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Top things to do in Aarhus

Attractions, tours and activities in Aarhus

About Aarhus

Including tips for the best time to visit Aarhus

A Viking-founded city resting along the eastern shore of Jutland, Aarhus opens itself up to history buffs and nature lovers. Home to one of the largest universities in Scandinavia, the city buzzes with young energy and student-filled cafes.

As one of the oldest cities in Denmark, Aarhus’ cityscape is a visual feast of different architectural styles. Take a walk along the winding roads of Midtbyen or saunter down the streets of Volden and Graven that were used to defend the early Viking settlement. You can also explore the 305-feet-tall Aarhus Cathedral built in Romanesque style or admire the Art Nouveau elements at Aarhus Theatre.

The city hosts year-round cultural festivals, attracting artists, musicians and merrymakers from all over the world. You can time your visit around one of the city’s key festivals, such as Aarhus Festuge or the vibrant Aarhus Pride. To browse through an art collection from the Danish Golden Age to the modern times, visit ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum. You can also take a look at exhibits from various eras of Danish history at the open-air Moesgaard Museum.

You can engage in plenty of activities in the lap of nature when travelling to Aarhus. Enjoy a picnic to Riis Skov, a forest and park overlooking the Bay of Aarhus, or spend some time relaxing at the Den Permanente beach situated close by. For a good mix of hilly terrains and beach views, head to the Marselisborg Forest, a 1400-acre expanse that lends itself to mountain bikers, hikers and campers.

Tonight

From per night

This weekend

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From £252 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency DKK 10 = £1.15
Language Danish
Average weekend price £106 per night
Average weekday price £111 per night
Typical stay 1 night

Points of interest in Aarhus

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Aarhus

Aarhus reviews

What other travellers say about Aarhus

10

My first time in Denmark and it was beautiful.

21 October 2023

My first time in Denmark and it was beautiful. A lot of new building projects. A lot of shops and restaurants. A lot of museums. Den Gamble By definitely worth visiting, because there are a lot of museums and you feel like a lot of years ago. Botanical garden is for free, a lot of beautiful plants.

Anete
Anete Latvia
6.0

Not as much to do in Aarhus proper, but if you had the means...

23 September 2023

Not as much to do in Aarhus proper, but if you had the means to travel outside there was more to see. Not as visitor friendly as other Danish cities we visited. One full day was enough for the city proper to meander around. Be careful of where you eat, because some of the smorrebord menus were simply fried fish (from their fish and chips menu) on a large piece of bread or soggy chicken salad. Not the Danish versions you might be looking for.

Geraldine
Geraldine United States
6.0

Confusing town plan.

18 September 2023

Confusing town plan. Lost my sense of direction frequently. Great range reasonable eating places. Friendly service. Flexible menus. The art gallery was a bit strange. Not much of a B collection for an experienced art lover in other European cities. The shop there was well stocked and presented

Correia
Correia Australia
10

A lot to do in Aarhus.

6 September 2023

A lot to do in Aarhus. Something going on all the time. A very dynamic town with a lot of culture, A perfect location for day visits to explore the northen part of Jylland such as Skagen, Ebeltoft, Mariager and much much more. Food is a great experience in all of Denmark.

Anonymous Portugal
6.0

I would choose to cone back to Aarhus abd already...

5 September 2023

I would choose to cone back to Aarhus abd already recommended for my Polish /English and Slovakian friends.Grat city with fab beaches and train connections...bicycle renting friendly for eco system ...welcome the food and beer as well as fantastic shoping opportunity great hospitality ...friendly kind people and so much more ....definitely amazing town and so fast track by plane Gdansk Airport to Aarhus Airport best ever check in experience ....my favoured destination with so good check in staff .... Family friendly town with so much bicycle ....technical innovations ....

Anna
Anna United Kingdom
10

Best nature around this city.

2 September 2023

Best nature around this city. Very underrated. Totally worth to come check for its city centre, the restaurants, the cafes, the new building with interesting designs, and of course, the forests and the parks

Angelo
Angelo United Kingdom

Popular places to stay in Aarhus

Stay in some of the best accommodation Aarhus has to offer