Cheap & Fun: A Day Trip to Copenhagen

Experience the charm of Copenhagen without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Copenhagen on a limited budget can still be enjoyable with some thoughtful planning. Walking or biking around the city are excellent ways to explore, while free attractions like Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid statue won't cost a thing. Cheap eats like smørrebrød sandwiches and hot dogs at food stalls are tasty options for meals.

Day trip plan

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Day

Copenhagen on a Shoestring

  • Fuel up with a traditional Danish breakfast at Grød. Try the oat risotto or rye porridge, which will leave you feeling full and energized for the day ahead.
  • Take a stroll through the colorful Nyhavn harbor. Snap some photos of the classic Scandinavian buildings and boats bobbing in the water.
  • Head over to the National Museum to explore Danish history and culture, for free. Marvel at the Viking artifacts and ancient treasures on display.
  • Refuel at Torvehallerne, a bustling covered market. Sample some smørrebrød or grab a coffee and Danish pastry to enjoy in the beautiful adjoining courtyard.
  • Take a free walking tour with Copenhagen Free Walking Tours. Learn more about the city's past, present, and quirky traditions, all while taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
  • End the day with a picnic in the King's Garden. Grab some Danish cheese and bread from a grocery store and enjoy it on the lush green grass.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Copenhagen, Denmark by plane is to fly into Copenhagen Airport (CPH). There are direct flights from major cities all around the world including New York, London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Car

The best way to get to Copenhagen by car is to drive across the bridge from Sweden. The Øresund Bridge connects Malmö in Sweden to Copenhagen in Denmark. The journey takes around 40 minutes and the toll is approximately 43 EUR.

Train

There are no direct train services to Copenhagen from other European cities, but you can take the train to Hamburg or Berlin and then catch a connecting train to Copenhagen. The train station in Copenhagen is called 'København H'.

Boat

While there are no direct ferry services to Copenhagen, you can take a ferry from Germany to the nearby city of Gedser and then continue the journey to Copenhagen by train or bus.

Bus

If you're traveling from other parts of Europe, Flixbus is a popular and affordable option. The bus station in Copenhagen is called 'Ingerslevsgade'.

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