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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Cancun?

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 Cancun 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 laid-back, progressive, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cancun

Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Copenhagen and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Cancun?

You'll generally find more things to do in Copenhagen than Cancun. Copenhagen is bigger than Cancun, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cancun is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Cancun is more touristy than Copenhagen and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Copenhagen is well known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. Also, Copenhagen is famous for Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun 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 Cancun?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Copenhagen and Cancun.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

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

Copenhagen is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Copenhagen has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Copenhagen or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

The amazing nightlife scene is relatively similar in Copenhagen and Cancun.

Copenhagen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Cancun has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Is Copenhagen or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Cancun is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Copenhagen is not a resort destination.

Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Copenhagen is not a resort destination.

Is Copenhagen or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Copenhagen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Copenhagen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Copenhagen or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Cancun is renowned for the beache. However, Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Is Copenhagen or Cancun Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen is a very popular place for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.

Is Copenhagen or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Cancun?

Copenhagen is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Copenhagen draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Copenhagen or Cancun Better for Families?

Both Copenhagen and Cancun are amazing to visit with kids.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cancun is very family-friendly. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Is Copenhagen or Cancun Better for Couples?

Both Copenhagen and Cancun are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

Copenhagen is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Cancun is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Is Copenhagen or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen and Cancun are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Copenhagen. 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.

Cancun is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Is Copenhagen or Cancun Better for Students?

Copenhagen is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.

Copenhagen is very popular with students. 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.

Cancun is not popular with students.

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

Copenhagen is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Copenhagen has a great public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Copenhagen or Cancun a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Cancun?

Both Copenhagen and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Copenhagen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

Couples should spend more time in Copenhagen than Cancun. 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 Cancun 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.

One day in Copenhagen or Cancun?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the tropical city of Cancun, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Cancun?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Cancun, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Copenhagen or Cancun?

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.

Cancun, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Cancun?

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.

Cancun is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Cancun, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Copenhagen is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cancun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cancun 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 Cancun.

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Cancun?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and Cancun, 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.