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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Howth?

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 Howth 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 progressive, friendly, and happy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a picturesque, scenic, and peaceful fishing village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Copenhagen and Howth: 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
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Howth?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Howth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Copenhagen is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Howth is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. 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 Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Copenhagen
Howth

Copenhagen is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.


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

Copenhagen
Howth

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Copenhagen or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen
Howth

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Copenhagen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Copenhagen or Howth Better for Beaches?

Copenhagen
Howth

Howth is a very popular place for the beache. However, Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Howth attract visitors from all over. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.


Is Copenhagen or Howth Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen
Howth

Copenhagen is well known for its old town. However, Howth 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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Copenhagen or Howth Better for Hiking?

Copenhagen
Howth

Howth 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 Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Howth?

Copenhagen
Howth

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Copenhagen make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Copenhagen or Howth Better for Families?

Copenhagen
Howth

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Copenhagen or Howth Better for Couples?

Copenhagen
Howth

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good city for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Copenhagen or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen
Howth

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

Copenhagen is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.


Is Copenhagen or Howth Better for Students?

Copenhagen
Howth

Copenhagen is well known for students. However, Howth 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.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Copenhagen
Howth

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Copenhagen is top-notch. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Copenhagen or Howth a more walkable city?

Copenhagen
Howth

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.


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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Copenhagen or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Copenhagen than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

One day in Copenhagen or Howth?

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly 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 peaceful fishing village of Howth, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Howth, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Howth?

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 Howth, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this fishing village.

Five days in Copenhagen or Howth?

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.

Howth, a popular fishing village, 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 Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful 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.

Howth 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 in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Howth 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 Howth is $144. 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 Howth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $89
    Howth $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $178
    Howth $136
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Howth

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen or Howth? 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 Howth


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $71
    Howth $43
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 Howth?

Prices for flights to both Howth 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
    Howth $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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $31
    Howth $27
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 Howth

Here are a few actual costs in Howth for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copenhagen $13
    Howth $22

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 Howth, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Howth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Howth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Howth 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 Howth.

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



When is the best time to visit Copenhagen or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth 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 Howth in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Copenhagen is a little warmer than Howth in the summer. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in July than Howth. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Copenhagen or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Howth. 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 Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Copenhagen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Howth averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Howth. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Copenhagen or Howth in the Winter?

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

Copenhagen can be very cold during winter. In January, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Howth. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 1°C (33°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Howth. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F) 
    Howth 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth 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 small town charm are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

Copenhagen is cooler than Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Howth. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F) 
    Howth 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Howth and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Howth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)