A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Copenhagen vs. Playa del Carmen for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Playa del Carmen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a progressive, friendly, and happy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. The famous beauty of Copenhagen is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Copenhagen travel costs.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a stunning, vibrant, and picture-perfect town. The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Copenhagen and Playa del Carmen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Playa del Carmen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Copenhagen is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Playa del Carmen is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Copenhagen is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Playa del Carmen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Playa del Carmen and Copenhagen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen?

Copenhagen is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Copenhagen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Copenhagen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen Better for Nightlife?

The terrific nightlife scene is relatively similar in Copenhagen and Playa del Carmen.

Copenhagen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Copenhagen is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Copenhagen is not a resort destination.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Copenhagen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Copenhagen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for the beach. However, Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Playa del Carmen is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Copenhagen is not a beach destination.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Copenhagen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Copenhagen is a world class destination for shoppers. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Playa del Carmen. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen More Beautiful?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Copenhagen is one of the main draws. Known as the happiest city in the world, visitors will feel lighter just walking around this beautiful town. There's a calming effect that will make you enjoy your visit all the more.

Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen Better for Families?

Both Copenhagen and Playa del Carmen are terrific to visit with kids.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen Better for Couples?

Both Copenhagen and Playa del Carmen are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Copenhagen is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

Playa del Carmen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Copenhagen is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen Better for Students?

Copenhagen is a great destination for students. However, Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Copenhagen is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

Playa del Carmen is not popular with students.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Copenhagen is top-notch. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen a more walkable city?

Copenhagen and Playa del Carmen are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Getting around Playa del Carmen on foot is easy. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

For even more information, also check out Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Playa del Carmen or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen?

Both Copenhagen and Playa del Carmen have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Copenhagen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 3-7 days is enough time in Playa del Carmen.

Couples should spend more time in Copenhagen than Playa del Carmen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Copenhagen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen than Playa del Carmen if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Copenhagen.

One day in Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With shopping and nightlife around the scenic town of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen?

You'll find shopping and museums around the laid-back city of Copenhagen. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen?

Copenhagen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Playa del Carmen, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen?

Copenhagen is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Copenhagen is in Europe and Playa del Carmen is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen than you might in Playa del Carmen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and Playa del Carmen, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?

Both Playa del Carmen and Copenhagen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Copenhagen is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in July than Playa del Carmen. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Playa del Carmen. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmen. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Playa del Carmen. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Copenhagen can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in January than Playa del Carmen. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?

Both Playa del Carmen and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.

In the spring, Copenhagen is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Copenhagen