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

Should you visit Lagos or Copenhagen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Copenhagen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a dramatic, vibrant, and beautiful resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a relaxed, beautiful, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Copenhagen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Copenhagen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen. Although Lagos and Copenhagen are popular destinations, Copenhagen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Copenhagen is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Lagos attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Lagos is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also well known for Tivoli Gardens.

How is Lagos different from Copenhagen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Copenhagen is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Copenhagen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Lagos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Is Lagos or Copenhagen Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Copenhagen is a world class party destination. 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.

Many people head to Lagos for the nightlife scene. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Lagos or Copenhagen Better for Resorts?

Lagos is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Copenhagen is not a resort destination.

Lagos is a world class resort vacation destination. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Copenhagen is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Copenhagen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Copenhagen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lagos is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Copenhagen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Copenhagen Better for Beaches?

Lagos is renowned for the beache. However, Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Lagos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Copenhagen Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen is well known for its historic old town. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Copenhagen Better for Hiking?

Lagos 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 Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Lagos or Copenhagen Better for Families?

Both Lagos and Copenhagen are fantastic family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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.

Is Lagos or Copenhagen Better for Couples?

Lagos and Copenhagen both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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.

Is Lagos or Copenhagen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos 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, Lagos is extremely popular for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Copenhagen is a very popular resort town 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 Lagos or Copenhagen Better for Students?

Copenhagen is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Copenhagen has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Copenhagen a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Copenhagen or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Copenhagen?

In either Lagos or Copenhagen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Copenhagen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Copenhagen than Lagos. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Copenhagen.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen than Lagos 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 Lagos or Copenhagen?

With shopping and nightlife around the dramatic resort town of Lagos, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

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.

A weekend in Lagos or Copenhagen?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lagos, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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.

Five days in Lagos or Copenhagen?

Lagos, a popular resort town, 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 resort town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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.

A week in Lagos or Copenhagen?

Lagos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxed 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Copenhagen, 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 Lagos or Copenhagen?

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 Lagos or Copenhagen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Copenhagen. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lagos is a little warmer than Copenhagen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Copenhagen. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Copenhagen in the Autumn?

Both Copenhagen and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lagos because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.

In October, Lagos is generally much warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Copenhagen. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Copenhagen in the Winter?

Both Copenhagen and Lagos during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Copenhagen. Lagos is much warmer than Copenhagen in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Copenhagen. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Copenhagen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Copenhagen. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Copenhagen in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than Copenhagen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Copenhagen. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Copenhagen and Lagos