Tours & activities in Copenhagen

Alternative Copenhagen Tour

Visit the alternative neighbourhoods of Copenhagen and explore the city like a true local

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Due to the unusual tourism situation currently developing, we have temporarily suspended this tour.

ABOUT THE Alternative Copenhagen Tour

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.

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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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

This tour doesn‘t run today

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 Rådhuspladsen Open in Google Maps
Tour start Tour starts here
End start Tour usually ends here
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What is a Select Tour?

 

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.

Delve deeper with themed select tours

  • Expert local guides
  • Theme specific tours
  • Location specific tours
  • Full-day and half-day tours on offer
  • Affordable prices

WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN COPENHAGEN

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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.

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