Odense: Danish Charm on a Budget

Discover the hidden gems of Odense without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Odense, Denmark is a charming city that should be on your bucket list when traveling on a tight budget. With its beautiful architecture and friendly locals, Odense is a great destination for travelers who want to experience the Danish way of life without breaking the bank. To make the most out of your trip, be sure to explore its historic landmarks, indulge in local cuisine, and visit its green parks and outdoor spaces.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Odense

  • Start the day with a Danish pastry and coffee at Cafe Kræz or Baresso.
  • Wander around the charming cobblestone streets of Odense's old town, filled with colorful houses and quaint shops.
  • Visit the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, the famous fairytale author, now a museum showcasing his life and works.
  • Head to the beautiful Saint Knud's Cathedral and admire its stunning Gothic architecture.
  • Enjoy a cozy dinner at Nordatlantisk Hus, a restaurant that offers Nordic and North Atlantic cuisine.
  • Hotel recommendation: H.C. Andersen Hotel affordable and conveniently located in the heart of the city.
Day 2

Fun at the zoo and a food market

  • Visit Odense Zoo and see animals from all over the world, including polar bears, tigers and monkeys.
  • Take a stroll through Fruens Bøge, a scenic park with lakes and woodlands.
  • Grab lunch at Storms Pakhus, a hip food market with various vendors offering everything from burgers to sushi.
  • Admire the impressive Odense City Hall, built in the 1800s, and its beautiful gardens.
  • Catch a movie at the charming Café biografen, a cinema that also serves delicious food and drinks.
Day 3

Island hopping and a sweet treat

  • Take a ferry to the idyllic island of Ærø, known for its picturesque towns and charming countryside.
  • Explore the historic town of Ærøskøbing with its colorful old buildings, boutique shops and cozy cafes.
  • Enjoy a delicious ice cream from Isvaflen, a local favorite with a variety of unique flavors.
  • Take the ferry back to Odense and end the day with a relaxing walk along the Odense River.
Day 4

Museums and street food

  • Visit Brandts, a modern art museum that showcases both Danish and international artists.
  • Explore the H.C. Andersen Quarter, a neighborhood with buildings and decor that evoke the fairytale author's stories.
  • Have lunch at Street Food Odense, a popular market with stalls offering various international foods.
  • Visit the Funen Art Museum and see its extensive collection of Danish art, including works by famous painter Johannes Larsen.
  • End the day with a cocktail at Fynske Landsby, a charming open-air museum showcasing traditional Danish farm life.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Odense by plane is to fly into Copenhagen Airport and take the train directly to Odense Station, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Car

If you're driving to Odense, take the E20 motorway from Copenhagen or the E45 from Aarhus. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.

Train

You can take the train directly to Odense Station from Copenhagen, Aarhus, or other major cities in Denmark. It's the most convenient way to get to Odense if you're already in the country.

Boat

Odense isn't directly accessible by boat, but you can take a ferry to nearby ports such as Kiel in Germany or Gothenburg in Sweden and then travel by train or car to Odense.

Bus

Several bus companies offer services to Odense from cities in Denmark and neighboring countries, such as Germany and Sweden. Check out Flixbus, Eurolines, or GoEuro for the best deals.

Destination

Odense

Odense is a charming city filled with picturesque streets, quaint shops, and enough Danish pastries to make even the most disciplined dieter weak in the knees. Just don't blame us when you can no longer button your pants.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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