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.

  • In Copenhagen, you will have plenty of amazing design-forward hotels to choose from but 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.

    • Hotel Bella Grande (Near Tivoli Gardens) - boutique hotel renovated in 2024; smaller rooms but cozy and well decorated. Good for young couples or the family style rooms with an adjoining kids room with bunk beds make it an easy stay for a small family of 4.

    • Villa Copenhagen (Near Tivoli Gardens) - also walking distance to Tivoli Gardens and transport links, the hotel features design-savvy rooms, family suites, and two-bedroom penthouses. As an added bonus, Rug Bakery is located in the building.

  • Since the rise of New Nordic Cuisine, Copenhagen’s food scene has transformed from what was once modest Danish fare to now a globally celebrated cuisine, making the city a must-visit for food lovers.

    We ate so many memorable dishes; 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 (Nørrebro) - 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 (Vesterbro) - 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.

    • Østerberg Ice Cream (Østerbro) - handmade ice cream of the simplest, and freshest ingredients. Delicious and unique flavor combinations. We can’t wait to go back!

  • 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.

    Our family-worthy activities to include when visiting:

    • 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.

    • Danish Architecture Center - well curated exhibits and workshops for the whole family, dedicated kid spaces, and a gift shop with great finds.

    • Experimentarium - endless fun and hands on science for kids. Can easily spend a whole day there exploring.

    • Louisiana Museum of Modern Art - Set along the Øresund coast and a 42-minute train ride North, the museum seamlessly blends modern art, architecture, and nature. Wandering its light-filled galleries before stepping outside to take in sweeping views of the water makes for an unforgettable afternoon.

    • 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.

  • 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, with much of the best shopping concentrated in and around Indre By (the historic city center).

    • Flying Tiger- Danish variety store chain that carries affordable, fun items for all ages.

    • Studio Arhoj- unique ceramic and glass workshop/studio space/store where you can watch their artists at work and purchase uniquely fun, colorful, and vibrant pieces to bring home.

    • Notre Dame - home goods store with a focus on Nordic designers. Fun and affordable decor, gifts, and stationery.

    • Karamelleriet - stop into this cute caramel candy shop with delicious treats! You can watch them make it right there in the workshop window and smell the melty goodness. Great place to find gifts to bring home for friends.

    For a more extensive list of fashion shops, vintage, home design showrooms and stores, feel free to reach out!

Contact Us

There's so much more to explore. Reach out for a comprehensive list of our favorite spots (including more hidden gems we discovered) or book a bespoke full-trip planner.

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.

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 welcomed 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 welcomed 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.

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Trusted Family Voices…

  • Penny, age 10

    (from her travel blog) Copenhagen staaaats!

    Best food:‍ ‍Andersen & Maillard Bakery (also Rug Bakery and Hart Bakery)

    Best shopping: Flying Tiger!

    Fun fact: Denmark is the 2nd happiest country in the world!

    Best things to see/do: Tivoli Gardens

  • Watch on TikTok

    @openhagenspots

    "Explore 6 different family activities in Copenhagen for a fun-filled day out with your loved ones. From @ikono.copenhagen to @highscorefields, enjoy a day of adventure and bonding."

  • Everett, at age 8

    “My favorite thing about Copenhagen was going to a new bakery every day, getting the best hot chocolate, and our hotel room with my own kids room with bunk beds. Tivoli Gardens was the best. All the furniture stores were just ok.”

  • Watch on Tik Tok

    @themerriedlife

    “Definitely the most kid-friendly city in Europe for little ones…”

  • Watch on TikTok

    @fleurdellie

    “We love the playgrounds here! I often get asked which ones to go to. If you’re visiting Copenhagen with kids, these first four playgrounds are small, but…”

Family Travel Journal 2

Each time I visit Copenhagen, my trips tend to revolve around two personal passions: wandering through the Scandinavian design showrooms I admire and indulging in the city’s exceptional culinary scene. While those visits were admittedly a bit selfish, my most recent trip, was with my family in tow and I finally got to experience why Copenhagen is equally renowned as one of the best cities in the world for families.

Copenhagen’s bike-heavy culture made getting around surprisingly easy. Our son especially loved riding tandem with his dad, and we quickly grew fond of the sight of iconic cargo bikes filled with little ones pedaling through the city. The city’s outdoor playgrounds were another highlight, seamlessly integrated into daily life and designed to inspire as much as they entertain. Konditaget Lüders’ rooftop playground, with its stunning views, was a favorite—especially at sunset, when the city below glows in the golden light. And of course, no visit would be complete without experiencing the magic of Tivoli Gardens.

More than anything, Danes are truly some of the most hospitable and friendly people we’ve come across. We met a father who invited us into their home for coffee when we got stuck in the rain one afternoon. Copenhagen is a city I’ll return to again and again. It’s a place designed for families and joyful childhood memories, yet it continues to reveal layers of culture, creativity, and beauty—ones I’m excited to keep exploring as my son grows.

-Kristin, Cofounder

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