10 Things To Do In Aarhus

Aarhus has a relaxed confidence that sneaks up on you. I have looped these streets in every season, pausing for coffee along the river and chasing sunlight up to rooftop views. 

This list blends headline sights with easy local wins, so you can feel the city’s rhythm in a single day or stretch it across a long weekend. 

For an extra layer of context, weave in StoryHunt’s immersive audiowalk as you go.

1. Meet contemporary art at ARoS

ARoS is my reset button, a spacious museum where Danish and international art sit under the city’s famous circular rooftop. I time my visit to finish with Your rainbow panorama by Olafur Eliasson, then watch Aarhus tint itself through coloured glass. The café is a sensible pit stop before you continue toward the Latin Quarter. For stories that link ARoS to nearby streets, start the StoryHunt audiowalk outside. 

Did you know? The circular rainbow walkway opened in 2011 and was designed by artist Olafur Eliasson.

2. Ring in the harbour vibe at Dokk1

Head to the waterfront for Dokk1, the cultural centre and public library that anchors the inner harbour. The building is all clean lines and public space, with reading spots that make you wish you had brought a book. Families love the play features outside, and the harbour views settle the mind after a busy morning. 

Did you know? The name “Dokk1” can be pronounced in Danish to sound like “dokken” or “the dock”. 

3. Step inside Aarhus Cathedral

I never rush the cathedral. Dedicated to Saint Clement, it grew from a 12th century church into a long brick Gothic nave with medieval frescoes and a celebrated late Gothic altarpiece. Walk slowly, let your eyes adjust, and look for anchors linked to the patron saint of sailors. For a narrative that makes the art click, cue up the StoryHunt audiowalk on the square. 

Did you know? The cathedral is widely recognized as the longest church in Denmark.

4. Take in city views on the Salling Rooftop

When the weather cooperates, I ride up to Salling’s rooftop terrace for a circuit above the pedestrian streets. There is a café for a quick refuel and a glass skywalk that hangs above Søndergade for brave photographers. Come early on sunny weekends for space, then drop back to Strøget with a plan. 

Did you know? The rooftop includes a glass platform that lets you step out above the street and look straight down.

5. Breathe in the Botanical Garden and Greenhouses

When the wind on the harbour chills, I cut uphill to the Botanical Garden. The outdoor lawns are a calm pause, and the Greenhouses take you from Mediterranean beds to a humid rainforest dome via a gentle spiral ramp. Labels are clear, and benches are well placed for quick breaks. StoryHunt’s audiowalk stitches this green pocket to nearby streets with zero backtracking. 

Did you know? The Greenhouses were revamped in 2014 with a striking tropical dome by C. F. Møller Architects.

6. Watch the royals’ lawns at Marselisborg Palace

The royal summer residence sits in a parkland south of the centre. When the Royal Family is not in residence, the surrounding gardens open to the public for gentle walks with sea air. On residence days, you can sometimes see the guard ceremony by the gates, so check local notices. Pair it with a stroll along the nearby coastline. 

Did you know? The palace gardens are open to visitors when the Royal Family is away, a rare privilege for a working residence.

7. Wander The Old Town, Denmark’s open air time machine

The Old Town, or “Den Gamle By”, is where I slow down. Historic buildings relocated from across Denmark set up full streets, workshops, and period interiors that move from earlier centuries into the 20th century. It feels like a well curated ramble, and seasonal events add flavour. Use the StoryHunt audiowalk to arrive with context, then roam freely inside. 

Did you know? The museum was founded in 1909 and today includes more than 75 historic buildings.

8. Stroll Strøget for people watching and easy shopping

Strøget, the pedestrian spine running along Ryesgade and Søndergade, is where Aarhus runs its daily errands with style. I browse, grab a pastry, and peel off to the river for coffee. The Salling department store rooftop is a smart add on for views if the skies behave. StoryHunt’s audiowalk traces this route to the cathedral with well timed cues. 

Did you know? The zone formed as car traffic was pushed out and is now one of Denmark’s busiest pedestrian streets.

9. Time travel through archaeology at Moesgaard Museum

A short trip south delivers a world class archaeology and ethnography museum set into a grassy hillside. I always make time for the Grauballe Man, an Iron Age bog body with a story that lingers, then roam the award winning exhibitions that treat prehistory with real drama. It is an easy half day, especially if the weather turns. 

Did you know? Grauballe Man, discovered in 1952, is one of the best preserved bog bodies in the world and is displayed here.

10. Eat your way through Aarhus Street Food

In the former bus garage by the station area, Aarhus Street Food gathers global stalls under one roomy roof. I graze, mix cuisines, and share plates so I can try something new every time. Prices are fair, seating is communal, and the energy is good in all seasons. It is the best reset before an evening walk back toward the river. 

Did you know? The venue occupies a repurposed bus garage near the main station, which explains the generous, industrial space.

How to stitch it together without wasting steps

I usually start at the station, walk Strøget for coffee, climb to the Salling Rooftop, then arc to ARoS and drift west toward the Botanical Garden and The Old Town before looping back via the cathedral. 

To make that flow even cleaner, explore with StoryHunt’s immersive audiowalk in Aarhus, which threads these stops into one story and keeps you on quiet, scenic routes.

Practical pointers from many visits

• Bring layers, sea breezes can sneak into the centre even on warm days.
• Most venues are cashless, carry a card.
• Book Moesgaard for a day with flexible timing, then plug Dokk1 or the rooftop into sunny windows.
• Respect quiet signs inside the cathedral and watch for cyclists in shared zones.

If you prefer a low effort plan, follow the StoryHunt audiowalk to pace your day, hear site specific stories, and avoid awkward detours.

Where to pause for snacks and coffee

• Riverfront cafés along Åboulevarden for people watching, especially around Skt. Clemens Torv.
• Bakeries near Strøget for flaky, portable fuel between museums.
• The cafés at ARoS and Dokk1 for clean restrooms and calm seating.

For a relaxed, sustainable way to explore, the StoryHunt audiowalk turns those short walks between bites into micro tours packed with local context. You get all the fascinating stories behind the main attractions while also exploring places like The Old City Hall, Godsbanen, Graven, The University Park, and much more.