Copenhagen on a budget
How to save money as a tourist
Copenhagen has a reputation for being expensive, but a few practical choices can make a noticeable difference to the cost of your visit. Where you stay, how you get around, where you eat and which attractions you choose will usually have the greatest impact on your budget.
Exploring on foot, combining free experiences with paid attractions and choosing bakeries, street markets or informal restaurants for some meals can help keep costs down. A Copenhagen Card or a CopenPay activity may also be relevant. This guide brings together practical advice on transport, food, attractions and accommodation.
When does a Copenhagen Card make sense?
The Copenhagen Card DISCOVER includes admission to more than 80 attractions and public transport throughout the Capital Region, including travel to and from Copenhagen Airport. It can be useful if you plan to visit several attractions and use public transportation.
By combining several expenses on one card, you can save money compared with buying each ticket separately. Use the Copenhagen Card calculator to add the places you want to visit and compare the total with the current card price.
Budget tips | |
Getting around | Explore compact areas on foot and compare public transport tickets before travelling |
Food | Use bakeries, food markets and casual lunch options instead of booking every meal at a restaurant |
Drinks | Carry a reusable water bottle and ask about tap water when eating out |
Attractions | Combine free public spaces with paid attractions |
Accommodation | Compare hostels and more affordable hotels outside the most central streets |
Planning | Use the Copenhagen Card to group your expenses and check current CopenPay activities |
Save on getting around Copenhagen
Many central areas are easy to explore on foot. For longer journeys, you can take the bus, train, or metro. The harbour buses are also part of the public transport network. From Copenhagen Airport, the metro takes around 15 minutes to central Copenhagen.
If you expect to use public transport regularly and visit several paid attractions, the Copenhagen Card DISCOVER includes both in one card. Cycling is another option, but only rent a bike if you are confident in city traffic and know the local cycling rules before using Copenhagen’s busy cycle lanes.
Free and affordable things to do
Some of Copenhagen’s most enjoyable experiences cost nothing. You can walk around the Lakes, explore the city’s parks and public gardens or follow the waterfront through different parts of the harbour. In summer, designated harbour baths and bathing zones are also free to use.
For paid experiences, choose the attractions that matter most to you and combine them with free walks and public spaces. Copenhagen also has museums, viewpoints and cultural venues with relatively low admission prices.
Find accommodation that fits your budget
Get rewards and local experiences with CopenPay
CopenPay offers unique experiences, discounts and other rewards when visitors complete selected activities, such as arriving by train, using public transport or taking part in local initiatives.
Participating partners, activities, and rewards change, so check the current options before you plan your visit.
What affects the cost of a trip to Copenhagen?
- Accommodation: Where you stay will often have the greatest impact on your budget. Compare the total price, including transport and any added charges.
- Food and attractions: Prioritize the experiences that matter most, and combine restaurant meals and paid attractions with bakeries, parks and free activities.
- Cash or card: Card payments are widely used in Copenhagen, so most visitors will not need much cash. Check whether your bank charges payment or currency conversion fees before travelling.
Save on food and drink
Not every meal needs to be a full restaurant experience. Copenhagen’s bakeries, food markets and informal eateries offer plenty of quality food. Combine them with selected restaurants and look for lunch menus that may be cheaper than dinner in the evening. Street food markets offer plenty of choice, but prices vary, so compare the individual stalls rather than assuming street food is always the cheapest option.
You can drink tap water in Copenhagen, so you don't need to rely on bottled water during the day. Bring a refillable bottle and fill it before heading out. Copenhagen also has public drinking fountains, although some are only available during summer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much money do I need per day in Copenhagen?
No single daily budget fits every visit. Accommodation, restaurant meals and paid attractions usually have the greatest impact on your spending, while walking, public spaces and free activities can help keep costs down.
Is it better to use cash or card in Copenhagen?
Card payments are widely used in Copenhagen, so most visitors will not need much cash. Before travelling, check whether your bank charges fees for card payments or currency conversion.
What is the cheapest way to get around Copenhagen?
Walking is the cheapest option, and many central areas are easy to explore on foot. For longer journeys, compare single tickets and travel passes. Tickets are valid on buses, trains, the metro and harbour buses within the zones and time period covered. If you also plan to visit several paid attractions, the Copenhagen Card DISCOVER may offer better value by combining admission and public transport.
Is the Copenhagen Card worth it when I visit the city?
Copenhagen Card can save you money if you plan to visit several attractions and use public transport regularly. If you mainly walk and choose free experiences, separate tickets may suit you better. Use the Copenhagen Card calculator to compare your plans with the current card price.
What can I do for free in Copenhagen?
You can explore parks, public gardens, the Lakes, harbour areas and different neighbourhoods on foot. Designated harbour baths are also free to use, but swimming conditions and seasonal availability should always be checked. See our guide to free things to do in Copenhagen for more ideas.
Can I drink the tap water in Copenhagen?
Yes. Copenhagen’s tap water is safe to drink and undergoes daily quality controls. Bring a refillable bottle to avoid buying bottled water while exploring the city. You can also use the public drinking fountains around Copenhagen, though some are only available in summer.