How Much Does Copenhagen Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Copenhagen consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in Europe, often surpassing London or Paris in terms of daily dining and service costs. Travelers should expect a high-end experience where even budget-conscious solo visitors typically spend around $71 / 450 kr per day, while luxury travelers can easily exceed $1,025 / 6,501 kr. The city's high cost of living is reflected in everything from the quality of public infrastructure to the premium placed on organic, locally sourced food. While the initial sticker shock for a draft beer at $10 / 65 kr or a mid-range dinner for two at $126 / 800 kr can be surprising, the efficiency of the 24/7 metro and the accessibility of world-class design often justify the expense. Visitors find the best value by adopting local habits, such as utilizing the extensive cycling network or enjoying the abundance of high-quality street food.
Is Copenhagen expensive to visit?
Copenhagen is a high-cost destination where daily expenses range from $71 / 450 kr for budget solo travelers to over $1,025 / 6,501 kr for luxury stays.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Copenhagen
$71
per person /day
$260
per person /day
$1,025
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $213 | $780 | $3,076 |
| 5-Day Trip | $355 | $1,302 | $5,126 |
| 7-Day Trip | $497 | $1,822 | $7,177 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to include a 15% budget buffer to account for hidden costs like the $0.79 / 5 kr public toilet fees and restaurant water service charges that can range from $3.94–$5.3 / 25 kr–34 kr. Additionally, the 'Pant' deposit on bottled beverages means you will often pay $0.15–$0.47 / 0.97 kr–2.99 kr more at the register than the price tag indicates.
How Does It Compare?
See how Copenhagen stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Copenhagen
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-range Restaurant Meal for Two (3-course) Excluding alcohol; expect to pay ~$126 / 799 kr for a standard nice dinner. | $126 800 kr |
| Draft Beer (0.5L) in a Bar Craft beers and Nyhavn prices often reach $12–$14 / 75 kr–90 kr. | $10 65 kr |
| Cappuccino/Latte Coffee culture is high quality but pricey (~$7.16 / 45 kr per cup). | $7.1 45 kr |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Metro Ticket (3 zones) - Airport to City Valid for 60 minutes on bus, train, and metro. Children under 12 travel free. | $4.73 30 kr |
| DOT Single Ticket (2 zones) Covers most travel within the city center (zone 1 and 2). Costs ~$3.79 / 24 kr. | $3.79 24 kr |
| City Pass Small (24-hour) Unlimited travel in zones 1–4, including the airport. Costs ~$14 / 90 kr. | $14 90 kr |
| Taxi (10km weekend/evening rate) Taxis are very expensive in Copenhagen; Uber is not available, but Viggo (green taxis) is popular. | $44 280 kr |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Danhostel Copenhagen City (Dorm/Room Start) The most central budget option; prices for private rooms are higher, around $88–$129 / 560 kr–821 kr. | $24 150 kr |
| 3-star Hotel (Average Nightly Rate) Centrally located 3-star hotels typically cost around $179 / 1,134 kr per night. | $172 1,091 kr |
| Nimb Hotel (Luxury Boutique Stay) A premium stay inside Tivoli Gardens; rates during peak summer can exceed $942 / 5,970 kr per night. | $755 4,789 kr |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tivoli Gardens Entrance (Saturday Adult) This is entrance only (~$28 / 175 kr). Unlimited ride passes are an additional $41–$53 / 261 kr–336 kr. | $28 175 kr |
| Copenhagen Card Discover (24-hour) Includes 80+ attractions and all transport. Excellent value if visiting 3+ museums in a day (~$79 / 499 kr). | $79 499 kr |
| Rosenborg Castle Admission Includes the Crown Jewels. Students pay ~$15 / 95 kr. | $23 145 kr |
| Louisiana Museum of Modern Art Admission Located 35km north of the city; train fare is extra unless using a Copenhagen Card. | $23 145 kr |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Donkey Republic 24-hour Bike Rental The most flexible way to see the city. Costs ~$21 / 135 kr per day. | $21 135 kr |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is defined by the 'New Nordic' movement, resulting in exceptional quality but high price points, with a standard three-course meal for two averaging $126 / 800 kr. Coffee culture is sophisticated but costly, with a cappuccino typically priced at $7.1 / 45 kr. To manage expenses, many locals frequent street food markets like Reffen or grab a traditional hot dog from John's Hotdog Deli for a more affordable meal.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Gasoline Grill
$13–$20 / 85 kr–125 krVesterbro/City Center · Local chain
Voted one of the best in the world; the original location is in an active gas station on Landgreven.
John's Hotdog Deli
$6.31–$12 / 40 kr–75 krVesterbro/Meatpacking District · Street food area
An elevated version of the classic Danish pølsevogn. Try the homemade toppings for ~$1.77 / 11 kr extra.
Reffen - Street Food
$14–$25 / 90 kr–160 krRefshaleøen · Street market
Take the Harbor Bus (yellow boat) to get there using your regular transit pass.
Hallernes Smørrebrød
$13–$18 / 85 kr–115 krTorvehallerne Market · Food court
High-quality traditional open-faced sandwiches. Two pieces make a full meal (~$27 / 172 kr).
Morgenstedet
$15–$22 / 95 kr–140 krChristiania · Local chain
Excellent vegetarian organic food in a communal setting; cash is preferred here but they take cards.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Copenhagen is exceptionally compact and best explored by bicycle, with 24-hour rentals like Donkey Republic costing approximately $21 / 135 kr. For longer distances, the automated metro system is highly efficient, with a 2-zone ticket costing $3.79 / 24 kr and a 24-hour 'City Pass Small' available for $14 / 90 kr. Taxis are among the most expensive in Europe, with a 10km evening trip costing roughly $44 / 280 kr.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging prices are high, with central 3-star hotels averaging $172 / 1,091 kr per night and luxury options like Nimb Hotel starting at $755 / 4,789 kr. Budget travelers can find dormitory beds at Danhostel Copenhagen City starting at $24 / 150 kr, though private rooms in budget hostels often jump to a range of $88–$129 / 560 kr–821 kr.
Accommodation Budget in Copenhagen
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Drink the tap water, which is world-class quality, but carry a reusable bottle to avoid the $3.94–$5.3 / 25 kr–34 kr filtration fees often charged at restaurants.
- 2 Purchase the Copenhagen Card Discover for $79 / 499 kr if planning to visit three or more major sites like Rosenborg Castle and Tivoli Gardens in 24 hours.
- 3 Return empty plastic bottles and cans to 'Pant' machines in supermarkets like Netto or Føtex to reclaim the $0.15–$0.47 / 0.97 kr–2.99 kr deposit fee.
- 4 Eat a large lunch of smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) at Hallernes Smørrebrød in Torvehallerne, as lunch prices are often significantly lower than dinner menus.
- 5 Use the 'Too Good To Go' app, which originated in Denmark, to purchase surplus food from high-end bakeries and cafes at a fraction of the price.
- 6 Opt for the 24-hour Donkey Republic bike rental at $21 / 135 kr instead of relying on the $44 / 280 kr taxi rides or multiple $3.79 / 24 kr metro tickets.
- 7 Visit the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) in Vesterbro for trendy but more reasonably priced dining compared to the tourist-heavy Nyhavn area.
- 8 Book train tickets to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in advance or use a City Pass to cover the 35km journey, as individual tickets are costly.
- 9 Stick to beer or wine during happy hours, as a single draft beer can reach $12–$14 / 75 kr–90 kr in popular areas like Nyhavn.
- 10 Visit Freetown Christiania for more affordable, tax-free food options at spots like Morgenstedet.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
+25-40%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-20-30%
May, Sep
Peak summer prices reflect the long daylight hours (18+ hours). Winter (except Christmas) is much cheaper but many canal tours and outdoor markets close. Best value is May or September when weather is mild (15–18°C / 59–64°F).
Events to Watch
- ● Copenhagen Fashion Week (early Feb): +50% hotel rates
- ● Distortion Festival (late May/early June): High accommodation demand
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 The Little Mermaid Statue (Den Lille Havfrue) at Langelinie pier.
- 2 The Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace, held daily at 12:00.
- 3 The Tower at Christiansborg Palace (Udsigten), which offers the highest viewpoint in the city for $0.
- 4 A stroll through the colorful 17th-century waterfront of Nyhavn.
- 5 Walking through the autonomous district of Freetown Christiania.
- 6 The Botanical Garden (Botanisk Have) outdoor grounds, though the glasshouses require a fee.
- 7 The Royal Library Garden (Bibliotekshaven), a quiet oasis between the Parliament and the Royal Library.
- 8 The grounds of Kastellet, a well-preserved star-shaped fortress.
- 9 Assistens Cemetery in Nørrebro, the final resting place of Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard.
- 10 The Royal Cast Collection (Den Kongelige Afstøbningssamling), open for free on specific days.
- 11 The Black Diamond (Royal Library) architecture and public exhibition spaces.
- 12 Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek on the last Wednesday of every month (verify current schedules locally).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Afternoon Tea at Perch's Tearoom
A historic experience in a shop that has served the Royal Family since 1835 (~$54 / 343 kr).
GoBoat Private Solar-Powered Rental
Captain your own boat through the canals with a picnic table in the middle; cost is shared by up to 8 people.
Nimb Wellness Hammam & Pool
Ultra-luxury spa experience in Tivoli Gardens including rooftop pool access (~$189 / 1,202 kr).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Copenhagen
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Copenhagen and what they cost
Roskilde (Viking Ship Museum)
$16 / 104 kr by Train (25 mins)
$25 / 160 kr
$60 / 380 kr
Malmö, Sweden
$34 / 218 kr by Train (35 mins)
Free
$87 / 550 kr
Kronborg Castle (Helsingør)
$19 / 120 kr by Train (45 mins)
$24 / 155 kr
$66 / 420 kr
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Danish Krone (DKK)
1 $ ≈ 6.34 kr
No
Everywhere including hot dog stands
Service charge is legally included in all bills. Tipping is not expected, though rounding up the bill at dinner is considered a nice gesture for exceptional service.
Avoid 'Euronet' ATMs due to high conversion fees. Use Danske Bank or Nordea ATMs. Most visitors will never need cash (~$0 needed).
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.12–$18 for 1GB to 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $3–$24 / 19 kr–149 kr at airport or 7-Eleven
WiFi: Excellent in cafes, hotels, and the Metro.
Airalo eSIM is the cheapest for data-only (starting at $4.12 / 26 kr), but local Lycamobile SIMs offer better value for calls.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Copenhagen.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Where to Stay
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