Is the Copenhagen Card worth it? An honest review and details of savings

 A discount card like the Copenhagen Card allows you to see a lot of the most important places while saving you money at the same time. There are plenty of things to do in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark but it's not a cheap city.

Is the Copenhagen Card worth buying for every trip or does it depend on the kind of traveler you are? This post breaks it down for you.

Listed below are the benefits of using the Copenhagen Card:

• Free admission to more than 80 museums and other attractions.
• Big Discounts at restaurants and on activities.
• Free canal cruise. A Canal Tours Copenhagen Cruise is included without charge.
• Free public transportation in the entire Copenhagen region, including to and from Copenhagen airport.
• Free card for 2 children up to 10 years of age with each adult card.

 

What is the Copenhagen Card?

The Copenhagen Card is an all-inclusive digital card that grants you entry to many of the city’s top attractions. These attractions include the Tivoli Gardens, National Museum, Kronborg Castle and The Round Tower.  It also offers free access to public transport and treats you to a range of great perks and discounts. The Copenhagen Card is your ticket to the city.

Copenhagen is by no means a cheap city so you’re going to want to do anything you can to make it more budget friendly. And I don’t just mean buying supermarket beers.

To make things worse, the Danish capital is absolutely packed full of cool things to see and do, which makes its expensive-ness even more annoying as you have to be very selective about which attractions you choose to visit.

If you’re keen on culture and looking to visit more than just the city’s bars, then this card is a good way to get your money’s worth. The Copenhagen Card opens the door to the famous Tivoli Gardens, dozens of museums, palaces, castles, and some exciting boat and train tours.

 

What is the price of Copenhagen Card?

The price of Copenhagen card starts from 62 € ($68 / £53). This price is for one adult, for 24 hours. The final price depends on the type of Copenhagen card you want to buy and how long you intend on spending in the city. 

Copenhagen Card has two price ranges. The first is for adults, over 16 years old. The second, which is cheaper option is for children (junior) of ages 10 to 15. Kids from 3 to 11 years old can enter for free, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Families can take two children under 12 for free.

The table below shows the prices of Copenhagen Card.

Hours	Adult	Junior	Kids
24 hours	62 € ($68 / £53)	34 € ($37 / £29)	0 €
48 hours	92 € ($100 / £78)	50 € ($55 / £43)	0 €
72 hours	113 € ($123 / £97)	61 € ($66 / £52)	0 €
96 hours	132 € ($144 / £113)	71 € ($78 / £61)	0 €
120 hours	148 € ($162 / £127)	80 € ($87 / £68)	0 €

What is included in Copenhagen Card?

Listed below are the activities included with Copenhagen Card.

• Free Entrance to Museums and Galleries. Copenhagen Card offers free admission to Museums and galleries such us Tivoli Gardens, Stromma, The Round Tower and National museum.
• Free Admission to Castles and churches. With the Copenhagen Card your entrance to Castles and Churches  like Rosenborg Castle Christiansborg – The Royal Reception Rooms, Christiansborg – Ruins under Christiansborg Palace and Church of Our Saviour is free.
• Free Entrance to Entertainment and nature activities. Canal Tours, Copenhagen ZOO and Botanical gardes are some Entertainment and nature activities that Copenhagen Card provides you free access.
• Free Public Transport. Copenhagen Card includes all types of public transportation in the Capital Region of Copenhagen (zone 1 – 99). The public transportation means are Metro, Buses, Commuter-trains (S-trains), Regional Trains, Local Trains, Harbour-Buses.
• Free airport transportation. Copenhagen Card includes all public transportation forms from / to Copenhagen airport.
• Free Tours. The Card includes several free tours like Canal Tours Copenhagen Cruise, Christiansborg live tour and SMK – The National Gallery of Denmark guided tours.
• Sightseeing Tours at discounted prices.
• Cafes and restaurants at discounted prices.

What public transportation does Copenhagen Card include?

The public transportation means that Copenhagen Card includes are Metro, Buses, Commuter-trains (S-trains), Regional Trains, Local Trains, Harbour-Buses. The zones that the Card includes are zone 1 to zone 99. (Class 1 is not included). The towns that you can travel with the Copenhagen card include Roskilde, Lejre, Hillerød, Helsingør (Elsinore), Ishøj, Humlebæk, Rungsted, Køge and Frederikssund. In short, you can travel in the entire Capital Region of Copenhagen. Copenhagen airport is also included on the list.

The Copenhagen Card (Discover) doesn't include the Hop On – Hop Off buses in the City. For this you need to the special Copenhagen Card (Pop).

If you are planning to travel a lot by public transport the Copenhagen Card is worth buying as you will definitely save money.

What museums and galleries does Copenhagen Card include?

Listed below are the Museums and galleries that Copenhagen Card offers free entrance.

• Alhambra: The Museum for Humour and Satire. (EUR 8)
• Amber Museum (EUR 4)
• Arken Museum of Modern Art (EUR 20)
• Bakkehuset (EUR 8)
• Circus Museum (EUR 8)
• Copenhagen Contemporary (EUR 13)
• Danish Architecture Centre (EUR 15)
• Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art (EUR 11)
• Design Museum of Denmark (EUR 16)
• Experimentarium (EUR 31)
• Frederikssund Museum (EUR 7)
• Frigate Peder Skram – The Vessels at Holmen (EUR 7)
• Glyptoteket (EUR 15)
• Guinness World Records (EUR 12)
• Hans Christian Andersen Fairytale House (EUR 10)
• Helsingor City Museum (EUR 6)
• J.F. Willumsens Museum (EUR 8)
• Karen Blixen Museum (EUR 12)
• Koge Museum (EUR 14)
• Kos Museum of Art in Public (EUR 9)
• Kunstforeningen GL Strand (EUR 12)
• Kunsthal Charlottenborg (EUR 12)
• Lejre Museum (EUR 7)
• Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (EUR 20)
• M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark (EUR 17)
• Medical Museion (EUR 10)
• Mosede Fort Denmark (EUR 14)
• Munkeruphus (EUR 9)
• Museum of Contemporary Art (EUR 8)
• Natural History Museum of Denmark: Botanical Garden (EUR 14)
• Natural History Museum of Denmark: Zoological Museum (EUR 15)
• Natural History Museum of Denmark (EUR 13)
• Nikolaj Kunsthal (EUR 8)
• Nordatlantens Brygge (EUR 5)
• Open Air Museum (EUR 10)
• Ordrupgaard (EUR 10)
• Planetarium (EUR 21)
• Ragnarock (EUR 13)
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not (EUR 12)
• Roskilde Museum (EUR 7)
• Rudolph Tegner Museum and Statue Park (EUR 10)
• SMK: The National Gallery of Denmark (EUR 17)
• The Danish Jewish Museum (EUR 10)
• The Danish Museum of Science (EUR 14)
• The Danish Music Museum (EUR 9)
• The Hirschsprung Collection (EUR 13)
• The Mystic Exploratorie (EUR 8)
• The National Museum (EUR 13)
• The Vedbækfundene Museum (EUR 5)
• The Workers Museum (EUR 12)
• Thorvaldsens Museum (EUR 11)
• Viking Ship Museum (EUR 15)

In parenthesis you can see the price you would pay if you do not buy the Copenhagen Card.

 

What Castles and churches does Copenhagen Card include?

Listed below are the Castles and churches that Copenhagen Card offers free entrance.

• Amalienborg (EUR 15)
• Christiansborg, The Royal Kitchens (EUR 8)
• Christiansborg, The Royal Reception Rooms (EUR 13)
• Christiansborg, The Royal Stables (EUR 8)
• Church of Our Saviour (EUR 7)
• Cisternerne (EUR 9)
• City Hall Tower (EUR 5)
• Esrum Abbey and Møllegård (EUR 8)
• Frederiksborg Castle (EUR 10)
• GL Holtegaard (EUR 10)
• Jaegerspris Castle (EUR 10)
• Kronborg Castle (EUR 13)
• Rosenborg Castle (EUR 15)
• Roskilde Cathedral (EUR 10)
• Ruins Under Christiansborg (EUR 8)
• The Round Tower (EUR 4)

In parenthesis you can see the price you would pay if you do not buy the Copenhagen Card.

What Entertainment and nature attractions is included when buying the Copenhagen Card?

Listed below are the Castles and churches attractions that included with Copenhagen Card.

• Casino Copenhagen (EUR 15)
• Copenhagen Zoo (EUR 26)
• Den Bla Planet, National Aquarium (EUR 23)
• Falcon Garden (EUR 17)
• Lejre Land of Legends (EUR 25)
• Skibsklarerergaarden (EUR 6)
• The Oresund Aquarium (EUR 12)
• Tivoli Gardens (EUR 18)
• Falkonergården (EUR 17)

In parenthesis you can see the price you would pay if you do not buy the Copenhagen Card.

What tours are included with Copenhagen Card?

Listed below are the tours that included with Copenhagen Card.

• Boat Tours (EUR 13)
• Canal Tours Copenhagen (EUR 13)
• Copenhagen Train Tours (EUR 11)
• Danish War Museum (EUR 11)
• Kronborg Mini-Cruise (EUR 9)
• The Frederiksborg Ferry (EUR 5)
• The Netto Boats (EUR 6)
• The Shipyard Museum (EUR 6)
• Baadfarten Boat Tours (EUR 89)
• Solve a Mystery (EUR 39)

In parenthesis you can see the price you would pay if you do not buy the Copenhagen Card.

What discounted attractions and tours are offered with the Copenhagen Card?

In addition to free activities, Copenhagen Card offers discounted entrance to attractions and tours. These include Sightseeing Tours, additional transportation, Cafes and restaurants.

Listed below are the discounts that the Copenhagen card offers in Sightseeing Tours.

• City Bike Adventures – 20%
• City Sightseeing Copenhagen Bus All Lines – 20%
• City Sightseeing Copenhagen Bus Mermaid – 20%
• Copenhagen Bicycles – 10%
• Copenhagen Panorama Sightseeing – 20%
• Copenhagen Urban Adventures – 20%
• Hop On – Hop Off Boat – 20%
• Hop On – Hop Off Bus and Boat – 20%
• Hop On – Hop Off Bus All Lines – 20%
• Hop On – Hop Off Bus Mermaid – 20%
• Hop On – Hop Off Bus, Boat and City Train – 20%
• Magnificent Malmo – 10%
• Nova Fairy Tales – 10%
• Our Way Tours – 20%
• Red Buses – 16.66%
• Segway Cruise Copenhagen – 15%
• Segway Tours Copenhagen – 10%
• Tours Copenhagen – 10%

 

 

Listed below are the discounts that the Copenhagen card offers in Transportation tours.

• Donkey Republic – 10%
• Sundbusserne – 25%

Listed below are the discounts that the Copenhagen card offers in Cafes and restaurants.

• Groften Tivoli – 10%
• Cock’s & Cows – 20%
• Hard Rock Cafe – 10%
• Hereford Village – 10%
• Restaurant Amalfi – 15%
• Restaurant Bonjour Vietnam – 20%
• Restaurant Vita – 10%
• Wallmans Dinnershow – 25%

How does Copenhagen card works?

The Copenhagen Card works in a simple and convenient way. Find below the steps showing how to use the Copenhagen Card.

1. First, you need to download the free Copenhagen Card app on your phone. You can find it on the App Store for iOS or on Google Play for Android.
2. Once you have the app, you can either buy the digital card directly on your smartphone or redeem a card you have purchased on the website.
3. When you are ready to start exploring Copenhagen, you activate the card in the app.
4. You can then use the digital card by scanning its barcode at each attraction and showing it to the transport authorities when requested.

It's important to note that all cards on the same order will be activated at the same time. Just remember not to activate your card until you are ready to start using it. Enjoy your time in Copenhagen with the Copenhagen Card! The Copenhagen Card includes both a physical guidebook and an app to give you insight into what to see and do around the city, which is great if it's your first time in Copenhagen.

Where to buy the Copenhagen Card?

Visitors can buy the Copenhagen Card online, directly on their website or through the Copenhagen Card app on your smartphone. If you choose to purchase it on their website, you will receive a reference number that you can redeem on your phone using the app. Alternatively, you can buy the card directly on your smartphone through the app. Both options are convenient and allow you to easily access the benefits of the Copenhagen Card. Enjoy your visit to Copenhagen!

 

 

What is suggested Copenhagen trip itinerary with or without the card?

Let’s imagine you’re going to buy the 72 hour Copenhagen Card and you are going to use the card all day as you make your way through your jam-packed itinerary. This is what your trip could end up looking like:

Day One:

• Morning – Tivoli Gardens
• Afternoon – Canal Tours Copenhagen

 

Day Two:

• Morning – Glyptoteket
• Afternoon – Rosenborg Castle

 

Day Three:

• Morning – Copenhagen Zoo
• Afternoon – The National History Museum of Denmark

Without a Copenhagen Card, this itinerary will cost you EUR 100 just on entry to the attractions you visit. That doesn’t factor in any public transport you use during that time, which could cost you up to EUR 53 if you are using it a lot. That brings the total to EUR 153.

With the Copenhagen Card, this itinerary will cost EUR 102 – the price of the 72-hour card.

On top of that, with the Copenhagen card in tow, you could save money on your meals by eating in the restaurants that offer a discount. Eating Danish food in Copenhagen is not cheap so saving 20% will be a welcome relief for your travel budget.

While this itinerary looks pretty busy, some of the attractions, such as the Rosenborg Castle, can be done in just a couple of hours, leaving you with time to add in a couple of extra attractions if you’re feeling zealous.
 

Who is the Copenhagen Card for?

The Copenhagen Card is for anyone who wants to squeeze as much activity into their vacation as possible. Whether it's your first time or tenth time visiting the city, there's just so much to do.

Denmark is steeped in history and culture and there is no better way to learn all about it than by perusing the country’s finest museums, galleries, castles, palaces, and monuments.

If you are an active traveler and plan on packing a lot into your Copenhagen vacation, this card is really good value. Plus if you are traveling in a family, it is worth noting that two children under 10 can accompany each paying adult for free. That could make a serious difference in price if you want to drag your kids through museums all weekend or want to treat them to a trip to the zoo or the Tivoli Gardens.

While a lot of City Cards out there are not actually particularly good value, the Copenhagen Card is one of the exceptions. For the proactive traveler, this card could be a godsend.

Having said that, in order to make this card worthwhile, you need to make sure you are visiting at least two of the attractions with free entry every day, otherwise, you just won’t make your money back with the amount you save.

If you want a chilled vacation, which involves wandering around the city and maybe popping into a museum or two, this card is not worth buying. It will be more economical in that scenario simply to buy individual tickets as and when you need them.
 

How to choose the best Copenhagen Card for you?

There isn’t much choice when it comes to buying the card. You simply buy the card that corresponds with the amount of time you will be there whether that's 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, or 120 hours.

My advice is to buy the card for slightly less time than the total duration of your trip. These cards are expensive so you don’t want to be paying for time that you aren’t going to use.

Is the Copenhagen Card worth it?

Yes, Copenhagen Card is worth buying. It saves you a lot of money when you use it well. The Copenhagen Card is expensive but when you look at how much you can save when you use it well, it is worth buying. My first piece of advice is to go through the list above of attractions included with the card and make a note of everything you want to see during your trip.

Next, check the opening times of these attractions – some will be closed on Sundays or Mondays so you should plan the order in which you visit them accordingly. Also, be aware of what time they open and close each day.

Then, check where these attractions are situated on the map. It sounds obvious to say it, but I will anyway. If two or three attractions are all close to each other, try and plan your day so that you visit all of them in one go. This will save you precious time schlepping back and forth across the city, leaving you with more time to visit attractions and make the most of your card.

Seeing as you have a public transport ticket attached to your Copenhagen Card, it makes sense to use it. Once the museums are closed and you can’t enjoy any more free entries, use your travel pass to explore the city. Hop on a tram or the metro and see where you end up. You might end up discovering a hidden gem while you’re at it.

What are the best things to do in Copenhagen?

Listed below find the top things to do in Copenhagen:

• Visit the Tivoli Gardens: Experience the magical atmosphere of one of the world's oldest amusement parks. Enjoy thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, live performances, and delicious food.
• Explore Nyhavn: Stroll along the picturesque canal of Nyhavn, lined with colorful buildings, charming cafes, and restaurants. Take a boat tour or simply relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
• Discover the Little Mermaid: Pay a visit to the iconic statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. Located by the waterfront, it is a symbol of Copenhagen and a must-see landmark.
• Visit Christiansborg Palace: Explore the stunning Christiansborg Palace, which houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Royal Reception Rooms. Take a guided tour to learn about Denmark's history and admire the grand architecture.
• Explore the National Museum of Denmark: Immerse yourself in Danish history and culture at the National Museum. Discover artifacts from the Viking Age, ancient civilizations, and modern Danish society.
• Wander around the Botanical Garden: Take a peaceful stroll through the Botanical Garden, home to a vast collection of plants from around the world. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and beautiful landscapes.
• Visit the Round Tower: Climb the Round Tower, an iconic 17th-century observatory, for panoramic views of Copenhagen. Admire the unique architecture and learn about its historical significance.
• Explore the Freetown of Christiania: Experience the alternative lifestyle and unique atmosphere of Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood. Explore the colorful houses, street art, and vibrant community.

Where to stay in Copenhagen?

There are so many options for accommodation in Copenhagen it can be hard to choose where to stay.

Listed below are 3 accommodation options in Copenhagen that have great reviews on and are all very centrally located:

• Steel House Copenhagen. Budget accommodation can be tricky to find in Copenhagen but this modern hostel gives you all the comforts of a hotel at a fraction of the price. There's WiFi throughout the building and even an indoor swimming pool. It is very conveniently located to explore the city and get the most out of your Copenhagen Card. A private double room with a private bathroom is approximately 77EUR / 88USD and you can upgrade to a room with a terrace for around 104EUR / 119USD.
  Check prices here
• Anderson Boutique Hotel. This is a Mid Range Option. This hotel costs around 130-150EUR / 148-170USD a night for a double room. Its stylish decoration and comfy rooms make it more interesting than your average hotel. It is in central Copenhagen; a 7-minute walk to the Tivoli Gardens. It has over 1,700 reviews and a 9 rating on Booking.com.
  Check the reviews for yourself
• 71 Nyhaven Hotel. This is a luxury Copenhagen hotel option. This luxury hotel is housed in converted buildings from the 1800s, so think exposed beams and stylish interiors. Breakfast is included and WiFi is free throughout the hotel. Located right outside the departing point for the canal boat tours and a 10-minute walk to the Amalienborg Palace, this hotel is a great base for exploring all the attractions your Copenhagen Card gives you access to.
  Check current prices

What is the best Danish food to try in Copenhagen, Denmark?

Listed below find the best Danish food to try in Copenhagen:

• Stegt flæsk med persillesovs: This traditional Danish dish consists of crispy pork belly served with parsley sauce and boiled potatoes. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that is loved by locals.
• Flæskesteg: Flæskesteg is a classic Danish roast pork dish. The pork is seasoned with salt and pepper, then roasted until the skin is crispy. It is often served with caramelized potatoes, red cabbage, and gravy.
• Oysters: Denmark is known for its high-quality shellfish, and oysters are a popular choice. Freshly shucked oysters are a delicacy and can be enjoyed at seafood restaurants or oyster bars in Copenhagen.
• Tarteletter: Tarteletter is a Danish pastry shell filled with a creamy chicken and vegetable filling. It's a comforting and delicious dish that is often served as an appetizer or light lunch.
• Smørrebrød / Open-faced sandwiches: Smørrebrød is a Danish specialty that consists of a slice of rye bread topped with various ingredients like pickled herring, smoked salmon, roast beef, or liver pate. It's a versatile and tasty option for lunch or a snack.
• Risalamande: Risalamande is a traditional Danish rice pudding dessert that is often served during Christmas. It's made with rice, whipped cream, chopped almonds, and a hint of vanilla. It's typically served cold and topped with a cherry sauce.

These are just a few examples of the delicious Danish food you can try in Copenhagen. 

Is Denmark worth visiting?

Yes, Denmark is definitely worth visiting. Denmark has rich culture, history, architecture, food and natural beauty. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a vibrant city full of castles, canals, museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, and world-class shopping. Wandering the cobbled streets of the picturesque Nyhavn district or touring the Rosenborg Castle are quintessential Copenhagen experiences. Beyond Copenhagen, Denmark provides a wealth of options for travelers. Medieval towns like Ribe and Aarhus delight with winding alleys and half-timbered buildings. Odense offers literary history as the birthplace of famous fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike and bike across idyllic islands like Bornholm or explore the diverse landscape of Mols Bjerge National Park. Denmark also has a rich Viking heritage, evidenced by archaeological sites and museums across the country. The past comes alive at places like the Viking Ship Museum and medieval Hammershus Fortress on Bornholm. With creative urban culture, captivating history, and spectacular scenery all packed into a small country, Denmark promises a memorable visit. Whether you go for the hygge lifestyle of Copenhagen, to connect with your inner child at Legoland, indulge in New Nordic cuisine, or simply to bike across Danish islands, visiting Denmark is an experience not to be missed.

 

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