A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Odense vs. Cork for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Odense or Cork?

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 Odense and Cork. 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.

Odense

It's also known for food.

Cork

Cork is a youthful, energetic, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Odense and Cork: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Odense or Cork?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cork than Odense. Cork is bigger than Odense, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cork is more touristy than Odense and is known for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. Also, Cork is famous for The Blarney Castle and Stone. Odense is well known for

How is Odense different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Odense or Cork?

Odense
Cork

Cork is notable for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Odense or Cork? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Odense
Cork

Cork is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Cork is an experience not to be missed. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Odense or Cork Better for Nightlife?

Odense
Cork

Cork is notable for its evening party scene. However, Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Cork has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Odense or Cork?

Odense
Cork

Cork is notable for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cork. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Odense or Cork Better for Families?

Odense
Cork

Odense is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Odense is a very family-friendly place to visit. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

Cork is a family-friendly city. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Odense or Cork Better for Couples?

Odense
Cork

Cork is notable for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

Cork is a very popular place to visit for couples. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Odense or Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Odense
Cork

Cork is a good destination for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.


Is Odense or Cork Better for Students?

Odense
Cork

Cork is notable for students. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

Plenty of students visit Odense. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

Is Odense or Cork Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Odense
Cork

Cork is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

Public transit is generally limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Odense or Cork a more walkable city?

Odense
Cork

Cork is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

Cork is a somewhat walkable city. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

Odense is not a walkable destination.


Should I spend more time in Cork or Odense?

How long in Odense or Cork?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Odense and Cork. In our opinion, Cork has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cork than Odense. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Odense, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cork.

Families should spend more time in Odense than Cork. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Odense, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cork than Odense 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 Cork.


  • How many days in Odense or Cork? Ideal Length of Stay
    Odense 2-3 
    Cork 1-3

One day in Odense or Cork?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Odense. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cork. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Odense or Cork?

Odense is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Cork 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 Odense or Cork?

You'll find food around the destination of Odense. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cork. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Odense or Cork?

The city of Odense offers food. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the energetic destination of Cork. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Cork or Odense?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Odense is $160, while the average daily cost in Cork is $108. 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 Odense and Cork in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Odense $80
    Cork $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Odense $160
    Cork $128
Compare Hotels in Odense and Cork

Looking for a hotel in Odense or Cork? 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 Odense


Hotels in Cork


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: Odense Hotel Prices and Cork Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Odense $44
    Cork $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Odense or Cork?

Prices for flights to both Cork and Odense 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
    Odense $51
    Cork $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cork

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

  • Hysterical Histories, Comedic Dinner Theater Show: $53
  • Hysterical Histories Cork Dinner Theatre Show: $57
  • Historic Cork Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Odense $29
    Cork $9.95

Tours and Activities in Odense

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

  • Copenhagen Audio Tour: Following Hans Christian Andersen: $9.99
  • River Cruise on the Odense River: $16
  • GoBoat Self-drive Boat Tour: $57
  • Inspiring Odense - Walking Tour for Couples: $480
  • Christmas Charms in Odense - Walking Tour: $587

Tours and Activities in Cork

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

  • Highlights of A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Cork Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Discover Cork's Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens Admission Ticket: $13
  • City Gaol Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Cork City Gaol Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cork Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Guided Historical Walking Tour: $20
  • Cork Instagram Photography Walking Tour: $22
  • Tour guidé de Cork City centre en français: $24
  • Cork City Hop On/Off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Hop On/Hop Off Cork City Sightseeing Tour : $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Odense $22
    Cork $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cork

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cork:

  • Clonakilty Distillery Tour & Classic Whiskey Tasting: $22
  • Cork City: Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
  • Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
  • Midleton Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $32
  • Midleton Distillery Experience & Whiskey Tasting -Home of Jameson: $33
  • Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery: $64
  • Cork Irish Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery : $65
  • Midleton Distillery Behind the Scenes Tour & Tasting: $80
  • Blarney Castle Cork City and Jameson Distillery Semi Private Tour: $196
  • Private Cork City Tour, Kinsale and Jameson Distillery: $254


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Odense and Cork, we can see that Odense is more expensive. And not only is Cork much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cork would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cork 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 Odense would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Odense than you might in Cork.

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


Which is Bigger, Odense or Cork?

Cork has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Odense. When comparing the sizes of Odense and Cork, 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.