Is Copenhagen expensive? An honest guide for first-time visitors
Copenhagen has a reputation for being an expensive city to visit. How much you actually spend, though, depends largely on where you stay, how you eat and what you choose to do while you are here.
Last updated: September 2026
The honest answer
Yes, Copenhagen is expensive compared with most cities, but with a little planning, a trip can be more affordable than you might expect. How much you spend depends largely on the choices you make during your stay. This guide gives you an honest look at what a trip to Copenhagen can cost, with real prices and practical advice to help you plan your budget. The prices in this guide are estimates and may vary or change over time, but they give you a realistic idea of what to expect and can help you plan your budget.
Why Copenhagen feels expensive
Some of the costs visitors notice most are linked to everyday life in Denmark. Wages are relatively high, and VAT is already included in the price you see, so the amount on the menu or price tag is generally what you pay. The Danish krone can also make prices feel particularly high depending on where you are travelling from.
These differences are especially noticeable when eating out, drinking at bars and restaurants or booking accommodation, which are likely to make up a large part of a visitor’s budget.
Where Copenhagen offers good value
Not everything in Copenhagen comes with a high price tag. Tap water is safe to drink, and there are more than 60 public drinking fountains around the city where you can refill your bottle for free.
There are also plenty of experiences that cost nothing, from exploring neighbourhoods and public spaces to simply seeing the city on foot. And when you do spend money at restaurants, cafés or bars, you do not need to automatically add a tip. Tipping is optional in Denmark rather than an expected extra expense.
What things actually cost
Prices in Copenhagen vary depending on where you stay, eat and spend your time. Here is a realistic overview of what to expect when planning your budget.
Food and drink
Eating out is one of the areas where Copenhagen can get expensive. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay around DKK 45-55 for a cappuccino, DKK 55-65 for a draught beer, DKK 140-160 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant and DKK 350-450 per person for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant, excluding drinks. These are average prices, so what you actually pay can vary depending on where you go.
Attractions
Admission prices vary, but you can expect to pay around DKK 100-200 for many of Copenhagen’s museums and attractions.
Some attractions offer reduced admission depending on your age or other eligibility, so it is worth checking the individual attraction’s website before visiting.
Transport
Public transport is relatively straightforward to budget for. A single journey starts at DKK 24, according to current Copenhagen price data (24/09-2026). If you plan to use public transport frequently, a City Pass Small covers zones 1-4, including Copenhagen Airport, and costs DKK 100 for 24 hours, DKK 160 for 48 hours and DKK 220 for 72 hours.
Another option is the Copenhagen Card, which combines admission to more than 80 attractions with unlimited travel by train, bus, metro and harbour bus throughout the Copenhagen region, including travel to and from the airport.
Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the hardest costs to put a fixed price on, as rates can vary considerably depending on the season, location and how far ahead you book. Budget Your Trip reports an average hotel spend of around DKK 1,255 per day, based on spending reported by previous travellers.
If you are travelling on a smaller budget, hostel beds can be found from DKK 145 per night.
How much money do you need per day?
A realistic daily budget for Copenhagen depends far more on your choices than on the city itself. Accommodation, restaurants and paid attractions can quickly increase the total, while hostels, inexpensive meals and free experiences can keep it considerably lower.
Three daily budget bands
As a rough guide, one person can expect to spend:
- Around DKK 700 per day on a tight budget, with a hostel bed, inexpensive food and mainly free experiences.
- Around DKK 1,800 per day for a mid-range trip, including accommodation, restaurant meals, public transport and paid attractions.
- Around DKK 4,500 per day for a luxury stay, with higher-end accommodation, more restaurant meals and greater flexibility when choosing activities and transport.
These estimates include accommodation but not travel to and from Copenhagen. Actual costs can vary considerably depending on the season, whether you are travelling alone and how far ahead you book.
A sample three-day cost
Based on the mid-range estimate, a typical three-day stay costs around DKK 5,300 per person, excluding travel to and from Copenhagen. This includes accommodation, meals, local transport and sightseeing, but the total can be considerably lower or higher depending on your choices.
Is Copenhagen more expensive than other cities?
Copenhagen is one of Europe’s more expensive cities, with a general cost level comparable to cities such as London and Oslo, while Zurich is considerably more expensive.
Where you notice the difference most depends on how you spend your money, but eating out is one area where Copenhagen tends to be particularly expensive. Overall, it sits firmly among Europe’s higher-cost destinations, rather than being exceptionally expensive across the board.
How to keep costs down without missing the city
You do not need to cut back on everything to spend less in Copenhagen. A few choices can make a noticeable difference to your overall budget.
Quick wins
Make use of free attractions and public spaces, drink tap water instead of buying bottled water, and explore on foot or by bike when it makes sense. You can find more ideas in our guide to saving money in Copenhagen.
When a pass saves money
If you are planning to visit several paid attractions, it is worth checking whether a Copenhagen Card makes sense for your itinerary. Depending on the card, admission to attractions and public transport are included, so the value depends on what you plan to see and how much you intend to use public transport.
Get rewarded with CopenPay
With CopenPay, certain actions such as cycling, arriving by train or taking part in activities like cleaning the harbour can unlock rewards from participating partners. Rewards can include free or discounted museum admission, bike rental, coffee and lunches.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is Copenhagen expensive?
Yes, Copenhagen is expensive compared with many other cities, particularly when it comes to dining out and accommodation. However, your overall budget depends largely on the choices you make.
Tap water, cycling and many of the city’s sights and outdoor spaces are free, making it possible to keep costs down without missing out on the city.
How much money do you need for 3 days in Copenhagen?
How much you need for three days in Copenhagen depends largely on where you stay, how often you eat out and which attractions you visit.
Travellers who choose affordable accommodation and make use of free experiences will spend considerably less than those staying at a high-end hotel and eating every meal at a restaurant.
What is the average cost of a meal in Copenhagen?
A casual meal in Copenhagen typically costs around DKK 150, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant is around DKK 400 per person. Prices vary depending on the restaurant and may change over time, but these estimates give a reasonable indication of what to budget for eating out.
Is Copenhagen more expensive than London or Paris?
Copenhagen is broadly comparable to cities such as London and Paris, although the difference depends on what you spend your money on. Dining out and alcohol can be a bit more expensive in Copenhagen, while public transport, museums and other attractions may be relatively reasonable by comparison.
What is free or cheap in Copenhagen?
Some of Copenhagen’s best-known free experiences include exploring its parks and harbour areas, swimming in the harbour baths and watching the Changing of the Royal Guards.
