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

Should you visit Lisbon or Copenhagen?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Copenhagen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, stunning, and picturesque 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 beaches.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a welcoming, relaxed, and beautiful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Copenhagen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Copenhagen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Copenhagen. While Copenhagen is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lisbon is more touristy than Copenhagen and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Copenhagen is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population.

How is Lisbon different from Copenhagen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon are world-renowned. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Copenhagen can be an enjoyable experience.

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

Copenhagen has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Is Lisbon or Copenhagen Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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.

Is Lisbon or Copenhagen Better for Music?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Copenhagen Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for the beache. However, Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Copenhagen Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon is one of the most recognized in the world. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Copenhagen?

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

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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.

Is Lisbon or Copenhagen Better for Families?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Lisbon is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Is Lisbon or Copenhagen Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Is Lisbon or Copenhagen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon 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, Lisbon is extremely popular for backpackers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Copenhagen Better for Students?

Both Lisbon and Copenhagen are excellent destinations for students.

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Copenhagen is very popular with students. 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 Lisbon or Copenhagen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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.

Is Lisbon or Copenhagen a more walkable city?

Lisbon and Copenhagen are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Copenhagen or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Copenhagen?

In either Lisbon or Copenhagen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than Copenhagen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-5 days is enough time in Copenhagen.

Families should spend more time in Copenhagen than Lisbon. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Copenhagen?

When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Copenhagen?

When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Copenhagen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Copenhagen?

Lisbon, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Copenhagen. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Copenhagen?

Lisbon 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Copenhagen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week 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 Lisbon and Copenhagen, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Copenhagen?

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 Lisbon or Copenhagen in the Summer?

Both Copenhagen and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Copenhagen. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Copenhagen in the Autumn?

Both Copenhagen and Lisbon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lisbon is much warmer than Copenhagen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Copenhagen. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Copenhagen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Copenhagen. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. In the winter, Lisbon is much warmer than Copenhagen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 1°C (33°F).

Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Copenhagen. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Copenhagen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Copenhagen. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Copenhagen. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Copenhagen and Lisbon