10 Awesome Things To Do in Christiania

Curious about Freetown Christiania?

This one-of-a-kind neighborhood in Copenhagen is unlike anywhere else in the city—or the world! Known for its alternative lifestyle, bold street art, and creative community, Christiania is a fascinating mix of freedom, self-expression, and cultural experimentation.

As someone who loves exploring unique and unconventional spots, I’ve wandered through Christiania’s colorful streets many times.

In this guide, I’ll share the top things to do in Freetown Christiania, along with practical tips and facts to help you make the most of your visit.

Let’s dive into this vibrant and unforgettable part of Copenhagen!

1. Take a Guided Tour in Christiania and Christianshavn

If you really want to experience Christiania beyond the surface, I highly recommend taking a two-hour guided tour with a lifelong resident. There’s something special about hearing stories and history from someone who has lived it—things you won’t find in articles or guidebooks.

This small group tour (just 10 people max) is in English, so it’s easy to follow. You’ll walk through Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen’s most unique and contrasting districts. The guide dives into the city’s history, architecture, and social changes, making everything come alive.

Christianshavn offers a look at the city’s canals and historic buildings, while Christiania is a whole different world with its independent community and free-spirited vibe.

The guide’s insights help you understand the people, culture, and challenges shaping these areas. I found this guided tour to be incredibly insightful.

It wasn’t just about sightseeing; it gave me a deeper appreciation for the community. I highly recommend it.

Alternatively, if you are on a budget but still wish to take a guided tour, this one costs just 60 DKK.

2. Explore the Vibrant Street Art

Freetown Christiania is a heaven for street art in Copenhagen. This colorful neighborhood is packed with vibrant graffiti, and murals, making it an open-air gallery like no other.

Every corner tells a story, with bold designs and messages that reflect the community’s free-spirited vibe. I have wandered the far-off corners of these streets.

You’ll find street art everywhere in Christiania—on walls, houses, and even unexpected spots. Take your time to admire the creativity and soak in the unique atmosphere.

Did you know? Christiania is an old military base that was occupied by hippies in early 70’s.

3. Go Ice Skating in Pusher Street

Christiania’s Pusher Street has seen a remarkable transformation. Once known for its open drug trade, it’s now a vibrant space with a new purpose and innovative initiatives have been introduced to uplift the area.

This winter, Pusher Street has a 660 m2 ice skating rink with an additional 120 m skateway! It’s a hit among both locals and visitors, and the residents are thrilled with the change.

The rink is open from December 1, 2024, to February 16, 2025. Trust me, skating here is a unique way to experience Christiania’s lively atmosphere. It’s a great mix of fun and seeing how a community can redefine its space.

4. Visit the Christiania Christmas Market

If you’re in Christiania during the winter holidays, don’t miss the annual Christmas market at Den Grå Hall. It’s been a tradition since the 1970s and is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Denmark.

Walking into the indoor Christmas market is magical, with chandeliers lighting up the entire hall, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. This is a fantastic spot to find unique gifts and souvenirs for loved ones.

You’ll see a wide variety of stalls selling winter outfits, mittens, handcrafted goods, home decor, jewelry, and so much more. I spent hours browsing through the stalls, and it was hard not to buy everything!

The weekends are even more special with live music performances. The atmosphere is lively making it a great place to take your time and soak in the holiday spirit.

Did you know? Den Grå Hall is the largest space in Christiania that can accommodate about 1500 people. Originally, it was built as a riding hall, today it is used mostly for concerts, parties, and the traditional Christmas market and the Christmas party

5. Eat Delicious Food

When exploring Freetown Christiania, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal or drink at one of its restaurants and cafes. Just remember, most places here accept cash only—except for Cafe Nemoland.

Morgenstedet is a vegetarian restaurant that serves generous portions at fair prices, and its outdoor garden seating is perfect for relaxing.

For a casual hangout, Moon Fisher is a cozy coffee shop with a pool table and board games. It’s ideal for grabbing a coffee and a slice of their fresh homemade cake.

At Cafe Nemoland, you can try the local Christiania beer, which I highly recommend. If you’re visiting in the summer, check out their free Sunday concerts—it has an amazing atmosphere with live music and a buzzing local crowd.

6. Have Fun at the Christiania Skateboard Park

If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Christiania, don’t miss Christiania Wonderland. Open since 1998, it’s an indoor skate park.

Even if you’re not a skater, this place is worth visiting for the atmosphere and incredible graffiti-covered walls.

Inside, the ramp is shaped like a bowl with small and large hips, an oververt cradle, and multiple corners. It might seem intimidating at first, but once you get the flow, it’s a blast for anyone into skating.

For non-skaters like me, the vibrant graffiti is the highlight. The walls are alive with colors, intricate art that feels like stepping into an urban art gallery. I spent a good chunk of time just soaking in the energy and watching the skaters do their thing—it’s such a lively and creative space.

Definitely swing by if you’re in the area!

7. Find the Copenhagen Troll

Did you spot the Green George near Christiania Wonderland? It is one of the six Copenhagen trolls crafted by artist Thomas Dambo

He can be seen sitting with plants in his hands but today it resembles a reading posture without the plants.

Made entirely from trash wood collected from Christianshavn’s garbage disposal, this sculpture highlights sustainability and creativity.

Behind Green George is a mural with the message, “The world is in our hands,” created in collaboration with Rasmus Balstrøm. It’s a reminder of our shared responsibility for the planet.

Dambo has hidden six of these trolls in Copenhagen city, with six more “forgotten giants” in the greater Copenhagen area. If you have time, go treasure hunting and track a few down.

8. Enjoy the Sauna at Bath House

Saunas are a big deal in Denmark, especially during winter. Badehuset or the bathhouse at Christiania is a simple but well-maintained shower and a sauna.

The sauna is heated by a wood-burning stove. Entry is just 50 DKK.

A heads-up: It’s a naked sauna, so leave your phone behind as it’s not allowed inside. For an extra 5 or 10 DKK, you can try Rasul, a type of mud you can apply to your skin for smoothness.

It’s cash-only, so come prepared. I’ve been a big fan of saunas since when I moved to Denmark and have tried many saunas across Copenhagen.

9. Buy Artworks at Christiania Art Gallery

It is a beautiful family owned art gallery run by Marios Orozco and Stephanie Orozco.

The paintings are oil paints and artwear is hand painted in textile paint that makes it washable. The shipping is done worldwide and you can buy cool souvenirs from Denmark.

Christiania art gallery is a must visit place in Christiania.

Postcards, magnets, posters, printed tshirts, stickets, books, handmade knitwear made of high quality wool are also sold here

10. Attend Christiania’s Club Events

While visiting Christiania, I highly recommend visiting Loppen, and Christiania Jazz Club.  They have a  fantastic vibe and hosts a variety of events throughout the week. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff at the door and bar make you feel at home.

Something exciting always happens at Jazz Club from hip-hop music to comedy club nights and their famous Sunday JAM sessions. You can check their calendar online to see what’s on. Their comedy club is a personal favorite of mine.

Loppen is popular among all. Events happen after 19:00 in several languages and can be pre-booked online.

Operaen is the spot for live music. Don’t forget to bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards. Grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy the show!

When is the Best Time to Visit Christiania?

Freetown Christiania is open year-round. However, the best time to visit is during summer. Numerous events take place during the weekends of summer and the lively atmosphere makes it unforgettable. The community comes alive with music, art, and outdoor gatherings.

Winter has its own charm, especially with the new ice skating rink and Christmas markets. The festive vibes make it a great spot for enjoying holiday cheer.

Christiania promises a unique experience whenever you visit unlike anywhere else in Copenhagen.

Where to Stay in Freetown Christiania?

There aren’t any hotels within Freetown Christiania for tourists. However, staying nearby in Christianshavn is a fantastic option.

In Christianshavn, I’d recommend Hotel NH Copenhagen which offers great views, excellent amenities, top-notch service, and family-friendly rooms.

Freetown Christiania Rules: Dos and Don’ts

1. There are four unbreakable rules in Christiania: No to hard drugs, no to rocker badges, no to weapons, and no to violence.
2. When exploring Christiania, be mindful of your surroundings. Running can confuse and make you seem suspicious.
3. Photography is allowed in Christiania except Pusher street. Always respect “No Photograph” signs as some people do not like to be photographed.
4. Christiania is a car-free or automobile-free zone, so you can explore by walking or biking. If you want to park, use Refshalevej or Bådsmandsstræde.
5. Avoid engaging in illegal activities, including the buying or selling of hard drugs. These are prohibited both in Christiania and throughout Denmark. However, cannabis is openly sold on Pusher Street despite being illegal under Danish law. Be aware that Police regularly patrol Christiania.

Interesting Facts About Christiania

1. Christiania has its own flag with three yellow dots on a red background. The three yellow dots come from the three i’s raised above the word, Christiania.
2. Christiania covers an area of more than 85 acres and houses almost one thousand inhabitants.
3. In 1971 people began to inhabit the former military barracks. The result is a massive immigration of people who want to create another life based on communal living and freedom, and thus Christiania was born.
4. Christiania’s form of self-government is often called consensus democracy.
5. Christiania pays all its public expenses, such as renovation, electricity, and water consumption, rat extermination, municipal taxes, chimney sweeping, etc. At the same time, the Christianites pay for five children’s institutions, a health clinic, a building office, a machine hall, maintenance of infrastructure and green areas, postal services, etc.
6. Of course, all Christianites also pay taxes to the municipality and the State.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Top Things to Do in Christiania

Freetown Christiania is a place that truly stands out—a mix of creativity, history, and a lifestyle that challenges the norm. It offers an experience like no other.

If you’re open to seeing a different side of Copenhagen, this unique community is well worth a visit.

Now that you know what to do in Christiania, check out the other free places to visit in Copenhagen, or how about some offbeat hidden gems?