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

Should you visit Odense or York?

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 York. 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Odense and York: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • 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 York?

Visitors will usually find more to do in York than Odense, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. York is more touristy than Odense and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles. Odense is well known for

How is Odense different from York?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Odense
York

York 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 York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Odense
York

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

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.

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 York Better for Nightlife?

Odense
York

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

York has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Odense or York Better for its Old Town?

Odense
York

York is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Odense does not have a historic old town.

York has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Odense does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Odense or York?

Odense
York

York is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to York to go shopping. 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.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Odense or York Better for Families?

Odense
York

York is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Odense 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, 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.

Odense is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Odense or York Better for Couples?

Odense
York

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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 York Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Odense
York

York is notable for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

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 York Better for Students?

Odense
York

Odense is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Odense is a good city to visit for students. 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Odense
York

York is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

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

Odense does not have public transit.


Is Odense or York a more walkable city?

Odense
York

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

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

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in York or Odense?

How long in Odense or York?

It's fun to spend time in either Odense or York. Generally, people tend to spend more time in York due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Odense, and 2-4 days is enough time in York.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Odense or York? Ideal Length of Stay
    Odense 2-3 
    York 2-4

One day in Odense or York?

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 York. 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 Odense or York?

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.

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 York?

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 York. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 York?

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 medieval destination of York. 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 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, York 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 York is $132. 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 York in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Odense $80
    York $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Odense $160
    York $146
Compare Hotels in Odense and York

Looking for a hotel in Odense or York? 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 York


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 York Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Odense $44
    York $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279

Is it cheaper to fly into Odense or York?

Prices for flights to both York 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
    York $40

Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

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

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Odense $29
    York $14

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 York

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

  • York Guide - Everybody Hates a Tourist: $6.35
  • Tower Tour: $7.63
  • Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • York Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private York Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • York Cocoa Works Guided Tour and Tasting: $12
  • Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York: $13
  • York Bird of Prey Centre Entry Ticket: $14
  • City Chronicles Historical Walking Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Odense $22
    York $16

Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Odense and York, we can see that Odense 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 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 York.

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


Which is Bigger, Odense or York?

Odense has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of Odense 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.