How to Eat Cheaply in Copenhagen - 9 Eateries
As a study abroad student in the summer of 2018 I had to get creative when it came to meals so that I could eat cheaply in Copenhagen. Luckily summer in Copenhagen is a great time for picnics and there are many other cheap options hidden in plain sight.
1. Mad & Kaffe (for breakfast)
While this is not the cheapest place on the list, I’ve included it because the price varies based on how you build your breakfast. This is nice because you can still have the Mad & Kaffe experience for cheaper.
You add food items to your meal with different pricing based on whether you choose 3, 5, or 7 elements. This structure is perfect for trying different things as each element individually is smaller than a full meal. Also, if you are one for aesthetic, this is your spot.
One thing to note: this is a popular place, so if crowds are not your favorite you may want to skip this spot.
2. Netto – *Perfect for eating cheaply in Copenhagen
Netto is a budget Danish grocery chain. We often went here for cheese, fruit, bread, and packaged meats and did picnic for dinner in one of the many parks around the city. In the Netto there was really not a single label I could read, except for the few American brands that held their own in Denmark. (Doritos and Oreos were the ones I noticed).
I was basically going off shapes for my guess as to what the contents of packages were. Lots of yogurts in Denmark are sold in cartons that are intermingled with the milk cartons, so keep that in mind if you choose to shop here.
3. The Glass Market
Also known by its Danish name, Torvehallerne, this glass market is a foodie’s dream and one of the most aesthetically pleasing budget meal destinations on the list. This covered glass market offers a wide variety of beautifully presented food items including gourmet sandwiches, beverages, fresh produce, and desserts from various vendors. Although items here are not all cheap, you will be able to make a cheaper meal here than at a restaurant.
4. Reffen (warmer months only)
Similar to the Glass Market, this unique area houses a plethora of food vendor stalls amongst repurposed shipping containers. Mostly surrounded by water, this bustling and creative atmosphere is extremely aesthetic and there will be something for everyone. It’s a bit further from the heart of the city, but the trip will be well worth it for the unique experience. Sadly no picture for this one. Also, I would verify it is open when you will be traveling because it was temporarily closed for awhile and shuts down in the colder months.
5. Nyhavn Outdoor Stalls (warmer months only)
Nyhavn, pronounced “new hound”, means new harbor and is one of my favorite places to go day or night, but mostly at sunset to enjoy the quaint harbor festivities. If you walk past the expensive restaurants that line the water and venture across the bike and pedestrian bridge you will find an outdoor Restaurant Barr with various different food options, my favorite being the hot dogs/sausages.
While here, we bought beers at the Bedwood Hostel, nestled in a quaint courtyard accessed by walking through a tunnel between the waterfront restaurants. We found that these beers were a lot cheaper than the harbor-side restaurants. The beer we got was Norrebro Classic (Frisk & Maltet). It was very tasty. Keep in mind this is also one of the more crowded areas on the list.
6. Paludan Bog & Café (for brunch)
I included this spot for its beautiful brunch spread and large portions. During my time on Copenhagen this brunch included multiple items and was budget friendly, so definitely worth a look. We normally ate outside but the indoor area has some cozy nooks as well.
7. Momo Wok Box
Nestled on a busy street, this little hole in the wall offers some of the best stir fry I have ever had. I believe you can also get ramen, but each time I opted for the “Build Your Own” stir fry. There’s a small amount of indoor and outdoor seating, but I tend to take the stir fry to go and eat it somewhere in the city. Although this spot is often crowded and not entirely aesthetic, the food will be well worth it.
8. Studenterhuset (for students)
This café is friendly to students and offers discounts on coffee and croissants. While I was in Copenhagen I ordered a coffee and chocolate croissant here more mornings than I care to admit. Additionally, the atmosphere is perfect for studying. Plus, if you sit outside you get a great view of the Rundetaarn.
9. Spaghetteria La Perla
This is one of the few actual restaurants on the list. We liked this quaint little spot because it had good Italian food and was not crazy expensive. Still, as a restaurant this is the splurge spot on the list.
For more European travel ideas check out my Europe page.