Eating on a Budget in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is known as the culinary capital of Scandinavia, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the city's food scene on a budget. Although Noma and Kokkeriet steal the limelight for Danish cuisine, there are plenty of places worth trying around the city that don’t have Michelin stars (but are still tasty and delicious!) and are a good option on a backpacker budget. We go in search of some of the highlights of local and international cheap eats in the city.
The Danish capital is a cosmopolitan city, so you can enjoy plenty of diversity in the food selections available here, with different tastes from around the world as well as some local favourites. One great place to try a whole range of world foods are the food markets, with Torvehallerne food market in Nørreport offering a number of cafes, stalls, and restaurants selling everything from cheeses to sushi. Here you can taste authentic Spanish tapas, fresh ice cream, or organic local produce.
There are also plenty of places selling Middle Eastern flavours (you can get the best falafel!), Asian delights, and South American food around town. To get a taste of traditional Danish food you can take advantage of one of the restaurants offering Brunch deals or buffets for a selection of everything. Or treat yourself to a traditional smorrebrod open sandwich.
Copenhagen Downtown Bar
Made new friends? We have snacks to share – grab a bag of popcorn for only 25 Dk, or hot snacks such as nachos from 70 Dk. Feeling peckish? We have awesome sandwiches and toasties including goat cheese and mozzarella or ham and mushroom with melted cheese. Pizza lover? We have 5 flavours including pepperoni and green pesto, delicious. Or grab a wrap eat in or to go, with chicken, cheese, pepperoni or guacamole mozzarella salad. We also have a whole selection of fresh coffees from macchiatos to ice coffee, or grab a fruit juice for 20 Dk. Looking for drinks too? We have offers on our awesome cocktails and beers at Happy Hour and have a selection of popular shots at 20 Dk each, or 10 shots for 100 Dk! This is meant for sharing with friends…
Fast Food
One great way to stick to a budget is to take advantage of all the awesome 'fast food' places, selling top quality burgers (and burgers for vegans too...), or tacos, pizza, and fresh Argentinian empanadas! And of course, Denmark is known for the famous hot dog stands, offering a selection of delicious (or though not that healthy) hot dogs. These are typical of the city, so you will have to try them at least once on your visit!
La Boca- Argentinian Street Food
Located inside the popular foody heaven of Torvehallerne food market in Nørreport, La Boca is home to the best empanadas in Copenhagen. This colourful and friendly Argentinian market restaurant sells hot fresh empanadas, deliciously baked and in many tempting flavours. Take a traditional beef empanada or go with an Italian vibe with mozzarella, basil, and tomato. They also have awesome fresh salads and hot dogs. 1 empanada is 40 Dk, 3 is 105 Dk, and 2 with an empanada and small salad is 100 Dk. Yum!
Dalle Valle – café style
This café is a simple place to grab a bite to eat, with a buffet offering a large selection of salads, pasta, meats, and cheeses. Brunch buffet is 99 Dk including traditional Danish dishes and evenining buffet, with over 25 hot dishes, is 149 Dk. Download the app for discounts or go at the beginning of the week.
Gasoline Grill – Burger lovers
Of all the burger joints in town, this former gas station in the centre of town pumps out some of the tastiest bun and patties we’ve had! They actually have a few locations now and also sell food beyond traditional burgers (and veggie ones). Try the chicken sandwich or indulge in half a bottle of sparkling wine! Download the app for delivery also.
A well-known favourite in the city center since the 80s, this place serves up a delicious vegetarian breakfast buffet (99DK) and lunch buffet (128DK) which includes salads, mezze dishes, falafel, pizza, and cold dishes. They do actually serve meat and fish but are best known for the veggie offers. Delicious, filling, healthy, and great on your wallet.
La Neta – Mexican Taqueria
This colourful and popular eatery serves Mexican style street food with their awesome selection of tacos. If you have a love for jalepeños, hot chili sauce and lime, then look no further than lining up the flavours here: our favourite is spicy pork with a side order of locally brewed Mikkeller beer.
This is our favourite place in town for great quality smørrebrød at lower prices than most places in town. Think cream cheese, cold meats, salmon, egg, and salad toppings – or honey and apple. Prices start at 69 Dk for these delicious loaded open sandwiches. They even do delivery!
Jagger - Vesterbro quality burgers
Not all burgers are junk food, some are just delicious! Always a budget friendly option, Jagger in Vesterbro serves up great quality burgers and fried chicken with a great vibe. If you’re into burgers and beers, then head here.
Restaurant Morgenstedet - Christiania organic restaurant
This is a well-known and popular place to eat in Christiania, with volunteers serving up sustainable, locally sourced, vegetarian food in their casual restaurant with a hippy vibe. Main dishes here are between 80 and 120 DK and there's a great atmosphere. Closed Mondays.
Absalon – Community vibes
Another place that serves up social dining but with a twist – every evening at 6pm (doors close 5.45 latest!), there is a communal dinner where you can buy a ticket online in advance or turn up at 5pm on the door and eat together. Dinner costs 50 Dk per person and is shared dishes, with vegetarian meals served Mondays and Wednesdays, and on Fridays there are all sorts of entertaining possibilities in this place! Often running theme parties and social activities to take part in, it is an unusual and upbeat place to have a dining experience. They also serve great breakfasts and lunches.
Souls Street Food – vegetarian treats
Served up with some soul, enjoy street food that is pretty damn healthy and good! Grab your (vegetarian) burger and beer here from their selection of tofu and ‘beyond meat’ burgers. Our panko tofu favourite is 96Dk with pickles and salad.
A great option for something healthy and meat free. Tasty 'fast food' options here include vegan stews, and the dishes are all eat in or take away. They have a menu with salad and bread here for 95Dk, and amazing fruit juices also.
Eat your heart out at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
Not only does Copenhagen Downtown have the best priced happy hour in town, we also have the most amazing breakfast deal for our guests, and food to order on our meal and snack menus. Grab a pizza with us or enjoy a Danish breakfast with tasty coffee in the comfort of our retro bar. Our favourite is the chicken ciabatta for only 60 Dk. Check out our menu here
With the most central location in town, our award-winning hostel has everything you need to have a great backpacker experience right here in Copenhagen. Our helpful staff will make you feel at home!
Book direct with us for the best prices and added benefits throughout your stay. We are part of the St Christopher’s Inns Hostels network and a member of Famous Hostels, an association of the best hostels around Europe!