The Best Cheap Eats In Copenhagen

Copenhagen is not exactly the first destination for those who want to travel on a budget — and with good reason. It’s true, compared to other European countries, Denmark is a bit pricey but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some alternative places that can help you enjoy your trip without costing you an arm and a leg. This list reveals the best cheap eats in the city.

Buffet restaurants

The city’s buffet restaurants are a cheap and tasty way to sate your appetite. For low prices — at least by Copenhagen’s standards — you have access to a great variety of salads, meat and fish and you can refill your plate as many times as you want. One of the cheapest restaurants with a delicious buffet is Dalle Valle and it is located just in the city center. The dinner buffet is open from 4pm to 10pm and served are various dishes such as lasagne, chicken, roast potatoes and much more. For those who enjoy a mixed green salad, RizRaz is the perfect place for a lunch full of vitamins.

Dalle Valle, Fiolstræde 3-5, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 93 29 29

RizRaz Sticks’N’Veggies, Kompagnistræde 20, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 15 05 75

RizRaz – Steaks’N’Veggies, St. Kannikestræde 19, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 32 33 45

Hot dog stands

Hot dog stands are spread all over the city, filling the streets with the smell of roasted sausages. Pølser are the locals’ favorite treat while they’re going home after work or when they relax by the lakes on a sunny day. Order yours with a special sauce or the regular ketchup-mustard mix. The stands are easy to spot, since most of them are situated near central metro stations, such as Nørreport Station or Christianshavn Station. A hot dog costs approximately DKK30 (US$4). Chances are you won’t get full, but it will satisfy your hunger, while you’re roaming around the city.

Copenhagen Street Food (Papirøen)

Food Court, Street Food

Copenhagen Street Food is a popular market place where 39 stalls serve delicacies from all over the world. Taste the authentic Indian butter chicken, a Mexican spicy taco or the local smørrebrød (a slice of black bread with whatever you like on top). Veggies have many options as well, as there are many restaurants making organic and gluten-free meals. Copenhagen Street Food is located on the Paper Island (Papirøen) and offers a great view to the Opera House, the Royal Danish Playhouse and the harbor of Copenhagen. Prices start from DKK50 (US$7).

Kebab restaurants

Cafe, Restaurant, Middle Eastern

Restaurants with Middle Eastern recipes are among the top choices for locals when picking somewhere to eat. Open until late at night — especially on weekends — they serve falafel, kebab or chicken durums to night owls who head home after a night out. They are on every corner around the city, but it is said that the ones on Nørrebrogade are the best in town. Our favorites are Konyali in Nørrebro and Nørrevold Is og Pizzabar in Nørreport. Apart from Middle Eastern delicacies you can also find pizza, burger, pasta salad and other tasty dishes. Prices start from DKK20 (US$3) and you can get a full menu (durum, French fries and a soft drink) for approximately DKK70 (US$10).

Grønsagen restaurant

Greengrocer, Restaurant, Vegetarian

The cozy restaurant in the heart of Freetown Christiania opens its doors everyday to its guests from 12pm to 7pm. This place has a buffet full of vegetarian and meat dishes so no one leaves the place on an empty stomach. Plus, it sells a great variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for those who want to snack later. The price ranges according to the portion you end up having on your plate. Put your dish on the scale and pay the price.

About the author

Aliki Seferou

When she doesn't have her headphones on, Aliki likes to talk about cinema, the peculiar stories she has experienced during her various travels around the world, and her desperate attempts to capture landscapes and people with her lens. Originally from Athens, Greece, Aliki moved to Copenhagen to find out if Denmark is actually the happiest nation in the world (still looking into it) and at the same time study Film and Media.