Copenhagen might have a reputation for being pricey, but it’s also one of Europe’s most family friendly destinations. With fairy tale castles, colourful canals, hands on museums, and efficient public transport, it’s surprisingly easy to explore with kids – especially if you plan ahead.
We recently spent five days in Denmark’s capital with our family and packed in plenty of fun without blowing the budget. Here’s everything we did, plus tips on transport, must see sights, and money saving hacks.
Getting There and Around
From Copenhagen Airport to Central Station:
Only a 15-minute train ride to the heart of the city. You can buy a 3-zone adult ticket (36 DKK); kids under 12 ride free. We stayed close to the København H station—super handy with luggage and kids.
Tip: Save Big with the Copenhagen Card
Highly recommend the Copenhagen Card (Discover Family Pass) – as this will safe you A LOT!
With Copenhagen Card you can choose between either the DISCOVER (80+ Attactions) or the HOP card (40+ Attractions).
We chose the DISCOVER option which include free entrance to attractions, two kids for free, unlimited public transport & airport transport. Check out their website for details of what’s included and pricing.
We activated ours at the airport to cover the train ride into the city.
Where We Stayed: Urban House by Meininger
📍 Colbjørnsensgade 5-11, 1652 København
A stylish, budget-friendly option Urban House by Meininger is just steps from København H Central Station. Our family room (Room 520) had a double bed and bunk bed with a clean, private bathroom. The atmosphere was laid back, and there’s a games area and on site restaurant. Bonus: nice views, lots of nearby cafés and bakeries.
Day 1: Small Museums and City Strolls
🚶 Strøget Shopping Street
One of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets. Lined with high street stores, toy shops, bakeries, and more.
- Drop by the flagship Lego store! Though it’s nowhere near as big as the Lego store in Shanghai or London.
- 🛍️ Illum: Upscale shopping with nice rooftop cafés
- 🛍️ Magasin du Nord: Danish department store with family-friendly finds
- ☕ Coffee Collective Bernikow: Hidden café gem inside Bernikow Garden
🚇 Return via Gammel Strand station—2 stops back to Central.
🖼️ Tube Copenhagen Museum
⏰ 11am–7pm | 🎟️ Copenhagen Card
Small interactive trick eye photo style museum with various exhibits. Located conveniently inside København H Central Station.
🤹 Museum of Illusions
⏰ 10am–10pm | 🎟️ Copenhagen Card
Mind-bending optical illusions and fun photo ops—great for both kids and adults.
Day 2: Colourful Canals and Royal Palaces
🌈 Nyhavn Waterfront
Copenhagen’s famous colourful 17th-century harbour with historic wooden ships and vibrant houses. Great breakfast spots, restaurants and ice cream shops.
- 🍽️ Hyttefadet: Cozy Danish classics
- 🍽️ Havfruen: Seafood with a view
- 🍦 Vaffelbageren: Famous for ice cream on waffles
🏛️ Christiansborg Palace
⏰ 10am–5pm | 🎟️ Copenhagen Card
Home to Denmark’s parliament and former royal residence. Tour the Royal Reception Rooms, Kitchen, Stables, and underground ruins.
⛴️ Netto Boat Tour
🎟️ Copenhagen Card | ⏰ Every 45 mins
A scenic 1-hour canal cruise that takes you past iconic sights like the Little Mermaid statue and Christianshavn.
Day 3: Royals, Gardens & Grand Churches
👑 Rosenborg Castle
⏰ 9am–5pm | 🎟️ Copenhagen Card (book same-day time slot in person)
A fairy-tale castle housing the Danish Crown Jewels. Surrounded by the King’s Garden, perfect for a picnic.
☕ Grab coffee at Coffee Collective in a vintage phone booth near Nørreport Station.
⛪ Frederik’s Church (The Marble Church)
⏰ 10am–5pm | Free entry
Stunning green copper dome and marble interior. A quiet spot to admire architecture.
🎖️ Amalienborg Palace
Daily Changing of the Guard at 12pm
Home to the Danish royal family. Watch the royal guards march from Rosenborg Castle at 11:30am.
Day 4: Day Trip to a Fairy tale Castle
🏰 Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød
⏰ 10am–5pm | 🎟️ Copenhagen Card
If there is one Danish castle you need to visit – this is it! A lavish Renaissance castle surrounded by a lake and gardens. Inside: royal portraits, chapel, and opulent halls.
🕰️ Free organ concert Thursdays at 1:30pm
🚆 40-min train to Hillerød + 20-min walk or bus 301/302
🧁 Torvehallerne Food Market
⏰ 10am–7pm
A foodie’s paradise with fresh produce, smørrebrød stalls, pastries, and more.
- 🥐 Albatross & Venner: Try the Queen A (like a Danish kouign-amann)
- ☕ Coffee Collective: Another great location here
🚇 2 stops back to Central Station
Day 5: Quick Day Trip to Malmö & Lund, Sweden
Malmö
🚆 40-min train via the Øresund Bridge (~15 EUR, runs every 20 mins)
Explore on foot:
- Stortorget & Lilla Torg: Central squares with restaurants and cafés
- Södergatan: Shopping street with Ahlens dept. store
- St. Peter’s Church: Medieval with unique back chapel
- 🍽️ Lunch: Bullen – Två Krögare (traditional Swedish pub fare)
- 🛍️ Björkåfrihet: Great vintage and second-hand shop
Lund
🚆 15 mins from Malmö
Highlights:
- Lund Cathedral: Don’t miss the astronomical clock show
- Lund University & Stortorget: Elegant historic center
- Streets like Adelgatan & Hjortgatan for a charming stroll
🚆 Return to Copenhagen: ~52 mins
What We Missed (Thanks, Rain…)
Tivoli Gardens
The second oldest amusement park the in the world! This 19th-century amusement park has an antique roller coaster and live entertainment program. Checkout their website for seasonal opening days. It was close during our visit.
⚔️ Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Castle)
⏰ 10am–6pm | 🎟️ Copenhagen Card
In Helsingør, this UNESCO-listed fortress inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Includes casemates, towers, and a view over to Sweden.
- 🚆 55-min train from Copenhagen + 15-min harbor walk
- Photo ops: Little Mermaid’s brother statue and Culture Yard
⛴️ Ferry to Helsingborg, Sweden
⏰ Every 20 mins | 🎟️ 12 EUR return (kids: 9 EUR)
Explore:
- Backhaus Bakery & Café
- Kullgatan: Oldest shopping street
- Kärnan Tower & Terrace Steps
- 🍻 Barski Brewery: Opens at 4pm
🚆 Return to Copenhagen: ~1.5 hrs ($35 pp)
Other places you can visit
- Reffen Street Food Park – Trendy food trucks by the water (Open 11:30am–10pm, 30 mins by Bus 2A)
- Christianshavn Area – Laid-back neighborhood with canals, bakeries, and Copenhagen’s alternative vibe
Final Thoughts
Copenhagen turned out to be one of our favorite family city breaks in Europe — clean, safe, fun, and packed with history and activities. With strategic use of the Copenhagen Card, kid-friendly transport, and walkable neighborhoods, we kept things easy and affordable.
If you’re on the fence about visiting Denmark with kids—just go! Fairy tales, castles, waffles, and Viking history await.
For other places we have visited, checkout our website’s travel Destinations section. We buy our travel essentials online via Ebay
