We’d be lying if we said Scandinavia was a cheap choice destination. All those high wages and top-notch public services have to be funded somehow!
You’ll see this good standard of living reflected in the prices of many things in Copenhagen. Don’t despair, though, with a bit of planning you can still discover Denmark’s cool, classy capital on the cheap. We’ve got nine suggestions for things to do on a budget.
1. Take a free tour
Yes we did say a free tour! Sandemans offer free-three hour city walking tours every day in summer starting at the City Hall steps at 11.00. The tours take in key sights such as Tivoli, the Danish Royal Palace and Frederik’s Church. They are led by volunteers, so if you think they have done a good job you may want to donate some of your budget to pay them whatever you see fit.
See also: Toursome! 10 tours with a twist
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2. Save with a Copenhagen Card
Invest in a Copenhagen Card. They come in a few permutations – 24 hours (€25), 48 hours (€34), 72 hours (€40) or 100 hours (€54) and make serious savings with free admission to 72 museums and attractions, free public transport and a sweep of discounts at restaurants, on car hire and at other attractions. They are especially good value for families as the card also covers children under 10.
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3. Enjoy free culture
Enlightened Copenhagen boasts an array of free museums and galleries. Our pick of the bunch are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery. Many others are free one day of the week or at special times – check with the tourist office on arrival for the latest offers.
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4. Get on your bike
Copenhagen City Bike is a brilliant bike scheme where your two wheeled transport comes fitted with a GPS-enabled tablet so there is no excuse for getting lost! One hour costs only 25DKK. You can just turn up at one of the numerous bike stations with a credit card, but we recommend doing what the locals do and save time by registering online in advance.
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5. Head to the Botanic Garden
Copenhagen boasts several parks and gardens that are free to enter. Many host free live concerts in summer. Arguably the most impressive green space in town is the Botanic Garden. This grand old dame opened in 1870 and spreads across 10 hectares right in the city centre. Handily on a rainy day there are glasshouses to explore with more than 13,000 species on show.
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6. Free beer
Copenhagen Card holders get free entry to the home of Carlsberg, which in effect means free beer! Otherwise a tour that pays homage to the country’s most famous export will set you back 80DKK. This snares you a couple of cold ones plus a peek into the still working Jacobsen brewery, beer-themed exhibitions and the Brand Store.
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7. Savour a smorrebrod
Smorrebrod, literally ‘buttered bread’, is more usefully thought of as an open sandwich, something of a national institution. Rye bread is the usual base but you can pretty much top it with whatever you like. Popular toppings include roast beef or pork, prawns or a fish fillet. You can grab simple smorrebrod from the dedicated takeaway stands rather than shell out more cash for fancier versions in restaurants. The national tourist office have a handy list of posher places.
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8. Chill in Christiania
The ‘Free State of Christiana’ is gloriously unique, a self-proclaimed autonomous district of Copenhagen. This relaxed commune started life as a squat on a military camp in the 1970s, but is now a fully-fledged alternative community that is officially recognised by the local authorities. Open-minded visitors are welcome and there is no entry charge. There are bars, workshops and galleries and, until recently, a tolerated approach from the city authorities to recreational drug use.
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9. Amuse yourself
Head out of the city into Denmark’s famously green countryside to Bakken. Over 400 years old, it lays claim to the title of the world’s oldest amusement park. It’s certainly the biggest amusement park in Scandinavia with loads of rides including more than 30 roller coasters. Entry to the park is always free, though you have to pay for rides. These are not expensive and multi-ride passes are available to save some cash.
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Get the most of your trip with these top tips from Skyscanner:
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10 of Europe’s most expensive cities to visit while euros are cheap
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