How To Survive Copenhagen On a Budget

So, you’ve decided to visit Copenhagen, huh? I don’t blame you—it’s got everything: bikes, canals, that whole “hygge” thing, and an unsettlingly high number of beautiful, tall people. But here’s the kicker: Copenhagen is ranked the 8th most expensive city in the world according to Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living survey. You might start off thinking, “How bad could it really be?” and by the time you grab your third coffee (at $7), you’ll be eyeing your bank account like it’s plotting against you. But don’t worry, you’ve got me here to guide and teach on how to survive Copenhagen on a budget.

This isn’t my first time in Copenhagen—I’ve been here before, and while the city is just as charming as ever, my wallet has become a little more discerning. In this blog, I’m going to give you the insider scoop on how to enjoy Copenhagen without feeling like you just mortgaged your soul. We’ll cover everything from how to get around without spending a fortune, to free things to do, and whether that pricey Copenhagen Card is really worth it. So, buckle up, save those kroner, and let’s dive in.

Quick Facts

A Little History (But Not Enough to Bore You)

Copenhagen started as a small fishing village in the 10th century—definitely not a must-see destination at the time. But somehow, it grew into the capital of Denmark, surviving royal drama, revolutions, and a few Viking invasions along the way. And then there were the Swedish invasions—because what’s history without a little sibling rivalry? The Danes and Swedes fought 21 wars between 1205 and 1814, with Sweden trying to take Copenhagen more than once. Spoiler alert: the Danes always managed to hold their ground.

Today, Copenhagen is a modern, progressive city where history meets cutting-edge design. It’s known for its commitment to sustainability, an impressive bike culture, and a constant flow of innovative trends in food, fashion, and architecture. With its green spaces, canals, and focus on making life better for everyone, Copenhagen has earned its reputation as one of the world’s happiest cities. For real though, Denmark is the 2nd happiest country in the world.

How to Survive Copenhagen on a Budget: Transportation

Let’s be real: taxis in Copenhagen are outrageously expensive. I’m talking $40 for a 15-minute ride kind of expensive. So, unless you’ve just come into some unexpected wealth, you’ll want to stick to one of the many public transportation options—or, better yet, grab a bike and blend in with the locals and this is key to surviving Copenhagen on a budget.

First, let’s talk about public transit. You can buy tickets at most metro stations or download the app. Copenhagen’s system is pretty darn efficient, and you can get just about anywhere with one of these:

• Metro: Fast and reliable, with trains running every few minutes. A single ride costs around 24 DKK ($3.50 USD). Plus, you can catch the metro straight to and from the airport for only 36 DKK ($5.30 USD).
• Bus: Covers the entire city and surrounding areas. A single ride costs about 24 DKK ($3.50 USD).
• Train: Perfect for longer trips, like day trips to nearby towns. A ticket for a short trip starts around 40 DKK ($5.80 USD).
• Harbor Bus: Because why not get around by boat? The harbor bus costs around 25 DKK ($3.60 USD).

Now, if you’re planning on staying longer or making multiple trips, you’ll want to consider one of these day passes to save some cash and skip the single tickets:

• 24-hour pass: Unlimited travel on the metro, bus, and train for 80 DKK ($11.50 USD).
• 48-hour pass: Unlimited travel for 150 DKK ($21.50 USD).
• 72-hour pass: Unlimited travel for 200 DKK ($29 USD).
• 5-day pass: Unlimited travel for 300 DKK ($43.50 USD).

You can also grab a City Pass if you’re sticking around the city center. It comes in both 24-hour and 72-hour options, offering unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and trains within central Copenhagen, starting from 80 DKK ($11.50 USD). Plan your public transportation trip here.

Now, back to bikes. Copenhagen is practically made for them—there are bikes everywhere, and locals treat cycling like an Olympic sport. The city has over 390 km of bike lanes—yes, that’s kilometers, not miles. You could bike from one side of the city to the other, and it still wouldn’t feel like you’ve left the bike lane bubble.

And here’s the best part: if you’re not in the mood to rent a bike from one of those overpriced rental shops, Donkey Republic is your friend. It’s by far the cheapest bike rental option in the city. You can grab a bike for as low as 25 DKK per hour ($3.60 USD), and if you use my code [3AFAB9], you get 15 minutes for free—so, you know, you can at least make it to your first coffee stop without feeling guilty.

The bottom line? Forget taxis, embrace the bike (or the metro if you’re feeling fancy), and explore Copenhagen like a local. It’s probably the most efficient way to get around—and definitely the most fun.

Free Tours: Because We All Love Free Stuff

Let’s face it—traveling is expensive, and you’ve probably already drained your wallet on overpriced coffee and that ridiculously cute souvenir you definitely didn’t need. But fear not! You can still soak in all of Copenhagen’s history and charm and survive the city without selling your soul for a guided tour. Enter: free walking tours. Yes, you heard that right. Free.

Sure, you’ll want to tip your guide at the end (because they’re still working for a living and you’re not a monster), but aside from that, it’s basically a cheat code to exploring the city without spending a dime. Here are some of the best ones:

• Copenhagen Free Walking Tour: The most obvious choice. It’s 2.5 hours of pure, unadulterated sightseeing. You’ll hit up the Rosenborg Castle, Round Tower, Christiansborg Palace, and of course, Nyhavn (you know, the one that’s always on Instagram). All the classics are covered, and it’s totally free—just don’t forget to tip your guide, unless you want them to judge your life choices silently.
• Free Tour of Copenhagen’s Alternative Side: If you’re over the standard touristy stuff and want to be one of those “I know the cool spots” people, this tour will show you the underbelly of Copenhagen. We’re talking hidden street art, local hangouts, and a visit to Freetown Christiania—a self-proclaimed “autonomous neighborhood” where anything can happen and probably will. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but great if you like feeling a little rebellious without actually doing anything illegal.

The best part? You get to actually learn something about the city while having a semi-decent workout (because you’re walking, duh). No more “I can’t believe I just paid $50 for a tour where they basically said ‘Hey, there’s a building over there, and it’s old.’” These tours are genuinely insightful—and, let’s be honest, free stuff just feels good, doesn’t it?

So, grab your comfy shoes, keep your wallet in your pocket, and get ready to explore Copenhagen like the savvy traveler you are. You’re welcome.

Notable Sites You Can Actually Afford

Copenhagen’s got plenty of historical landmarks, but don’t worry—these ones won’t cost you your life savings.

• Kastellet: A free, star-shaped fortress where you can walk the ramparts, snap pics of the windmill, and pretend you’re in a period drama. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and costs you absolutely nothing. A rarity in Copenhagen.
• The Round Tower (Rundetårn): For 40 DKK ($5.80 USD), climb this 17th-century tower with a winding ramp, not stairs (because who needs to sweat?), and enjoy the best panoramic view of Copenhagen. It’s a cheap way to feel like a conqueror.
• Christiansborg Palace Tower: You won’t see the royal living rooms, but the Christiansborg Palace Tower offers a free view of the city. It’s a great way to feel like royalty without spending a dime.
• The Little Mermaid: You can’t visit Copenhagen and not see the famous statue of the Little Mermaid. She’s tiny, underwhelming, and shockingly free to view. A must-see for any tourist, because nothing says “Copenhagen” like a small statue of a fictional character surrounded by hundreds of tourists snapping photos.
• Amalienborg Palace: This is where the Danish royal family calls home, and while you’re not going to waltz in and ask for tea, you can catch the impressive changing of the guard ceremony for free. It’s grand, regal, and, thankfully, doesn’t require a king’s ransom to enjoy.
• Canal Cruise: This is how you really hack the system and survive Copenhagen on a budget. Sure, you could pay for an expensive boat tour, but why not take the water bus instead? For just the price of a single ticket, 25 DKK ($3.60 USD), you can cruise up and down Copenhagen’s canals, catching views of the Little Mermaid and Nyhavn without spending a fortune on “touristy” options.
  

Food on a Budget: Skip the Tourist Traps

Copenhagen isn’t the cheapest place to grab a meal, but you don’t have to survive on instant noodles either. Here’s how to keep costs down while still eating well.

• Supermarkets – Your Best Friend
  • If you want to eat for cheap, hit up Netto, Rema 1000, or Fakta for pre-made sandwiches, salads, and snacks. A grocery-store meal will cost under 50 DKK ($7 USD)—way better than dropping 150+ DKK ($20+ USD) on a basic meal at a restaurant. Stock up, and you won’t go hungry.
• Hot Dog Stands – The Classic Budget Bite
  • Danish pølsevogn (hot dog stands) are a lifesaver when you’re hungry and don’t want to spend a fortune. You’ll find them all over the city, and for 35-50 DKK ($5-7 USD), you get a solid meal—crispy, saucy, and surprisingly satisfying.
• Drinking? Buy It at a Supermarket
  • Bars in Copenhagen will happily charge you 50-70 DKK ($7-10 USD) per beer, but supermarkets sell them for under 15 DKK ($2 USD). Locals often grab drinks and enjoy them by the canals or in parks—no overpriced cocktails required.

That said, at the end of the day, you’re on vacation. Sometimes, it’s worth the splurge to eat something great. I caved and got a burger from Gasoline Grill, a legendary Copenhagen burger joint that started in an old gas station. It wasn’t cheap, but it was easily one of the best burgers I’ve ever had—sometimes, the experience is worth the extra kroner.

Where to Stay: Cheap Beds in a Fancy City

Finding budget-friendly accommodation in Copenhagen is about as easy as finding a unicorn—technically possible, but don’t get your hopes up. Hotels are ridiculously expensive, hostels sell out fast, and even Airbnb can feel like a scam. But if you’re determined to sleep indoors without selling a kidney, here’s what you need to know.

If you’re fine with sharing a room with strangers who may or may not snore like chainsaws, hostels are the way to go. The cheapest dorm beds start at 200 DKK ($28 USD) if you book early, but don’t expect luxury—just a place to crash but hey, that’s how you survive Copenhagen on a budget.

Where to find them?

• Hostelworld – The go-to for budget backpackers.
• Booking.com – Sometimes has last-minute deals (but don’t count on it).
• Couchsurfing – Freeish, if you don’t mind staying with a total stranger.

Some actually decent options:

• Copenhagen Downtown Hostel – Central, social, and as cheap as it gets (200 DKK/$28 USD).
• Urban House by MEININGER – Somewhere between a hotel and a hostel, dorms start at 250 DKK/$35 USD.
• Sleep in Heaven – Located in Nørrebro (read: hipster central), from 220 DKK/$30 USD.

Airbnb can be a good option, but prices fluctuate. If you’re traveling with a group, splitting an apartment could be cheaper than booking multiple hostel beds. Just compare prices before committing.

If you’re willing to commute, areas like Amager, Nørrebro, Hvidovre, or Brøndby have slightly cheaper Airbnbs and hostels. Just don’t forget to factor in the cost of public transport—or enjoy a daily workout by walking 10km into the city. I really don’t recommend this as I’ve done it before and it turns the trip into a total headache.

At the end of the day, book early. Otherwise, you’ll either be shelling out for a $200 “budget” hotel or making yourself comfortable at the airport.

Example Budget Breakdown: What to Expect to Spend

So, you want to survive Copenhagen on a budget? Here’s a realistic daily budget for a traveler—assuming you stay in a hostel, eat out once a day, take the metro twice daily, and generally try not to set your wallet on fire.

• Cook more, eat out less → Save 50-100 DKK ($7-$14) per day.
• Skip public transport, bike everywhere → Save 48 DKK ($7) per day.
• Stick to free attractions → Save 50 DKK ($7) per day.
• Stay in a cheaper hostel or Couchsurf → Save 50-100 DKK ($7-$14) per day.

On just the bare-bones, you can survive Copenhagen on a budget with about 400 DKK ($56 USD) per day if you’re really disciplined. But if you want a bit of comfort (i.e., a warm meal and a transport ticket), expect to spend around 500-600 DKK ($70-$85 USD) per day.

Copenhagen might not be the cheapest city, but with some smart planning, you can enjoy it without shedding tears over your bank balance.

Potential Day Trips: Because Copenhagen Isn’t the Only Cool Place in Denmark

Sure, Copenhagen’s got its charm, but let’s be honest—there’s more to Denmark than just this one city. If you’re feeling like escaping the overpriced cafes and tourist crowds (or just need a break from the “hygge” overload), here are a couple of day trips that might just save your sanity and your wallet.

Lund & Malmö, Sweden
Yep, you can cross the border into Sweden with ease, and it’s totally worth it. Take a quick train ride to Lund, a quaint university town with cobblestone streets and enough medieval charm to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a history book. But why stop there? Hop over to Malmö afterward, where you can take in the modern skyline, see the Turning Torso, and enjoy the laid-back vibe. Best part? They’re close enough that you don’t have to choose—get both Swedish vibes in one trip.

I visited both these cities in September 2024, check that out here for inspiration on what to do or see.

Helsingør, Denmark
Now, if you want to stick with Denmark but still get out of Copenhagen, Helsingør is your go-to. Located just an hour north, this charming town is home to the famous Kronborg Castle (aka Elsinore from Shakespeare’s Hamlet). It’s a pretty cool spot for history buffs or anyone who wants to feel like they’re in a Shakespearean drama. Bonus: the town itself is packed with cute streets to wander and enjoy, all for the sweet price of nothing.

Best Time to Go:Because Copenhagen’s Weather Doesn’t Always Cooperate

So, you’re thinking about when to visit this charming city. Here’s the deal: Copenhagen’s weather is as unpredictable as a toddler on a sugar high, but there are still some windows where you can make the most of it without getting drenched or freezing your face off.

Spring (April – June):
This is honestly the sweet spot. The city starts to thaw out, flowers bloom, and outdoor cafes finally start setting up their patios again. It’s still a bit chilly in early spring, but nothing a good jacket can’t handle. Plus, you’ll miss the summer crowds, so you can actually enjoy the sights without feeling like you’re on a human conveyor belt. Just don’t forget an umbrella—because Copenhagen will still throw a random rainstorm at you for no reason.

Summer (July – August):
Ah, the high season. The weather is at its best, but so are the crowds—and the prices. If you don’t mind paying extra for everything just to be surrounded by tourists, then go ahead and experience Copenhagen in all its summer glory. Expect long days (sunset at 10 p.m. anyone?), perfect for soaking up the sights or biking around the city. Just be prepared to elbow your way through some spots, especially the popular attractions.

Fall (September – November):
This is another solid choice. The weather is still mild in early fall, and the crowds have thinned out. You might even catch the tail end of some outdoor events and festivals. Plus, there’s a nice chill in the air that lets you wear that cozy sweater without sweating your life away. If you’re aiming for that cozy, autumnal vibe, this is definitely the time to visit.

So, when should you go? Spring or fall will give you the best mix of decent weather and fewer tourists. Unless you like battling crowds and paying top dollar, in which case, summer’s your season. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.