The best things to do in Aarhus, Denmark
If you are looking for the best things to do in Aarhus, Denmark, then you have come to the right place! There are a lot of free and cheap things to do in Aarhus. You will never really be at loss for what to do in Aarhus, as there are lots of free events, museums exhibitions and more constantly going on in the city. If you are still wondering “Is Aarhus worth visiting?” then let me tell you right now, that yes, it is. Let me explain further…
You should visit Aarhus because it is one of the best places to visit in Denmark. Aarhus also has some of the best things to do in Denmark. The city is considered the “capital” of Jylland (Jutland). Having said that, Aarhus is quite small. It is a small city with a charming atmosphere. It has bustling café life and a delicious foodie scene. Aarhus is also considered the city of art, culture and events. If you are into art museums, music, photography, painting, then you will love Aarhus and you should put it on your Denmark bucket list!. Fun fact: Aarhus was not named “Aarhus” to begin with! The city’s original name was Aros. Just like the most iconic modern art museum in the city; ARoS Museum.
“Is Aarhus worth visiting if I enjoy going out and eating?” oh yes it is! Aarhus is also known as quite the foodie city. If dinner inside an old bus garage sounds intriguing to you, then you must visit Aarhus. The city has exactly that and many more quirky, unique places to eat. The city also has become a Michelin-starred city and has many of the best restaurants in Denmark. It is safe to say that exploring the foodie scene in the city is one of the best things to do in Aarhus, Denmark.
So… is Aarhus worth visiting? In this blog post, I will go through why Aarhus is one of the best places to visit in Denmark, what to do in Aarhus and all of the best things to do in Aarhus, Denmark. These include art museums, modern architecture, the foodie scene and much more. Get your pen ready, and let’s get started. Let me first tell you more about how to get to Aarhus…
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Where is Aarhus? How to get to Aarhus…
The city of Aarhus is located in Midtjylland (Mid-Jutland), Denmark. It is considered “the capital” of Jylland and is a famous destination for many international people and Danes. It is considered one of the best places to visit in Denmark.
Aarhus Airport and Billund Airport are the two airports closest to the city. When flying into Denmark from any other country abroad, you will most likely have a layover in either Billund or Copenhagen. You can also choose to fly to Copenhagen or Billund Airport and take the train to Aarhus. It takes just over 3 hours from Copenhagen and just over an hour from Billund. You can find more information on trains in Denmark here.
Now that you are ready to explore the city, let’s get started! These are the top things to do in Aarhus, Denmark…
The best things to do in Aarhus, Denmark…
1. Take a walk along the canals in Aarhus
Why is Aarhus worth visiting? Well, start your trip to Aarhus by walking along the canals and find out why. Starting off this way will give you a taste of just how beautiful Aarhus is. You will pass by some of the top things to do in Aarhus along the way. You will also find shops, cafés, restaurants and more.
On sunny days, the atmosphere is something else. You will find people sitting on the waterfront. Some picnicking, some sunbathing, some reading or even playing the guitar. This is one of the best free things to do in Aarhus, and for that reason, a great way to kick-start your sightseeing experience.
2. Visit ARoS Museum and walk inside a literal rainbow!
If you are wondering what to do in Aarhus next, I would highly recommend visiting the ARoS Museum. The museum is a Denmark bucket list item and is the most iconic spot in Aarhus. It is also an iconic spot in Denmark and is therefore considered one of the best things to do in Denmark.
It represents everything the city stands for; art, rainbows, culture, art. Most of the citizens of Aarhus have a yearly pass for ARoS Museum. The museum often changes its exhibitions. There is always something new to see and discover, making it one of the top things to do in Aarhus.
If you are under 30 years old, you can buy a ticket for 130 dkk at the information desk (not online). If you are over 30 years old you can buy your ticket online here for 150 dkk. To find out more about the current exhibitions, click here.
Address: Aros Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus
3. Go and see The Infinite Bridge (Den Uendelige Bro)
If you are coming during the months April-October, then you must go and see the Infinite Bridge. The Bridge is made from wooden construction and is circle-shaped, making it “infinite”. Visiting the Infinite Bridge is not only one of the best things to do in Aarhus, Denmark. It is also one of the best free things to do in Aarhus.
The Infinite Bridge (Den Uendelige Bro) was first displayed in 2015. It was decided that the bridge was going to be a (fairly) permanent part of Aarhus. It has ever since then been put up every spring. Today it is very popular with photographers. It is also a very popular swimming spot during the summer months. I recommend coming on a warm, summer day. When there, just sit and enjoy the view of the water and nature surrounding the area.
Address: Ørneredevej 3, 8000 Aarhus
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4. Take a step back in time in “Den Gamle By” (The Old Town)
“Den Gamle By” is directly translated to “The Old Town”. It is an open-air museum showcasing the history of Aarhus. This is my favorite sight in Aarhus and is considered one of the best things to do in Aarhus, Denmark. It has incredible exhibitions that make it feel like you just stepped into a time machine! One of the exhibitions has you step into a “time machine” (an elevator) that takes you back to the old Viking times of Denmark.
You will unlikely forget this place; make sure this is on your Denmark bucket list. It is not only a must-visit for Aarhus, it is also one of the best things to do in Denmark.
The entrance fee is 125 dkk per person. You can find more information about the entrance fees and the museum itself here.
Address: Viborgvej 2, 8000 Aarhus C
5. Get up close with the deer in the Deer Park
Another one of the best free things to do in Aarhus is to visit the Deer Park.
Have you ever had deer approach you to a point where it might feel slightly uncomfortable? Well, in the Deer Park in Aarhus, you will get exactly this. The deer in the park will come up to you, expecting you to have brought them some goodies (meaning carrots). Make sure you follow the rules and do not feed the deer if there are signs asking you to. Otherwise, make sure you bring at least 4 kilograms worth of carrots, as you will run out really quickly! Oh, and please don’t turn your back on them.
Address: Ørneredevej 6, 8270 Højbjerg
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6. Have brunch/lunch at Café Harepus
Exploring the foodie scene is one of the top things to do in Aarhus. You should consider Café Harepus when exploring the foodie scene of Aarhus. This place is a delicious, 100% vegan café in Aarhus that you should visit. They have vegan croissants, sandwiches, pastries and much more. Whether you are vegan or not, this is a delicious breakfast/brunch/lunch spot that I highly recommend.
Address: Studsgade 7c, 8000 Aarhus
7. Be amazed by the futuristic Dokk1
Have you already explored the center of Aarhus? Are you wondering what to do in Aarhus next? Visiting the futuristic Dokk1 is one of the best free things to do in Aarhus.
Most of Aarhus is built with old, quaint houses with a lot of charm. However, just a short walk outside of the center of the city, towards the harbor, you will find Dokk1. Have a walk inside the area and be amazed by the futuristic designs and techniques. One thing that had my jaw drop was when a car suddenly, out of nowhere, got sucked into the ground. It felt like I was standing in a real-life sci-fi movie. For these reasons, it is one of the top things to do in Aarhus and not one to miss.
Tip: do not forget to look up! There are details and art everywhere in this city, even at Dokk1.
Address: Hack Kampmanns Pl. 2, 8000 Aarhus
8. Feel the tropical heat in The Botanical Gardens
Do you want to take a trip to the Amazonian rainforest? Or maybe Australia? Then you should visit the botanical gardens in Aarhus. The Botanical Gardens in Aarhus is one of the best things to do in Aarhus, Denmark. It is also one of the best botanical gardens I’ve ever been to! They have a lovely café and gift shop. Here you can eat your own lunch or buy something from the café.
I haven’t even told you the best part yet… It is completely free to visit! This is yet another one of the many free things to do in Aarhus. You can find more information about The Botanical Gardens here.
Address: Møllevejen, Peter Holms Vej 10A, 8000 Aarhus
9. Eat delicious street food from Aarhus’ Street Food Market.
If you are running out of sights and wondering what to do in Aarhus next, you should explore the foodie scene. One of the top things to do in Aarhus is to eat.
Aarhus does street food really well. Have your lunch or dinner inside an old bus garage. Be prepared to have your taste buds explode with some of the best street food you have ever had. There is something for everyone here. You will find options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, nut-free, etc. nobody gets left out and everything is delicious!
One of my favorite places is Za’atar. This is a falafel place serving some of the best falafel I have ever had. You can find more information on the stalls in the Aarhus Street Food Market here.
Address: Ny Banegårdsgade 46, 8000 Aarhus
10. Visit the famous Moesgaard Museum
One of the best things to do in Denmark is to visit the Moesgaard Museum. If you ask anyone living in Aarhus about what to do in Aarhus, they will say Moesgaard Museum is a must.
Moesgaard Museum is a prehistory and ethnography museum with a focus on archaeological exhibitions. At the museum, you will come up-close and personal with the ancestors of the human race. Moesgaard Museum is located in Højbjerg in the most beautiful spot right in the middle of nature. The museum is fully surrounded by nature, forest, and walking trails. This means, after exploring the museum, you can go for a magical walk through the nature area surrounding the museum.
The entrance fee for the museum is 170 dkk (160 dkk online) per person. You can find more information on the museum and its exhibitions right here.
Address: Moesgård Allé 15, 8270 Højbjerg
11. Go for a wander in the Queen’s Holiday House Area, Marselisborg Palace
Visiting Marselisborg Palace is another one of the best free things to do in Aarhus. The Palace is the Queens of Denmark’s Summer Holiday House. When she is not in the holiday house, you can go for a wander through The Palace Gardens.
Visiting the gardens is one of the top things to do in Aarhus. Especially during late spring and the summer months, it is an absolutely beautiful walk. After you have finished your walk through the gardens, you can find yourself a picnic spot in the public gardens just across the road. It is a big open field area with a gorgeous view of the sea. Bring your lunch and a book.
Address: Kongevejen 100, 8000 Aarhus
12. Have a fun day at the amusement park Tivoli Friheden
If you are craving some fun and wondering what to do in Aarhus, then you must visit Tivoli Friheden. During the summer weekends, you will find most of the Aarhus people in Tivoli Friheden. It is easy to see why it is appealing to spend a day here, as it is filled with fun activities and roller coaster rides.
The entrance fee is 150 dkk. You can find more information on the amusement park here.
Address: Skovbrynet 5, 8000 Aarhus
What are your top things to do in Aarhus, Denmark?
What are your best things to do in Denmark? Anything you’d add?
Love as always and happy adventuring…
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