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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Dover?

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 Dover 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 happy, welcoming, and relaxed city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover

Dover is a rustic, stunning, and natural town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Copenhagen and Dover: 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Dover?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Copenhagen. Although Copenhagen and Dover are both popular with visitors, Copenhagen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Copenhagen is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Dover is known for its hiking. Copenhagen is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Copenhagen different from Dover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Copenhagen
Dover

Copenhagen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Copenhagen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.


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

Copenhagen
Dover

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Copenhagen or Dover Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen
Dover

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

People head to Copenhagen just to party. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Copenhagen or Dover Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen
Dover

Copenhagen is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Dover 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.


Is Copenhagen or Dover Better for Hiking?

Copenhagen
Dover

Dover is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Dover?

Copenhagen
Dover

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Copenhagen or Dover Better for Families?

Copenhagen
Dover

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Copenhagen is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Dover is a family-friendly city. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.


Is Copenhagen or Dover Better for Couples?

Copenhagen
Dover

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Dover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Is Copenhagen or Dover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen
Dover

Copenhagen is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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 Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Is Copenhagen or Dover Better for Students?

Copenhagen
Dover

Copenhagen is a well-known place for students. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not popular with students.


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

Copenhagen
Dover

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Copenhagen can get you around easily. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Copenhagen or Dover a more walkable city?

Copenhagen
Dover

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Dover or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Dover?

It's fun to spend time in either Copenhagen or Dover. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Copenhagen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dover.

Families should spend more time in Copenhagen than Dover. 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 Dover. 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 Dover 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 Dover? Ideal Length of Stay
    Copenhagen 2-5 
    Dover 2-4

One day in Copenhagen or Dover?

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this happy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and food around the natural town of Dover, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Copenhagen or Dover?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Copenhagen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With food and museums around the destination of Dover, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Copenhagen or Dover?

Copenhagen is a fun place to experience. In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Dover, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Dover?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dover 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Dover 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 Dover is $154. 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 Dover in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $89
    Dover $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $178
    Dover $154
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Dover

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen or Dover? 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 Dover


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 Dover Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $71
    Dover $48
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $208
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $146
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $54
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $65
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $54
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $130
  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $252

Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or Dover?

Prices for flights to both Dover 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
    Dover $47
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
  • The 10 Tastings of Copenhagen Private Food Tour: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $31
    Dover $24
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: $3.20
  • Danish Design: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • Monstour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Danish Folk Legends: $5.20
  • Danish Design: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Tour of the Danish Resistance during World War II: $5.32
  • App-Based City Exploration Game & Tour: $5.33
  • The Philosopher's Last Walk: An audio tour on the life of Søren Kierkegaard: $5.99
  • 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
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Tour: $6.93
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.45

Tours and Activities in Dover

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

  • Canterbury Landmarks Private Walking Tour: $217
  • Canterbury Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $275
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Canterbury's World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour: $227
  • Christmas Tales in Canterbury – Private Walking Tour: $216
  • Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles: $208
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $28
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $175
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $170
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $107
  • Literary & Cultural Heritage: Canterbury Private Walking Tour: $217
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copenhagen $13
    Dover $9.61

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: $357

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dover:

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $176


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

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


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Dover?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and Dover, 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 Dover?

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 Dover in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Dover. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

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


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

Should I visit Copenhagen or Dover in the Autumn?

Both Dover and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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


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

Should I visit Copenhagen or Dover in the Winter?

Both Dover and Copenhagen during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dover this time of year.

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

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


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

Should I visit Copenhagen or Dover in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Dover. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dover for the natural beauty.

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

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


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

Typical Weather for Dover and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Dover
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)