Top 12 things to do in Aarhus: Denmark’s happiest city!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN AARHUS? Then you’re in the right place!

Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, took a big step out of Copenhagen’s shadow when it was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2017. For a city of just over 320,000 people, Aarhus boasts some seriously fancy places like Michelin-star restaurants, several world-class museums and high-end galleries.

But at the same time, it’s a student city with a vibrant bar and nightlife scene. The best of both worlds!

It is not only a great city in itself, but its location on the mainland means that you can easily do day trips from Aarhus. You can literally go from bustling city life to lush, green country surroundings in a matter of minutes. But for now, let’s focus on the best things to do in Aarhus.

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I was lucky enough to be invited on a three-day tour of the Aarhus region, courtesy of Visit Aarhus. But I have since been back for a weekend several times because I love Aarhus!

How to get to Aarhus

For us Norwegians, getting to Aarhus is super easy, especially if you live close to Oslo, as SAS operates a daily route. You can also jump in your car and take Superspeed from either Larvik or Kristiansand to Hirtshals then drive the two hours down to Aarhus.

Aarhus Airport is, not surprisingly, the closest airport to Aarhus and it’s very easy getting to the city center by bus or taxi. The journey takes about 30 minutes. You can also book a private driver to make the journey as smooth as possible.

Billund is West Denmark’s International Airport and from there you can catch a bus or train and be in Aarhus in a little over an hour. You can also fly into Copenhagen Airport as trains bound for Aarhus railway station leave hourly.

Rent a car

I highly recommend renting a car to get the most out of your time in the Aarhus region and Denmark in general. Distances here are short so you can cover a lot of the country in just a couple of days. There is so much to see, from stunning castle hotels to mile-long white sand beaches.

I always book rentals through Discover Cars, a comparison site that covers more than 10,000 destinations.

🚘 Check price and availability here >> Rental cars in Denmark

Best Aarhus tours

Immerse yourself in the vibrant street art scene in Aaarhus on this 2-hour guided walking tour. From graffiti and impressive murals to panoramic views across the city. This is the perfect tour for photographers, Instagrammers and art lovers!

Top things to do in Aarhus

Here’s an overview of all my favorite spots in and around Aarhus. After exploring the city several times, these are the highlights I recommend you experience during your two days.

1. Den Gamle By

Travel back in time at “Den Gamle By” (The Old Town), an incredible open-air museum that has received a maximum of three stars in the Michelin Travel Guide. Every year, around 500,000 visitors visit the museum, which offers free entrance for everyone under the age of 18.

The oldest part of Den Gamle By is set up like a small Danish market town would have looked back in the day complete with a fairground, gardens, half-timbered houses and workshops. The buildings have been brought to the museum grounds from all over the country.

From April and throughout the year, you will meet people dressed and acting as they would have at the end of the 19th century and in the 1920s.

There are even different shops where you can spend some real money. How cool is that? Unfortunately, though, the prices do not reflect the era, they are very much up to today’s standards.

As you walk through the town you’ll end up in a district from the 70s where you can explore homes, a supermarket, hairdresser, kindergarten and a horrifying gynecology office looking more like a torture chamber.

This museum was one of the highlights of my time in Aarhus, I could have spent at least half a day wandering around the cobblestone streets taking it all in.

Want to delve even further into the history of Aarhus? Join this 2-hour city walking tour taking you all the way back to the 12th century up until today!

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2. ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

In these social media-obsessed times, unique features mean that you have probably seen it all over Instagram. And this permanent art installation is no exception, it’s without a doubt the most Instagrammed spot in all of Aarhus.

Your Rainbow Panorama, which opened in 2011, consists of 150 meters long, circular panoramic path with 360º views of the city. For the best photos go to the purple part of the circle and look toward the yellow. Trust me, it’s amazing. It looks like the yellow is glowing!

But hey, let’s not forget about the museum itself. ARoS is the main art museum in Aarhus and with 17.700 square meters divided over 9 floors, it’s also one of the largest museums in Northern Europe. ARoS currently holds two stars in the Michelin attraction’s guide.

Downstairs you can enjoy the major special exhibitions and the upper floors house the museum’s own collections of art from the 19th century up to the present day.

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3. Moesgaard Museum

I can’t recommend Moesgaard Museum enough! The architectural design of the building itself, the multi-sensory exhibitions and the location south of Aarhus overlooking both woodland and the sea make this an attraction hard to beat. It’s easy to see why Moesgaard also has been awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide.

Both the Djengis Khan and Lives of the Dead exhibitions were amazing but I actually ended up spending most of my time studying the evolutionary stairway and a collection of skulls that depicts where we humans originate from. Even if you’re not a history nerd, I’m sure you’re going to love this place.

Norway we have some serious catching up to do when it comes to museum experiences. This one is a must on any Denmark Bucket List!

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4. Tivoli Friheden

Tivoli Friheden is a theme park set in the beautiful Marselisborg Forest, about a 30-minute walk from the city center. There you’ll find four roller coasters, 40 rides, stalls, playgrounds and a cozy garden where you often can enjoy concerts, theatre and much more.

If you think you can withstand the same G-force that a fighter pilot endures, then go for the Cobra, a monster of a roller-coaster. It will definitely have your heart beating out of your chest within seconds.

Or if you’re craving a good old adrenaline kick, then try the Sky Tower. Freefall for over 30 meters, where you can reach a speed of up to 90 kilometers per hour before landing in a net.

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5. Aarhus Ø

If the weather allows it, rent a bicycle and go for a ride through Aarhus’ newest neighborhood called Ø. What was once a dingy old container port has been transformed into an architectural gem. Just take a look below!

Buildings like DOKK1, the Bestseller headquarter and residential design icons like Lighthouse and The Iceberg, makes this one of the most exciting areas in the city.

The name Ø has a double meaning as Aarhus Ø literally translates to Aarhus Island and because Ø is the abbreviation of Øst (East).

6. Møllestien

Møllestien is a quaint cobblestone street in the heart of Aarhus, renowned for its idyllic charm and rows of historic, brightly colored houses adorned with climbing roses and Hollyhocks.

Dating back to the 1880s, this well-preserved lane looks like something out of a storybook and is a favorite amongst locals but still kind of a hidden gem for tourists. Definitely one of the top things to do in Aarhus.

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7. The Botanical Garden

Located next to Den Gamle By, the Botanical Garden is the perfect place to relax and go for a stroll. In addition to all the tables and benches, you’re also welcome to bring a blanket and sit down on the grass. So it’s never a problem finding a place to enjoy your lunch.

The garden is situated on a slope and contains large lawned areas lined with majestic trees and a stream that runs through the entire garden and forms three lakes. Such a beautiful place!

Explore 4 different climate zones with beautiful flowers and impressive plants or take a break in the café which serves simple but tasty traditional food. In the greenhouses, you can hear stories of how nature influences us in our daily lives, told both for kids and adults.

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8. Street Food Market

So, of course, I had to list Aarhus Street Food as one of the top things to do. Food is the best part of travel in my mind, so a place like this is like a dream come true. 

Located in an old bus garage, Aarhus Street Food serves up delicious and sustainable food from all corners of the world. From bao buns and poké bowls to tacos and American comfort food, I dare you to find a cuisine they don’t offer.

And the best part is that it’s quite affordable, at least compared to what I’m used to in Norway. All the stalls have at least one dish on the menu under 50 DKK / $7. There is communal seating both outside and inside, so don’t be afraid to check it out even if the weather is bad.

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9. Latin Quarter

The oldest and most charming area in Aarhus, the “Latin Quarter”, is characterized by cobblestone streets and colorful houses.

The atmosphere is young and vibrant with hip cafés, bars, fashionable shops and art galleries lining the streets. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

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10. The Infinite Bridge

What was supposed to just be part of the Sculpture By The Sea event in 2015 ended up as a permanent piece of art. Located at Ballehage Beach, the Infinite Bridge is much loved by locals and tourists alike.

The circle-shaped, wooden pier/bridge spans from the sand all the way out into the water. You can literally walk, walk, and walk forever and just marvel at the breathtaking surroundings. Rent a bike and you’ll be there in about 15 minutes.

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11. Finish the day with a drink at Salling Rooftop

One of the top things to do in Aarhus is to enjoy a drink at Salling Rooftop, a super trendy café/bar on the roof of the Salling department store in the center of town.

There are several different seating areas, all perfect for some relaxing afternoon cocktails. As you can see there’s also a stage where a DJ kicks off the weekend every Friday.

On the very top of the roof, about 25 meters above “Strøget”, you can step out on a glass platform. Check it out even if you’re scared of heights, the views are amazing and it’s so cool to people watch from above.

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12. Aarhus Festival

Every year from late August to early September you can experience the popular Aarhus Festival (Aarhus Festuge in Danish).

The festival, which was put on for the first time back in 1965, is a week-long celebration of music, art, architecture, theatre and gastronomy. The purpose was to present Aarhus’ cultural profile and its potential to the outside world.

And so it did. Since the 60s the festival has flourished into an international affair with artists from all over the world. It was so fun to see the city in a party mood with cool stuff going on everywhere. So if you have the opportunity to go and experience it next year, do not hesitate!

The AarhusCARD

I would definitely recommend getting an Aarhus Card to get the most out of your time in the city. You can choose between 24, 48, 72 and 120-hour cards, prices start at 299 DKK / $46.

You’ll save quite a bit because you get free admission to more than 25 museums, attractions and activities + unlimited use of bus (including to and from the airport) and light rail and several different discounts on shopping and bicycle hire.

Where to stay in Aarhus

Budget: Danhostel Aarhus City

Mid-range: Aura Apartment Hotel

Higher-end: Hotel Royal (this building is stunning 🤩)

These are my favorite places to stay in Aarhus. All of them are located right in the city center, but don’t be afraid to stay a little further out if you find a great deal. Aarhus is a compact city so you can easily walk or bike to most places.

FAQs: Top things to do in Aarhus

Is Aarhus worth a visit?

Yes, Aarhus is definitely worth a visit! Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark and is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene and beautiful architecture.

The city is home to several museums and galleries, including the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, which is one of the largest art museums in Northern Europe. Aarhus is also a great destination for foodies, with a range of restaurants serving traditional Danish cuisine and international dishes.

What is the best time to visit Aarhus?

The best time to visit Aarhus is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The city also comes alive with cultural events and festivals, including the Aarhus Festival, which takes place in August and features music, theater, and art performances throughout the city.

However, it’s important to note that summer is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and attractions.

If you prefer a quieter and more budget-friendly time to visit, consider visiting Aarhus during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) or fall (September to October).

What is the nightlife like in Aarhus?

Aarhus has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a range of bars, clubs, and music venues. The city is home to several student bars and has a lively atmosphere on weekends. Some popular places are The Merchant Room, Train Nightclub and Radar music venue.

Is it easy to get around in Aarhus?

Yes, it is relatively easy to get around in Aarhus. The city has an efficient and reliable public transportation system that includes buses and light rail.

The buses and trains are operated by the same company, Midttrafik, and use the same ticket system, so it’s easy to transfer between them. Use the app Rejseplanen to plan your route.

The city center is also relatively compact and walkable, with many attractions and amenities located within a short distance of each other. Additionally, Aarhus is a bike-friendly city, with several bike rental options and bike lanes throughout the city.

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