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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Paris?

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 Paris 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 beautiful, laid-back, and progressive city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Copenhagen and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Copenhagen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, and big city activities, while Copenhagen attracts visitors for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Copenhagen and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Copenhagen different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris 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 Paris are world-renowned. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Paris Better for Theater?

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

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Copenhagen is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at terrific restaurants in both Copenhagen and Paris.

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 Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Is Copenhagen or Paris Better for Nightlife?

The terrific nightlife scene is relatively similar in Copenhagen and Paris.

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.

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Is Copenhagen or Paris Better for Music?

Paris 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 Paris. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

Is Copenhagen or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen is great for its historic old town. However, Paris 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Paris?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Copenhagen and Paris.

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.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Is Copenhagen or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Copenhagen does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Copenhagen does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Copenhagen or Paris Better for Families?

Both Copenhagen and Paris are terrific 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, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Is Copenhagen or Paris Better for Couples?

Both Copenhagen and Paris are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Copenhagen is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Is Copenhagen or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Paris Better for Students?

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

Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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 Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find terrific public transit in both Copenhagen and Paris.

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

Public transit in Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Copenhagen or Paris a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Paris?

Both Copenhagen and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Copenhagen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

Couples should spend more time in Paris than Copenhagen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Copenhagen 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 Paris.

One day in Copenhagen or Paris?

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this progressive 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.

When visiting Paris, 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 Paris?

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.

When visiting Paris, 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 Paris?

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.

Paris, 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 Paris?

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.

Paris is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Copenhagen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Copenhagen. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and Paris, 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 Paris?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Paris in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Paris. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Paris. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Paris. 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 Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Copenhagen is cooler than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Copenhagen usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Paris. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Paris can be very cold. Copenhagen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Copenhagen is much colder than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Paris. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Copenhagen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In April, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Paris. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Paris. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Copenhagen