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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Cork?

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 Cork 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cork

Cork is a energetic, cultural, and seaside city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen and Cork: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Cork?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Copenhagen than Cork. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also well known for Tivoli Gardens. Cork is famous for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer.

How is Copenhagen different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Copenhagen
Cork

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

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 Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.


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

Copenhagen
Cork

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Cork has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

Is Copenhagen or Cork Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen
Cork

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

Cork has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

Is Copenhagen or Cork Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen
Cork

Copenhagen is notable for its historic old town. However, Cork does not have a historic old town.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Cork does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Cork?

Copenhagen
Cork

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Copenhagen is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Cork is well-known for its shopping. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Is Copenhagen or Cork Better for Families?

Copenhagen
Cork

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Cork is a family-friendly city. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Copenhagen or Cork Better for Couples?

Copenhagen
Cork

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Cork makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.


Is Copenhagen or Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen
Cork

Copenhagen is notable for backpackers. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Is Copenhagen or Cork Better for Students?

Copenhagen
Cork

Both Copenhagen and Cork are great destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Many students visit Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

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

Copenhagen
Cork

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.


Is Copenhagen or Cork a more walkable city?

Copenhagen
Cork

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cork or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Cork?

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

Families should spend more time in Copenhagen than Cork. 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 Cork. 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 Cork 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 Cork? Ideal Length of Stay
    Copenhagen 2-5 
    Cork 1-3

One day in Copenhagen or Cork?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

A weekend in Copenhagen or Cork?

Copenhagen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cork, 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 Cork?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the happy destination of Copenhagen. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Cork, 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 Cork?

The relaxed city of Copenhagen offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Cork 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Cork 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 Cork is $108. 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 Cork in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $89
    Cork $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $178
    Cork $128
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Cork

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen or Cork? 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 Cork


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 Cork Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $71
    Cork $17
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:

  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Roskilde Airport RKE: $61
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel/address: $63
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Airport: $67
  • Private Transfer Copenhagen City Center to Kastrup Airport (CPH): $67
  • Copenhagen City to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $80
  • Kastrup hotel or address to Malmö City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)- Departure Private Transfer: $104
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen Port: $104
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or Cork?

Prices for flights to both Cork 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
    Cork $32
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cork

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cork.

  • Hysterical Histories, Comedic Dinner Theater Show: $53
  • Hysterical Histories Cork Dinner Theatre Show: $57
  • Historic Cork Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $31
    Cork $9.95
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

Tours and Activities in Cork

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cork are as follows:

  • Blarney Castle Tour from Cork including Cobh: $60
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Cliffs of Moher and More: Full-Day Tour from Cork: $52
  • Coastal Foraging and Folklore Tour: $55
  • Cork City Cycle Tour - Experience the beautiful and historic City by bike: $51
  • Cork City Gaol Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cork City Hop On/Off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Cork Culinary Tour: $128
  • Cork Culinary Tour: $142
  • Cork Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour: $65
  • Cork Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cork Holiday Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copenhagen $13
    Cork $14

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Cork

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cork:

  • Clonakilty Distillery Tour & Classic Whiskey Tasting: $22
  • Cork City: Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
  • Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
  • Midleton Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $32
  • Midleton Distillery Experience & Whiskey Tasting -Home of Jameson: $33
  • Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery: $64
  • Cork Irish Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery : $65
  • Midleton Distillery Behind the Scenes Tour & Tasting: $80
  • Blarney Castle Cork City and Jameson Distillery Semi Private Tour: $196
  • Private Cork City Tour, Kinsale and Jameson Distillery: $254


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Cork, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Cork much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cork would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cork 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 Cork.

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


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Cork?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cork. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and Cork, 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 Cork?

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 Cork in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Cork. The summer months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cork this time of year.

In July, Copenhagen is generally around the same temperature as Cork. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Cork fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in July than Cork. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F) 
    Cork 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Cork in the Autumn?

Both Cork and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Copenhagen is cooler than Cork in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Cork fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Cork. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F) 
    Cork 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Cork in the Winter?

Both Cork and Copenhagen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cork in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Copenhagen. In the winter, Copenhagen is much colder than Cork. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Cork averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Cork gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Cork. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F) 
    Cork 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Cork in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Cork. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cork for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Cork. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and Cork fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Cork. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F) 
    Cork 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Cork and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Cork
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in)