Aarhus: 6 world-class attractions and experiences in the City of Smiles is written by Christian Brauner
A recognized holiday destination
In recent years, Aarhus has gained greater international recognition. The city was named European Capital of Culture in 2017 and in 2019 was highlighted by the international travel media Lonely Planet as one of the world's new, hot destinations to visit in 2020. Since then, Aarhus has maintained its international profile with a strong ranking on the Global Destination Sustainability Index and the title of Erasmus Destination of the Year in 2025.
Aarhus offers a wealth of exciting and colorful experiences and attractions, some of which are naturally more well-known than others. Here you will find a selection of recommendations for experiences you absolutely must not miss when visiting the city.
The Old Town in Aarhus
If you've said Aarhus, you've also said The Old Town - let's take a trip back in time.
In Vesterbro in Aarhus City Centre is Denmark's market town museum Den Gamle By – an open-air museum with old buildings and houses that have been moved here from 24 different Danish cities. In total, there are more than 75 historical buildings, with the oldest house taking you all the way back to the 1500th century.
Enjoy a journey through time as you stroll around the cobblestone streets between the many old buildings. And if you get hungry, you can enjoy a good lunch in a cozy atmosphere from the 1700th century at Winekes Kælder. If you prefer sweets, a visit to Konditoriet Café Bonnich from 1974 is an obvious choice.
Every year at Christmas the Christmas spirit is turned up. This is especially the case with the annual Christmas exhibition about the history of Christmas in Denmark, which attracts many visitors.
The Old Town is a unique attraction in Aarhus for the whole family and offers a memorable experience.
Tivoli Friheden in Aarhus
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush and a rush in your stomach, you should visit Tivoli Friheden – or just Friheden, as the park is called every day.
It is a lively amusement park on the southern edge of the city center with more than 40 rides. With everything from the traditional carousel Frihedskarusellen to the Sky Tower with real free fall for the most adrenaline-hungry.
In addition to the many rides, you can experience theater performances, revues and concerts. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants. There is something for all age groups in Friheden, so just bring all generations of the family.
Friheden offers events all year round. During the summer months, you can experience concerts on Fridays and Saturdays, which are called “Fresh Friday” and “Fresh Saturday”. During the school autumn holidays, the park is transformed into a spooky Halloween universe, while December offers the cozy tradition “Christmas in Friheden”.
ARoS art museum
As a landmark of Aarhus and as one of Northern Europe's largest art museums, ARoS A must-see on any list of the best experiences in Aarhus.
The unique museum is a unique attraction in Aarhus, welcoming guests into a 10-story building full of experiences for all ages. The museum features art from the Danish Golden Age to international contemporary art.
The museum is probably best known for the large eye-catching work of art Your Rainbow Panorama at the top of the building. From here you can experience the ultimate view of the city, where both the day and evening views are completely unique.
At level 4 you will find ARoS Market, which contains a cozy café with light dishes and an orangery. This is also where you will find the ARoS Shop, which sells Nordic design and art books.
The Greenhouses in the Botanical Garden
Another interesting attraction in Aarhus is the Botanical Garden, where you will find two large greenhouses. Here you can go on an unusual and educational journey through four climate zones.
When you go exploring in the Greenhouses, you walk around a sea of beautiful flowers and whimsical plants that do not grow freely in the Danish nature.
In Tropehuset you will experience a humid heat, smells and sounds, as you stood in the middle of the rainforest in Amazon in South America. Here you will encounter everything from vines and giant water lilies to beautiful butterflies. From the lookout tower in the middle you can see the forest from above.
Take your phone with you and get your fingers in the Greenhouses' very own plant guide by downloading the app USEEUM.
Salling Rooftop
One of the best ways to see the city is on top of the Salling department store, where Salling Rooftop is located.
In 2017, Salling was expanded with two new floors, creating a kind of city park on top of the building. Here you can have a nice lunch in the café, enjoy a few delicious cocktails in the bar or just relax in the lounge area – all with a good panoramic view of the city.
If you do not suffer from any fear of heights in any way, you can go for a walk on the viewing ramp, which is a glass plate that protrudes beyond Strøget. Here you can look directly down on the pedestrian street 27 meters below you.
It is completely free to visit Salling Rooftop if you just want to see the beautiful view and go home with that experience in Aarhus.
Marselisborg Deer Park
If you love wildlife, nature and fresh air, you should implement a trip to Marselisborg Dyrehave on your holiday in Aarhus.
In the Animal Park you can get up close to the animals. Deer, fallow deer, wild boar and ducks live here.
As you walk along the trails, you will quickly be able to spot the fallow deer and deer inside between the trees. And it is possible to feed them when they get close. They especially love apples and carrots, but can not tolerate bread and pasta, so pack a good pet-friendly packed lunch.
The Animal Park is an experience in Aarhus for all animal lovers and is well suited for families with children. There are several buses from Midtbyen to the Animal Park. And if you come by car, there is free parking.
Eat your way through Aarhus
Along the river in the heart of Aarhus lies a long line of cafés and restaurants. It is a true Aarhusian thing to have lunch here. The prices here can be on the expensive side for a classic café lunch, but the atmosphere and view are definitely top notch.
Food markets with real street food is also found in Aarhus. At the bus station is Aarhus Street Food, which has more than 30 different stalls. Aarhus Central Food Market is located on Skt Knuds Torv by Strøget. In both places you can eat your fill of delicious street food dishes from all corners of the world.
Mejlgade in the Latin Quarter is a street lined with restaurants, cafés and delicatessens. The area is known for its more urban atmosphere and has several budget-friendly eateries. Just wander around the Cathedral – you’re sure to find something you can’t resist.
There are great options for food and drink on many of the streets in Aarhus. And luckily for all food lovers, the selection of eateries is wide.
Aarhus offers many great experiences and attractions that are worth visiting.
Are you looking for other cities in Jutland to combine a visit to Aarhus with, we have collected 10 cozy towns you should visit in Jutland.
Really good trip to Aarhus!
Add comment