Copenhagen! Images of colorful harbors, sleek design, and hygge vibes dance in your head. You’re dreaming of cycling along canals, exploring fairytale castles, and indulging in Nordic cuisine. But then the question hits: is Copenhagen expensive? Yes, Copenhagen ranks among Europe’s pricier cities—but strategic choices can make it affordable. For 2024, budget travelers can manage €80–100/day, while mid-range visitors spend €150–250/day. This guide breaks down exact costs (including USD and GBP conversions), compares prices to London, and shares local secrets to save money—like dodging baggage fees with Radical Storage.
Is Copenhagen an Expensive City? Breaking Down 2025 Costs
Accommodation: Where to Stay Without Overspending
- Budget: Hostels like Urban House: €30–50/night (book 3+ months ahead for summer).
- Mid-Range: Boutique hotels (e.g., Hotel Kong Arthur): €120–180/night.
- Luxury: 5-star stays (like Nimb Hotel): €400+/night.
Pro Tip: Stay in Nørrebro or Vesterbro for cheaper rates than Nyhavn.
Is Copenhagen Expensive for Food and Drink?
- Street Food: Reffen Market smørrebrød: €6–10.
- Restaurants: Casual meal: €20–30/person; Michelin spots: €150+/person.
- Beer: Pint in a bar: €7–10 (happy hours slash this to €5).
Hack: Avoid touristy Nyhavn—dine in Kødbyen (Meatpacking District) for better value.
Transportation: Is Copenhagen Expensive to Travel Around?
- Public Transport: 24-hour pass: €10 (covers buses, metro, trains).
- Bike Rentals: €15–20/day (use Donkey Republic for discounts).
- Taxis: €15–20 for a 3km ride—stick to bikes or metros.
Local Insight: Copenhagen’s metro runs 24/7—no need for pricey late-night cabs.
Daily Costs in Copenhagen (2024): Budget to Luxury
| Category | Budget (€) | Mid-Range (€) | Luxury (€) | Savings Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €30–50 | €120–180 | €400+ | Book hostels 3+ months ahead (try Urban House). |
| Food & Drink | €15–25 | €40–60 | €100+ | Eat at Reffen Market; tap water is free! |
| Transport | €10 (24h pass) | €15–20 (bike rental) | €50+ (taxis) | Use Donkey Republic bikes (€12/day with app). |
| Attractions | €0–10 | €20–40 | €60+ | Prioritize free museums & Radical Storage for bag drops (€5/day). |
| Miscellaneous | €5 (taxes/fees) | €10–15 | €20+ | Avoid Nyhavn restaurants; pack a reusable bottle. |
| TOTAL (Per Day) | €60–90 | €180–300 | €600+ | USD Conversion: ~$65–97 / £51–76 (mid-range). |
Copenhagen vs. Other Cities: Putting Costs in Perspective
To truly understand is copenhagen expensive compared to london, or other major cities, let’s put it in context:
- Copenhagen is generally more expensive than many cities in Southern and Eastern Europe. Cities like Lisbon, Seville, Budapest, or Prague are significantly cheaper across most categories (accommodation, food, drink, activities).
- Copenhagen is comparable in price to other major Scandinavian cities like Stockholm and Oslo. These cities also share a high cost of living.
- Copenhagen can be slightly more expensive than some major Western European cities like Paris or Amsterdam in certain categories (like alcohol), but potentially comparable in others (like mid-range dining or budget accommodation depending on the area). It’s certainly not on par with the extreme expense of cities like Zurich or Geneva.
- Compared to London, Copenhagen is arguably similarly expensive overall. London might have slightly higher accommodation costs in prime areas and potentially more expensive high-end dining, while Copenhagen might have pricier alcohol and some everyday goods. The difference is often marginal, and both are considered expensive global cities.
Therefore, yes, Copenhagen is expensive, but it’s not an outlier among major global cities, especially in Scandinavia and Western Europe. Understanding this context helps manage expectations.
And addressing is copenhagen expensive in us dollars and is copenhagen expensive in pounds: For travelers from the US and UK, Copenhagen will likely feel expensive due to the strong Danish Krone. However, comparing prices directly in local currency is more useful than solely focusing on conversion rates. Budgeting in DKK and then converting to your home currency provides a more accurate picture.
Is Copenhagen Expensive Compared to London? A Cost Showdown
| Expense | Copenhagen (2024) | London (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Pint of Beer | €9 | £7 (€8.20) |
| Metro Ticket | €3.20 | £2.70 (€3.15) |
| Mid-Range Meal | €25 | £22 (€25.70) |
Verdict: Copenhagen is ~10–15% pricier than London for dining and drinks.
Planning 3 Days in Copenhagen: A Practical Itinerary and Cost Breakdown
If you’re wondering how to make the most of 3 days in Copenhagen, our detailed Copenhagen 3 day itinerary will show you how to explore the city while keeping an eye on Copenhagen prices.
Day 1: Discover the Historic Heart
Morning:
- Enjoy a traditional Danish breakfast at a local café for around DKK 50–70 (≈ USD 7–10, €7–9).
- Stroll along Nyhavn’s colorful waterfront—a free experience. Consider booking a canal tour later (tickets around DKK 150–200, ≈ USD 22–30, €20–27).
Afternoon:
- Visit Amalienborg Palace to watch the changing of the guard (free).
- Have lunch at a nearby food market; savor authentic Danish smørrebrød for about DKK 80 (≈ USD 12, €11).
Evening:
- Dine in the city center where a meal typically costs DKK 150–250 (≈ USD 22–37, €20–33) per person.
- Cap off the day with an evening stroll through Tivoli Gardens (entry approximately DKK 135, ≈ USD 20, €18).
Day 2: Embrace Culture and Contemporary Design
Morning:
- Start with a light bakery breakfast for about DKK 40 (≈ USD 6, €5).
- Explore the National Museum of Denmark (entry around DKK 95, ≈ USD 14, €13) to learn about local history.
Afternoon:
- Roam around the trendy Vesterbro district with its boutique shops and cafés. Enjoy lunch for approximately DKK 100 (≈ USD 15, €13).
- Rent a bike for the day at roughly DKK 70 (≈ USD 10, €9) to see the city like a local.
Evening:
- Dine in the Meatpacking District; expect dinner to cost DKK 200–300 (≈ USD 30–45, €27–40) per person.
- Enjoy a relaxing canal-side walk along the Copenhagen Canal Belt.
Day 3: Modern Design and Relaxation
Morning:
- Have breakfast at your accommodation or a local café for about DKK 50 (≈ USD 7, €7).
- Visit the Designmuseum Danmark (entry around DKK 100, ≈ USD 15, €13) to explore Danish design innovations.
Afternoon:
- Head to Freetown Christiania for a unique cultural experience (free entry).
- Lunch at a local diner will cost roughly DKK 80–100 (≈ USD 12–15, €11–13).
- Visit The Round Tower for panoramic city views (entry about DKK 40, ≈ USD 6, €5).
Evening:
- For your final dinner, treat yourself at a highly rated restaurant with meals costing DKK 300–500 (≈ USD 45–75, €27–67) per person.
- Wind down the night with a visit to a cozy local bar or café.
Local-Approved Tips to Save Money
- Visit in April or October for lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Tap Water is Free—Copenhagen’s tap water is safe and delicious.
- Free Attractions: National Museum, Freetown Christiania, and Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg.
Pro Tip: Store Your Luggage Affordably
While exploring the city, consider using Radical Storage to store your luggage in Copenhagen affordably while exploring. This service lets you travel light, avoid extra baggage fees at attractions, and focus on enjoying every moment of your trip.