There are many budget-friendly destinations in Europe, but unfortunately, Copenhagen isn’t very high on that list. However, that shouldn’t keep you from exploring the Danish capital! With its beautiful coast, awe-inspiring architecture, and exciting cuisine, there are many reasons to visit Copenhagen. But we can’t ignore the hefty Danish prices, so here are some valuable tips for visiting Copenhagen on a budget.
Don’t need more convincing? Skip through the article 😉
Is Copenhagen worth visiting?
The short answer is yes. And if you’re looking for a longer answer, allow me to paint you a picture.
Scandinavia is famed for its beautiful landscapes and the good-looking, fashionable people that call it home. Picture historical buildings, cobblestoned streets, beautiful people biking or walking around the city, and fresher air.
Still not convinced? Here are some reasons why Copenhagen is worth visiting.
Reasons to visit Copenhagen
1. The Danish Architecture
My second trip to Copenhagen was sorely for the architecture. After all, the city has been named the Architecture capital of the world by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects, UIA.Â
Danish Architecture is like no other, and it’s something you can experience on a budget. The city offers everything from Neo-classical architecture to towering brick structures and also light, delicate, yet durable structures that are erected from glass, wood, and stone.
Some of my favorite buildings in Copenhagen are:
- BLOX: home to the Danish Architecture Center
- Glyptoteket Museum: arguably the best museum in the city
- Louisianna Museum: located out of the city center but still worth a visit
2. The amazing café scene
Experiencing the café scene is reason enough to visit Copenhagen, even if you’re doing it on a budget.
If you love coffee, pastries, and cafés, consider Copenhagen will be like heaven on earth because it has all of this in abundance.
While it may be hard to explore all the best bakeries and cafés while you’re in Copenhagen on a budget, there are still many ways to experience this Scandinavian treat with some budget-friendly options.
Here are some good “cheap” cafés to visit in Copenhagen.
- 42Raw – vegan
- Original Coffee – several locations
- Reffen – Street Food joint open in summer
3. The Landscape
Most cities in Scandinavia are known for their blue waters and lush greenery, and Copenhagen isn’t exempt from this. The city has many parks and water bodies that you can marvel at from a distance or up close on a boat.
Depending on how much time you have in Copenhagen, you can wander farther out of the city and explore sites such as :
- the 6 forgotten giants
- seaside villages on the Danish Riviera
- camp adventure treetop experience
- white cliffs of Mon
4. The Culture
Hygge has taken the world by storm and if you don’t already know what that word means, you definitely have to Copenhagen and learn from the Danes! Danish people have super laid-back vibes, are well-dressed (even when they’re cycling all around the city) and they’re just interesting to witness.Â
They’re a monarchy and have a Viking history, adding layers of culture to them, making them an even more interesting people.Â
They also have delicious traditions like ‘Fastelavn,’ which you have to experience if you’re lucky (or unlucky) to visit in February.Â
Speaking of visiting…
When is the best time to visit Copenhagen on a budget?
Since Denmark isn’t well-known for having the best weather, you’re going to have to be strategic about when you visit.
When traveling anywhere on a budget, shoulder months are usually the best times because that’s when things are more affordable. However, the weather conditions could also be harsher, giving you a less-than-great experience.
So, when it comes to visiting Copenhagen on a budget, you’re better off going at the beginning of spring and the end of autumn.
What is the cheapest month to visit Copenhagen?
I’d suggest shoulder months between March-April and September-October as the best times to visit Copenhagen on a budget.Â
And now for the Copenhagen budget travel tips.
How do you survive Copenhagen on a budget?
Here are some ways you can budget for Copenhagen and keep travel costs as low as possible while still having an enjoyable time in the city.
1. Flights to Copenhagen
If you’re flying to Copenhagen, one of the cheapest ways to do that is by using budget airlines. Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizzair are great budget airlines with frequent flights to Copenhagen.
Depending on where you’re flying from or your travel plans, you can fly into Malmö, a city located in Sweden, and then take the train to Copenhagen. This route makes sense if you also want to visit Sweden and is a great way to kill two birds with one stone.
Otherwise, if you’re strict on a budget, you can get to Copenhagen by Flixbus or by train.Â
Book the cheapest flights to Copenhagen here!
2. Where to stay in Copenhagen: Accommodation
A lot of travel costs go toward accommodation, so if you want to explore Copenhagen on a budget, you need to pick your accommodation carefully.Â
The cheapest way to get a place to stay in Copenhagen is by couchsurfing.
However, this may not be the most ideal choice for every traveler.Â
In this case, hostels are a pretty close bet for budget-friendly accommodation. I never stayed in hostels until my most recent trip to Copenhagen and I was pleasantly surprised by the accommodation options.Â
I booked a stay at two luxury hostels, and while they may sound super expensive, they actually weren’t.Â
In the first hostel, I stayed in a 6-bed room and a 4-bed room in the second hostel. Both hotels were owned by the same company and had a bar, cafeteria, gym, swimming pool, kitchen, TV rooms, and a lounge with board games.
Where I stayed:
Other well-rated budget-friendly hostels in Copenhagen:Â
3. How to get around Copenhagen: Transportation
Getting around the city is also another factor to consider if you want to see all of Copenhagen’s attractions while sticking to a budget. One of the best things about the Danish capital is that it’s a fairly walkable city, so with some determination, you’ll be able to get to the most popular sites on foot.Â
If you’d rather not walk, you can rent a bike and ride your way through the streets of Copenhagen.
Biking is very popular among the Danes, and this is a great, inexpensive way to get around the city.Â
If you’re not too comfortable cycling and want to see a lot of the city’s attractions, you might want to consider the Copenhagen Card. While it’s not the most budget-friendly way to get around Copenhagen, it might be more effective in the long run if you’re visiting Copenhagen for a couple of days.
On the topic of attractions…
4. What to see in Copenhagen: Attractions
Copenhagen has so much to offer throughout the year! Yes, even in the dead of winter. You can experience everything from a gastronomical tour to a never-ending museum excursion and everything in between. To maximize your time in the city and also keep things under a budget, it’s smart to have a plan.Â
I like to craft my travel itineraries by having an objective.
On my first trip to Copenhagen, staying on a budget was very important, and so was seeing all the popular attractions.Â
Because of this, I used couchsurfing, and I got a 48-hour Copenhagen Card. This way, I had access to 80+ attractions like Rosenborg Castle, Blox, and Nyhavn, a guided boat tour and free public transportation.
Here is the itinerary I followed: 2 days in Copenhagen: Ultimate budget-friendly guide to Copenhagen
My second trip to Copenhagen was slightly different. I wasn’t too bound by a budget, and I wanted to discover the architectural gems of Copenhagen and explore the café scene.Â
Because of this, I stayed at some pretty cool hostels where I was able to socialize and go out as I pleased because I was right in the city center.
I went to museums such as Glyptoteket, Louisiana, and the Design Museum, which are top-rated in the city.
Sign up for my newsletter to get a detailed breakdown of how much I spent in Copenhagen.
5. Where to eat in Copenhagen: Food
Food is one of the main ways to explore a nation and its culture, and if you love pork, seafood, and freshly baked goods, you’re going to love eating in Copenhagen.Â
While food can be a little costly in Denmark, there are still some budget-friendly spots you can visit, such as:
- Gasoline grill
- Madglad
- The Bridge Street Kitchen
- Et cetera
- Flere Fugle
- Selva
What shouldn’t I miss in Copenhagen?
- SMK Museum
- Amalienborg palace
- Round Tower
- Christiania
- Glyptoteket Museum
- Rosenborg castle
- Christiansborg palace
- Tivoli Garden
- King’s Garden
- Design Museum
- Louisianna museum
Is 3 days in Copenhagen too much?
3 days in Copenhagen is enough time to see a lot of the city’s nearby attractions and also explore some of the farther popular destinations like Louisiana Museum and Mons.
How much should I budget in Copenhagen per day?
You should budget around 450 DKK per day. However, you can refine your budget by figuring out how much your accommodation will cost, which attractions you want to visit, where you eat, and how you get around the city.
Which is better, Copenhagen or Stockholm?
Each city is beautiful and famous for different things. They’re both great for their architecture, museums, and castles. Stockholm offers a more peaceful vibe, whereas Copenhagen is edgier and is known for its cafés and art scene.
RECOMMENDED: Stockholm, what to see and do on a budget trip
