Planning a trip to Denmark doesn't have to be difficult. Known for Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and the Utzon Center in Aalborg, this country is a stunning destination. Our travel cost guide will help you plan a perfect trip on your ideal budget. We've collected tons of travel cost data from previous travelers, and we're revealing average hotel prices and dining costs along with sightseeing and transportation tips. Now you'll be able to craft a memorable adventure without blowing your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Denmark?
You should plan to spend around $228 (kr1,585) per day on your vacation in Denmark. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $90 (kr623) on meals
- $35 (kr241) on local transportation
- $175 (kr1,215) on hotels
A one week trip to Denmark for two people costs, on average, $3,190 (kr22,190). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Denmark expensive to visit?
Denmark is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Denmark is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to the Netherlands or Iceland.
In Denmark, you'll find accommodation and activities that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking a more lavish experience. Budget accommodation options are available, such as hostels in Copenhagen, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to the more affluent customer, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.
Denmark doesn't have to break the bank if you follow simple tips like eating at less expensive restaurants, taking public transit, and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $98 (kr670) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $231 (kr1,585) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $541 (kr3,713) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Denmark.
For more details, see Is Denmark Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Denmark?
The average Denmark trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Denmark travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Denmark cost?
Denmark on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$36
(kr250)
|
$87
(kr608)
|
$201
(kr1,395)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$14
(kr97)
|
$35
(kr241)
|
$84
(kr584)
|
|
Food 2
|
$37
(kr255)
|
$90
(kr623)
|
$209
(kr1,454)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$14
(kr99)
|
$44
(kr303)
|
$153
(kr1,064)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-12
(kr27-82)
|
$9-28
(kr65-196)
|
$21-62
(kr143-429)
|
Copenhagen
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations about your travel budget. While many people consider themselves "budget" travelers, the truth is that most people don't find this shoestring travel style to be enjoyable. Consider what you genuinely appreciate on a trip and think about your previous travel experiences. Do you lean more towards staying in nice resorts, or mid-range hotels, or maybe even hostels? Is dining out in nice restaurants something you prioritize? Your answers will have a big impact on your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit Denmark for just $98 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Thankfully, Denmark offers a wide variety of hostels, with the largest selection found in Copenhagen. A variety of cities offer excellent public transportation that helps budget travelers avoid the steep costs associated with taxis or Ubers. Food is a highlight for all types of visitors to Denmark, but budget travelers often dine on street food or cook meals in their hostel, so they may not always experience this aspect of the country.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're on vacation as a couple or with family, you'll likely choose a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the must-see attractions, which often come with entry fees. You'll want to visit the top sights and attractions. As most things cost money, it's best to expect a daily budget of about $231 per person.
Denmark has a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals to fit any travel style. You'll likely be cutting your individual costs by sharing your hotel room with a partner, friends, or your kids. In family-friendly spots like Copenhagen and Odense, you'll come across plenty of hotels and restaurants designed with kids in mind. In Herning, check out Best Bed, or consider Herning Bed & Breakfast in Herning. For more family and couples options, see our hotel guide for Denmark here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
To experience a truly luxurious getaway, where everything from the service to the accommodation is elevated, plan for a daily price near $541. This means booking luxury hotels, dining in five-star restaurants, enjoying exclusive excursions, and hiring private drivers. You'll be vacationing among the wealthy in destinations like Odense and Copenhagen. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as Timeless Scandinavia - offered by Luxury Gold.
Accommodation Budget in Denmark
Denmark offers hotels with a wide range of prices. You might be surprised at the difference between budget and high-end options, especially during peak season when prices increase significantly. To save, visit in the off-season, and book early for better deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Denmark for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $175 (kr1,215). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $87 (kr608) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Denmark? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Copenhagen
In Copenhagen, which is a medium city, expect a fairly wide range of choices and prices for accommodation. Hotel prices here can range from $69 in the low season to $284 during the peak season. Andersen Boutique Hotel ($142) is one of the best hotel options here, and Absalon Hotel is also good, and starts at $108. You can expect to pay around $27 for a dorm bed if you decide to stay in a hostel. As many travelers typically stay for up to five days, ensure you find a cozy place in a good spot if you intend to explore for a while.
Odense
Odense is a city that is one of the more popular destinations in Denmark. During the peak summer months hotels can fill up early, so plan to book well in advance. In Odense, the average hotel price is $99 in the low season and $185 in the busy season. On average, four star hotels will cost $112 to $209. For hotels, a few of the best options here include Billesgade B&B and Apartment for $63 and Amalie Bed and Breakfast & Apartments starting at $65.
Aalborg
There's a wide range of hotel prices in Aalborg. You can expect to spend anywhere from $68 to $233 depending on your budget and needs. Also, a great hotel option is Hotel Scheelsminde that runs about $97 per night.
Local Transportation Budget in Denmark
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $35 (kr241) per person, per day, on local transportation in Denmark. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Denmark is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$35
kr241
With an outstanding train system, Denmark connects you to almost anywhere in the country. The prices are quite reasonable, and the rides are both fast and comfortable. When rail lines don't reach your destination, long-distance and regional buses can step in.
For those looking to save money, utilizing public transit is an excellent option. Many areas offer dependable public transportation systems, with some of the best found in Copenhagen and Aalborg. Additionally, many travelers prefer to explore on foot, allowing for a more personal experience wandering through the neighborhoods and seeing the local culture. If walking is your preference, you'll love your time in Copenhagen.
In larger urban areas like Copenhagen and Aalborg, it's a good idea to invest in a multi-day pass if you expect to rely on public transit frequently. Depending on your travel patterns, this could save you a lot compared to individual ticket purchases.
If your plans include a trip to the countryside, you'll probably want to rent a car. Remember that the usual vehicle in Europe is equipped with a manual transmission, and choosing an automatic will likely increase the cost. Be sure to book in advance, as the more economical choices can disappear quickly.
If you have a car while staying in a larger city, it's wise to confirm the parking arrangements with your hotel before arrival. You may incur parking fees at the hotel or in a nearby garage. Sometimes, parking further from the city center can be a more cost-effective option.
Some typical prices for transportation in Denmark are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Denmark. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
Food Budget in Denmark
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Denmark can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Denmark is $90 (kr623) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$90
kr623
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Denmark is about $91 (kr623) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $37 to $212 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Denmark are as follows:
- Breakfast: $16 to $27
- Lunch: $14 to $45
- Dinner: $32 to $73
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $15
Danish cuisine is known to be fresh and is prepared with local ingredients. Open-faced sandwiches are very popular among the Danes for breakfast or lunch and meat and seafood are common dinner items.
Smorrebrod - the English translation of this word is "bread and butter". This is the name of the popular open-faced sandwiches that are popular throughout the country. Usually, this consists of a piece of rye bread with a piece of meat, cheese, and various vegetables.
Polsevogn - this is the name of the popular hot dog stand that you can find in Copenhagen. You can either get a riset hotdog, which comes on a bun with pickles, crispy onions, and classic condiments like ketchup and mustard. These resemble American hot dogs however they are much longer. You can also order a franskdog, which is a baguette that is hollowed out stuffed with a hotdog and sweet mayo.
Frikadeller - Danish meatballs made of ground beef and pan-fried. While these can be found in many other countries, it has been said that the Danes can do it best. The meat is mixed with onions, eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs and seasoned with salt and pepper. Many restaurants and food stands serve this specialty.
Denmark is renowned as a top culinary hotspot, with its cuisine cherished globally. Many travelers visit specifically for the food. Among the best destinations for food lovers are Copenhagen, Aalborg, and Odense.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the best culinary destinations in Denmark. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.
Aalborg
One of the best culinary spots in Denmark is Aalborg. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.
Odense
Make sure you don't miss the cuisine in Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.
If you're traveling with kids, be sure to seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit of money, as these meals are usually priced much lower. Some places may not display the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter before placing your order.
A lot of hotels feature breakfast in their room rates, although some charge separately for it. Breakfast quality and prices can vary widely from one hotel to another. Understanding this beforehand can help you figure out if the hotel buffet is worth the splurge or if a local bakery or café would be a more economical choice.
Choose to take a water bottle with you instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also beneficial for the planet.
Before taking off on a tour, check which meals are part of the package. If you have to pay for some meals on your own, that could lead to higher costs.
If you want to experience the culture in Denmark, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Copenhagen Modern Food Tour for $140 details
- Copenhagen Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours for $125 details
- The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour for $152 details
- Small-Group Gourmet Evening Walking Tour of Copenhagen with Market Visit and Dinner for $159 details
Below are some standard food costs in Denmark, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Denmark
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Denmark typically cost an average of $44 (kr303) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$44
kr303
With a variety of destinations that are not as heavily trafficked by tourists, Denmark offers opportunities to find unique hidden gems. Some of the more visited areas include Copenhagen and Aalborg.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital city of the small country of Denmark. It has a colorful and scenic old town which includes many palaces, gardens, and other landmarks. The city is known for its canals and waterfront setting. It's also a progressive city with many sound environmental policies and a happy population.
Aalborg
Aalborg is a charming city with a quaint old town, some interesting museums, and nice green space. It also has a mix of old and new, with historic architecture mixed in with modern, unique buildings.
A nice way to explore destinations in Denmark is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 3-Hours Street Art Tour in Aalborg for $43 details
- The Beauty of Copenhagen by Bike: Private Tour for $173 details
- Copenhagen Walking Tour with Food Testing (smorrebrod dish & snap) for $80 details
- Segway Winter Tour 90 Minutes for $58 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Denmark. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
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Coffee
kr95
-
Boat Tour
kr60
Nightlife Budget in Denmark
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $19 (kr131) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Denmark per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$19
kr131
Denmark is renowned for its nightlife, attracting people worldwide to experience the exciting atmosphere. A few of the best places for nightlife include Copenhagen, Aalborg, and Odense.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the best nightlife destinations in Denmark. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.
Aalborg
Visitors love the nightlife in Aalborg. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.
Odense
The nightlife in Odense is quite popular. You'll find a number of bars and clubs around town. Many are conveniently close together so you can hit up several places in one night. Start your night at a pub before heading out dancing in the club a few hours later.
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but drinking less can leave you with more money for other parts of your trip.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Denmark. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Party Pub Crawl Copenhagen for $43 details
- Copenhagen: Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink for $42 details
- Copenhagen: Social Nightlife Pub Crawl with Shots & Games for $42 details
- Danish Wine Tasting Tour with Guide in Copenhagen Nyhavn for $353 details
Travel Costs Last Updated: Nov 29, 2023
Traveling in Denmark
Nyhavn Harbour, Old Town Copenhagan
Many people visit Denmark with plans of seeing the Little Mermaid statue, Legoland, or just to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and interact with the friendly Natives. This Scandinavian country is north of Germany and south of Norway and Sweden. The mainland of Denmark, also known as Jutland, is attached to Germany; however, there are also a number of Danish islands. The two major islands are Zealand, home to Copenhagen (the capital), and Funen. These islands sit upon the ostersoen Sea.
While Denmark is part of the European Union, it has opted out of the European monetary system, maintaining its own currency, the krone. Denmark is also part of the Schengen Area, making it less of a hassle to cross its borders from within other countries that are part of this area.
Denmark is a socially, economically and politically progressive country. The country ranks highly with regard to health care, education, democratic governance, human development, and income equality. Not to mention, it is one of the least corrupt countries in the world. On top of all this, Denmark is rich in culture, natural beauty, and stunning architecture.
Danes are very proud people in a low-key way and seem to all portray their concept of "Hygge", which loosely translates to 'cozy'. This concept is unique to the Danish language so explaining the true meaning to an English-speaker can be troublesome. Another key ingredient to Danish culture is modesty; this trait can be seen in regard to behavior as well as in the Danes famous minimalistic design.
The five main regions of Denmark are Jutland, which is the European mainland, Funen and smaller surrounding islands, Zealand, Lolland-Falster, and Bornholm. About 40% of the countries population resides on the island of Zealand. In the Jutland region, you can find historical towns as well as the birthplace of the popular children's toy, Lego's. In the region of Funen and its surrounding islands, you can visit the home of world-renowned author, H. C. Andersen. Zealand is home to the country's capital, Copenhagen, as well as the Vikings' Roskilde. Who doesn't want to see some Viking memorabilia while traveling in Denmark? For the traveler looking to get into nature and explore the great outdoors of Denmark, you will want to visit the Lolland-Falster region. Bornholm is much more east compared to the other regions and known as the vacation island.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Tivoli Gardens - The inspiration behind some of the most world-famous Disney theme parks. This recreation space has been around since 1843 and has been featured in multiple movies. Tivoli is a symbol of Denmark's capital, Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen Museum - This author's stories and tales are a crucial piece of the Danish puzzle as a whole. People know his fairy tales across the globe including The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and Thumbelina. See displays of the writer's life including his own sketches and art dating back to 1908.
Legoland - The original Legoland is located in Billund, which is in the Jutland region. This park opened back in 1968 and neighbors with the original Lego factory. This is the perfect attraction if you are traveling with children.
The Little Mermaid - This statue depicts a mermaid based on the fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen. This sculpture is a major tourist attraction in Copenhagen and symbolizes the city. Think of how the Statue of Liberty symbolizes New York City or how Christ the Redeemer symbolizes Rio de Janeiro.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.