Comparison · Copenhagen vs Gothenburg · Denmark / Sweden
Copenhagen vs Gothenburg
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Moahim, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Copenhagen for Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn; choose Gothenburg for Liseberg, Southern archipelago and lower day-to-day costs. Gothenburg is generally less expensive, and the two are about 229 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 229 km
- Less expensive
- Gothenburg
- Best time for Copenhagen
- May–September
- Best time for Gothenburg
- May–August
Side by side
| Copenhagen | Gothenburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Denmark | Sweden |
| Known for | Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and Cycling | Liseberg, Southern archipelago and Shrimp sandwiches |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–August |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $240–$420 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 21°C (70°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 2°C (36°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | Amager Strandpark | Vrångö |
| Airports | CPH | GOT |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Copenhagen for…
Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn. Copenhagen is a flat, compact harbour city where cycling is the normal way to get around and the harbour water is clean enough to swim in. The medieval centre, with Strøget and the Round Tower, sits between Tivoli Gardens and the painted townhouses of…
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Choose Gothenburg for…
Liseberg, Southern archipelago and lower day-to-day costs. Gothenburg is Sweden's second city and Scandinavia's largest port, laid out by the Dutch in the 17th century around a star-shaped moat and canals that still frame the centre. Green and yellow trams link the Liseberg amusement park, the boulevard of Avenyn…
Top sights compared
| # | Copenhagen | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tivoli Gardens | Liseberg |
| 2 | Nyhavn | Southern archipelago islands |
| 3 | Rosenborg Castle | Haga and Haga Nygata |
| 4 | Christiansborg Palace | Skansen Kronan |
| 5 | Amalienborg | Slottsskogen |
Food compared
| Copenhagen | Gothenburg |
|---|---|
| Smørrebrød | Shrimp sandwich |
| Danish pastries | Cinnamon bun |
| Danish hot dog | Halv special |
| Stegt flæsk med persillesovs | Langoustine |
Which is cheaper?
Gothenburg is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 per person there, against $240–$420 in Copenhagen (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Gothenburg on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Copenhagen and Gothenburg are about 229 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Copenhagen and 3 in Gothenburg.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Copenhagen or Gothenburg cheaper?
Gothenburg is usually less expensive: about $170–$300 a day mid-range against $240–$420 (estimates).
+Is Copenhagen or Gothenburg better for a first trip?
Pick Copenhagen for Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn, or Gothenburg for Liseberg, Southern archipelago and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Copenhagen from Gothenburg?
About 229 km in a straight line.