Things to Do in Aarhus
Discover 48 activities and experiences in Aarhus, Denmark — from outdoor adventures to cultural events. Curated from real traveler recommendations.
-
Playgrounds
Denmark has a high concentration of free playgrounds and Aarhus is not an exception. There are small playgrounds in and around the city and a few larger ones as well. If you are travelling with kids be sure to visit the playgrounds at Dokk1 known as '''Kloden''' and '''[http://www.storcenternord.dk/legeland/ Legeland]''' in the mall of Storcenter Nord with room for up to 150 kids. The outdoor playground at '''[https://www.aarhus.dk/da/borger/natur-og-miljoe/Park-og-skov/Legepladser/Find-en-legeplads/~/media/082BE41358464872B36700AAB6437C0C.ashx Mindeparken]''' is also great. The play centre of '''[https://www.facebook.com/BornenesJord Børnenes Jord]''' (The Childrens Earth) in the city centre has both indoor and outdoor playgrounds and is perhaps the most engaging, with professionals to supervise and arrange events. All sites are free to attend. The website for this entry only shows some of the outdoor sites and is not completely up-to-date. There is also a large 5,000 m2 commercial indoor play centre in the western district of Brabrand known as '''[http://www.legelandet.dk/ Legelandet]''' with facilities for kids of all ages up to 17 years. It has an entry fee of about DKK 100.
More info -
Godsbanen
A new centre for cultural productions of all kinds. Open workshops and events such as theatre, concerts, performance, film, art exhibitions, finders keepers markets, etc.. There is a restaurant and café here too. Even if you are not interested in participating in anything in particular, Godsbanen is worth a visit for its strange and unique architecture. There is also a very interesting DIY built "city" known as '''[http://www.institutforx.dk/ Institut for (X)]''' behind the buildings. It is full of strange constructions, primarily in wood, where people tend gardens, play football, are busy at workshops, skate at the skate-bowl, play street sports and throws parties in the night. Some people lives here. The purpose of Institut for (X) is to have a free zone of unregulated creativity, and the area has a rather anarchistic free-town vibe to it, but in a friendly, inviting way. Be sure to visit this place because it might well disappear in a few years to make way for new construction projects. Located behind ARoS and the Concert Halls.
-
- Skovgaardsgade 3
-
- Free
-
-
Voxhall
Voxhall hosts many concerts of modern contemporary music with a good, tightly planned schedule. Mostly rock and pop, but not exclusively. Along with Train, Voxhall is the preferred scene for most larger rock and pop concerts. Many concerts with international bands from abroad. A relatively small scene, but room for many people. The associated venue of '''Atlas''' is just as active, but mainly focusses on other genres, including world music and folk. Tickets are usually bought at the door, but if you're going to a major concert, buy before-hand! Nice wine and tapas bar in the building at [http://www.pica-pica.dk/ Pica Pica].
-
- Vester Alle 15
-
-
Badeanstalten Spanien
Recently renovated historic bath house, located at the central bus terminal, with a large indoor pool, spa and saunas. Many families and children in the pool on weekends. Luxury wellness section with men and women mixed, including more saunas, steambaths, spa, infrared heat lamp, a number of other facilities and occasional evening events. The complex also comprise a separate fitness-center and has a couple of small boutiques offering massage, beauty treatments, wellness products and a dining café. The building is originally from the early 1930s, it is a listed building and is a fine example of functionalist architecture.
-
- Spanien 1
-
- All week (Mon-Thu 8-20, Fri-Sun 8-16)
-
- DKK 45 (DKK 85 for the wellness section)
-
-
Katapult
Teater Katapult is probably the largest alternative theatre in Aarhus since 1995. "Katapult" simply means Catapult and this theatre has a focus on fertilizing, stimulating and nurturing the local scene in Aarhus, catapulting new talents and projects that is less mainstream. Many plays here are firmly anchored in relevant themes in the world around us, as seen from a local perspective usually, and intends to stimulate debate. Katapult has been involved in a number of prize winning interactive dramaturgical productions. You can attend Katapults' plays several times each month at the new Godsbanen cultural centre.
-
- Godsbanen, Skovgaardsgade 3
-
- DKK 170 (DKK 60 for people under 25 and discounts for students and pensioners)
-
-
Royal Scandinavian Casino
Play the roulette or a game of cards and hope for the big prize. The gaming tables opens at 19 in the evening. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee in the Royal Café, dine in the hotel restaurant of Queens Garden or join the party at the Royal Casino Bar. Mid-range prices. Casino Nights with included dinners are regularly arranged. The casino can also arrange and host your birthday or a special celebration if you have the money. Enjoy the bronze sculptures at the main entrance, designed by local artist Hans Krull. Several of the histroric halls in the hotel and casino also has an interesting design.
-
- Store Torv 4
-
- All week
-
- Entry DKK 70 after 19 (DKK 20 before 19)
-
-
Øst for Paradis
Independent and European cinema and occasionally mainstream movies too since 1978. Øst for Paradis (East of Eden) comprises three stories of what is left of an old former craftman's guild complex from 1868, most of which was destroyed in a terror bombing during the Second World War. The cinema has seven screens, equipped with state-of-the art digital technology. There is a cosy café at the cinema where you can talk or read about the films, browse cultural magazines or the daily papers. There is a nightclub (Café Paradis) at the loft top floor of the building.
-
- Paradisgade 7
-
-
DGI-huset
DGI-Huset is a sports centre of about 5,000 m2 right in the city centre and here you can engage in many kinds of indoor sports activities. Most of the activity is through membership teams, but you can play badminton, football or try the large climbing walls by an hourly rent. There is also a todlers area and it is possible to exercise for all ages.The single-event rent uses a voucher system and there are regular half-price discounts in weekends and holidays. There is a café at the center, so you can have a cup of tea and see if this is a place for you.
-
- Værkmestergade 17
-
- Free entry (Courts DKK 100 for an hour)
-
-
Helsingør Theater
This theatre is in the Old Town Museum in a reconstructed historic theatre building from the town of Helsingør north of Copenhagen. The building and interior is itself notable, but it is also a working theatre with room for an audience of 220, performing [http://www.aarhus-sommeropera.dk/ summer operas], intimate classical concerts and occasional plays throughout the year. Not the most active theatre in Aarhus, but certainly an interesting visit, both for experiencing the perfomances and the reconstructed interiors.
-
Gellerupbadet
This place also offer opportunities for families and children, as well as dedicated swimmers. Special shallow warmed pools and sauna. There is also a large climbing wall in the hall. Gellerupbadet is located in the middle of Gellerup Park in the western city district of Brabrand. While here, you could also pay a visit to the [http://www.globus1.dk/ Globus1] sports and culture centre near the swimming hall. Here you can find playgrounds and sports facilities. Bazar Vest is also close by.
-
- Dortesvej 43, Brabrand
-
- Closed Tuesdays (Saturday is women only)
-
- DKK 45 (special prices for children and groups)
-
-
Mollerup Golf Club
Mollerup Golf Club is situated in the northern outskirts of Aarhus, on the southern slopes of the broad and flat Egå Valley, officially in the district of Risskov, but close to Skejby. Apart from the golf facilities, there is a great scenic view across the valley here and it is close to the forest of Mollerup Skov and the lake area of Egå Engsø. 18 holes. The club is from 1993, but golf has been played here since 1968. Café and restaurant. 9 km from the city centre.
-
- Mollerupvej 7, Risskov
-
-
Filuren
Another small niche theatre with room for up to 150 guests, located inside the large building complex at the Concert Halls. Filuren is both a scene and a school for child theatre. A nice alternative thing to do if you are with children. Each play has an age limit attached, and it is strictly enforced so be sure to check out the programme beforehand. Several plays are suited for children as young as 3 years old. Age limits are usually 3, 4, 5 or 13 years.
-
- Thomas Jensens Allé 2
-
- DKK 65
-
-
Food Markets
Every Wednesday and Saturday from 8-14 a food market springs up on the broad boulevard and park of Ingerslevs Boulevard in the district of Frederiksbjerg in the inner city. Here producers from the countryside open individual stands and offers fresh produce for sale. Vegetables, fruit, bread, fish, meat and cheese. There is a small permanent café here with good coffee, but stands at the market also offers coffee, smoothies, ice cream and the like.
-
- Ingerslevs Boulevard
-
- 8-14 (Wed and Sat)
-
- Free
-
-
Aarhus Minigolf
If you dont like to leave the city, or are looking for some alternative fun, Aarhus has a minigolf club! Play in the city centre on the rooftop of Bruuns Galleri or at the three story minigolf centre at the riverside at Åboulevarden. The minigolf centre is located on top of Café Viggo and there are two bars here and room for up to 150 players. If you are a party, there are rooms for celebrating and you can order dinners.
-
- Åboulevarden 52
-
- 60 DK
-
-
Sculpture by The Sea - Aarhus
A local version of the famous Australian Sculpture by The Sea event. Arranged by ARoS and the crown-prince couple every second year, next time in 2017. Hundreds of sculptures are installed at the beach, south of the city and can be viewed here for about a month. Each event has drawn c. 500,000 guests. Guided tours for a fee. A few sculptures from previous events are now installed throughout the city.
-
- Free
-
-
Vestergade 58
In a backyard of a beautifully restored yellow-black timber-framed merchant's house in Vestergade, Vestergade 58 has been a small popular music venue for 40 years. A good mix of genres. Both lesser known bands and international stars occasionally. V58 is also a bar and has a separate scene used for stand-up comedy nights, where you can also get yourself a brunch on Sunday mornings.
-
- Vestergade 58
-
-
Aarhus Golf Club
Aarhus Golf Club in the district of Højbjerg is located close to the Moesgård Museum and the Marselisborg Forests. There is a great view of the Bay of Aarhus from here and the excellent bistro and restaurant UNICO, also serves for non-golfing guests, both lunch and evening meals. The golf club has 35 years of experience and more than 1,000 members. 18 holes.
-
- Ny Moesgårdvej 50, Højbjerg
-
-
Musikhuset
The largest concert hall in Scandinavia, Musikhuset has seating for more than 3,600 people in six halls and hosts a large variety of events and concerts throughtout the year. You can hear large classical performances, rock and jazz concerts, but also operas, musicals, chamber music and smaller intimate concerts at smaller scenes. Good restaurant and café.
-
Aarhus Festuge
10 day multi-cultural festival every year in late August, early September. The festival draws many participants and visitors and it is the largest event of its kind in northern Europe. The city is filled with music, theatre, food, experimental architecture, film, literature and other events and is decorated for partying.
-
- Free
-
-
Ceres Park & Arena
Located in the outskirts of the Marselisborg Forests near the Tivoli, this is where the local soccer team of AGF, plays their home games. The stadium can hold around 21,000 spectators. If you're a soccer fan, don't miss a home game (played on Saturdays or Sundays) as the atmosphere is amazing during game night!
-
Aarhus Svømmestadion
This is a better option than Badeanstalten Spanien, if what you want to do is actually to swim. Outdoor basin too with two diving boards, but only open in the summer. You must be able to swim to use the basins here. Under renovation in 2016. Two associated sports halls known as ''Frederiksbjerghallerne''.
-
- F. Vestergaards Gade 5
-
- All week
-
- DKK 45 (special prices for children and groups)
-
-
Tape
This place is located in a building that has housed many former music venues. For some years now, Tape has focussed on independent organizers with a broad musical appeal, ranging from free jazz to punk and dancehall. Here you stand a good chance of experiencing many acts from the local underground.
-
- Mejlgade 53
-
-
CinemaxX
The largest and most hi-tech cinema in Jutland. Here you can watch mainstream popluar movies, some in 3D. Foreign films are not dubbed in Denmark, but subtitled. Large lounge parlor with a candy store. Be aware that it is not allowed to bring you own candy to this cinema!
-
- M. P. Bruuns Gade 25
-
-
Tivoli Friheden
Amusement park situated in the outskirts of the Marselisborg Forests south of the city centre. There is also a dance floor and a large scene with occasional concerts and large events. A number of restaurants serves in the park as well. Check opening days on the webpage.
-
- Skovbrynet 5
-
- 11-23 (varies greatly)
-
- DKK65 / All-ride ticket DKK130
-
-
HeadQuarters
HeadQuarters is a cultural venue for theatre, dance and music located in the basement of an old school, now turned a cultural centre. There are usually three concert events per week on a tiny scene, but HeadQuarters also hosts clubs and DJ nights with various themes.
-
- Valdemarsgade 1
-
- Tuesday - Saturday (from 19 hours)
-
-
Studenterhus Aarhus
Built for student activities and assemblies and equipped with a cantina, Studenterhus Aarhus is also hosting cultural events and concerts. The largest scene of Stakladen has modern sound technology and room for 750 standing or 450 seated guests. Concerts every week.
-
- Nordre Ringgade
-
-
Train
Train is equipped with up-to-date technology and hosts a large variety of modern contemporary music concerts and sometimes events. From rock, pop and jazz to hip-hop and electronica. There is a an associated lounge, nightclub and cocktailbar by the name of Kupé.
-
Teater Refleksion
This is a good example of one of the many small niche theatres in Aarhus. Located in a tranquil backyard in the city centre, Teater Refleksion specialise in puppet and animation theatre of a high international standard. Equally suited for children and adults.
-
- Frederiksgade 72
-
-
Fatter Eskil
Housed in an old building from the 1700s in the city centre, Fatter Eskil is a popular music venue and bar. A diverse mix of genres with bands from Denmark. Fatter Eskil is mostly known for blues and rock. Free admission until 22 hours usually.
-
- Skolegade 25
-
- Closed Sundays and Mondays
-
- DKK 40-80
-
-
Lyseng Svømmebad
Located in the outer district of Højbjerg to the south of the city centre, this is a swimming hall complex for everybody. Three basins. Toys for play in the water, deep pool with diving boards and swimming lanes for exercise and competitions.
-
- Lysengvej 4, Højbjerg
-
- Closed Wednesday and Friday
-
- DKK 45 (special prices for children and groups)
-
-
Aarhus International Jazz Festival
Held every year in the summer, following the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. Many Danish and international stars as well as concerts with both local and up and coming talents. Hundreds of concerts, many free concerts in the public space.
More info -
Lyngbygaard Golf
Located west of Aarhus in the district of Brabrand. 18 holes and 9 holes with five tees on every hole. Challenges for all levels. Designed by the American architecture firm von Hagge, Smelek og Baril. Golf academy and restaurant.
-
- Lyngbygårdsvej 29, Brabrand
-
-
Aarhus Skøjtehal
Ice skating is possible during the winter in Aarhus Skøjtehal. Sometimes ice-disco events, sometimes ice hockey matches. An outdoor ice skating venue is also erected in the winter in the park outside the Concert Hall.
-
- Gøteborg Alle 9
-
- DKK 45
-
-
Gyngen
Gyngen is a music venue, restaurant and café all in one. A small scene and with less room than Voxhall and Train, mostly featuring lesser known bands and artists in a relaxed atmosphere.
-
- Mejlgade 53
-
-
Aarhus Theater
The city's main theatre. A luscious outstanding art nouveau interior design. You can dine or have a drink or coffee at [http://cafehack.dk/ Café Hack] to the left of the main entrances.
-
- Teatergaden
-
-
Granhøj Dans
Granhøj Dans is an international dance company with its base in Aarhus. You can attend performances at their premisses in Klosterport at the outskirts of the Latin Quarter.
-
- Klosterport 6
-
-
Biocity Aarhus
Another large mainstream cinema with nine large screens and among the most technologically advanced in the country. Lounge parlor with café and large candy store.
-
- Sankt Knuds Torv 15
-
-
RaceHall
Go for a go-kart race in what they claim is the largest indoor Race track in Europe. American-style The Diner has a department here too.
-
- Hasselager Centervej 30
-
- DKK310-580
-
-
Svalegangen
The second-largest theatre in Aarhus, conveniently located in Rosenkrantzgade just off the major pedestrian street Ryesgade.
-
- Rosenkrantzgade 21
-
-
Moesgård Vikingetræf
A large Viking event held every summer in July at Moesgård beach. Viking re-enactments, markets, workshops, roleplays.
More info -
Aarhus Aadal Golf Club
This golf club is located west of Aarhus near the town of Harlev. Beautiful countryside. 18 holes. Restaurant.
-
- Brydehøjvej 35, Harlev
-
-
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is a dance and visual theatre. It is located in an old school, now turned a cultural centre.
-
- Valdemarsgade 1
-
-
Metropol
A smaller local but mainstream cinema in the neighbourhood of ''Trøjborg''. Five screens and a café.
-
- Tordenskjoldsgade 21
-
- All week from 15 hours
-
-
Northside
3 day annual music festival every summer with three stages. Many well-known and international stars.
More info -
Radar
Located in the newly built culture centre of Godsbanen, Radar hosts many concerts and music events.
-
Classic Race Aarhus
An annual race and event every year in May with classic cars, including sportscars. At Mindeparken.
More info -
Jysk Væddeløbsbane
Go watch a horse race here. Be aware that you enter the race course from Carl Nielsens Vej.
-
- Observatorievejen 2
-
- DKK40
-
-
Slagtehal 3
This should be your choice, if you're into horror movies, which are shown every Thursday.
-
- Mejlgade 50
-
- DKK50
-
Exploring Aarhus: A Traveler's Guide to Activities
Aarhus rewards curious travelers with an exceptional range of experiences. Whether you have a weekend or several weeks, the city's 48 documented activities cover the full spectrum — architectural landmarks and world-class museums at one end, local neighborhood festivals and underground cultural scenes at the other. The activities listed on this page come from Wikivoyage contributors who have personally explored Aarhus and written detailed, practical descriptions to help you plan your visit.
The most rewarding way to experience Aarhus's activities is with company. Solo travelers who arrive without plans often find that meeting a fellow traveler at a hostel, cafe, or through the Nomax app opens up entirely new itineraries — a museum visit becomes a half-day exploration, a street food crawl turns into an evening of discovery, a day trip to a nearby site becomes an adventure. Aarhus has an active traveler community, and the city is designed to reward those who explore it with open curiosity.
When planning what to do in Aarhus, consider mixing well-known attractions with neighborhood-level experiences. The city's most photographed sights are popular for good reason, but Aarhus's character lives in its quieter corners too — the local markets, the parks where residents spend their weekends, the small performance venues where the next generation of artists and musicians are finding their voice. The 48 activities on this page include both categories, ordered by the richness of their traveler-written descriptions.
How to Get the Most from Aarhus's Activities
Timing matters in Aarhus. Many of the city's best attractions have shorter queues and better atmospheres on weekday mornings. Major cultural sites — museums, galleries, historic monuments — often run free admission windows on certain days or evenings; check before booking. Outdoor activities and walking tours are best enjoyed in the morning before the city heats up or fills with tour groups.
Budget-conscious travelers will find that Aarhus has a strong free-to-access layer. Public parks, open-air markets, architectural walking routes, and many community events cost nothing. The price information included with activities on this page (where available) helps you plan a realistic daily budget. A mix of free and paid activities across a week in Aarhus is entirely feasible for most traveler budgets.
For travelers who want to do more than just sightseeing, Aarhus offers organized activities through local guides, tour companies, and traveler apps like Nomax. Group activities — cooking classes, cycling tours, kayaking excursions, photography walks — are a natural way to meet people while experiencing the city. Many travelers who use Nomax in Aarhus coordinate these types of group experiences together, splitting costs and building memories that last beyond the trip itself.
Activities for Different Travel Styles
Not every traveler wants the same experience. History enthusiasts will gravitate toward Aarhus's museums, heritage sites, and guided historical walks that reveal the layers of the city's past. Outdoor and adventure travelers will focus on the parks, cycling routes, climbing areas, and day trips to surrounding natural areas. Food travelers will treat Aarhus's markets, restaurants, and food tours as the primary activities of each day. Culture seekers will fill evenings with concerts, theater, gallery openings, and street performances.
The 48 activities documented on this page span all these categories. Use the numbered list above to browse in order of description quality — longer descriptions generally mean more detailed, firsthand traveler knowledge. For each activity, the address and opening hours (where available) give you everything you need to plan your visit without needing to search elsewhere.
Connecting with Travelers in Aarhus
One of the best things about traveling to Aarhus is the community of international travelers already there. Backpackers, digital nomads, long-term expats, and short-trip tourists all share the same city at any given moment. Nomax makes it easy to find who is in Aarhus right now, see what activities they are joining, and coordinate plans. Whether you want a hiking companion, someone to split museum entry with, or a group for an evening out — the app connects you to people with the same itinerary in minutes.
Download Nomax before your trip to Aarhus to set your travel dates and start discovering who else will be there at the same time. The app is free, requires no subscription, and works across all the major traveler destinations worldwide — meaning the community you build in Aarhus often extends to your next destination too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Aarhus?
Aarhus offers 48+ activities and experiences for travelers. Top highlights include Playgrounds, Godsbanen, Voxhall, and much more. This page lists every documented activity in order of description quality, so you can find both the major attractions and the hidden gems.
Are there free things to do in Aarhus?
Yes — Aarhus has a strong selection of free activities. Public parks, open-air markets, walking routes through historic neighborhoods, and many cultural institutions offer free admission on specific days. Scroll through the list above and look for activities marked with free or no price information — these are often the city's most authentic experiences.
How do I meet other travelers while exploring Aarhus?
Download Nomax — a free travel companion app that shows you other solo travelers currently in Aarhus. You can join group activities, chat with travelers at the same spots, and plan outings together. Many travelers in Aarhus use Nomax to find companions for day trips, museum visits, and evening activities.
What activities can I do with travel companions I meet in Aarhus?
Aarhus has activities for every interest — guided tours, food experiences, outdoor adventures, cultural events, and nightlife. Use Nomax to coordinate with other travelers: join a group for a walking tour, split a day-trip cost, or simply explore the city together. The app makes spontaneous plans easy.
Explore Aarhus with fellow travelers
Download Nomax — find travel companions, join group activities, and chat with solo travelers in Aarhus right now. Free forever.
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Content may have been updated since publication.
