There’s no denying it, visiting Copenhagen isn’t cheap. But with a little organization and a few good tips, it’s perfectly possible to discover the Danish capital without blowing your budget.
We spent several days in Copenhagen on our way back from our Scandinavian tour, so here are our tried-and-tested tips for getting the most out of Copenhagen without overextending your credit card.
1. Shopping at discount supermarkets
When you arrive in Copenhagen, the price shock is immediate, especially if you’re used to eating out every day when you travel. But the good news is that you can quickly regain control of your budget thanks to discount supermarkets. Signs such as Netto, Fakta or Rema 1000 are easy to find, offering fresh produce, ready-made meals and even local specialities at affordable prices.
At lunchtime, we recommend buying a picnic or a quick lunch, and in the evening, if you have a kitchen in your accommodation (we’ll come back to this shortly), you can cook for yourself. It’s also a good way to discover local everyday products, such as smørrebrød or Danish charcuterie.
2. The Copenhagen Card: the real deal in town
If there’s one good plan that we recommend with our eyes closed, it’s the Copenhagen Card. Unlike other major capitals where city cards only cover secondary museums, such as Naples or Stockholm, here :
- The main attractions are included: Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, the zoo, museums such as Louisiana or the Design Museum, and even a canal cruise.
- A canal cruise is also included.
- Unlimited transportation throughout the metropolitan area, including the airport!
Another advantage: it’s free for children accompanied by an adult cardholder (up to 2 children under 12).
Read our dedicated article and find out how to make the most of your Copenhagen Card.
3. Eat local without breaking the bank: street food and budget addresses
You don’t have to break the bank to eat well in Copenhagen. The city abounds in food courts and good, affordable addresses. First stop: Tivoli Food Hall next to the park entrance (accessible without a ticket). Cosy atmosphere and a wide variety of stalls.
Then on to Torvehallerne a covered market with fresh produce, smørrebrød and cafés. And for a cooler, alternative vibe, don’t miss Reffen, the food court in containers facing the water. Perfect for lunching in the sun or chilling out at the end of the day.
4. Sleeping in an apartment hotel with kitchen: comfort and savings
Accommodation can quickly add up. That’s why we recommend an apartment hotel with a kitchen. It allows you to cook, make homemade breakfasts and save on day-to-day expenses, especially for families or multi-day stays.
Find our best addresses in our guide: Where to sleep in Copenhagen.
5. Getting around smart: on foot, by bike or by metro
Copenhagen is a city designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind. It’s one of our favorite cities in Europe to explore by bike. You can walk almost anywhere in the city center, but if you want to go further afield, cycling is a must. We recommend Donkey Republic, a simple and efficient rental service via mobile app.
As for public transport, the metro is modern, clean and automated. And best of all, it’s included in the Copenhagen Card. The official metro website is available here: map and metro info.
6. Pay for everything with a card: think online banking
In Copenhagen, credit cards are king. Many places no longer accept cash at all. To avoid bank charges on every transaction, we advise you to use an online bank such as Revolut, N26 or Boursorama.
Payments abroad are free of charge, and you can create secure virtual cards and track your spending in real time. A real plus for a relaxing stay.
7. Our Google Maps with all our best addresses
To help you organize your stay and easily find our tips on the spot, we’ve created a personalized Google Maps with all our best addresses in Copenhagen: restaurants, accommodation, coffee shops, places to visit…
Yes, Copenhagen is a rather expensive city, but with these tips, you can really get by without too much stress on the budget. Supermarket shopping, a comprehensive city card, good food addresses, smart accommodation, smart payments and a map of local addresses… everything you need for a successful stay. And if you’d like to visit Denmark, take a look at our complete guide to a family camping holiday in Denmark!
