Exploring Copenhagen’s Freetown Christania neighborhood: the best things to do

One of Copenhagen's top attractions, Freetown Christiania, is a unique enclave in the heart of the city. Originally a squatter community of free spirits and hippies who took up residence in what was an abandoned Danish military barracks, this often misunderstood neighborhood has become a thriving alternative community. While safety and drug use were once an issue, things have quieted down in recent years, and visitors can roam the haphazard streets in search of healthy grub, live music, art installations, and eclectic shops. From noshing on delicious vegan and vegetarian food to uncovering the neighborhood’s unique and tumultuous history, this is your guide to Freetown Christiania.

Know Before You Go

How to get there: Getting around Copenhagen is easy, and Freetown Christiania is no exception. Visitors can take the metro to the Christianshavn station to reach Freetown Christiania. The 2A bus also services the area, and Bodenhoffs Plads is the best bus stop to hop off at.

How to get around: Getting around Freetown Christiania is simple, as it’s best explored on foot. The majority of Freetown Christiania is concentrated in the area near the Christianshavn neighborhood along the southern ramparts.

Best time to visit: Although Freetown Christiania is a peaceful community, it’s best to visit during daylight hours.

Best for: Street art, vegetarian/vegan cuisine, hippie vibes, history.

Top Things to Do in Freetown Christiania

Explore the Green Light District

Once the site of Freetown Christiania’s illegal marijuana trade, the Green Light District is situated on the neighborhood’s infamous Pusher Street. Tucked beside the Christiania Kirken or Christiania Church, cannabis sales here officially ceased in 2024 following several incidents that prompted the community and government to come to an agreement. Visitors can walk around the area, including Pusher Street, to get a feel for the neighborhood as a whole. You’ll essentially enter the Green Light District once you pass through the main gate to Freetown Christiania and walk for a few minutes down the main street.

Discover street art and art galleries

From the Christiania Art Museum to several galleries, graffiti, and murals, Freetown Christiania is a wonderful place in Copenhagen to discover art. One of the best spots to see colorful murals is right outside the community’s main gate, although simply strolling around will reveal a kaleidoscope of murals and graffiti. One of the most famous art installations is Trold no. 50, created by artist Thomas Dambo. Built completely from discarded wood in the Christiania trash, “Green George,” as he’s called, is set against a 3D mural that reads “The World is in Our Hands”. In terms of free things to do in Copenhagen, exploring the art here is one of the best!

Eat at a vegan or vegetarian restaurant

Freetown Christania’s free-loving vibes are also expressed in the many vegan and vegetarian restaurants you’ll find here. There are two different restaurants to choose from, both located in the central area in the south of the neighborhood. Offering warming soups, homemade bread, salads, falafel bowls, and other hearty dishes, be sure to bring cash as cards aren’t accepted. Whether you’re a veggie or not, this is a great spot to sample some of Copenhagen’s local delights and get in a bit of nutrition after one too many cardamom buns.

Catch a show at a music venue

Being the free-spirited community that it is, Freetown Christiania has several music venues that are perfect for catching a show. For jazz lovers, the Christiania Jazz Club is open from 8:00 PM until “late”, Wednesday to Saturday, and offers great lineups. Den Grå Hal is another music venue just steps from the Jazz Club that regularly hosts Danish bands if you’re looking for a taste of local flair. Right on the outside of the commune, visitors will also find Loppen, an old army hall turned concert venue that hosts international bands and DJs.

Go shopping

From hemp stores to antiques, jewelry, health food, and bicycle shops, the myriad of shopping possibilities in Freetown Christiania are one of a kind. Another popular spot to pop into is Den Grønne Genbrugshal, a building materials store that also doubles as a community gathering space and recycling center. All of these stores are located in the central Freetown Christiania area, just after the main gate. Perusing these shops, you’ll soon see why this is one of the best neighborhoods in Copenhagen.