Copenhagen is one of my favorite cities in the entire world but yes, it is an expensive city to visit. All of Scandinavia is expensive, at least compared to other popular travel destinations in the world like Southwest Asia, or even other European countries like Portugal.
There’s tons of famous Michelin-star restaurants in Copenhagen, like NOMA as seen on The Bear. There’s a high cost of living, countless museums to spend ticket money on, and while Denmark is a big agricultural country, they still have to import a lot of food in.
I spent a summer living in Copenhagen so I know exactly what tourists spend the most money on and ways to travel to Copenhagen on a budget.
Is Copenhagen expensive? Yes. Can you still visit and have a blast without emptying your bank account? Absolutely. I got your back!
Why Is Copenhagen Expensive?
The Danish Krone is usually operating stronger than the United States dollar, so prices will always feel expensive when visiting from America.
But beyond that, Denmark is a socialist country. Their taxes are very high, but their taxes actually go towards useful public services so you’ll notice that their playgrounds are like, luxury playgrounds, public transport is insanely efficient, and everyone is happy since they all have fantastic healthcare and childcare.
Wages are also higher, which mean if you are a tourist dining out your food will cost more since they actually pay waiters a liveable wage.
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, is the largest city in the country and also is a hub for international cuisine. This all means a trip to Copenhagen is going to cost more than a trip to Bali.
The Average Cost For Tourists To Visit Copenhagen
But, just because a city is expensive doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to get around high price tags! In fact, I have a whole guide for all the best places to visit in Copenhagen for free or with just a few dollars – and YES, you can see a ton of things in the city without spending a dime. More on that later.
If you are visiting Copenhagen AND using my tips for budget travel, you can expect to spend about $1200 for two people for 3 days.
Copenhagen Hotels: accommodation is going to be the biggest expense during your visit. There’s a plethora of unique hotels and places to stay in Copenhagen, along with hostels, but everything will be at least $250 a night, if not more.
The average cost of a night in a hostel runs around $40-$55. If you are spending 3 days in Copenhagen, you can expect to pay around $800 for accommodation for a hotel or Airbnb, and at least $150 for a hostel.
Copenhagen Food: This will vary depending on if your hotel has free breakfast for not, and of course if you decide to indulge in any of those Michelin star restaurants. That being said, the average price of a meal in Copenhagen is at least $25.
The cost of breakfast for two in Copenhagen is $20, lunch around $60 and dinner around $75.
This doesn’t include stops to coffee shops or little pastry runs you WILL be tempted to make since the Danes love a good pastry.
Of course, there are more affordable ways to eat for any meal and you can find places to spend closer to $10 on a meal. One of my favorite lunches in a $4 hot dog from a stand in Kongens Nytorv, which was seen in The Bear!
Transportation: Copenhagen has my favorite metro system in all of Europe. The city itself is pretty walkable, but their train line is *chef kiss* you’ll find yourself using it multiple times a day. But it runs at about $2.50 a ride so that can add up. We usually spent about $15 a day on train tickets between the two of us when visiting Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Activities: Here’s where you can save a ton of money with hacks. Without doing any hacks to save money, the average couple can expect to spend at least $100 a day on tourism activities between boat tours, museum tickets and entry fees.
Below I break down how to SAVE tons of money in Copenhagen!
The average cost of Copenhagen landmarks and museums at face value without money saving tips:
- Canal Tour: $9pp
- Tivoli Gardens: $24pp
- The Round Tower: $10pp
- Church of Our Savior: $5pp
- Palm House: $10pp
- Christiansborg Palace: $28pp
- Danish Architecture Centre: $7
Copenhagen Budget Tips and Free Things To Do
Thankfully, there are actually a lot of free things to do in Copenhagen and ways to save money.
1. Use The Copenhagen Card
I highly recommend you get the Copenhagen City Card. This handy card gives you free access to most of the top museums, castles and sites.
The Copenhagen Card also covers the cost of your public transportation. No need to tap in and our, worry about the 2 hour transfer time limit or the costs of tapping up your train card.
You will save a few hundred dollars from this card, I promise. It includes:
- Tivoli Gardens (gardens access only, rides not included)
- Canal Tours (Classic Canal Tour of Copenhagen)
- Rosenborg Castle
- Amalienborg Castle
- ARKEN Museum of Modern Art
- Danish Architecture Centre
- Karen Blixen Museum
- The Viking Ship Museum
- The Danish War Museum
- Design Museum Denmark
- Christiansborg – The Royal Reception Rooms
- The National Museum
- Kronborg Castle
- Copenhagen Zoo
- Casino Marienlyst
- The Cisterns
- And many more!
2. Visit Free Sites In Copenhagen
Some of the best things to do in Copenhagen are free. For real. I love taking long walks around the city visiting all the free sights I adore. Here’s my favorites:
- Little Mermaid & Kastellet Park
- Harbor swim spots (catch me it the canal every day!)
- Botanical Gardens
- Dambo Trolls
- National Museum of Denmark
- Christianborg Palace Tower Viewpoint
- Stroll Around The Lakes
3. Travel During the Shoulder Season
Is Copenhagen worth visiting in winter? Heck ya, just bundle up. It’s beautiful during the holidays for Christmas markets, and even more beautiful during the fall foliage season.
And best part? These seasons are cheaper to travel during.
But, if you can swing it, I wouldn’t miss Denmark in the summertime. The sun doesn’t set until 11pm, it’s warm but not hot, you can swim in the canals, drink cocktails on rooftops, stroll on beaches and just soak up all the good summer vibes.
But again, it’s cheaper to visit in shoulder season.
4. Take Advantage Of Happy Hour Prices
Copenhagen food prices can be high, but like most cities in the world, there are happy hours! Try to arrive to places between 4pm-6pm to find happy hour menus that can save you literally $20-30 on a meal!
5. Visit Street Markets And Food Halls
- Torvehallerne
- Reffen
- Broens Gadekøkken
- Kongens Nytorv (for hot dogs)
These are my 4 favorite food halls and street food spots in the city! You’ll find a wide variety of cuisine ranging from Italian to Danish to Persian at these food stalls. If you haven’t eaten much African food before, there are a few good stalls at Reffern from different regions.
Reffen is always a blast in the evening on a summer night. There’s over 50 food stalls, so grab what catches your eye, or is in your budget, and sit along the water to watch the sunset.
6. Take the Train Instead Of Taxis
If you are someone who leans on Ubers and Lyfts at home, put your phone away in Copenhagen! First off, there is no Lyft in the city (they do have Bolt, though) but the transportation system is insanely good.
And this even includes the train from the Airport to Downtown! It’s just $2.50 to get to the airport and takes 25 minutes to get you smack in the middle of downtown.
So, is Copenhagen expensive for tourists? Yes, but I hope you have learned that you cut down on Copenhagen prices in strategic ways and still have a blast in this amazing city.
