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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Chicago?

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 Chicago 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. The famous beauty of Copenhagen is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Copenhagen travel costs.

Chicago

Chicago is a multicultural, edgey, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Chicago is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, theater, and nightlife. See Chicago travel costs.

Copenhagen and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Copenhagen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, music, beaches, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Copenhagen is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Chicago is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Copenhagen is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population.

How is Copenhagen different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chicago is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chicago are world-renowned. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Is Copenhagen or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is renowned for its theatre productions. However, Copenhagen is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Chicago that are not to be missed. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Copenhagen is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at amazing restaurants in both Copenhagen and Chicago.

Many restaurants in Copenhagen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eat your way through Chicago, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

Is Copenhagen or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Chicago has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

Is Copenhagen or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is renowned for its live music scene. However, Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Chicago. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

Is Copenhagen or Chicago Better for Beaches?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Chicago. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Is Copenhagen or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago 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.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Chicago?

Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Copenhagen and Chicago.

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.

Chicago is a world class destination for shoppers. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Is Copenhagen or Chicago More Beautiful?

Copenhagen is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Copenhagen is one of the main draws. Known as the happiest city in the world, visitors will feel lighter just walking around this beautiful town. There's a calming effect that will make you enjoy your visit all the more.

Chicago is a gorgeous place to visit. The water makes this city a truly unique place to explore, and the world class architecture is not to be missed.

Is Copenhagen or Chicago Better for Families?

Both Copenhagen and Chicago 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, Chicago is very family-friendly. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

Is Copenhagen or Chicago Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is renowned for couples. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Copenhagen 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.

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Copenhagen or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Copenhagen or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Chicago is a very popular city for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Many students visit Copenhagen. 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.

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

Visitors will find amazing public transit in both Copenhagen and Chicago.

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

Public transit in Chicago is top-notch. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Is Copenhagen or Chicago a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Chicago 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.

Chicago is very walkable. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Chicago?

In either Copenhagen or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Chicago has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Chicago than Copenhagen. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen than Chicago 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 Chicago?

In Copenhagen, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

When visiting Chicago, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Chicago?

In Copenhagen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Copenhagen has to offer.

When visiting Chicago, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Chicago?

Copenhagen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Copenhagen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Chicago, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. 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 Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Copenhagen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Copenhagen. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Copenhagen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Copenhagen is in Europe and Chicago 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 Copenhagen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Copenhagen 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in Copenhagen.

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Chicago?

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

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 Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Copenhagen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chicago for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Copenhagen is cooler than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Chicago. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Chicago because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chicago. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Chicago. The winter months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chicago in the winter. The weather in Copenhagen can be very cold. Copenhagen is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Copenhagen is much colder than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Chicago. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Copenhagen