My 16 Top Things to Do in Aarhus, Denmark: Tips From a Frequent Visitor

Since moving to Denmark, Aarhus has become one of my favorite short weekend getaways. It’s just three hours from Copenhagen, where I live, and it’s also pretty easy to reach from other European cities like London. Despite its small size, you’ll also find plenty of interesting things to do in Denmark’s second-biggest city. 

Aarhus has all the ingredients for a fun trip. You’ll find a number of great places to eat, along with some interesting museums and pretty nature. It’s also very easy to get around, whether you walk or rent a bike. And if you’re looking for some potential activities, you’ve come to the right place. 

I have visited Aarhus multiple times, at different parts of the year, and sometimes for weeks on end. Even before first arriving in Denmark, I very strongly considered doing my Master’s Degree in Aarhus. 

As a result of my many visits, I’ve explored almost every street in this cozy and intriguing city. Based on these experiences, I’m bringing you a list of my top recommendations for what to do when you’re here. 

1. Visit the ARoS Museum

The ARoS Museum was on my list of places to visit for a while, and I finally got the opportunity to do so the second time I was in Aarhus. You can see the rainbow panorama on its roof from across most of the city, and from here, you can get some great photos. Besides the rainbow panoramic view, you can see over most of Aarhus normally, too. 

When you visit, the ARoS Museum has plenty of art exhibitions covering a number of topics. You’ll find a mixture of temporary and permanent installations, and it’s one of my favorite museums in the Nordics. 

ARoS actually has the biggest collection of art in Denmark outside of Copenhagen (as a side note: you can check out my guide on the best things to do in Copenhagen if you’re also visiting the Danish capital. 

You can either buy tickets at the museum’s reception or online. For more information about ticket prices and opening hours, you can visit the official website. 

Address: Aros Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus C

2. Wander Around the Latin Quarter

Okay, sure—the Latin Quarter (Latinerkvarteret) in Aarhus isn’t on the same level as what you’ll find in other cities, like Rome. But at the same time, it is—in my opinion—the most beautiful part of the city. 

On most of my trips to Aarhus, I dedicate at least a few hours to walking around the Latin Quarter. It’s great if, like me, you’re into photography. You will find plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants in this part of the city, too. 

The Latin Quarter in Aarhus reminds me *a lot* of Copenhagen, though it’s much less crowded. When you’re here, you will see exactly what’s meant by “hygge”. Many of the streets here are narrow, and you’ll share them with bicycles, so keep this in mind. 

3. Photograph Aarhus From Above at Salling Rooftop

I always go to the Salling Rooftop when I’m in Aarhus (there’s one in Aalborg, too). Located on top of the shopping center Salling Aarhus, you’ll get the best views of the city from here. The observation deck is completely free, and considering that Aarhus is not a cheap city, this is a good way to save a bit of money. 

You’ll see many of the main landmarks in the city from the top of the Salling Rooftop, including Aarhus Cathedral and the ARoS Museum’s rainbow panorama. You can see the trendy Aarhus Ø district from here, too. 

Besides seeing Aarhus from above, the rooftop is a nice place to chill out on a sunny day. You can buy food and drinks here, and you’ll find plenty of seating areas as well. It’s open from 10:00 to 20:00 daily, except for Saturday (when it closes at 19:00) and Sunday (18:00). 

The rooftop is open year-round and requires no advance booking. You will find the Salling shopping center on one of the city’s main shopping streets. This place is popular with locals and can therefore get crowded.

Address: Søndergade 27, 8000 Aarhus C

4. Go for Brunch at Galåre

If brunch is your thing, Galåre is the place for you. My girlfriend and I went here on a weekend trip, and for me, it was one of the highlights. You can mix and match small dishes to share, such as croque monsieur and salmon croissants. 

Galåre is a bit hidden, and when you eat here, there’s a nice courtyard. If you visit during the winter, don’t worry; plenty of indoor seating is also available. 

In addition to brunch, you can stop at Galåre for lunch and dinner. I recommend booking a table in advance, which you can do on the website. It’s in Danish, so scroll and select “Book Bord” to complete your reservation. 

Address: Guldsmedgade 20A (Baggården), 8000 Aarhus C

Website: https://galaare.dk/

5. Visit Den Gamle By

I love visiting open-air museums that resemble centuries gone by, and the Nordic region has plenty of great ones. Examples include Skansen in Stockholm and Västerbottens Museum in the Northern Swedish city of Umeå. My favorite one in Denmark is Den Gamle By, which is in the center of Aarhus. 

Den Gamle By features different houses from numerous eras in Danish history, including the late 20th century and the 19th century. To me, it’s super interesting to see how the way people live has changed over time—and it’s a good insight into how living standards in Denmark have also evolved. 

When visiting Den Gamle By, which just means “The Old City” in English, you can visit a number of shops here. Moreover, you’ll see people walking around in traditional clothing. I recommend buying your tickets in advance; you can do so on the website. 

Address: Viborgvej 2, 8000 Aarhus C 

Website: https://www.dengamleby.dk/en/

6. Check Out the Pretty Møllestien Street

Møllestien is the prettiest street in Aarhus, and it’s another place that I visit more often than not when I visit. This cobblestone street features a number of beautiful, colorful townhouses that are about as quintessentially Danish as you can get. 

If you’ve ever seen photos of colorful houses from Aarhus, the chances are that they were taken on Møllestien. You can easily walk here from the main parts of the city, and you’re free to wander along the street at all hours. 

Since people still live in the houses, you cannot actually go inside. I also must emphasize the importance of being respectful and not making too much noise when you’re here. 

The street is very close to the ARoS Museum, and as a result, I recommend coming here before or after you’ve been to ARoS. 

7. Go for Dinner at A+ Siam Sushi

On one trip to Aarhus, we were hungry and still had a bit of time before our bus back to Copenhagen departed. As we wandered around and searched on Google Maps, we discovered A+ Siam Sushi. Even before our obsession with Japan, which developed after a trip there, we’ve always been big fans of sushi. 

Despite just wanting something quick and simple, this was one of my favorite meals on that particular trip. While we had no issues getting a table straight away, you can also book one in advance if you want to guarantee that you have somewhere to eat. 

You can pick from multiple options, and you will also find a menu for kids. On top of that, the restaurant has a good selection of drinks to choose from. There are two A+ Siam Sushi restaurants in Aarhus: One at Nicoline Kochs Plads and another on Frederiksgade. 

Addresses:

Frederiksgade 32, 8000 Aarhus

Nicoline Kochs Plads 3, 8000 Aarhus

Website (in Danish): http://restaurant.aplussiamsushi.dk/restaurant/

8. Wander Around Frederiksbjerg

Elegant Frederiksbjerg is my favorite neighborhood in Aarhus, and if I ever lived here, this would be precisely where I’d want to have an apartment. I stayed in this district for a week once and loved wandering its streets; it’s super central, too. 

Frederiksbjerg has a number of cozy cafés, making it the perfect place to go for your morning coffee. On top of that, you can get baked goods from multiple spots; the Danes are masters at baking, and you absolutely should experience this for yourself when you visit Aarhus.

The neighborhood has a handful of restaurants and is very close to the main train station. I particularly like Sankt Pauls Kirke and the area around this church. 

9. See the Deer at Marselisborg Dyrehave

One of the nicest things about Aarhus, and a reason why I considered moving here at one point, is the amount of nature nearby. Marselisborg Dyrehave is one of my favorite places to go; it’s a free-to-enter deer park close to the city center. 

You’ll find numerous deer roaming around the park, and many are happy to approach people. Even if you visit mainly to see the deer, this park is nice to walk around in general. 

One important thing to note is that you’re *not* allowed to feed the deer here. Moreover, you should keep a good distance during the rutting season, which is autumn; the deer are often more aggressive at this time of the year. 

To get here, I recommend renting bikes and cycling. 

Address: Ørneredevej 6, 8270 Højbjerg

10. Cycle Along the Coastline Near Aarhus

Speaking of cycling, the coastline near the city center in Aarhus is beautiful—especially during the summer. One of the simplest joys when you visit is to rent bikes and cycle along the seafront. 

You’ll find a stunning coastline regardless of whether you cycle north or south of the city. Renting a bike is very easy; I usually use the Donkey Republic app, which offers affordable rentals. You’ll notice Donkey Republic by the bright orange bikes. 

Just remember to return the Donkey Republic bikes to a designated leave-off point or you’ll get fined, as I found out the hard way 😄. You can also check with your hotel if you can rent bikes from them, and Aarhus has numerous bicycle stores with rental options, too. 

The coastline can, like everywhere in Denmark, get windy; as a result, I suggest packing a sweater just in case. And yes, this includes during the summer. 

11. Ice Cream at Mammis Gelato

Mammis is a small gelato-style chain in Aarhus with several flavors to choose from, and it’s one of the best ice cream places I’ve had anywhere in Denmark. You can pick how many scoops you want, along with whether you want a cone or a cup. 

On the trip where we went to Mammis Gelato, it was pretty warm and we had been walking around all day. As a result, this was a welcome stop. It’s popular, though, so you may need to queue outside—especially if you visit in the warmer months.

You will find two Mammis Gelato ice cream stores in the city center. 

Addresses: 

Jægergårdsgade 53, 8000 Aarhus C

Rosensgade 34, st.tv, 8000 Aarhus C

12. Brunch (or Dinner) at Café Drudenfuss

Another excellent brunch spot in Aarhus is Café Drudenfuss, which is in the heart of the Latin Quarter. The egg florentine is well worth trying, the sweet treats are also delicious, and the staff are friendly. You can sit outside when the weather’s good, making this a great spot for people-watching as well. 

Besides brunch, you can get dinner at Café Drudenfuss. Fish and chips are available (which I, as a Brit, approve of), along with burgers and more. You can book a table in advance if you want to guarantee that you have somewhere to sit. 

Address: Graven 30, 8000 Aarhus C

Website: http://drudenfuss.dk/

13. Check Out the Aarhus Ø District

Aarhus Ø is one of the city’s newer parts, with lots of luxury modern apartments. You’ll find the iconic Isbjerget complex, which was designed to resemble an iceberg (“isbjerg” is the Danish word for that). 

You will also find the Lighthouse in Aarhus Ø, which is the tallest completed building in Denmark. Moreover, the district has a lot of nice marinas and some great views of the nearby bay.

Besides its number of apartments, you’ll find a number of things to do here. For example, I recommend getting pastries at MIBbageri. Here, you can also try the classic Danish dish smørrebrød (it’s literally just rye bread with toppings, but it’s still good). 

To get to Aarhus Ø, you can walk or cycle from the main parts of the city center. 

14. Indulge at Aarhus Street Food

Visiting different street food spots is one of my favorite things to do when traveling, and Aarhus has a cozy market of its own. While smaller than what you’ll find in Copenhagen, Aarhus Street Food is still a great place to spend an afternoon with some friends or your partner.

You’ll find dishes from around the world here; I’m a huge sucker for falafel, and naturally, I went for these on my most recent trip. However, you can try food from Italy, Vietnam, Nepal, and many other countries. You can get a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at Aarhus Street Food, too. 

During the warmer months, you’ll find a decent amount of outdoor seating. It’s close to the city’s main bus station and very easy to reach from pretty much everywhere in Aarhus. 

Address: Ny Banegårdsgade 46, 8000 Aarhus

Website: https://aarhusstreetfood.com/en/

15. Go to Den Uendelige Bro in the Summer

Known in English as the Never Ending Bridge, this project started as an art exhibition but has since—thanks to its popularity—become semi-permanent. 

Den Uendelige Bro is around from April or May until October (it changes depending on the year); during the winter, it’s taken down and stored somewhere safe to protect the wood.

Den Uendelige Bro is completely free to see and walk on, and you can sit here while admiring the sea as well. It’s on Ballehage Beach, which is close to Marselisborg Dyrehave. To get here, I recommend cycling. 

Address: Ørneredevej 3, 8000 Aarhus C

16. Spot the Street Art in Aarhus

Aarhus is a very creative city, which is no doubt helped by its large student population and close proximity to nature. You’ll find plenty of cool street art as you wander around Denmark’s second-biggest city; it actually reminds me a lot of Stavanger in Norway.

The street art in Aarhus is dotted throughout the city, and my favorite one is on Fiskergade. It’s known as The Seagull Kiss—designed by the Danish artist Hans Krull. 

Some of the street art in Aarhus has been around for several years, while others have popped up more recently. You can see all of them yourself (this page lists all the street art in Aarhus), but it’s also possible to join a guided tour and learn more about each one.

Some More Useful Information for Your Aarhus Trip

Besides giving you a list of my top recommendations for things to do in Aarhus, I also wanted to give you some more information. That way, you can prepare for your trip more effectively. 

3 Days Is the Perfect Amount of Time to Spend in Aarhus

Aarhus is a relatively small city, and in three days, you’ll see all the main sights without stressing. If you have an extra day, you can explore some more of the city’s restaurants and bars or take a day trip somewhere nearby. 

Aarhus is very easy to reach from Copenhagen, with the journey taking roughly three hours. Some journeys will take a bit longer, depending on your mode of transport. 

Internationally, you can take the train from Germany (Hamburg is just over four-and-a-half hours away). Otherwise, you can fly to Aarhus or Billund Airport. 

I’ll cover how to reach the city from both Copenhagen and outside of Denmark. 

Getting to Aarhus From Copenhagen

You can reach Aarhus from Copenhagen by bus, train, or ferry. Flying is also possible, but I don’t recommend it; you’ll pay much more while saving little to no time when factoring in transport to and from the airport.

Ferry

Perhaps the most scenic way to get to Aarhus is by ferry. The boat to Aarhus sails from Sjællands Odde, which is at the top of Zealand—the island that Copenhagen is situated on. With Kombardo Expressen, you’ll catch a shuttle bus from Copenhagen to the ferry terminal. After the ferry ride, you’ll then get transported to Aarhus’ city center. 

The combined bus and ferry journey from Copenhagen is around three and a half hours. It’s an affordable way to travel between the two cities, and you can choose from several daily departures. Plus, it’s nice to be on the water. 

You can buy tickets via the Kombardo Expressen website or app.

Train & Bus

You can also take numerous direct daily trains from Copenhagen to Aarhus, and the journey time varies from around two hours and 45 minutes (fast trains) and from three-and-a-half to four hours for slower services. 

You can book advance tickets on the DSB website. Keep an eye out for the orange tickets, which offer single tickets from 99 DKK (c. $16 / £11.50 / €13.30). 

If you take the train, make sure you order a seat as well. Otherwise, you might have to stand up for the entire journey—and trust me, I can tell you from personal experience that it’s not fun. Even less so when your train gets delayed, as mine did 🙂.

As for buses, tickets from Copenhagen to Aarhus are very cheap in general. The journey takes roughly the same time as the train; I mainly use Flixbus, which drops you right in the city center and also departs from Central Copenhagen. 

Flying to Aarhus From Abroad

Aarhus is reachable from Aarhus and Billund Airports, both of which are around an hour away. Billund Airport is the more convenient option as more international flights serve it.

You can fly to Billund Airport from several European cities, including Reykjavík, London, and Stockholm. Aarhus Airport serves London, Málaga, and a handful of other European destinations. 

To get from Billund Airport to Aarhus, take the bus to Vejle and the train from there. The journey takes around an hour. From Aarhus Airport, you can take the Airport Bus; the journey is also roughly an hour. 

Where to Stay in Aarhus

To be honest, I think that Aarhus has a relatively small range of accommodation. But at the same time, you’ll find hotels for all budgets. For example, WakeUp and CABINN are two budget options; I’ve stayed at CABINN, which was fine albeit unspectacular. 

When I Recommend Visiting Aarhus

You can have fun experiences in Aarhus year-round, but the city is significantly more lively during the summer. You’ll have more stable weather for cycling and exploring, along with longer daylight hours and access to all attractions—such as Den Uendelige Bro and other seasonal niceties. 

At the same time, I’ve visited Aarhus in the winte,r and it’s still nice. While it rarely snows (but often rains), the atmosphere is still cozy. Moreover, the city’s many bars and cafés offer refuge from the outside elements. It also tends to be cheaper to visit around this time, which is a bonus. 

How Much Money You Should Expect to Spend in Aarhus

As I mentioned earlier in this article, Aarhus—like the rest of Denmark—is expensive. While not as pricey as Copenhagen, you should still expect to spend a decent chunk of money here. 

Flights to Aarhus are usually quite affordable, since several budget airlines fly to Aarhus and Billund. However, hotels are expensive; a mid-range option will likely cost you around $100 per night minimum. 

Dining at restaurants is also expensive; a standard meal will cost you at least $20 in most places. You can save some money by going to 7-Eleven, which offers sandwiches and the like for a reasonable price. 

One thing worth noting is that pretty much everywhere in Aarhus accepts card payments. I haven’t once used physical cash when visiting. If you need one for your trip, I recommend signing up for a free Wise account.

Final Thoughts

While Aarhus isn’t as popular as Copenhagen, that doesn’t mean you should skip it. Denmark’s second-biggest city is well worth visiting, with lots of fun things to do that’ll keep you entertained for a weekend. 

From museums to nature and food, Aarhus has everything you need for a pleasant getaway. It’s very easy to reach from several parts of Europe, too, and is significantly less crowded than the Danish capital. I don’t think you should choose one or the other—both places are great, and I literally chose to live in Copenhagen—but I love visiting Aarhus. 

Now that you’ve read this guide, you should have a better idea of what you can do when you visit this lovely city.