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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty in Copenhagen as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Copenhagen travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a outdoorsy, nature-oriented, and spirited city. The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Queenstown travel costs.

Copenhagen and Queenstown: 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
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen. Although Copenhagen and Queenstown are popular destinations, Copenhagen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Copenhagen is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Queenstown attracts visitors for its skiing and hiking. Queenstown is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also well known for Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Copenhagen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Copenhagen or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

Queenstown is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Copenhagen is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Copenhagen is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Copenhagen or Queenstown?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

Copenhagen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Copenhagen
Queenstown

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at fantastic restaurants in both Copenhagen and Queenstown.

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 Queenstown, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Is Copenhagen or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

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

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.

Queenstown has a large number of nightlife venues. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.


Is Copenhagen or Queenstown Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

Copenhagen is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Queenstown does not have a historic old town.

Is Copenhagen or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

Queenstown is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Queenstown?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is well-known for its shopping. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.


Is Copenhagen or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Copenhagen as well. Known as the happiest city in the world, visitors will feel lighter just walking around this beautiful town. There's a calming effect that will make you enjoy your visit all the more.

The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Is Copenhagen or Queenstown Better for Families?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Copenhagen is very family-friendly. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Queenstown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Copenhagen or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

Both Copenhagen and Queenstown are fantastic 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.

Queenstown is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.


Is Copenhagen or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

Queenstown 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, Queenstown is extremely popular for backpackers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

Both Copenhagen and Queenstown are very good 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 Queenstown. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

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

Copenhagen
Queenstown

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.


Is Copenhagen or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Copenhagen
Queenstown

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Queenstown?

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

Families should spend more time in Copenhagen than Queenstown. 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 Queenstown. 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.


  • How many days in Copenhagen or Queenstown? Ideal Length of Stay
    Copenhagen 2-5 
    Queenstown 2-7

One day in Copenhagen or Queenstown?

With museums and nightlife around the happy city of Copenhagen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and skiing around the outdoorsy city of Queenstown, 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 Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Copenhagen, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 city.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Queenstown, 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 city.


Five days in Copenhagen or Queenstown?

Copenhagen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Queenstown?

Copenhagen 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.

Queenstown 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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Copenhagen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $278, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $130. 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 Queenstown in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $99
    Queenstown $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $198
    Queenstown $110
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Queenstown

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen or Queenstown? 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 Queenstown


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 Queenstown Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $79
    Queenstown $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Copenhagen City Center to Kastrup Airport (CPH): $73
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Airport: $108
  • Private transfer Copenhagen airport, Port to or from the city : $114
  • Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $114
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $119
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Roskilde Airport RKE: $121
  • Private Transfer Copenhagen Airport CPH to Copenhagen by Sedan: $125
  • Private Transfer to/from Copenhagen Airport CPH: $126
  • Copenhagen hotel/address to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)- Departure Private Transfer: $128
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)- Departure Private Transfer: $128
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Port: $128

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:

  • ZQN Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $27
  • Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $982
  • Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $748
  • Queenstown/Wanaka Airport Transfer: $267
  • Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $115
  • Queenstown private transfer: $87
  • Queenstown International Airport to City Hotels Transfer : $89
  • Queenstown Airport to/from Wanaka Hassle Free Private Transfer : $100
  • QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $52
  • Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $176
  • Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Queenstown by SUV: $68
  • One way transfer to Remarkable or Coronet Peak Ski Fields: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or Queenstown?

Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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 $116
    Queenstown $62
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    $16

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: $38
  • Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $40
  • The Nørrebro Street Art & Food Tour: $55
  • Copenhagen : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $105
  • Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $124
  • Copenhagen Cooking Class: Nordic Cooking Class with Open Bar: $125
  • Copenhagen Culinary Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $135
  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $148
  • Modern City Food Tour: $149
  • Food Tour In Copenhagen - 5 Delicious Tastings, Walking Tour : $153
  • E-Bike Guided Food Tour with 3 stops: $157

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown

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

  • Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
  • Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $119
  • Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $138
  • Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $148

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $34
    Queenstown $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    $9.44
  • Coffee
    $15

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self Guided Tours Copenhagen with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.57
  • Copenhagen Zoo Tower Entry Ticket: $3.93
  • Copenhagen Little Mermaid Exploration Game and Self-Guided Tour: $5.96
  • Hippies & Christianshavn Walking Tour: $5.96
  • Copenhagen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.68
  • Copenhagen Christiania: Hidden Stories Self-Guided Adventure: $7.16
  • Monstour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Danish Folk Legends: $7.99
  • Copenhagen Self-Guided Tour: $8.36
  • The Headless Horseman in Selfguided Walking Tour Game: $8.63
  • Copenhagen Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Danish Architecture Center Entrance Ticket: $9.44
  • Copenhagen Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.55

Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:


  • Skyline Gondola (for 2)
    $30

Tours and Activities in Queenstown

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

  • Private Guided Arrowtown and Surrounds Tour ex Queenstown: $286
  • 20-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown: $173
  • 30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure : $65
  • Beauties of Queenstown Private Walking Tour: $941
  • Best of Queenstown Sightseeing Tour: $136
  • Boutique Winery Half-Day Tour & Vineyard Platter-Style Lunch: $150
  • Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka: $214
  • Convertible Picnic Tour Queenstown: $113
  • Cruise Milford Small Group Day Tour from Queenstown : $220
  • Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown: $262
  • Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience: $183
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown: $276

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copenhagen $15
    Queenstown $8.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $47
  • Private Wine Tasting Boat Tour: $189

Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:

  • Ice Bar Crawl: $23
  • Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston: Join the Only Flexible Wine Tour: $59
  • Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $75
  • Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $107
  • Queenstown's Original Wine Tour Celebrating 33 Years: $113
  • Classic Wine Tour: $127
  • Central Otago Wine Tour: $132
  • Queenstown Wine Tour: $139
  • Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $142
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $144
  • Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $148
  • Premium Wine Tasting Tour: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Queenstown, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Copenhagen is in Europe and Queenstown is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.

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


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Queenstown?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and Queenstown, 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.