Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 150–300 DKK | 600–1,200 DKK |
| Food | 80–150 DKK | 200–350 DKK |
| Transport | 0–30 DKK | 50–100 DKK |
| Activities | 0–50 DKK | 100–250 DKK |
| Drinks | 40–80 DKK | 100–180 DKK |
| Daily Total | 270–610 DKK | 1,050–2,080 DKK |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Denmark is in the Schengen Zone. EU/EEA enter with ID. US, Canadian, Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free
- Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Metro M2 to city centre (36 DKK, 15 min), train to Central Station (36 DKK, 13 min)
- Denmark is not in the Eurozone — it uses Danish Krone (DKK). Cards accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts
Getting Around
- Metro, S-trains, and buses. Single ticket 24 DKK (2 zones), 24h City Pass 80 DKK. Rejsekort (travel card) gives discounts
- Copenhagen is flat and bike-friendly — 400km of cycle lanes. Bycyklen e-bikes 30 DKK/hour via app, or rent from shops 75–100 DKK/day
- Everything in the centre is within 20 minutes by bike. Most locals cycle year-round, including in rain and snow
Connectivity
- Lebara, Lycamobile, and 3 (Tre) offer prepaid SIMs from 50–100 DKK for 5–10GB at the airport or 7-Eleven
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, and public spaces. Copenhagen WiFi hotspots across the city centre
- EU roaming is free for EU residents. Download Rejseplanen app for real-time public transport planning
Money
- Danish Krone (DKK). Almost entirely cashless — most places accept (or prefer) card, including street stalls and public toilets
- ATMs (Kontanten) are common. Use Danske Bank or Nordea ATMs for better rates. MobilePay is Denmark's payment app (tourists can use cards)
- Tipping: not expected — service is included in all prices. Round up at restaurants if you want, but it's genuinely not necessary
Health & Safety
- Copenhagen is extremely safe — one of the safest cities in the world. Bike theft is the main "crime" concern
- Tap water is excellent. Pharmacies (apotek) are on most main streets. Steno Apotek at Vesterbrogade 6C is open 24 hours
- Emergency: 112. Non-emergency health line: 1813. EU citizens can use EHIC card. Everyone else should have travel insurance
Cycling Rules
- Always use cycle lanes (not pavements). Signal before turning — left arm out for left, right arm up for right
- Check behind you before stopping — cycle lanes are highways. Getting doored or rear-ended by another cyclist is a real risk
- Lights are mandatory after dark — police fine 700 DKK for cycling without lights. Helmets are not required but recommended
Cultural tips
Hygge
Hygge (hoo-gah) is the Danish art of cosiness — candles, warm blankets, slow conversations, and togetherness. It's not just a marketing term; it's a core cultural value. Seek it in candlelit bars and cafes.
Cycling Culture
Cycling is not recreation in Copenhagen — it's the primary transport. Stay out of cycle lanes when walking. Never stop suddenly in a cycle lane. Danes cycle fast and don't brake for tourists.
Drinking Culture
Danes have a liberal attitude to alcohol. Pre-drinking (fordrink) at home before going out is standard. Fredagsbar (Friday bar) at workplaces is a Danish tradition. Legal drinking age for purchase is 16 (bars: 18).
Cashless Society
Denmark is nearly cashless. Many shops and restaurants don't accept cash at all. Always have a card with contactless — MasterCard and Visa are universal. AmEx is rare.
Janteloven
Janteloven (the Law of Jante) is an unspoken cultural code — don't boast, don't think you're special, treat everyone as equal. Danes are modest and understated. Bragging will make people uncomfortable.
Swimming Culture
Danes swim in the harbour, lakes, and sea year-round. Copenhagen's harbour is clean enough for swimming. Join the Copenhageners at Islands Brygge or Kalvebod Bølge — it's a cultural experience.
