A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Copenhagen vs. Calais for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Copenhagen or Calais?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Calais can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a relaxed, beautiful, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Copenhagen and Calais: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Copenhagen is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its beaches. Copenhagen is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Copenhagen different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calais and Copenhagen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Copenhagen or Calais?

Copenhagen
Calais

Copenhagen is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Copenhagen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Copenhagen or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen
Calais

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Copenhagen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Copenhagen or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen
Calais

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Copenhagen is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Copenhagen or Calais Better for Beaches?

Copenhagen
Calais

Calais is a city with good options for the beache. However, Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Calais. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.


Is Copenhagen or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen
Calais

Copenhagen is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Calais?

Copenhagen
Calais

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Copenhagen is a world class destination for shoppers. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Copenhagen or Calais Better for Families?

Copenhagen
Calais

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Copenhagen is a very family-friendly destination. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.


Is Copenhagen or Calais Better for Couples?

Copenhagen
Calais

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Copenhagen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Copenhagen or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen
Calais

Copenhagen is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Copenhagen is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Copenhagen or Calais Better for Students?

Copenhagen
Calais

Copenhagen is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Copenhagen is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

Calais is not popular with students.


Is Copenhagen or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Copenhagen
Calais

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Copenhagen has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Copenhagen or Calais a more walkable city?

Copenhagen
Calais

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Copenhagen on foot is easy. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Copenhagen and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than in Calais. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

Families should spend more time in Copenhagen than Calais. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Copenhagen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Copenhagen than Calais. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Copenhagen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen than Calais if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Copenhagen.


  • How many days in Copenhagen or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Copenhagen 2-5 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Copenhagen or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Calais, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calais, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Copenhagen or Calais?

Copenhagen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Calais, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Copenhagen. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Calais, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Copenhagen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Calais is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Copenhagen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $208, while the average daily cost in Calais is $149. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Copenhagen and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $89
    Calais $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $178
    Calais $166
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen or Calais? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Copenhagen


Hotels in Calais


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $71
    Calais $50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer: Airport CPH to Copenhagen by Luxury Van: $141
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Private Transfer to Copenhagen: $318
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Transfer to Copenhagen Port: $333
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Transfer to Fredericia Port: $866
  • Copenhagen City to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)- Departure Private Transfer: $104
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $80
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport(RKE):Transfer to Copenhagen Port: $265
  • Copenhagen hotel or address to Malmö City - Private Round-Trip Transfer: $255

Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Copenhagen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Copenhagen $61
    Calais $38
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Nørrebro District: $91
  • Copenhagen Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $125
  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $147
  • Private Authentic Home Indian Cooking & Dining Experience: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $31
    Calais $9.56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    $8.56
  • Coffee
    $14

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Danish Design: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • Danish Design: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Monstour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Danish Folk Legends: $5.20
  • Tour of the Danish Resistance during World War II: $5.34
  • App-Based City Exploration Game & Tour: $5.35
  • Copenhagen's Royal History: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Danish Folk Legends Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Royal History Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • The Philosopher's Last Walk: An audio tour on the life of Søren Kierkegaard: $5.99
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copenhagen $13
    Calais $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alternative Nightlife Pub Crawl: $36
  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $43
  • Danish Wine Tasting Tour with Guide in Copenhagen Nyhavn: $358


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Calais, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Calais much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calais would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calais and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen than you might in Calais.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Calais?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and Calais, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Copenhagen or Calais?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Copenhagen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in July than Calais. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Calais. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Calais. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Calais. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Calais in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Calais. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Calais because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Calais can be very cold. Copenhagen can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen is much colder than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In the spring, Copenhagen is cooler than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Calais. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)