A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Copenhagen vs. York for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Copenhagen or York?

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 York 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 here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen and York: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or York?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Copenhagen than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while York attracts visitors for its historical sights. York is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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 York?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

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

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 York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Is Copenhagen or York Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, York 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.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Is Copenhagen or York Better for its Old Town?

York is renowned for its old town. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The old town of York is one of the most recognized in the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or York?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is Copenhagen or York Better for Families?

Both Copenhagen and York 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, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Is Copenhagen or York Better for Couples?

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

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.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Is Copenhagen or York Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen and York are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

York is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Is Copenhagen or York Better for Students?

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

York is not popular with students.

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

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, York 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.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is Copenhagen or York a more walkable city?

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in York or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or York?

It's fun to spend time in either Copenhagen or York. 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 York.

Couples should spend more time in Copenhagen than York. 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 York 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.

One day in Copenhagen or York?

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

With museums and nightlife around the fanciful city of York, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

A weekend in Copenhagen or York?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of York, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or York?

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

York, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 York?

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

York is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 10-Day Tours from London, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or York?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and York, 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 York?

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 York in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as York. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to York in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Copenhagen is generally around the same temperature as York. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and York fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in July than York. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while York receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or York in the Autumn?

Both York and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 York for the shopping scene during these months.

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

In October, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than York. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or York in the Winter?

Both York and Copenhagen during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to York because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in York can be very cold. Copenhagen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Copenhagen is much colder than York. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and York averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Copenhagen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as York. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while York receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or York in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and York. The spring months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Copenhagen is generally cooler than York. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and York fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than York. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for York and Copenhagen