A Short Guide to Travel in Copenhagen with Kids

Copenhagen might not be the first city that comes to mind for a European vacation with kids, but, after a recent visit, I discovered it’s an incredibly family-friendly city. Here are some tips for visiting with kids.

Get the Copenhagen Card

The Copenhagen Card allows visitors to access a wide range of attractions and public transportation for a flat fee. The card can be a lifesaver with kids who may not want to stay in one place very long. It also helps if kids get tired and you want to hop on a bus or metro instead of walking.

Insider tip: Many attractions are closed Monday, so plan accordingly.

Explore Copenhagen’s Canals

Copenhagen is a charming city traversed by canals. One of the best ways to experience the city is to take a guided tour down a canal in a boat. Or take a walk down Nyhavn, a lively street along a canal lined with colorful buildings.

See the Little Mermaid and Changing of the Guard

Two can’t-miss kid-friendly attractions in Copenhagen are the Little Mermaid statue and the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace. The Little Mermaid was penned by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, and she is now forever immortalized on the banks of Copenhagen’s canal. The changing of the guard occurs every day at noon. Get there early to ensure your kids can get a good viewing spot up front.

What to Eat 

When in Denmark, it’s almost mandatory to have a danish. Copenhagen is full of cafés perfect for lounging. You won’t need to wander far to find one that looks scrumptious. Cafés are also a good place to try a smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich popular throughout the country.

Where to Stay

During my visit to Copenhagen, I stayed at centrally located Coco Hotel, just a few minutes’ walk from Copenhagen’s main train station and within easy walking distance of many of Copenhagen’s main attractions. Plus, the hotel has a family suite, a ping-pong table and a scrumptious breakfast buffet.