This summer, after spending some cherished time with family in England, my two boys and I set off for a city I had long dreamed of exploring: Copenhagen. From the moment we arrived, the city’s charm was undeniable. Between swimming in the harbor, sliding down a four-story museum slide, and sampling every pastry in sight, Copenhagen quickly became a favorite destination for our family adventures. Here’s a glimpse into our trip, peppered with recommendations and reflections from our time in this vibrant Scandinavian city.
Arrival in a Design Capital
As we landed in Copenhagen, it didn’t take long to realize this city was a design haven. Even the airport carts seemed thoughtfully crafted, echoing the minimalistic yet clever aesthetic that defines the Danish approach to everyday objects. We stayed in a cozy two-bedroom Airbnb right in Indre By—the historic heart of the city—making it easy to walk nearly everywhere we wanted to go.
One little detail that delighted me about our accommodation was the bedding: instead of one big duvet on double or queen beds, each bed was made with two twin duvets. No more tussling over covers—a small but thoughtful comfort that made sleeping easier for everyone.
Adventures for the Whole Family
Our days in Copenhagen were filled with a delightful mix of fun and discovery. One of the highlights was braving the giant four-story slide at the Danish Architecture Center. It was thrilling for the kids and a joyful way to experience a museum in a hands-on, playful way.
We also enjoyed lounging and snacking at La Banchina, a popular spot where you can actually take a dip in the harbor—an unusual and refreshing twist on the typical café experience. The city’s waterside charm is truly unmatched.
Another quirky stop was the Guinness World Records Museum, where we marveled at a life-sized statue of Robert Wadlow, the tallest man ever recorded at nearly nine feet tall. Although the museum was a bit of a mixed bag, my boys found the experience fun and memorable.
Tivoli Gardens: Twice as Nice
With just the three of us traveling, I happily followed my boys’ lead, and they insisted on visiting Tivoli Gardens two days in a row. This famous amusement park, right in the city center, is packed with rollercoasters, bumper cars, swings, and endless green lawns dotted with flowers and comfy reclining chairs.
While the boys zoomed around on rides and enjoyed ice cream, I often found a bench to relax on with a good book, watching them laugh and play. It was the perfect balance of freedom and togetherness—a reminder of why family travel is so special.
A Pastry Lover’s Paradise
Copenhagen’s food scene was a dream, especially for pastry enthusiasts like me. We made it a daily ritual to try a new pastry each morning: from sourdough buns to airy yet rich cinnamon buns, the variety was mouthwatering. I loved how many cafés faced the sidewalks with benches, inviting people to linger, sip coffee, and enjoy excellent people-watching.
The style on the streets was just as inviting as the food: minimal, cool, and effortlessly laid-back. Rain jackets and neutral tones dominated the fashion scene, with oversized shirts and jeans appearing everywhere. And, of course, bicycles were everywhere—riding with kids, dogs, even suitcases and, hilariously, once a bed!
Warm Moments with Friends
One of my favorite nights was spent at my friend Miriam’s home. We had connected online years ago during an interview I did with her, so meeting her in person felt like catching up with an old friend. She had invited a lively group of friends, including the creators of Scandinavian Standard, and the evening was filled with laughter, warmth, and stories.
Miriam attempted to make pizzas from scratch that night, a task she joked she immediately regretted—something any home cook can relate to! Meanwhile, my son Toby bonded with a girl over their shared love of video games, TV shows, and school schedules. Those moments of connection are what make traveling with kids so rewarding.
Handy Tips and Recommendations
For those curious about planning their own trip, here’s a quick rundown of our favorite spots and practical tips:
- Where to Stay: A quiet street in Indre By offers central access with peaceful surroundings.
- Pastry Hotspots: Hart, Lille, Apotek 57, Juno, and Atelier September all come highly recommended—and honestly, almost every café we visited served incredible pastries.
- Dining: Friends suggested Casamadre, Apollo Bar, Mangia, and Pauli. La Banchina was fantastic for snacks and coffee by the water. Avoid certain touristy Italian places that don’t live up to the hype—trust your local friends on this!
- Burger Fix: Gasoline Grill serves delicious burgers that sell out fast, so aim for lunch or an early dinner.
- Shopping: Shrig Shop, Holly Golightly, Ganni (for that quintessential Danish cool-girl look), and Rains (famous for rain jackets) are must-visits. Studio Arhoj and Stilleben No. 22 also offer beautiful design finds.
- Museums and Culture: The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a day trip worth considering, while Finn Juhl House and the Danish Design Museum are perfect for architecture and design buffs.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Tivoli Gardens, the Guinness World Records Museum, the Danish Architecture Center’s slide, playgrounds around the city, and of course, all the charming cafés.
Final Thoughts
Copenhagen was everything I hoped it would be and more. The blend of family-friendly activities, stellar food, thoughtful design, and warm moments with friends made this trip unforgettable. Traveling with my boys—those two little stinker adventurers—never gets old.
Thank you, Copenhagen, for your welcoming spirit and vibrant energy. We can’t wait to come back.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to rediscover this Nordic gem, Copenhagen offers a perfect balance of culture, fun, and relaxation for families and travelers of all kinds.
