The Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Copenhagen

Conveniently sitting near the city’s main train station, this locally owned hotel is named after medieval Copenhagen legend Bishop Absalon. Due to its close proximity to amusement park Tivoli Gardens, it’s ideal for families. But don’t fret if you fancy a break from the kids. In-room childcare is available on request, freeing you up to explore the restaurants and cafés of surrounding Vesterbro in peace.

Eco-savvy visitors to the city will appreciate the Danish hotel chain Guldsmeden’s commitment to making your stay sustainable. All of the brand’s hotels are Green Globe certified, one of the most stringent systems of certification in the world. Bertrams Hotel sits on Vesterbrogade, Vesterbro’s main shopping street, putting you next to the neighbourhood’s best cafés, restaurants and shops. After a day of exploring, relax in the backyard’s terrace garden, a serene space in the heart of the city.

Affordable luxury in the centre of the city, citizenM is minutes from Copenhagen’s Central Station, Tivoli Gardens and City Hall Square. Lovers of modern art will appreciate the colourful interior, with eclectic details and murals by Danish artists. Food is served in the canteen around the clock, while 24-hour check-in means you can arrive at whatever time suits you. The hotel’s living room is stylish and comfortable – the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two.

Built in the 1930s for Danish State Railways, Hotel Astoria soon became Copenhagen’s first luxury hotel. Still sitting beside Copenhagen’s Central Station, the hotel’s functionalist design is reminiscent of a steam train. As with each of Danish-owned Brøchner’s boutique hotels, the Astoria puts on a free wine hour every evening to help its guests unwind and feel at home. There’s also a breakfast buffet comprising freshly baked bread, croissants, yoghurt, seasonal fruit, smoothies, juices and more.

Steps away from City Hall Square and in the middle of everywhere you’d want to be, Hotel Danmark is a brilliant place to stay for the night. Another Brøchner hotel, Hotel Danmark will make you feel welcome from the minute you walk in the door. Kick back at the bar, or head to the roof terrace for some of the best views in town. The hotel is especially great for families or groups, with stylish bunk rooms available if you wish to stay together.

Ibsens Hotel is situated in Nansensgade, a mere five-minute walk from Nørreport station. This charming hotel is colourful, featuring the works by local artists on the walls. Situated in a location that’s well connected to the rest of Copenhagen, the hotel puts importance on sustainability and offers guests organic, responsibly produced goods only. Modest yet stylish rooms can be found here, each decorated with a flat-screen TV and a desk. When ready to explore the area, wander a couple of blocks to Torvehallerne, where you can enjoy a variety of food and drinks at the two large glass market halls.

This apartment-turned-hotel in the quiet Copenhagen neighbourhood of Østerbro sits right next to the city’s iconic lakes. A few blocks from the new City Ring Metro line at Trianglen, Rye115 Hotel offers simple but elegant rooms adorned with vintage Scandinavian furniture. The hotel is great if you want to stretch your legs for a run along the water or in nearby Fælledparken. You’ll also find cute cafés and upscale design and clothes shops just around the corner. Wake to the smell of warm house-baked bread – included in your complimentary breakfast buffet – and relax on the outdoor terrace with a coffee, tea and Danish cake in the afternoons.

Scandic Hotels’ Kødbyen pad puts you where you need to be for food, culture and nightlife. Named after the nearby Meatpacking District, it’s just a short walk from the city centre. The hotel offers an amazing Scandinavian buffet, and the on-site restaurant serves up a range of first-class dishes. Bikes are also available to rent.

One of three Wakeup hotels in Copenhagen, the Borgergade location is situated between Kongens Nytorv, Nyhavn and the King’s Garden – perfect for sightseers on a budget. The rooms here are sleek and pod-like, while the large common spaces include Danish design elements such as Poul Henningsen lights and Arne Jacobsen chairs, making the hotel feel a little more upscale than it actually is.

Just steps from the central station (which is a 12-minute train ride from the airport), and the famous Tivoli Gardens across the road, you’ll find the Copenhagen Plaza. Today, the city’s former red-light district, Vesterbro, is full of restaurants, independent shops and cafes. The hotel has 93 well-appointed rooms – from standard single and doubles to superior and triple rooms. All include free wifi, a minibar and coffee maker. Hint if you’re thirsty: the hotel’s Flora Library Bar has been named among the best bars in the world.

Formerly the home of the Danish Union of Metalworkers, Steel House is a fine example of budget luxe. After all, not many hostels have a pool, gym and cinema. Choose from a dorm – with space for luggage and a socket by the bed – or private room for more creature comforts, including Getama mattresses and a private bathroom. Enjoy the Steel House bar for food and drink or cook your own in the hotel’s self-service kitchen.

Set in the middle of Copenhagen’s most recognised cityscapes, near the idyllic, coloured houses of Nyhavn, is Hotel Bethel. Originally a guesthouse for sailors, don’t expect anything luxurious here; there are 30 ensuite rooms, single or double. The Little Mermaid is a short, scenic walk along the waterfront from here. Enjoy the hotel’s free coffee and tea, plus a café on site serves simple dishes and snacks. Explore beyond the canal for a classic Danish smørrebrød at Ida Davidsen, a 10-minute walk away.

Another contender for the luxury hostel category, Generator is well known for its design and hotel comforts at budget prices. Set in a Philippe Starck-designed development, this hostel has a terrace, petanque bar and shared chill-out areas. There are dorm rooms, private rooms for up to six people and standard single and double rooms. On the ground floor, you’ll find Copenhagen’s only permanent ice bar, CPH, where you can enjoy a shot from a glass made of pure ice.

This small Parisian-style hotel has a touch of vintage alongside modern Scandinavian design. From single rooms to junior suites, the 90 rooms feature organic cotton linen and sitting areas with cosy pillows. Foodies will like that Coco is part of the Copenhagen Food Collective (Cofoco), so just ask for the best dinner recommendations. There’s a firm focus on sustainability: the hotel’s Café Coco serves mainly organic produce, and the entire building is kitted out with energy saving fittings.