![\"coloured](\"https:\/\/www.routesnorth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/nick-karvounis-cj9_lderSUk-unsplash.jpg\")
<\/a>Nyhavn: a must see in Copenhagen | Nick Karvounis<\/a><\/p>\nHow does the Copenhagen Card work?<\/p>\n
The idea is that you pay for the Copenhagen Card upfront and then get free access to a whole bunch of attractions across the city \u2013 plus the transport to get to them.<\/p>\n
What does the Copenhagen Card cover?<\/p>\n
The Copenhagen Card \u2013 DISCOVER (get it here<\/a>) gives you free access to 80+ attractions across Copenhagen and beyond, plus unlimited public transport (including the airport and day trips to places like Roskilde and Helsing\u00f8r).<\/p>\n Some of the top attractions included are:<\/p>\n Tivoli Gardens<\/p>\n Rosenborg Castle<\/p>\n Home of Carlsberg<\/p>\n Amalienborg Palace<\/p>\n Louisiana Museum of Modern Art<\/p>\n The National Museum<\/p>\n Kronborg Castle<\/p>\n Arken Museum of Modern Art<\/p>\n Christiansborg Palace<\/p>\n Guinness World Records Museum<\/p>\n Copenhagen Zoo<\/p>\n Danish Architecture Centre<\/p>\n The card also includes a canal cruise and some seasonal boat trips. For more on boat trips and canal cruises in Copenhagen, check out our guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n What is the Copenhagen Card \u2013 HOP?<\/p>\n The Copenhagen Card is also available as a HOP version, which includes entry to around 40 attractions in the city centre, plus access to hop-on, hop-off bus tours.<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s usually more expensive than the DISCOVER card and doesn\u2019t include public transport or attractions outside the city centre, such as Kronborg Castle. Bus routes are also limited, with only one running daily year-round.<\/p>\n Unless you specifically want the hop-on, hop-off buses, we think the Copenhagen Card \u2013 DISCOVER offers much better value \u2014 which is why we\u2019ve used it for our comparisons below.<\/p>\n How much does a Copenhagen Card cost?<\/p>\n There are five different types of Copenhagen Card \u2013 DISCOVER to choose from \u2013 they\u2019re valid for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours and 120 hours respectively. The Copenhagen Card \u2013 HOP is available for 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours.<\/p>\n Each adult with a Copenhagen Card can add up to two discounted KIDS cards for children aged 3\u201311 when purchasing. If you\u2019re travelling with more than two children per adult, the additional children will need a junior card. Infants aged 0\u20132 do not need their own card.<\/p>\n 24\u00a0hr48 hr72 hr96 hr120 hrDISCOVER (adult)5898591,0391,2191,419DISCOVER (junior; aged 12\u201315)399509589699789DISCOVER (kids; aged 3-11)100140180220260HOP (adult)6008751,050n\/an\/aHOP (junior; aged 12\u201315)410525600n\/an\/aHOP (kids; aged 3-11)100140180n\/an\/a<\/p>\n Prices (in Danish\u00a0kronor)\u00a0are correct at the time of publication.<\/p>\n Buying & activating the card<\/p>\n The Copenhagen Card is fully digital and available online<\/a> or via the official app<\/a>. After purchasing, you activate it on your phone just before entering your first attraction \u2014 this starts the validity period (for example 24, 48 or 72 hours).<\/p>\n To activate it, simply open the app, go to \u201cMy cards\u201d (or tap the QR icon), and swipe to activate. Make sure you only do this when you\u2019re ready, as it can\u2019t be undone.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need internet to activate the card, but once it\u2019s running, it works offline. Note that it\u2019s valid for a set number of hours, not calendar days \u2014 so if you activate it at 4pm, it will run until 4pm the next day.<\/p>\n Is the Copenhagen Card sold at the airport?<\/p>\n You can\u2019t buy a physical card at the airport anymore, but it\u2019s worth purchasing in advance<\/a>, as it covers transport into the city centre. If you\u2019re taking it easy on your first day, consider activating it later.<\/p>\n How do I use the Copenhagen Card on the metro, train or bus?<\/p>\n The card gives unlimited access to buses, trains and the metro across the Copenhagen region, making it easy to reach day trips<\/a> locations both in the city and beyond, such as Roskilde and Helsing\u00f8r (the castle from Shakespeare\u2019s Hamlet).<\/p>\n Unfortunately, you can\u2019t use your Copenhagen Card to Card to travel to Malm\u00f6 in Sweden<\/a>, so check out our guide for tips on the cheapest ways to cross the bridge to Sweden<\/a>.<\/p>\n Do I have to book any attractions in advance?<\/p>\n For most attractions, you can simply turn up and enter without booking. However, for a few popular sights it\u2019s worth reserving a timeslot in advance.<\/p>\n The Home of Carlsberg and the Church of Our Saviour both require pre-booking (via the app or their websites), and Carlsberg can only be booked after activating your card. At Rosenborg Castle, you\u2019ll be given a timed entry slot on arrival. If you want a specific departure time for the canal tour, you can reserve a spot at the booking kiosk on Ved Stranden.<\/p>\n So, is the Copenhagen Card worth buying?<\/p>\n Well, that depends on how long you\u2019re staying in the city and what you want to see and do while you\u2019re there. We\u2019ve done some number-crunching to help you decide whether the card is worth buying.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve looked at how much it would cost to visit some of Copenhagen\u2019s top sights including transport and boat trips if you paid for each element individually \u2013 the DIY way!<\/p>\n And we\u2019ve looked at how much it would cost using a 72-hour Copenhagen Card \u2013 DISCOVER.<\/p>\n Three days in Copenhagen: would you save cash?<\/p>\n The DIY option72-hr Copenhagen Card\u00a0\u2013\u00a0DISCOVERUpfront costn\/a1,039Entry to Christiansborg Palace215n\/aEntry to Tivoli Gardens170n\/aEntry to ARKEN Museum of Modern Art145n\/aEntry to Kronborg Castle150n\/aEntry to Copenhagen Zoo249n\/aEntry to Rosenborg Castle140n\/aEntrance to the Home of Carlsberg (including a free beer)235n\/a\u00a0A canal tour199n\/aTransport: ticket to\/from the airport (DKK 36), plus 4 central zone tickets (DKK 24\u00d74)132n\/aReturn ticket to\/from Helsing\u00f8r (for Kronborg castle)\u00a0around 130\u2013160 DKK160n\/aTotal cost (DKK)1,7951,039<\/p>\n Costs (in Danish kronor)\u00a0are for one adult and assume a three-day trip to Copenhagen. All prices correct at time of publication.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve picked a handful of Copenhagen\u2019s top sights \u2014 enough to fill three days, including castles, a museum, a boat trip, the zoo and Tivoli Gardens.<\/p>\n Visited separately in high season, these would cost around DKK 1503, rising to DKK 1795 once you add transport and airport transfers.<\/p>\n By comparison, a 72-hour Copenhagen Card \u2013 DISCOVER costs DKK 1,039, saving you DKK 756 \u2014 plus the convenience of not having to buy individual tickets.<\/p>\n So, is the Copenhagen Card worth it?<\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning to visit several paid attractions over two or three days, including the top paid-for attractions like Rosenborg Slot and the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, the Copenhagen Card can offer significant savings, and we\u2019d recommend buying it in advance.<\/p>\n However, if you prefer a slower trip focused on walking, cycling, checking out great food markets<\/a> and free sights like Nyhavn or Christiania, you\u2019re less likely to get value from it.<\/p>\n Also keep in mind that some attractions close on certain days (often Mondays), so it\u2019s worth checking opening times before planning your itinerary.<\/p>\n Ready to get the card and start saving? You can buy the Copenhagen Card online below.<\/p>\n Tips for getting the most out of the Copenhagen Card<\/p>\n Check included attractions in advance: the list changes slightly each year, so make sure your must-sees are included.<\/p>\n Plan around opening days: many museums close on Mondays or have seasonal hours.<\/p>\n Use the transport: the card covers the wider region, so it\u2019s worth visiting places like the Louisiana Museum or Kronborg Castle.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t activate too early: wait until you\u2019re ready to start sightseeing to get full value.<\/p>\n Avoid using it on free-entry days: some museums are free<\/a> at certain times, so save your card hours for paid attractions.<\/p>\n Head beyond the city centre: with transport included, it\u2019s easy to visit top spots like the Louisiana Museum<\/a> and the M\/S Maritime Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n Final thoughts: is the Copenhagen Card worth it?<\/p>\n The only real reason not to buy the card is if you\u2019re planning a slow trip, seeing just one or two sights and mostly exploring on foot. Copenhagen has plenty of free things to do \u2014 see our guide for 82 of them<\/a> \u2014 but if you want to visit a few of the main attractions, the Copenhagen Card will almost certainly save you money.<\/p>\n Pros<\/p>\n Can save you money if you visit several paid attractions<\/p>\n All-in-one convenience: transport and entry are included<\/p>\n Easy to budget: no need to buy separate tickets<\/p>\n Encourages exploring: pop into attractions without extra cost<\/p>\n Simple to use via the app<\/p>\n Cons <\/p>\n Requires planning: to make the most of the time-based validity<\/p>\n Less value for slow travel: if you only visit a few sights or focus on free attractions<\/p>\n The Copenhagen Card can offer excellent value if you plan to visit several of the city\u2019s top attractions and use public transport \u2014 especially over two or three days. It\u2019s convenient, easy to use and can save you both time and money. If your trip is more relaxed, focused on free sights and exploring on foot or by bike, you may not need it.<\/p>\n Have you used the Copenhagen Card, or are you thinking about getting one? Let us know in the comments, we\u2019d love to hear your experience!<\/p>\n FAQS<\/p>\n When does the Copenhagen Card activate?<\/p>\n The Copenhagen Card activates when you choose \u2014 simply start it when you\u2019re ready to visit your first attraction or use public transport.<\/p>\n Does the Copenhagen Card include Tivoli rides?<\/p>\n No, the Copenhagen Card only covers the entrance fee to the Tivoli Gardens. If you wish to go on a ride you will need to buy individual ride tickets or an unlimited ride ticket.\u00a0<\/p>\n Does the Copenhagen Card give food discounts or restaurant discounts?<\/p>\n No, the Copenhagen no longer gives discounts at restaurants.<\/p>\n Does the Copenhagen Card include the zoo?<\/p>\n Yes, the Copenhagen Card covers the entrance fee to Copenhagen zoo.<\/p>\n Does the Copenhagen Card include the aquarium?<\/p>\n No, entrance to Copenhagen\u2019s National Aquarium\u00a0(Den Bl\u00e5 Planet) is no longer included on the Copenhagen Card.<\/p>\n Does the Copenhagen Card include a canal tour?<\/p>\n Yes, it includes a canal tour, the (seasonal) Frederiksborg ferry, plus a (seasonal) boat trip on the beautiful lakes outside Copenhagen.\u00a0<\/p>\n Does the Copenhagen Card include the Botanical Gardens?<\/p>\n Admission to the city\u2019s Botanical Gardens is free, but you have to pay for entrance to the Palm House and the Butterfly House, both of which are included in the Copenhagen Card.<\/p>\n Can you get Copenhagen Card discount codes?<\/p>\n We haven\u2019t been able to track down any discount codes for 2026. Watch out for spammy coupon sites that promise a \u2018discount\u2019 but actually just send you to the Copenhagen Card booking page and don\u2019t save you any money.<\/p>\n See also:![\"castle](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/javier-rincon-3GvnmppxG3k-unsplash.jpg\")
<\/a>Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen from its gardens | Javier Rinc\u00f3n<\/a> <\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/boat-trip-unsplash.jpg\")
<\/a>Copenhagen canal cruise | Th\u1ee9c Tr\u1ea7n<\/a><\/p>\n![\"glass](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kevin-angelso-C_5l8KO6M5E-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a>Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum is included in the Copenhagen card | Kevin Angels\u00f8<\/a><\/p>\n![\"large](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/kristijan-arsov-_OqLcOaXcuw-unsplash.jpg\")
<\/a>Entrance to the Botanical Garden\u2019s Palm House is included in the Card |\u00a0Kristijan Arsov<\/a><\/p>\n![\"people](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/aleksandr-zaitsev-QJMOIcmsnOs-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a>Head out of the city to explore the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art | Aleksandr Zaitsev<\/a> <\/p>\n
82 cheap and free things to do in Copenhagen<\/a>
Where to find cheap beer in Copenhagen <\/a>
Free museums in Copenhagen<\/a>
Is the Stockholm Pass worth buying?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Planning a trip to Copenhagen? You\u2019ve probably come across the Copenhagen Card: a sightseeing pass that includes…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":84121,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[108],"class_list":{"0":"post-84120","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-copenhagen","8":"tag-copenhagen"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@dk\/116586421170560811","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84120","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84120"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84120\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84120"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84120"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84120"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}