Release date : 09.01.22 | September 1, 2022
I love Copenhagen. I've been to the city dozens of times and never get tired. From the colourful, stunning houses on the Nyhavn waterfront to the ultra-modern Nerebro and anti-Christian culture, Denmark's bustling capital has gotten me hooked every time.
It's modern, sophisticated, yet charming, with a buzzing nightlife and plenty of entertainment to keep you entertained (be sure to explore the canals and have a fun time at Tivoli Gardens, the local theme park).
But the city is also very expensive and is one of the ten most expensive cities on the continent. Because of this, many travelers refuse to visit (or limit their stay to just a few days).
Luckily, there are plenty of cheap hostels in Copenhagen that will help you save some money on your trip. I have been in Copenhagen for ten years and have stayed in dozens of places. There are many things to consider when choosing a hostel. The top four places when choosing the best hostels in Copenhagen are:
- location . By the capital's standards, Copenhagen is not very big - only 600,000 people live in it. However, it is important to book a hostel that is central or in an area of your choice.
- Price - As in any city, you get what you pay for. If you choose a really cheap hostel, chances are you'll end up in a hostel that is small, cramped and doesn't offer great service.
- advantages . Every hostel in town has free WiFi and most have their own kitchen so you can cook for yourself. Many, but not all, include free breakfast, so do your research to find the one that best suits your needs.
- The staff . All of the hostels listed below also have great, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Make sure you do your research and read the reviews of any hostel you're considering to ensure the staff is professional and friendly. You can build or destroy an inn!
To help you plan your trip, here is my list of my favorite hostels in Copenhagen. If you don't want to read the long list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:
Best hostel for budget travelers : Generator
Best Party Hostel: Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
Best Hostel for Solo Travelers : Steel House and Next House
Best Singles Hostel : Woodah Boutique Hostel
Best hostel to help the world : Globalhagen
Best hostel overall : Steel House
Want details about each hostel? Here is a list of the best hostels in Copenhagen and why I love them:
Legend price (per night)
- $ = less than 199 DKK
- $$ = 200 - 325 DKK
- $$$ = more than 326 DKK
1. Generator
The Generator is part of a network of hostels across Europe, North America and beyond. The Copenhagen outlet turned out to be particularly cool – and at reasonable prices. Located in the heart of the city, it has a large common room called the "Relax Area", as well as a petanque court, the shuffleboard center, a huge outdoor terrace and its own bar. And coffee. In short, there are many activities to do here, although it feels more like a "hotel" than other hostels.
The dorms are clean and the beds are comfortable with their own power outlets and lights (but no curtains). It must be remembered that in Copenhagen there is a lot of sunshine in the summer and there are no thick curtains in the rooms. Bring a sleep mask if this is a problem for you.
There are also small lockable lockers under each bed, so you can keep your valuables safe too (though only suitable for small bags). However, there is no kitchen, so prepare to eat in the restaurant during your stay. The hostel has family rooms and female-only rooms.
Alternator at a glance:
- $
- Great central location
- Plenty of space in the common room invites you to relax and chat
- Private bar and cafe
Beds from DKK 154 per night, single rooms from DKK 523.
2 hostels in the center of Copenhagen
This hostel has an endless party. The hotel has a bar that is always busy and also doubles as a concert hall. In fact, it's so important that people who don't live in hostels come here to hang out! The hostel is large -- with just 88 rooms and 365 beds -- so it's easy to meet people (but that means nowhere is quiet). The rooms are furnished in an elegant Scandinavian retro style. Although the beds in the dorms aren't very comfortable (mattresses aren't thick and there are no curtains for privacy), there are lockers to keep your belongings safe during your stay.
Les boissons et la nourriture au bar sont bon marché (tous les soirs, ils ont l'un des happy hours les moins chers de la ville), mais la fête continue ici - attendez-vous à du bruit et de la musique jusqu'au Sunrise. There is no kitchen (just a microwave) but there is a cozy cinema if you want to relax and watch movies.
About Copenhagen Downtown Hostel:
- $$
- Live party atmosphere
- Board games, babyfoot, bool table, books and swings
- Retro design
Beds from DKK 200 per night and private rooms from DKK 960.
3. Next house
Located right next to the main train station, this hostel has a lot to offer: It's very sociable. There is a lounge with live music, a roof garden with stunning views, a gym, a cinema and a great self-catering kitchen. There is also an adjacent "Arena" where you can play petanque and other sports (fee of 20 DKK to use the facilities) and an on-site restaurant serving all-you-can-eat pizza for 99 DKK. Breakfast is also cheap and plentiful.
The sleeping beds are encapsulated so you have plenty of privacy for a good night's sleep. Beds are comfortable too, although getting to the bathroom can be difficult in some dorms. They also offer self check-in.
A small preview of the following house:
- $
- Fun and lively pub
- Gymnasium and games/sports area
- Very central location
Beds from DKK 125 per night and private rooms from DKK 680.
4. Steel house
Steel House is now the headquarters of the Steelworkers' Union - hence the name - in trendy Vesterbro, and offers plenty of fun perks that make it easy to socialize: a free daily hike, morning yoga and a guided early-morning run. City. Just 5 minutes' walk from Tivoli Gardens, the hostel also has a fun lounge and pub serving local craft beer. If you want to stay active during your stay, there's a gym and pool, but guests have to pay extra to use them. Bike rental is also available for 125 DKK per day.
There is a fully equipped kitchen on site (20 DKK to use during your stay) or you can pay 49 DKK for breakfast. Shared rooms are smaller, but feature comfortable capsule beds with thick mattresses, private bathrooms, and lockable safes to keep your gear safe.
Steel house at a glance:
- $
- Swimming pool, gym and cinema on site
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Free tours, guided morning classes and morning yoga classes
Beds from DKK 125 per night and private rooms from DKK 680.
5. Wadah Boutique Hostel
With 30 Japanese-style single and double beds, Woodah is one of the best hostels in town. There are no private rooms, only comfortable, warm and private sleeping pods. A delicious breakfast is always included in the stay rate, and the on-site restaurant, Nakka, serves Danish cuisine with a Japanese twist (travelers also get a 10% discount on drinks at Nakka). There is always maximum hygge here. It is just an eight minute walk from Tivoli Gardens.
The rooms are spacious, with lots of light, and the capsule beds offer good insulation (they are comfortable and have comfortable mattresses). The bathrooms here are cleaned 5 times a day (which hopefully more hostels do) and they offer bike hire and airport transfers if you need them. The common room is smaller but makes it easier to communicate and socialize when you go out.
Brief information about the Woodah Boutique Hostel:
- $$$
- Free organic breakfast
- Unique twin sleeping pods
- Nice location in trendy Vesterbro
Beds from 335 DKK per night, single rooms from 745 DKK.
6. Hostel Globalhagen
Globalhagen is an open, voluntary non-profit organization. Its mission is to raise money (from travelers staying here) to support projects around the world that help victims of human rights abuses. It is also a very good place to stay in Copenhagen. Each room has its own unique design with different colors and shades spread throughout the hostel. There are 2 kitchens that you can use for free. The on-site café serves fair trade produce, organic snacks, coffee, cocktails and locally produced beer (the café is also run by volunteers).
The beds aren't very comfortable, there are no curtains or lockers, but you'll find all kinds of hikers and tourists here. A healthy breakfast is also available for 65 DKK. There are also many pictures and maps around the hostel (including the dorms).
About Globalhagen:
- $$
- Money supports a good cause
- It is located in the trendy neighborhood of Nerebro.
- Cozy café with fair trade food and drinks
Beds from 225 DKK per night, single rooms from 630 DKK.
Hostels in Copenhagen have really improved over the last few years. There are places so elegant, so beautiful, and so comfortable, you won't get away with it.
Book your flight: tips and tricks on logistics
Book your flight
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. It's my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the world, so you always know nothing stays the same.
Book your stay
You can book a hostel at Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they always offer the lowest prices for B&Bs and hotels.
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It's a complete protection in case something goes wrong. I have never traveled without it as I have had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value for money are:
- Security Suite (best of all)
- My travel insurance (for people over 70 years old)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation)
Are you ready to book your flight?
Check out my Resources page for the best companies to use while traveling. I list everything I use when I travel. They are best in class and you can't go wrong using them on your journey.
The 6 Best Hostels Copenhagen post appeared first on Nomadic Matt's travel page.