How to Travel with Kids: A Focus on Copenhagen
When you think about traveling to Europe, Copenhagen may not be on the top of your list but, surprisingly, after visiting ten countries, it is on the top of the kids’ list! The two places that made Copenhagen the most memorable for them were . . . drum roll, please!
- Gasoline Grill, where we enjoyed the BEST burger
- Tivoli Gardens, a combination of an amusement park and world-class gardens
The Copenhagen airport is one of the nicest I’ve ever been in and, although we used a taxi to travel to and from the airport, we could mostly walk or take the metro other than that. This really is a very walkable city! If you purchase a Copenhagen card, you can enjoy free public transportation, along with free admission to many of the most popular attractions.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
We stayed at great little Air BNB that was walking distance to most places. Here are areas of the city where might want to stay:
- Christianshavn is like a little island town along the water and it’s lined with boats. Attractions include the church with the spiral staircase, Church of Our Savior, and the Copenhagen Opera House.
- Østerbro is a suburb that’s out of the central tourist area, a quiet neighborhood that still has plenty of restaurants and things to see and do.
- Frederiksberg is THE posh neighborhood of Copenhagen. Surrounded by fancy restaurants and designer shops, this neighborhood truly stands out.
- Nyhavn is the most popular tourist area, thanks to the famous canal and beautiful buildings along the water’s edge—and also because it’s known as the home of Hans Christian Anderson.
Where to Eat in Copenhagen
The Gasoline Grill was featured on the show Somebody Feed Phil for their amazing burgers. This place seriously offers, by far, the best burger we’ve ever eaten and a favorite for the kids. In fact, they still talk about the burgers they had. Our youngest recommends the butter burger and, my oldest, the classic cheeseburger with gasoline sauce. (And don’t forget the fries!)
Amazing as the Gasoline Grill is, it’s not the only incredible place to eat in Copenhagen. Taste French Bistro & Patisserie, for example, features the most amazing pastries and desserts, all made from scratch by the amazing chef. They also feature great lunch specials with sandwiches and salads.
District TONKIN is a great Vietnamese restaurant if you’d like to change things up and try something less traditional. Our kids always love Pho so, on a cold night after walking around, it was a great option.
Torvehallerne Copenhagen is the food hall that offers a little something for everyone. From fresh seafood for the adults to pizza options for the kids, there is literally something for each person. While there, don’t miss the flower market.
Finally, you must make a stop and try a Danish Dog from one of the hot dog stands. I’m not even a hot dog lover but these are NOT to be missed.
What to Do in Copenhagen With Kids
Tivoli Gardens is the oldest amusement park in the world. It’s actually where Walt Disney was first inspired to create Disney World. Prices are pretty reasonable and it’s perfect for kids. With rides and many restaurants, it’s enjoyable for the entire family.
Rosenborg Castle is one of the royal residences of Denmark, where you can see the crown jewels and tour the palace rooms.
A canal tour is something that cannot be missed. You can enjoy a guided tour of the city from the harbor, seeing churches, castles and other historic buildings—and, of course, the famous mermaid.
Christianborg Palace is home of the Denmark Parliament. See where the Queen holds royal banquets and receptions, and be in awe of the beautiful tapestries and paintings along the halls. The kids will also love seeing the royal horses.
And, if you’re looking for a low-cost option, there are plenty of kid-friendly parks all around town. In short, Copenhagen is a very family-friendly city. The people are all nice and helpful, it’s easy to get around, and there is so much to see.
If you are thinking about visiting, don’t delay . . . just go!
