Is Copenhagen expensive? Learn about Copenhagen prices and how to save on your trip

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Copenhagen, Denmark, is the gateway to Scandinavia and an incredible city to visit in Northern Europe. Copenhagen is one of the most modern cities in the world and is on the cutting edge of green energy, sustainable tourism, culinary techniques as well as architecture and design. With so much to do and see in Copenhagen, the first question that comes to mind is: is Copenhagen expensive for tourists? 

Such an impressive destination comes with a price tag, and that’s something visitors notice as soon as they spend some time in the Danish capital. For being such a magnificent destination, it’s known that Copenhagen is expensive. Still, you shouldn’t skip it, as it has a lot to offer visitors and there are plenty of ways to keep from busting your travel budget in Copenhagen.

To help you in that pursuit, here’s a breakdown of Copenhagen prices, how much you can expect to spend per day in the city, and some ways to save money during your trip.

Note: the prices we share on the post are all in US Dollars, and remember that Danish currency is the Danish Krone – DKK.

 

But how expensive is Copenhagen? 

Keep reading, below you will find details about how much it costs to travel to Copenhagen, from transportation prices, cost of hotels, attractions, food and drinks. Hopefully, after reading this post, you will be able to plan your Copenhagen budget wisely and enjoy the best of the city without breaking the bank. 

So, is Copenhagen expensive to visit? Let’s discover the prices and how to save money in Copenhagen.

Don’t forget to read our Travel Costs Guide for more tips on how to save money to travel and the costs of traveling to different countries and cities worldwide. 

How much is the cost of transportation in Copenhagen?

Getting to Copenhagen and getting around in the city are two travel expenses you don’t have much control over. Still, there are some ways to make things easier, so here’s what you can expect to spend traveling to and around Copenhagen.

 

• Prices of flights to Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is a regional hub for SAS Airline and easy to fly into from many places in Europe, Asia and the east coast of the United States. A long haul flight will, of course, be more expensive. For example, flying direct from New York City to Copenhagen will cost about $800-1000 round trip. 

Flights from within continental Europe vary depending on the airline, originating airport and demand. Because there are many low-cost flights to Copenhagen, like EasyJet and RyanAir, you can often find a bargain flight to the city. With flexibility, you may find flights for as little as $25 but if you require very specific dates and times, flights can be upwards of $200.

Search for cheap flights to Copenhagen using Skyscanner or Kiwi.com

Copenhagen’s geographic location makes it difficult to reach from outside of Scandinavia by train. There are trains from Germany, Sweden, and ferries from Norway, but you will sacrifice time and likely will not save much money over flying.

If time is not a problem, traveling by train to Copenhagen can be an enjoyable and beautiful experience. Discover how to travel in Scandinavia by train using Eurail Pass by clicking here.

 

• Copenhagen public transport prices

One of the best things about visiting Copenhagen is the ease of getting around using public transportation. A combination of buses, ferries, metro lines, regional trains and local trains keep people moving around the city. A single fare from the airport to the city center is about $5, but you can purchase a Copenhagen City Pass and have unlimited access to public transportation from one up to 5 days.

The Copenhagen City Pass price for one day is $12.50, for five days is 47.50. Public transit announcements and most signages are also delivered in English, so the clean and efficient transport is easy for tourists to navigate.

To get from Copenhagen Airport to the city center by public transportation is easy and cheap. Metro and train are the fastest options, around 15 minutes, and you will need a public transportation ticket for three zones that cost $5. Another option is traveling by bus, which costs the same but will take 30 to 35 minutes depending on your final destination. 

 

• Copenhagen taxi prices

Unfortunately, Uber is not an option in Copenhagen but cab service is available. While you can take a Copenhagen taxi, they are costly in the city. Just stepping into a cab on a weekend will cost a fare of $11 plus a fee for distance and for the time in the vehicle. The cost of a taxi from Copenhagen Airport to the city center is approximately $40 to  $55 for a 10 minutes ride. 

Denmark, however, is very focused on consumer protection. Every cab must display what’s known as a “door fee” on the exterior of the vehicle. It shows the average fare for a 10 minute ride of 12 km distance, for the largest taxi service that fare is $32 for weekdays and $39 for weekends.

 

• Prices for renting a bike in Copenhagen

Perhaps the best way to explore and get around Copenhagen is by bicycle. The city is Europe’s most bike friendly municipality and the city has seemingly endless stretches of bike lanes. A flat topography and well-established biking infrastructure make renting a bike in Copenhagen extremely easy for those who wish to avoid public transportation and save money.

City bikes are available in locations all over Copenhagen and you can rent them through apps like Donkey Bike. In this case, you can rent a bike and pay for the time you use it, the price for renting a Donkey Bike starts at $1.8 per 15 minutes, but as much as you ride, cheaper it gets. 

Now that you know Copenhagen transportation costs, let’s talk about the price of accommodation in Copenhagen; how can you save money or keep your travel budget under control. 

 

How much accommodation costs in Copenhagen?

Accommodation is another high expense to consider when planning your visit to Copenhagen. You’ll find a range of hotel options from budget to luxury as well as hostel and Airbnb options. Here’s how much you should prepare to spend in Copenhagen for each of them.

 

• Copenhagen hotel prices

Wondering where to stay in Copenhagen? Hotels are clustered in three main areas of the city, near City Hall, near Central Station, and near Nyhavn Harbor. Copenhagen hotel prices vary greatly depending on the season and the quality of the property. Still, the average price for hotels in March’s low season is about $180, and in the high season of June and July you can expect to pay an average of $225.

Here are four options of hotels which are well located, have good reviews, and might fit on your Copenhagen travel budget:

– 71 Nyhavn Hotel – 5-star hotel in Copenhagen

Luxury with a rustic feel on a perfect waterfront central location. Scandinavian style rooms with all the amenities, plus super comfy bed & pillows. Some rooms come with fabulous views of the canal. There’s a wonderful restaurant/bar on-site, and continental breakfast is included – with homemade delicacies.

Click here to see the rooms and book your stay at 71 Nyhavn Hotel

– citizenM Copenhagen Rådhuspladsen – 4-star hotel in Copenhagen

Only a few meters away from the Tivoli Gardens, citizenM Copenhagen has the looks and privileges of a modern hotel. Every room comes with a MoonPad to control the lights, temperature and TV. Bathrooms are equipped with a steam shower with tropical rain. À la carte breakfast is available, and both the coffee and the staff are quite praised.

Click here to check the prices and book your room at citizenM Copenhagen Hotel

 

– Hotel Bethel – 3-star hotel in Copenhagen

Bethel is a lovely hotel close to the metro and to many popular sights, like the Round Tower. A continental breakfast is served daily with different kinds of cheese and bread, deli meats, fruits, and a tasty coffee. The staff is helpful, and the property has well-equipped rooms, as well as family rooms. 

Click here to see the rooms, prices and book your stay at Hotel Bethel

 

– Wakeup Copenhagen – Borgergade – Budget hotel in Copenhagen

Friendly staff and excellent value in the heart of Copenhagen. Private bathrooms and small modern rooms – some with city views. The lobby bar at Wakeup Copenhagen – Borgergade has drinks and snacks available 24-hour. Free Wi-Fi and a basic yet delicious coffee are included.

Check the prices here and book your room at Wakeup Copenhagen – Borgergade now.

Is Copenhagen expensive for travel? Yes, but you can save some money by booking your accommodation in advance and comparing prices. We always recommend checking the hotel prices on two different websites like Booking.com and Agoda, so you can choose the best price or deal, like breakfast included or free cancelation.

 

• Copenhagen Airbnb prices

Now let’s talk about where to stay in Copenhagen on a budget. Airbnb is an easy alternative to save money in Copenhagen. Most owners who rent on Airbnb are aware of the Copenhagen prices and charge less than hotels but more than other cities. You can expect to pay about $75 per night per person for most properties in the city, but you can also save money on food by cooking at the property.

If you are traveling alone, an excellent way to save money in Copenhagen is to rent a room in someone’s house via Airbnb. You will cut the costs of accommodation and food, and get a few tips from the house owner on how to enjoy Copenhagen on a budget.

Did you know you can rent a room, a boat, or an apartment in Copenhagen via Airbnb? Curious? Sign up here and get a discount on your first booking!

 

• Copenhagen hostel prices

Staying in a hostel is another way to save on accommodations; it’s definitely the cheapest stay in Copenhagen. The city has several well-known hostels with varying levels of service. Many are surprisingly upscale and the average cost for a hostel is $30 per night.

Check out these three hostels that are well located, clean, stylish and affordable:

– Woodah Boutique Hostel

The Woodah is a beautifully designed little hostel with big highlights like the organic breakfast served every day and the individual earplugs. Neat rooms, clean and organized shared bathrooms. It’s located near the Copenhagen Central Station and has many restaurants and shops nearby. Luggage storage is included, yoga classes are available for a charge, and there’s an on-site art shop.

Click here to see the rooms and book your bed at Woodah Boutique Hostel

 

– Copenhagen Downtown Hostel

Great price for a great service and central location. The Copenhagen Downtown Hostel features comfortable rooms, with either private or shared bathroom facilities. The environment is warm and there’s a bar – and live music sometimes. They offer tablet rentals for free and baggage storage for a small fee. Free walking tours are organized twice a day.

Check out the rates and book your room at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel here

 

– Generator Copenhagen

This cool looking hostel sits on a perfect location, only a 5-minute walk from Kongens Nytorv Metro Station. Generator Copenhagen has both shared and private rooms/bathrooms. It is a clean, tidy and quiet property, with laundry and luggage storage available on site. Enjoy a drink or two at the Generator Bar (that has a pool table), and make sure to ask the nice staff about the DJ and karaoke nights for some extra fun.

Click here to see the rooms and book your stay at Generator Copenhagen

If you struggle to search and book a hostel or hotel in Copenhagen that fits on your travel budget, don’t panic. Read our Accommodation Guide (click here) and learn a few tips and tricks to find the perfect room for any trip. 

 

How much are the tourist attractions in Copenhagen?

There are many great things to do in Copenhagen, from museums to amusement parks, and here’s what you can expect to pay for them.

 

• Tivoli Gardens prices

The famous Tivoli Gardens inspired Walt Disney to create his own theme park and pleasure gardens in America. The entrance fee to visit the famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is $21.50 and rides cost an additional $2-5. You can also purchase the Tivoli Gardens all-inclusive ride pass with your entrance for $39.

If visiting Tivoli Garden is on your Copenhagen to-do list, then be smart and book your fast-track ticket in advance (click here). You can choose between the park entrance or entrance + unlimited rides, and once you arrive there you can skip-the-line and go straight to the fun part. 

 

• Copenhagen Canal Boat Tours prices

Another must-do attraction in Copenhagen is a canal tour. Two companies offer canal tours from Nyhavn, Stromma and Netto Boat, and the fee is $16 and $10 respectively.

GetYourGuide offers a 1-Hour Copenhagen Boat Tour with a guide for $16 (click here to book it). Another option is a 2-Hour Hidden Gem Boat Tour that takes you to different spots in a smaller group and boat, this tour costs $62 per person. 

 

• Free things to do in Copenhagen and discounted attractions

Is Copenhagen expensive to visit? Yes, but there are a few things you can do for free in Copenhagen to save money. For example, you can visit Christiansborg Palace and climb to the observation tower free of charge instead of paying for the view at City Hall or the Round Tower. Many museums have at least one day per week where admission is free. Do your research before traveling and you can save a lot.

 

• Copenhagen Card price

The number of attractions and things to do in Copenhagen is huge, so if you don’t want to miss a thing and still save money during your trip, the Copenhagen City Card is the best option. The Copenhagen City Card gives you access to public transportation (including to/from airport) and free entrance to 87 attractions in the city. With so many benefits, you might be wondering how much is a Copenhagen Card, if it’s too expensive or not. The good news is that you can choose from 24 hours up to 5 days. The Copenhagen Card price varies according to the duration, costing $65 for the 24 hours Copenhagen Card and $156 for the 120 hours Copenhagen Card.

Book your Copenhagen City Card in advance and start enjoying the city as soon as you land there.

 

How much is the nightlife in Copenhagen?

Is Copenhagen expensive for going out? Yes! Copenhagen is a great city for nightlife. It has one of the best restaurant scenes in all of northern Europe and it’s where Scandinavians go to party and unwind. Let’s go over how much you should budget for dinner and drinks.

 

• Restaurants and costs of eating out in Copenhagen

Copenhagen restaurant prices are expensive, but you can still find fast food and food halls which may save you a little money. They’re still more expensive than other cities, but if you’re watching your budget, be sure that you can find cheap places to eat in Copenhagen.

There are few mid-range restaurants in Copenhagen, and many serve a 3 or 5 course menu with optional wine pairings. In these restaurants, the average cost of eating out in Copenhagen is between $50-75 per person, including gratuity.

 

• Bars and Copenhagen beer prices

Copenhagen is full of exquisite cocktail bars as well as low key beer bodegas. So, how much does a beer cost in Copenhagen? The price of a beer in Copenhagen doesn’t vary much, a typical draft beer will cost at least $7, and a cocktail can be as much as $18 or more. 

Since Copenhagen is a bit of a party town, you can easily find a cheaper watering hole and take advantage of the competition that makes Copenhagen nightlife prices more affordable. There are many student pubs and cheap bars in Copenhagen; you only need to leave the city’s tourist areas to find them. 

Don’t forget to buy your Travel Insurance before traveling to Copenhagen!

We use World Nomads and SafetyWing. Just click on the name of the company and book your insurance now. If you need more information, read our Travel Insurance Guide here.

How much does it cost to travel to Copenhagen?

By now we all know that Copenhagen is an expensive destination to visit. So let’s put the figures together and see how much money you need to travel to Copenhagen, Denmark. 

A Copenhagen daily budget will significantly vary depending on your tastes. Planning a travel budget that includes transportation, activities, three meals and lodging, you should expect to spend at least $250 per day as a mid-range traveler.

If you want to visit Copenhagen on a budget, you can shrink the costs with city pass, budget accommodation and purchase groceries instead of dining out. In this case, your Copenhagen daily budget might be around $150 per day.

Luxury travelers can easily spend $375 per day for a five-star hotel, attractions and dining out, plus extra expenses like nightlife

Copenhagen costs of travel – daily average:

Luxury traveler: $375 + per person

Mid-range traveler: $250 per person

Budget traveler: $150 per person

While Copenhagen is expensive, it’s well worth the expense to enjoy such a wonderful destination. There are ways to trim your budget and keep your costs down while you get to know one of Europe’s lesser-visited capitals. If you’re traveling to Copenhagen on a budget, it will require some balancing and planning to make the most of this incredible city. But whatever your budget is – Copenhagen is worth it.

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Author: Derek Hartman 

Derek Hartman and Mike Walsh are American expats living in Copenhagen since 2017. They run the site Everything Copenhagen to help others enjoy traveling to this exciting city. You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter to see more of this amazing destination.