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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Copenhagen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Copenhagen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a peaceful, relaxed, and traditional island. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a progressive, friendly, and happy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Copenhagen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Copenhagen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Copenhagen. Although Saaremaa and Copenhagen are both popular with visitors, Copenhagen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Copenhagen is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saaremaa is known for its beaches and small town charm. Copenhagen is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Copenhagen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Copenhagen is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Copenhagen can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Copenhagen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saaremaa makes for a great culinary experience. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

Is Saaremaa or Copenhagen Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Copenhagen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Copenhagen Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a island with good options for the beache. However, Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saaremaa. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Copenhagen Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen is great for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Copenhagen to see the historical old town. 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.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Copenhagen specifically to go shopping. 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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Copenhagen Better for Families?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Copenhagen is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Copenhagen Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Copenhagen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Saaremaa is a very popular place to visit for couples. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Is Saaremaa or Copenhagen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Is Saaremaa or Copenhagen Better for Students?

Copenhagen is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Copenhagen is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Copenhagen is top-notch. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Copenhagen a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Copenhagen is a very easy city to get around on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Copenhagen or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Copenhagen?

In either Saaremaa or Copenhagen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than Saaremaa because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 2-5 days is enough time in Copenhagen.

Families should spend more time in Copenhagen than Saaremaa. 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 Saaremaa. 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Copenhagen?

Saaremaa might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Copenhagen offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Copenhagen?

Even though Saaremaa is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Copenhagen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Copenhagen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Copenhagen?

Saaremaa, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Copenhagen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Copenhagen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Copenhagen?

Saaremaa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Copenhagen is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Copenhagen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Copenhagen. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Copenhagen. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Copenhagen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Copenhagen. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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.

Saaremaa is cooler than Copenhagen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Saaremaa usually gets more rain in October than Copenhagen. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Copenhagen in the Winter?

Both Copenhagen and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Copenhagen can be very cold during winter. Saaremaa can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saaremaa is much colder than Copenhagen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Copenhagen. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Copenhagen in the Spring?

Both Copenhagen and Saaremaa during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Saaremaa can be very cold during spring. In April, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Copenhagen. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Copenhagen and Saaremaa