Savings Tips
Here's how to experience Copenhagen without going bankrupt:
- Drink tap water: Copenhagen's tap water is excellent — better than many bottled waters. Refilling a bottle saves 3–5€ per bottle. In restaurants, order “vand fra hanen” (tap water) — it's free.
- Pølsevogn instead of a restaurant: The traditional hot dog stands (Pølsevogn) offer Copenhagen's cheapest meal: a Rød Pølse (red hot dog) with the “works” (løg, sennep, ketchup, remoulade, ristede løg) for 35–45 DKK (5–6€). Danish street food since 1921.
- Free attractions: Nyhavn (stroll, don't eat!), Kastellet (star fortress), Assistens Kirkegård, Christiania, all harbor baths, Botanical Garden, Kongens Have (Rosenborg Garden), Marble Church (from outside), the Little Mermaid.
- Take advantage of Happy Hour: Many bars in Vesterbro and Nørrebro have Happy Hour (4–6 PM): beer from 30 DKK (4€) instead of 60–80 DKK.
- Bicycle instead of public transport: A rental bike (Donkey Republic App, from 60 DKK/day = 8€) is cheaper than single tickets and faster than the bus. The city is completely flat — perfect for cycling.
- Supermarket strategy: Netto, Fakta, Rema 1000, and Lidl are the cheapest supermarkets. Breakfast at the hotel/hostel or supermarket (Skyr, bread, cheese) instead of a café saves 10–15€.
- Reffen Street Food: At the Reffen street food market (Refshaleøen), main dishes start from 60–90 DKK (8–12€) — significantly cheaper than restaurants. Atmosphere included.
- Museums on Wednesday: Some museums offer free entry on Wednesdays, e.g., the National Museum (Nationalmuseet) and the Design Museum.
