Introduction

We recently spent a long weekend exploring both Copenhagen on a budget and Gothenburg on a Budget. In this guide we will share what we did in Copenhagen, and how we kept the cost down while travelling to one of the most expensive cities in Europe! 

We actually flew to Copenhagen, and spent just one night before heading off to Gothenburg by bus. This gave us a full day to explore Copenhagen, which for us was definitely long enough. It also helped us save money as we only needed accommodation and food for one day. So we would really suggest considering how long you need. 

We would also recommend looking at when to visit Copenhagen. May is a great option, as the weather starts getting better but it’s not the peak season yet, so crowds and prices will usually be lower. 

We also have a guide on How to Get from Copenhagen to Gothenburg if you are interested in combining the two! 

Accommodation

Accommodation was notably our most expensive cost while in Copenhagen. It’s definitely costly, and this is one of the reasons we decided to just stay one night. We stayed in Annex Copenhagen which is a budget hotel offering private rooms with shared bathrooms and a shared kitchen. It was fairly basic, but was clean, in a good location, and worked for a short stay. 

It cost around £100 per night for a double room. We would recommend looking around and checking different websites to get the best deals. 

Food

Food is also going to be a big cost while visiting Copenhagen on a budget. We have a few recommendations from our time there which helped us out. 

While in Denmark, you of course need to try a danish! Lots of the coffee shops can charge a lot for this treat. We actually went to a convenience store which had a fresh bakery and bought a few danishes to try and enjoyed them in a nearby park. This was far more relaxing and being outside in nature is much more our vibe anyway. It was also a fraction of the cost. 

To Good To Go is a popular app in Copenhagen, and gives you the opportunity to save leftover food from a restaurant at a discounted rate. We have used it a few times while travelling and it is a great option. 

There is also an Ikea located not far from the centre of Copenhagen which is where we had one meal. It’s going to be one of the cheapest places to eat out, and cost us under £15 for two meals.

Getting around

Copenhagen is very pedestrian friendly, and we actually found we could walk everywhere from our hotel. We enjoy walking a lot, but it also allowed us to keep our costs down. There is also good public transport available throughout the city which is overall affordable. 

From the airport we took the metro to the centre, which is a quick and affordable option. It took under 30 minutes and cost around £3 per person one way.

Things to Do

There are plenty of free things to do, and we actually didn’t spend any money on an attraction. For us, it just wasn’t needed. This is everything we did and recommend while exploring Copenhagen. 

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is Copenhagen’s famous waterfront statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, and one of the city’s most visited landmarks. It’s completely free to see, and the scenic walk along the harbour to reach it is just as enjoyable as the statue itself.

Langelinieparken

Langelinie Park is a peaceful waterfront park stretching along Copenhagen’s harbour, with walking paths, grassy picnic spots, and views across the water. Located right next to The Little Mermaid, it’s a great free place to relax after visiting the famous statue.

Strøget

Strøget is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, running through the heart of Copenhagen with a mix of historic buildings, lively squares, and street performers along the way. Even if you’re travelling on a budget, it’s a great free place to wander, people-watch, and soak up the city atmosphere.

Nyhavn

Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s famous 17th-century waterfront, lined with colourful townhouses, historic wooden boats, and buzzing cafés along the canal. While restaurants here can be pricey, it’s completely free to stroll along the harbour, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy one of the city’s most iconic views.

Rosenborg Castle

Surrounding Rosenborg Castle, the King’s Garden (Kongens Have) is a stunning free spot to explore, with wide lawns, flower beds, and shaded paths perfect for a picnic or a quiet stroll.

Christiansborg Palace

Even if you skip the paid exhibitions, the area around Christiansborg Palace is well worth visiting for its grand architecture, canalside views, and lively atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen.

Amalienborg Palace

The square and waterfront around Amalienborg Palace are completely free to explore, offering elegant architecture, open public spaces, and views across the harbour. Time your visit for the daily changing of the guard, or simply wander the surrounding streets and nearby waterfront.

Church of Our Saviour

Church of Our Saviour is a striking baroque church in the Christianshavn district, best known for its unique spiral tower winding around the outside of the building. The church itself is free to enter, while tickets are required to climb the tower for panoramic views over Copenhagen.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden is a peaceful green space in central Copenhagen filled with winding paths, lakes, and beautifully maintained plant collections. The outdoor gardens are free to explore and offer a quiet escape from the city, with the option to pay for entry into the historic palm house if you want to see more exotic plants.

Free Walking Tours

Across Copenhagen, there are also free walking tours that offer a great way to get oriented and learn about the city’s history without spending anything upfront (tips might be expected at the end).

Final Thoughts

We really enjoyed seeing Copenhagen, and we hope our guide has helped you see how to explore Copenhagen on a Budget. We found the city easy to explore without breaking the bank, with plenty of free attractions. However, accommodation and food you need to be careful and look for deals.