Copenhagen
Travel, through a family lens: where sleek design, colorful streets, and cozy cafés shape one of the world’s most welcoming cities.
Family Travel Journal
Last summer, as part of a two-month trip across Europe, we spent a few days in Copenhagen, and it quickly became our kids’ favorite stop. They were obsessed with the food, especially sampling pastries at the city’s many bakeries. Danish pastries are seriously good, and nothing like the boring “Danishes” we usually see in the U.S. Tivoli Gardens was, of course, a big hit: it’s classic and old-school, with a good variety of amusement rides, but the kids also loved running around the playgrounds for what seemed like hours on end. The park isn’t huge or over-the-top like American theme parks, but everything is nicely done. Our daughter was also excited to visit Flying Tiger (think Danish Daiso), and we all enjoyed browsing the shops—the kids loved picking out small fun finds, and I loved exploring the Scandinavian design stores.
What made Copenhagen especially enjoyable is that it’s super walkable and easy to wander through different neighborhoods, window shop, and enjoy meals along the way. The people were incredibly friendly, and we got so many personal recommendations from hotel staff and locals we met around town. Biking through the city was my personal highlight, and we wished we had more time to explore further by bike. We had five days here last summer, but could have easily spent several more exploring neighborhoods we didn’t get a chance to visit. That will have to wait until next time!
-Annie, Cofounder
Quick insights before you dive into planning…
Perfect for: Travelers seeking an easy city experience blending design, food, culture, and charm.
Ages: All. Copenhagen is safe, walkable, and packed with parks, playgrounds, and activities that appeal to both younger and older kids.
When to Visit: Copenhagen is great year-round. Winters are cold but cozy, with a strong “hygge” atmosphere and charming Christmas/winter markets. Spring and summer bring long daylight hours and lively outdoor culture.
Trip Length: At least three nights, but 4–5 days offers a much more comfortable pace to explore the city’s neighborhoods and cultural spots. A full week is also great if you want time to slow down and take easy day trips.
Combine with: Malmö (just across the bridge) or other Danish towns; Stockholm for a two-city Scandinavian trip; or extend farther into the Nordics for destinations like Norway’s fjords, Oslo, Gothenburg, or even Finland for a longer, multi-country Scandinavian adventure.
Destination Fit
At a glance
Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most charming capitals. It’s a city that feels lived-in rather than overrun with mass tourism, and its compact size means you can easily wander between neighborhoods and discover the city at a relaxed pace. Distinctive Danish architecture, colorful canals, and the city’s strong design culture give Copenhagen a personality that feels both classic and contemporary. Locals bike everywhere, strolling is enjoyable, and the Danish concept of hygge (a feeling of comfort, warmth, and everyday coziness) underpins the city’s overall atmosphere. Thanks to its location, Copenhagen is also a perfect jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the Nordics, with Sweden, Norway, and the wider region all just short flights or train rides away.
For families, Copenhagen is especially exceptional: clean, friendly, and built with children in mind. Danes are famously family-oriented, and that shows up in how the city is designed with playgrounds around every corner, stroller-friendly streets, parks woven into every neighborhood, and attractions that genuinely appeal to kids without feeling overly commercial. Kids love the mix of storybook charm and real-life adventure. Combine that with excellent food, warm hospitality, and a relaxed pace, and Copenhagen becomes not just easy for families but enjoyable for all ages.
Our Favorite Things
Traveled, loved, and chosen for you through our family lens.
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In Copenhagen, there is no shortage of great design-forward hotels to choose from. These are just a few of our favorites.
Hotel Kong Arthur (Indre By/Nørrebro) – just a short walk or ride to parks, lakes, and the city centre, the hotel combines historic charm with modern comforts, offers family-friendly rooms, and features amenities like a spa and daily happy hour.
Hotel Sanders (City Centre/Nyhavn) – boutique hotel offering elegant suites and apartments, with Copenhagen’s iconic waterfront and main attractions just steps away.
Villa Copenhagen (Near Central Station) – housed in a restored historic building, the hotel features design-savvy rooms, family suites, and two-bedroom penthouses, all within walking distance of Tivoli Gardens and transport links. As an added bonus, Rug Bakery is also located in the building.
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Since the rise of New Nordic Cuisine, Copenhagen’s food scene has transformed from what was once modest Danish fare to now globally celebrated cuisine, making the city a must-visit for food lovers. We ate so many memorable things; these are just a small sample of our family’s favorites:
Fiskebar (Kødbyen / Meatpacking District) – seafood restaurant offering an excellent selection of casual‑yet‑elevated dishes in a trendy atmosphere. Reservations are a must.
Andersen & Maillard (city centre) – founded by a former Noma pastry chef and known for its outstanding pastries and quality coffee, this bakery was the favorite with our kids.
Rug Bakery (Central Copenhagen) – a relaxed but refined bakery with plenty of seating, making it an ideal place for a casual sit-down breakfast. The pastries are also both beautiful and delicious.
Torvehallerne (Østerbro) – a lively food hall and market that’s a feast for the senses, with a great selection of food as well as plenty of interesting products to explore. We returned multiple times for the fresh local strawberries.
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Depending on interests, families can choose from a variety of museums, admire interesting historic landmarks, take part in uniquely Scandinavian activities, or simply wander the streets and enjoy the cafés, bakeries, and local food scene. These are a few activities we think every family visiting Copenhagen should consider:
Tivoli Gardens – a must-visit with kids, this is the world’s second-oldest operating amusement park (and said to have inspired Walt Disney!), combining classic charm with modern rides. And unlike typical American theme parks, there is a variety of great food options, making a full day here enjoyable for the kids and parents alike.
Biking – experience the city like the locals. Rent a bike or join a guided tour. With kids riding up front in a cargo bike, it’s a fun and safe way to explore the streets and parks.
Boating – Copenhagen is a city of waterways, and seeing it from the canals is a unique perspective. Rent a small boat to explore on your own or join a canal tour to learn more about the city while floating past historic buildings and waterfront sights.
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Copenhagen is a great place to pick up a special piece of Scandinavian design. From clothing and accessories to home goods, the city is full of shops carrying both well-known brands and local designers, making it easy to find something unique to bring home.
will let kristen take a stab first :)
There's so much more to explore. For a comprehensive list of our favorite spots (including more hidden gems we discovered), reach out for a custom itinerary.
Tips
Language Expectations
With English being a mandatory subject in grade school, you’ll find that most Danes are extremely fluent in English, and you’ll have no trouble communicating.
Getting around
When possible, explore Copenhagen on foot or by bike to fully enjoy its charming neighborhoods. The city is very flat and feels safe everywhere. Public transportation is convenient if your accommodation is near a station, but otherwise, Uber is an easy and reliable option.
Save on sights
The Copenhagen Card is generally a good value, especially for families, since one adult card covers up to two children under 12 for free. A 3-day pass costs around $150 per adult, but it includes free entry to 80+ sights (including Tivoli Gardens, though not the ride pass) and unlimited transport across the city and to the airport. The card makes the most sense if you plan to visit many attractions and use public transportation. Check the website for a convenient savings calculator based on your interests.
Consider skipping…
To help you save time, there are a couple of popular sights we’d recommend skipping unless they hold special meaning for you. The Little Mermaid, while iconic, is ultimately just a small statue, and getting a photo often means weaving through tour buses and crowds for something that feels underwhelming. Trust us, you won’t feel like you missed anything by giving this one a pass. And while Copenhagen’s harbor is famously clean and beloved by locals for swimming, the water is usually quite cold and not ideal for kids for much of the year.
another one?
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Layer Up
Copenhagen stays fairly cool year-round. Even in the summer, you can expect a mix of rainy or chilly days alongside bright, sunny spells. Pack layers along with a light rain jacket or umbrella to stay comfortable.
Dining with kids
Copenhagen is a premier foodie destination, yet it’s also very family-friendly. We felt welcome bringing our children to mid-range and upscale restaurants, and we saw plenty of other families dining out early in the evening (before 7 p.m.). In general, we tended to avoid strict prix fixe menus, and a helpful tip is to do a quick keyword search in reviews for “child,” “kids,” “children,” “daughter,” or “son.” If other families have dined there, it’s usually a good sign that your family will be welcome too.
Prepare your wallet
Copenhagen was easily one of the most expensive destinations we’ve visited, and the Danish krone (DKK) makes the city feel especially pricey for travelers used to U.S. prices. Meals were typically 1.5x the cost of comparable meals in California, with dinners at mid-range restaurants often reaching 1200 - 2000 DKK ($180 - 300 USD) for two adults and two kids.
Getting a tax refund
The good news is that getting a tax refund in Copenhagen is quick, hassle‑free, and can save you up to 19% on purchases. Most stores participate in the VAT refund system, and the minimum purchase is just 300 DKK (roughly $40–45 USD). Gone are the days of long lines at the airport and complicated paperwork — simply scan your receipt and boarding pass at the airport when leaving the EU, and you’re on your way.
Trusted Family Voices…
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Penny, age 10
“Tokyo was the best!!! There was lots of cute stationery and Sanrio stuff everywhere. I also really liked TeamLab Borderless!”
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![Liv deer]()
Liv, at age 2.5
From her memory, Mimi’s daughter:
“I remember lots of deer!”
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Watch on Instagram
"✈️ We flew in Tokyo-Haneda Airport, spent 3 days in Tokyo, 3 days in Kyoto, 1 night in Tokyo before"
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Watch on Instagram
“We spent 8days in Japan with our 18month old and we had a blast. This country is super baby friendly and a great pick for traveling with little ones.”
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Watch on Tik Tok
“10 days in Tokyo was too short. Everyone’s been asking about itinerary so here are highlights to consider if you’re heading to Tokyo with kids…”
Family Travel Journal 2
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-Kristen, Cofounder
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