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!