Comparison · Copenhagen vs Hamburg · Denmark / Germany
Copenhagen vs Hamburg
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, Nyhavn and beaches; choose Hamburg for Elbphilharmonie, Port of Hamburg and lower day-to-day costs. Hamburg is generally less expensive, and the two are about 289 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 289 km
- Less expensive
- Hamburg
- Best time for Copenhagen
- May–September
- Best time for Hamburg
- May–September
Side by side
| Copenhagen | Hamburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Denmark | Germany |
| Known for | Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and Cycling | Elbphilharmonie, Port of Hamburg and Speicherstadt |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $240–$420 | $160–$280 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 23°C (73°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 4°C (39°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | Amager Strandpark | — |
| Airports | CPH | HAM |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Copenhagen for…
Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and beaches. 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…
Choose Hamburg for…
Elbphilharmonie, Port of Hamburg and lower day-to-day costs. Germany's second-largest city is built around water: the working port on the Elbe, the canals of the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt warehouse district and the two Alster lakes in the centre. Visitors come for the Elbphilharmonie's free viewing plaza, Miniatur…
Top sights compared
| # | Copenhagen | Hamburg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tivoli Gardens | Elbphilharmonie and Plaza |
| 2 | Nyhavn | Speicherstadt |
| 3 | Rosenborg Castle | Miniatur Wunderland |
| 4 | Christiansborg Palace | Harbour boat tour and ferry 62 |
| 5 | Amalienborg | Landungsbrücken and Old Elbe Tunnel |
Food compared
| Copenhagen | Hamburg |
|---|---|
| Smørrebrød | Fish sandwich |
| Danish pastries | Franzbrötchen |
| Danish hot dog | Labskaus |
| Stegt flæsk med persillesovs | Hamburg fish pan |
Which is cheaper?
Hamburg is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $160–$280 per person there, against $240–$420 in Copenhagen (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Hamburg on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Copenhagen and Hamburg are about 289 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Copenhagen and 3 in Hamburg.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Copenhagen or Hamburg cheaper?
Hamburg is usually less expensive: about $160–$280 a day mid-range against $240–$420 (estimates).
+Is Copenhagen or Hamburg better for a first trip?
Pick Copenhagen for Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and beaches, or Hamburg for Elbphilharmonie, Port of Hamburg and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Copenhagen from Hamburg?
About 289 km in a straight line.