Top Copenhagen tips on a budget!

3 reasons to travel by train

Super easy – all the way on a single ticket

All you need is a quick and easy change in Malmö. Ready to travel green to Denmark?

Maximum comfort and low prices

Your holidays begin the moment you step onto the train. Avoid the stress of traffic jams, navigation and expensive parking – instead sit back with a cup of coffee, read a book or simply enjoy the views.

‘The train simply gives you more travel enjoyment for your money,’ says travel enthusiast Merete Gamst, who is sharing her top tips for visiting Copenhagen on a budget.

Hop off the train – right in the city centre

When you get off the train in Copenhagen, you will be right in the city centre with hotels, restaurants and attractions just a short walk away.

3 hotel suggestions

Wakeup Bernstorffsgade: Great value for money

This popular budget hotel is just a seven-minute walk from the train station.
 ‘There is no “party hostel” vibe but you will encounter a wonderful mix of budget-conscious travellers. Everything from families and adult couples to business travellers in suits’ Merete explains before adding:
‘An added extra is that you can start your day with a pleasant, affordable breakfast on the roof terrace of the hotel, which boasts spectacular views across the city.’

Coco Hotel: Luxury at an affordable price

This hotel is a hidden gem, just a ten-minute walk from the train station. Here, you’ll feel like you’re staying at an exclusive boutique hotel – but at a surprisingly affordable price.

Budget hack: Hotel prices in Copenhagen sky rocket at the weekends. If you book your stay from Sunday to Monday, you can often get your room at nearly half the price!

Comfort Hotel Malmö: The Ultimate Money-Saving Tip

Did you know you can save thousands of kroner by staying in Sweden? As the train ride between Malmö and Copenhagen only takes around 30 minutes, this can be a smart way to save money. Comfort Hotel is just a stone's throw from the train station in Malmö and you can find double rooms there for around NOK 950 a night.

3 places to eat

A unique gem: La Banchina

‘Wow, talk about a wonderful summer vibe! There’s a café, restaurant, sauna and a social gathering spot on the pier,’ Merete shares. This charming spot can be found in Refshaleøen – a vibrant, creative neighbourhood around 15 minutes from the city centre by bicycle. Here you can enjoy delicious dishes made with organic ingredients while dangling your feet over the edge of the pier.

A Mediterranean vibe in the heart of the city: Green Island

The entire restaurant has been designed like a small island of outdoor seating on the water. This is where people gather to enjoy Danish hygge and a relaxed atmosphere while eating delicious wood-fired pizza and colourful burrata dishes and sipping homemade lemonade at affordable prices.

Food court favourites: Reffen og Tivoli

At the far end of Refshaleøen, you’ll find the Reffen food market. Here you will find everyone from local families and groups of friends to couples on a weekend getaway. The atmosphere is incredible, the prices are affordable and you are guaranteed to find something you like. Here you can choose between anything from Asian street food and burgers to sweet crêpes with plenty of toppings.

Psst! If you are looking for a food court in close proximity to the train station, the Tivoli Food Hall is a great place to visit. You don’t need to pay the Tivoli Park entry fee to eat there, but you will be able to sit outside on the terrace enjoying your food with views of the rides.

3 things to do

Picnic by the canal: Rent your own boat

Would you like to experience Copenhagen from the water? The boats available from GoBoat need no prior knowledge and are super simple to operate. You will receive training and life jackets before you set off. With prices starting from around NOK 700 per hour and space for up to eight people, this is a great way to maximise the Copenhagen experience.

‘Bring your own picnic basket and fill it with snacks and a lovely lunch from a local bakery. You can save a lot of money by not eating all your meals at a restaurant,’ Merete notes.

Psst! Prefer not to drive the boat yourself? Why not hop aboard one of the classic, guided canal boats? This costs around NOK 200 per person.

Take a bike ride to Copenhagen's most beautiful park

Copenhagen is known as one of the world’s best cities for cycling, with wide bike lanes and excellent facilities for cyclists. Everything is in place for you to explore the city on two wheels.

‘Renting a bike directly from your hotel is often an affordable option. Prices start from around 300 kroner for a full day. You can also download the Donkey Republic app. The app allows you to quickly find an available bicycle nearby, unlock it using your mobile and start pedalling,’ Merete suggests.

One wonderful destination is Fredriksberg Gardens at Frederiksberg Castle, the perfect spot to relax on the grass.

Psst! Cycling is not permitted inside the park itself, so remember to lock your bike outside before you go in.

The historic city atmosphere – completely free

Copenhagen is brimming with history. Just strolling around and looking at the colourful houses in Nyhavn and Indre By is a bit like travelling back in time. But be careful!

‘The pavement restaurants tend to raise their prices significantly both in Nyhavn an in the charming cobbled streets. Enjoy the architecture and the bustling activity but move a few streets away when you start to feel hungry,’ Merete suggests.

3 places to shop for secondhand items

Carmen Copenhagen

This is one of the city's oldest and most iconic vintage shops. The store is a visual feast in itself, filled to the brim with unique, colorful treasures and vintage accessories.

Reseller

The perfect stop for anyone who loves Scandinavian fashion but wants to shop on a budget. The store looks like an upscale boutique, but you’ll find gently used designer clothing from brands like Ganni and Stine Goya at a fraction of the regular price.

Wasteland

The ultimate destination for authentic, hand-picked vintage items. Here, both men and women can go treasure hunting for everything from classic leather jackets and unique retro shirts to cool denim finds.

3 tips on getting more for your money that everyone should know

Public transport hack

Getting around Copenhagen is easy and affordable. A ticket for the metro, bus or water bus costs around NOK 35 and can be used on any of these modes of transportation.

Free experiences

Use the comprehensive cultural calendar Kultunaut.dk to filter your search by ‘Free events’. Here you'll find everything from outdoor concerts and guided tours to exhibitions and markets on the very days you're in town.

Michelin on a budget

Download the Michelin app and look for the Bib Gourmand category to find incredible food at reasonable prices. If you check out these restaurants for lunch, you can often enjoy award-winning Danish gourmet cuisine at a fraction of the price.