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Is The Copenhagen Card Worth it? Travel & Attraction Review

ByMacy

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Nyhavn in Denmark | Is The Copenhagen Card Worth it?

We are always looking for ways to do as many activities and experience new places when we travel, and the Copenhagen Card helped us do that in Copenhagen while saving money! Traveling can get expensive but it also doesn’t need to be as costly as you may think. There are various ways to save money in each city, so I am excited to go into detail about this option in Demark. Is the Copenhagen Card worth it? Let’s dive in! 

If you are planning a trip to Copenhagen and wondering how to save money while enjoying the city’s top attractions, the Copenhagen Card might be the perfect solution for your family. Here’s everything you need to know about this all-in-one city pass, including how it works, the benefits, and a detailed breakdown of where you can use it.

Spoiler Alert: If you are traveling to Copenhagen, I highly recommend purchasing a Copenhagen Card! My personal experience is included with the detailed information below, but this is one of the best values we have found in our international travels. As the official sightseeing pass on the city, it’s a must get. 

What is the Copenhagen Card?

The Copenhagen Card is a city pass that provides free access to over 90 attractions and museums in Copenhagen and the surrounding areas. It also includes unlimited use of public transportation in the capital region, covering buses, trains, metro, and harbor buses (boats!). It may seem too good to be true as you read through this list but we had an amazing experience and it’s the official city card for Copenhagen- so it’s true! 

The card is available in several time durations:

  • 24 hours
  • 48 hours
  • 72 hours
  • 96 hours
  • 120 hours

You can purchase either of the different cards, the Copenhagen Card – Discover (includes all attractions and transportation) or the Copenhagen Card – Hop (fewer attractions but includes free use of Stromma hop-on-hop-off bus tours).

How Does It Work?

Using the Copenhagen Card is simple and user-friendly. 

  • Purchase the card online or at the desk within the airport.
  • Add the card to the Copenhagen Card app.
    • I recommend downloading this before arrival so it’s ready to go once it’s time to add the card. 
  • Activate it within the app when you are ready to begin use (aka either at an attraction before entrance or on public transport).
  • Scan your digital card at each attraction or when boarding public transport.

Tip: Once you add cards to your app, you can transfer the card to someone else in your party. This was helpful so I could add all of the cards for my family and then transfer to their apps. 

Benefits of Using the Copenhagen Card

The main benefit to the Copenhagen Card is the aspect of saving money, but there are truly a variety of benefits to making your travel around Copenhagen easier. 

  • Family-Friendly Options
    Each adult Copenhagen Card allows free entry for up to two children under 12 years old, making it a fantastic deal for families. This is a major benefit and cost savings! You can take advantage of this deal for any card, no matter the timeframe purchased. 
  • Savings on Attractions
    By purchasing the Copenhagen Card, you avoid paying individual entry fees for each attraction. Many attractions included have entry fees ranging from $15-$30 (100 – 200 DKK) per person, which quickly adds up for families.
  • Free Public Transportation
    Unlimited access to Copenhagen’s efficient public transport system within the entire capital region, making it easy to explore the city without worrying about additional costs or tickets. The biggest benefit in my opinion is the variety of public transportation options- trains, buses, boat, etc. It’s great to hop on a quick ride to head to wheveer you are going, especially if it’s somewhere you are getting in with free admission! Unlimited travel is included for whichever hour Copenhagen Card you purchase. 
  • Convenience
    There is no need to carry cash or purchase multiple tickets. Everything is streamlined into one card, in one place, on your phone. You can also easily transfer cards to other member of the family so everyone has their own card. 
  • Flexibility
    With the wide range of attractions included, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or amusement parks. Or all of the above! You are able to use the card for as many attractions as you would like within the time frame purchased. 

What Attractions Are Included?

There are over 90 Copenhagen attractions included with the Copenhagen Card. Can you even imagine saving that much money when you are able to see such a wide variety of places?! When asking yourself if the Copenhagen Card is worth it based on the tourist attractions, or even lesser known attractions, you pretty much can’t go wrong since there is something for everyone. 

As there are so many activities included, this list is a small selection of popular attractions included in the Copenhagen Card, along with their standard entry prices for adults (as of 2025):

  • Tivoli Gardens– $21 (150 DKK)
    • A historic amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens blends thrilling rides, lush gardens, and live entertainment. Its magical atmosphere has inspired visitors, including Walt Disney, for over 180 years.
    • Note: the Copenhagen Card includes entry into Tivoli Gardens, not food or rides. You can purchase individual entry to each ride or you can purchase an unlimited ride pass (which is what I recommend!) 
  • Designmuseum Danmark– $18 (130 DKK)
    • This museum celebrates Danish design and craftsmanship, showcasing iconic furniture, textiles, and contemporary art. A must-visit for design enthusiasts
  • The National Museum of Denmark– $15 (110 DKK)
    • Denmark’s largest art museum of cultural history offers exhibits ranging from Viking artifacts to ancient Egyptian treasures, providing a comprehensive look at Danish and global history.
  • Canal Boat Tour – $18 (130 DKK)
    • A 90-minute relaxing and picturesque way to explore the city’s iconic sights from the water. This guided boat tour winds through Copenhagen’s historic canals and harbor, passing landmarks such as the Little Mermaid statue, Nyhavn’s colorful waterfront, Amalienborg Palace, and Christiansborg Palace. 
  • Rosenborg Castle– $18 (125 DKK)
    • A stunning Renaissance castle housing Denmark’s crown jewels and royal regalia, Rosenborg offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Danish royalty.
  • Amalienborg Palace– $18 (125 DKK)
    • The residence of Denmark’s royal family, Amalienborg is famous for its elegant architecture and the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony.
  • The Round Tower– $6 (40 DKK)
    • Europe’s oldest functioning observatory offers panoramic views of Copenhagen from its unique spiral walkway, alongside historical exhibits inside.
  • Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek– $16 (115 DKK)
    • An art lover’s paradise, this museum features a remarkable collection of classical sculptures and impressionist masterpieces set in a beautiful building with a winter garden.
  • The Blue Planet Aquarium– $28 (195 DKK)
    • Northern Europe’s largest aquarium showcases marine life from around the globe, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish in immersive underwater exhibits.
  • Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (outside Copenhagen) – $20 (145 DKK)
    • Located north of Copenhagen, this museum is renowned for its cutting-edge contemporary art, breathtaking sculpture garden, and stunning coastal views.
  • Experimentarium– $35 (225 DKK)
    • A hands-on science center perfect for families, Experimentarium offers interactive exhibits on technology, physics, and the human body, sparking curiosity in visitors of all ages.
  • Copenhagen Zoo – $
    • Home to over 4,000 animals, the zoo features engaging habitats like the Arctic Circle for polar bears and the tropical rainforest, making it a fun and educational outing for kids.
  • The Viking Ship Museum(Roskilde) – $22 (155 DKK)
    • Located in Roskilde, this museum showcases authentic Viking ships and offers visitors a chance to learn about Viking history and even sail replicas.

As mentioned, with so many attractions included, you can explore much more than what is on this list. Full details are available on the Copenhagen Card page.

Is The Copenhagen Card Worth It for Families?

The Copenhagen Card can be an excellent investment for families, especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions and use public transport.

Here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Plan Your Itinerary: The card’s value increases the more attractions you visit, so plan a busy schedule to maximize its benefits. However, even if you don’t want to have a full schedule, even seeing 2-3 places with the card will be worth it, especially if you take public transportation between activities. 
  • Calculate Potential Savings: Add up the standard entry fees for the attractions on your family’s must-visit list and compare them to the cost of the card. Don’t forget to include public transportation estimates! If you have at least one child, the Copenhagen Card cost is usually worth it if you plan to visit 1 attraction per day plus use the public transportation system. 
  • Consider Travel Preferences: If you prefer walking or plan to limit the amount of sightseeing in museums or more touristy locatons, the card might not be as cost-effective.
  • Consider The Time: You don’t have to purchase the card for your full stay in Copenhagen. You could always purchase a 24 hour pass in the middle of your trip, or a 72 hour pass for the start of your stay, etc. 

Helpful Details for Families

Copenhagen is one of the most family-friendly cities we have visited, so it makes sense that the Copenhagen card follows the same pattern. 

  • Children Travel Free: Up to two children (0–11 years old) per paying adult cardholder get free access to attractions and public transport. Each child must have their own Copenhagen Card so be sure to add it when purchasing! We purchased our Copenhagen Cards through Get Your Guide and had a seamless experience with the adults cards and the free child cards. A benefit of purchasing in advance through Get Your Guide or Viator is the ability to plan in advance while also being able to get a refund if you don’t end up using the travel cards! 
  • Public Transport Coverage: The card includes transportation to and from Copenhagen Airport, making it handy for arrival and departure.
  • Availability: Purchase the card in advance (the easiest option for planning ahead!) or pick it up at the airport, major train stations, or tourist centers in Copenhagen.

Pricing for the Copenhagen Card – Discover Card:

Pricing is subject to change, this is based on the current cost as of January 2025. 

  • 24 hours: 469 DKK (approx. $66 USD)
  • 48 hours: 689 DKK (approx. $97 USD)
  • 72 hours: 889 DKK (approx. $125 USD)
  • 96 hours: 1089 DKK (approx. $153 USD)
  • 120 hours: 1269 DKK (approx. $178 USD)

Alternatively, you could purchase the Hop Card which is a cheaper alternative which includes limited attractions but offers a hop-on/hop-off bus option rather than public transportation. The bus service is offered by Sightseeing with Stromma and will take you to a few of the major attractions across three routes within Copenhagen and the city center. 

Personally, we used the 48 hour card (Discover) and saved over $150 over our two days! That’s a major savings. The convenience of going from the airport to the central station without having to worry about grabbing tickets, navigating zones, etc. was the first major benefit and then experiencing the roller coasters in one of the oldest amusement parks, boating along the canals of Copenhagen (while it snowed!), and seeing Danish crown jewels were added fun to our trip. 

I can’t recommend the Copenhagen Card more. It was easy to use and really helpful with pre-planning but also on-the-fly changes while we were in Copenhagen. Denmark’s vibrant capital has something for everyone, which is made even easier with the Copenhagen Card-Discover. 

If you are looking for more family-friendly travel experiences around Europe, check out the European section of To Travel and Beyond.

For families visiting Copenhagen, the Copenhagen Card offers a stress-free way to explore the city’s many attractions while saving money and time. Whether you’re interested in fairy-tale castles, thrilling amusement parks, or world-class museums, this card unlocks the best of the city in a convenient and affordable way. There are unique experiences, a canal tour, the must-visit Tivoli Gardens, and much more waiting for you in Copenhagen! 

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