I made every mistake possible on my first Aarhus trip. Walked in a bike lane (nearly died), paid cash at a place that charges for cash transactions, and visited Den Gamle By on a Monday when half the buildings were closed. Don't be me.
Here's everything I wish someone had slapped into a list before I went.
Aarhus Airport (AAR) exists, technically, but Billund (BLL) has way more international routes and is only 100 km south. The shuttle bus costs about 150 DKK and takes 80 minutes. Copenhagen's airport is 3 hours by train — doable but you'll burn half a day.
This isn't optional advice. Aarhus is flat, the bike lanes are excellent, and every local cycles everywhere. Donkey Republic app lets you grab a bike from 60 DKK/day. Most attractions are within 15 minutes of each other by bike. You'll cover triple the ground you would on foot.
I cannot stress this enough. Danish cyclists are fast, disciplined, and they will not swerve for you. The bike lane is clearly marked — stay out of it when on foot. If you're cycling, always signal before turning by extending your arm. At night, your bike must have front and rear lights — the fine is 700 DKK.
The light rail (Letbanen) and buses are efficient and cheap. But bikes are better. A taxi from the airport to city center will run you 400+ DKK. A bus is under 100 DKK for the same trip.
Denmark is basically cashless. I watched someone pay for a single banana with their Apple Watch. Cards, contactless, and MobilePay work everywhere — even the guy selling strawberries at the farmers market. Some places have a minimum card payment of 50 DKK, but it's rare.
The 48-hour Aarhus Card costs 449 DKK and includes free entry to ARoS (160 DKK), Den Gamle By (175 DKK), MOMU (170 DKK), plus unlimited public transport. That's 505 DKK in savings if you hit all three museums in two days. It pays for itself before lunch on day one.
Netto and Rema 1000 are everywhere. A classic Danish lunch: rugbrød (rye bread), leverpostej (liver pate), pickled herring, and a Tuborg. Total cost: about 50 DKK. Eat it on a bench by the harbor. That's not budget travel — that's literally what Danes do.
Budget 300-500 DKK ($43-72) per person per day for food. A cafe lunch is 100-150 DKK. A nice dinner with a beer is 250-400 DKK. There's no hack around this. If you're coming from Prague, prepare for sticker shock.
The museum stays open until 10PM on Wednesdays. The Rainbow Panorama at sunset — walking through those colored glass panels while the light shifts from gold to blue — is a completely different experience from the daytime visit. Go after 6PM when the day crowds thin out.
It looks like a quaint old-town museum. It is, in part. But the 1970s apartment section — with shag carpet, an avocado-green kitchen, and a fake TV playing period shows — is the most entertaining museum exhibit I've seen in Scandinavia. Budget 3-4 hours. Seriously.
Moesgaard Museum is 10 km south. The grass-covered roof is walkable (and skiable in winter). Inside, the Grauballe Man — a 2,000-year-old bog body with visible facial features — will haunt your dreams. Worth the bus ride. Allow 2-3 hours.
Marselisborg Deer Park (100+ wild deer that approach you), the Dokk1 library (stunning architecture, free rooftop views), the Botanical Garden, and the Infinite Bridge on Varna Beach. All free. All worth your time.
Aarhus Cathedral is free but closes at 4PM most days. Go in the morning before the tour groups. The medieval frescoes are worth slowing down for. Allow 45 minutes.
The specialty coffee at La Cabra on Mejlgade in the Latin Quarter is probably the best cup you'll have in Denmark. Small space, so go off-peak. If you're a coffee person, this is your pilgrimage.
The covered market near the train station has 30+ stalls. Korean fried chicken, smoked salmon open sandwiches, Mexican — all for 60-120 DKK. Communal seating, good energy. Go between 11:30AM and 1PM for the full buzz.
The bars and restaurants lining the canal are fine for a drink with a view, but they charge tourist premiums. Walk 10 minutes to the Latin Quarter for better food at better prices.
Danish people can seem reserved at first. It's not unfriendliness — it's cultural. Buy someone a Tuborg and the wall comes down instantly. The bar scene in the Latin Quarter is where you'll actually meet locals.
I know the street is empty. I know there are no cars for 200 meters. Danes still wait for the green pedestrian light. If you jaywalk, you'll get looks. Just stand there with everyone else.
The weather in Aarhus changes multiple times per day. Sun, wind, rain, sun again — all before lunch. A compact rain jacket is non-negotiable. Even in July, mornings can be 12°C.
Aarhus doesn't need a hard sell. It's a city where a 1,000-year-old Viking history and 21st-century Scandinavian design coexist without fuss. The kind of place where you arrive for two days and leave wishing you'd planned four. If Copenhagen is Denmark's headline, Aarhus is the article worth actually reading.
