9 Things To Do In Copenhagen On A Budget

Looking for the top attractions to see in Copenhagen on a budget? Well, this guide will help you plan the perfect budget-friendly trip to Copenhagen! 

Welcome to Copenhagen! 

If you’re planning a trip to Denmark’s capital, this budget-friendly travel guide will show you what to do in Copenhagen to make the most out of your trip! 

Keep reading if you want to know how to plan a budget-friendly trip to Copenhagen while experiencing a bit of the Scandinavian culture. 

What To Know Before You Go  

Language – Danish is the official language in Denmark. However, you’ll find that almost everyone can speak English fluently. 

Currency – Denmark’s currency is Danish Krone (DKK). 

1USD= 7.50 DKK 

Climate- As part of Europe’s Nordic region, the weather in Copenhagen is relatively cold (30º/45ºF). From November through March Copenhagen is gloomy, and snowy, and gets very little sunlight. Copenhagen has 170 days of rain with 2.4 inches of rainfall a year. Though almost always rainy, July is the warmest month in Copenhagen with a high of 71ºF. 

Safety- Due to low crime rates, Copenhagen is known to be one of the top safest cities in the world according to Safest City in the World 2022. While walking around the city alone I felt very safe; however, I was still cautious of my belongings just like anywhere else.

In case of any emergency, the number to dial is 112. 

Daily Budget- Copenhagen is an expensive city to visit, but that doesn’t make it impossible to visit Copenhagen on a budget. Staying in hostels, walking, and taking advantage of free attractions can help minimize costs. I would suggest budgeting anywhere from 60 to 80 USD (including accommodations) per day.  

9 Things To Do In Copenhagen On A Budget

Free Walking Tour 

One of my favorite things to do when visiting a new country is to do a free walking tour! Usually guided by a local, these tours are a great introduction to the city offering a local’s insight on recommendations and rich history about the city. Although the tours are technically free, people leave a tip at the end depending on how much they enjoyed the tour. The great thing about these tours is that you determine how much you think the tour is worth.

Here are some free walking tours to check out! 

Nyhavn 

One of Copenhagen’s can’t-miss spots to visit! A canal lined with colorful buildings made up of restaurants and bars makes it a great place to enjoy a drink and people-watch. 

TIP: Since it is a tourist trap I wouldn’t recommend having a meal here as it is expensive.   

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Strøget 

Known to be the largest pedestrian road in all of Europe! It contains many shops from designers to affordable shops like H&M. Great place to walk around and window shop!  

Tivoli Gardens 

The third oldest operating amusement park in the world! I came here during Christmas, and it seemed like I just walked into a winter wonderland. Rides and arcade and all things theme park food! Tickets start around 145KK (~$20). Check it out to release your inner child! 

Christiansborg Palace 

By far my favorite palace I’ve ever visited! It once was home to the Danish Royals, today it is home to the Danish Parliament and Supreme Court. Tickets start around 95DKK (~$12.71) if you are only planning on visiting specific rooms, and if you would like to visit more rooms in the palace (which I highly suggest) tickets are 160DKK (~$21.41) or 140DKK (~$18.73) for a student discount.

Another palace that is a must-see is Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal Family. Tickets start at around 125 DKK (~$17.13) and 80 DKK (10.97) for students.  

PRO TIP: If you visit Copenhagen during the winter this may be a place to go if you want to escape the cold and spend a couple of hours indoors. 

 

The Christiansborg Palace Tower 

If you’re looking for an impeccable view of the palace and Copenhagen, make your way to the Christiansborg Palace tower for a free 360-view. The tower is also known to be the highest tower in all of Copenhagen standing at 347 feet high!! The entrance of the tower is located right in the center of the palace at the King’s Gate.

Why not experience Copenhagen 347 feet above the ground for free? 

Kings Garden 

One of the oldest parks in Copenhagen, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists to enjoy a picnic. Although I came here during winter, making it unbearable to have a picnic, it was still nice to stroll around. Rosenborg Castle is right next to the park offering impeccable views of the castle. To enter Rosenborg, tickets start at 125DKK (~$16.72) or 80DKK (~$10.70) for a student discount. 

The Round Tower 

If you’re looking for a 360 view of the city, with a fee of 40 DKK (~$5.50), and a wide spiraling path to the top, definitely check out the Round Tower!! There are also art exhibitions on the way to the top for a perfect break on the spiraling uphill path. 

Freetown Christiania (Christianshavn) 

Interested in some cannabis? Well, Freetown is a must-go-to place where cannabis is sold freely! Oh, and yes, you can smoke it. If you are thinking of purchasing weed I would suggest bringing cash and walking around the stands asking for prices to get a better deal. Keep in mind that they may sell you a spliff rather than just weed.

If you are not interested in purchasing any cannabis, Freetown is still a popular tourist spot to look at some graffiti art, visit workshops, and walk around. 

 

Affordable restaurants/cafes/bars to check out 

The Little Yellow Coffeeshop– Great place to grab breakfast! 

Thai Asien  – The best Thai Food I’ve ever had! 

Espresso House– The Danish Starbucks! These things are everywhere and have great coffee and quick breakfast options. 

The Living Room -Cozy place to grab drinks with friends. 

Next Door Cafe– Perfect for brunch and the ambiance was cool!  

Where to stay

When I went to Copenhagen the cheapest accommodations to stay at was at a hostel. I stayed at a&o Copenhagen Sydhavn for around $20 a night in a 6-bedroom all-female dorm. It was nice, clean, and close to the train station, only a 7 min ride to the center. The only annoying thing was that I had to purchase bedding sheets and a towel separately for a cost of $5. Other than that I would recommend this hostel if you are traveling on a budget. 

Christmas Markets 

If you are visiting Copenhagen during Christmas, you’ll want to check out the several Christmas Markets Copenhagen has. There are different ones all around the city center that offer food, drinks, and Christmas decorations for sale. I HIGHLY recommend getting their hotdogs, my friends and I were obsessed, and makes for an affordable meal too! You’ll also want to try Gløgg (mulled wine) a popular Christmas drink made out of wine and rum making it the perfect drink to warm up while wandering about in the Christmas Market.

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Final Thoughts 

Copenhagen is truly a fairy tale and there are lots of things to see and enjoy! Three days in Copenhagen is perfect to explore the city and see just about everything that Copenhagen has to offer. Though it may be an expensive city to visit, there is no doubt that you can easily explore Copenhagen on a budget. 

I hope my recommendations were helpful and will make planning your trip a breeze!