour takes you mostly through Vesterbro and leaves you at the entrance to Christiania, so you can explore yourself. I would highly recommend this tour to young adults, solo travelers, or anyone who enjoys getting to see a city beyond the main attractions.
Me and my boyfriend had a lovely Saturday Alternative Tour with the best guide little Martin. His charming personality made this tour even more interesting. History facts and some insights from his own life and experience let us understand the Danish culture better. I do believe Martin enjoys his job due to the way he runs a tour. I would really recommend this tour since it is a great way to discover the other side of Denmark.
The Alternative Tour is a great way to find out tons of interesting information you would have otherwise not known about Copenhagen. Our tour guide did a wonderful job answering all our questions and keeping us laughing.
The Alternative Tour deserves its name. Eye-opening on Copenhagen seedier sides and the difficulties for the Danish government to address those issues. Martin was thought-provoking and very funny. Doing the Alternative Tour is a no-brainer for anyone wishing to discover another side to Copenhagen!
After enjoying our first walking tour of the city with Martin we decided to book onto the Alternative Tour. Both were great, the Alternative Tour offered interesting facts about the social side to Copenhagen. This tour covered info and areas that we wouldn’t have come across on any other tour. Very interesting and eye-opening to different cultures, and to visit Christiania was an experience. Our guide was very engaging, enthusiastic and knowledgeable of this great city, we would definitely recommend.
Select Tours focus on a particular area or district of a city, a certain aspect of its history or culture, or take you outside the city on a day trip. Select Tours are perfect for those who have enjoyed an introduction to the city and wish to delve deeper into the stories the city has to offer. These tours often venture further afield and make use of local public transport.
As with the Free Tour, Select Tours are provided by local freelance guides in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, who bring their personal flair and expert knowledge to these specifically themed tours. Select tours have a fixed ticket price - we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance, either during a Free Tour or online.
Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Copenhagen's fascinating history and must-see sites with your priv ...
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CVR Number: 33868626. Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.
Thank you! Your support means more to us than we can express in words. Chris Sandeman and the SANDEMANs Live Community
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SANDEMANs is back!
We are gradually reopening cities across our network, and running most of our tours with limited availability.For more information about our tours running in English, and for an overview of the safety, health and wellbeing measures we're taking for our staff, guide partners and valued guests, visit the link below
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