Things To Do
in Aarhus
Aarhus sits on the Jutland peninsula and blends ancient charm with modern culture. The city brims with museums, waterfront promenades, and a thriving food scene. It is a compact, bike-friendly hub known for its welcoming vibe and inventive Nordic cuisine.
From ARoS to Den Gamle By, Aarhus offers diverse experiences in a walkable, university-town setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Aarhus and settle into a boutique guesthouse in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Wander the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with colorful merchants’ houses, artisanal shops, and fragrant coffee roasteries. Pause at a sunny café terrace for a fresh pastry and signature flat white to fuel your explorations.
Stroll through the serene cloister gardens of Aarhus Cathedral before admiring medieval wood carvings inside the church. Explore the nearby Skt. Clemens Torv, where street artists and buskers bring the square alive. Duck down side alleys to discover hidden galleries and antique shops full of Danish design treasures.
Reserve a table at a cozy restaurant serving modern Nordic cuisine and sample seasonal dishes prepared with locally foraged ingredients. Head to a craft brewery for a tasting flight of hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, and fruit-infused sour ales. End the night at a smoky jazz bar, mingling with locals over live saxophone and double bass.
Begin with a light breakfast at Aarhus Street Food, sampling savory open-faced sandwiches and seasonal smoothies. Walk to the ARoS Art Museum and ascend the iconic Rainbow Panorama for a kaleidoscopic view of the city and harbor. Explore the museum’s thought-provoking contemporary exhibitions and rooftop sculpture park.
Wander through the pedestrianized streets of Søndergade and Strøget, browsing Danish fashion boutiques and design showrooms. Grab lunch at a waterside bistro overlooking the Aarhus River, enjoying fresh seafood and crisp salads. Step inside the imposing City Hall to admire its marble-clad interior and spectacular ceiling frescoes.
Join a guided beer-walk tour to sample specialty brews in historic pubs dating back centuries. Cross the river to enjoy small plates at a hip waterfront restaurant, illuminated by lantern-lit terraces. Finish with live music at a sleek cocktail lounge on Vadestedet, where DJs spin chilled electronic beats.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🏨Hotel in city center (per night) | $120-180 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🎟️Cinema ticket | $12-15 |
| 🚆One-way public transit ticket | $3-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable city center with a rich cultural scene
- Strong culinary scene and bike-friendly infrastructure
- Quality museums and historic sites
- Vibrant university town with a friendly vibe
- Can be crowded in peak tourist seasons
- Weather can be variable and rainy
- Higher prices compared to some other European cities
- "Hej" - Hello
- "Tak" - Thank you
- "Undskyld" - Excuse me / sorry
- "Hvor er ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Jeg taler ikke dansk" - I don't speak Danish
- "Taler du engelsk?" - Do you speak English?
- "Hvor meget koster det?" - How much does it cost?
- "Kan jeg få regningen, tak?" - Can I have the check, please?
Places to Visit in Aarhus
Visit one of these nice places.
A circular, colored glass walkway offering panoramic views of the city and harbor.
Impressive Gothic cathedral with tall arches and intricate interiors.
Open-air museum with cobblestone streets, historical shopfronts, and period interiors.
Terrace and gardens with a scenic coastal backdrop and deer park nearby.
Striking 20th-century architecture with a prominent tower and square views.
Food in Aarhus
Aarhus Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Open-faced rye bread sandwiches topped with pickled herring, roast beef, or chef's creations.
Must-Try!
Pan-fried Danish meatballs often served with potatoes, gravy, and red cabbage.
A sweet berry compote typically served with cream or milk.
Creamy Danish fish soup with shrimp, mussels, and herbs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant indoor market with dozens of stalls offering global bites and Danish specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be on time for meetings and reservations; Danish culture values punctuality.
Form orderly queues; wait your turn in line.
Polite, direct communication; avoid loud behavior in quiet zones; keep modest physical contact unless invited.
Safety
Tipping in Aarhus
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included; tips are not obligatory but appreciated for exceptional service. Rounding up is common in casual settings.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless and mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay, MobilePay) are popular and often preferred.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild, blooming trees; best for city strolls and outdoor cafés; rain showers are common.
Long days and sunshine; perfect for harbor walks, beaches like Den Permanente, and bike trips.
Cooler days with colorful foliage; great for museums and indoor markets.
Chilly with short days; festive markets and cozy cafés; occasional snow.
Aarhus at Night
Hiking in Aarhus
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal forests with scenic trails, lakes, and deer-spotting opportunities.
Shaded, winding trails close to the city with sea views along the coast.
Easy coastal hikes and seaside strolls along the Bay of Aarhus, including paths by Den Permanente and the shoreline.
Airports
How to reach Aarhus by plane.
Located in Tirstrup, about 40-45 minutes from the city by car or train/coach connections.
A major international hub about 1 to 1.5 hours from Aarhus by car or train.
Denmark's largest international airport, roughly 3 hours by train from Aarhus, with frequent connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Home to Aarhus University and several colleges, creating a lively student population.
Many neighborhoods with parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly attractions.
Diverse community with English proficiency widely spoken and cultural events welcoming newcomers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Denmark, with local clubs and community leagues.
A traditional Danish sport with strong cultural presence and local clubs.
An intrinsic part of daily life; city bikes and scenic routes abound.
Coastal access around Aarhus Bay enables sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aarhus.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer vegetarian options; look for rye-based dishes, roasted vegetables, and plant-based seafood substitutes; ask for 'vegetarisk' on the menu.