The Danish capital Copenhagen is a fascinating city that has what it takes to enjoy a memorable vacation. There are so many treasures to see, taste and even bring home with you in this creative city with an avant-garde soul! A stay in Copenhagen is an opportunity to taste the sweet blend of modern and traditional that Denmark generously serves up. Discover the city guide we’ve put together to help you experience fabulous adventures.

The basics: language, weather, transport…

Find all our best addresses in one map

Nyhavn, Christianshavn, Little Mermaid…

Inderhavensbroen | Island Brygge…

List of our favorite Museums

8Tallet

Where to eat in Copenhagen

Best Design Hotels in Copenhagen

A selection of products from Copenhagen

01  THE ESSENTIALS

When to go: It is advisable to plan your weekend in Copenhagen between May and September. The climate is really nice and the landscapes will not leave you indifferent.

Where to stay: Copenhagen has a multitude of nice design hotels, suitable for all budgets. You can also stay in hostels or AirBnb.

What to do: Visit museums, spend your days in the parks, dare the culinary discoveries …. Moreover, we will present you the good addresses in the following paragraphs.

Transportation: Copenhagen is ideally located on foot or by bike. Otherwise, the public transport system is excellent. The buses and the subways are operational day and night. If you are really in a hurry, you always take the taxi or an Uber.

Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)

Language: Danish is obviously the official language. However, the local population mostly speaks/understands English. It is quite rare to meet Francophones there.

Budget: Is Copenhagen an expensive city? Basically yes, but there are also good plans. For accommodation, count from less than DKK 400 to around DKK 1,200. For meals, prices range from 150 DKK to more than 250 DKK. The tip is not really commonplace, but appreciated!

Copenhagen Card: The Copenhagen city pass which gives you access to more than 85 museums and attractions and to the public transport system. But that’s not all! With this pass, you can get discounts on your boat rides.

The rates are as follows: (it’s free for children under 10)

24 hours: 54 € for adults, 26 € for children (10-15 years) | 48 hours: 80 € for adults, 40 € for children | 72 hours: 99 € for adults, 49 € for children | 120 hours: € 133 for adults, € 67 for children.

02  THE MAP

03  THE TRADITIONAL SIDE OF COPENHAGEN

To say the least, Copenhagen is naturally a pleasant place to live. It has certain values that give it exceptional charm. Traditional architecture and world renowned sites…you’ll find that the trip you plan with your children will fill you with memories.

NYHAVN

If you’re wondering what you absolutely must see in Copenhagen, here’s your answer. Nyhavn welcomes you with its picture-perfect setting. Here, the canals are lined with facades in shimmering colors. The cafés and restaurants are victims of their own success. As a result, they’re often overcrowded. Though, with any luck, you might be able to find a free table, especially at Vaffelbageren, where they serve the area’s best ice cream and waffles.

CHRISTIANSHAVN

Christianshavn is an area that’s very…nautical. It’s a small paradise for barges and sailboats. Here, you’ll also find beautiful wall murals, the Royal Library and, most importantly, canals as far as the eye can see. That’s why the neighborhood is nicknamed “Little Amsterdam”.

CHRISTIANA: a community that values freedom, Christiana is the birthplace of the cargo bike. The skate park is accessible free of charge, and the street art will leave you in awe.

THE LITTLE MERMAID

This sculpture, perched atop its rock, was christened “The Little Mermaid”, and was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s tale.  It’s fun to see the tourists gathering around it en masse because, ultimately, it’s not really worth the detour. Though there’s nothing to stop you from looking at it if you happen to pass by.

BOTANICAL GARDEN

It’s in the heart of Copenhagen’s city center that you’ll find the botanical garden, created in 1600. More than 13,000 types of plants and trees will amaze you. An interesting little fact: the oldest tree in this green space was planted in 1806, when it was already 60 years old. It’s these types of details which make an impression on both young and old, right? It’s also worth noting that the Botanical Garden is the perfect place for a picnic.

TIVOLI GARDENS

Contrary to what you might think, the Tivoli Gardens are not a green space but an amusement park. This site is quite simply magical. In the same place, you’ll find roller coasters, restaurants, exhibitions and you’ll most certainly have the opportunity to encounter a few mimes during your visit.

04  THE CONTEMPORARY SIDE OF COPENHAGEN

We love the design that displays all of Copenhagen’s charm. In recent years, new, extremely contemporary buildings have been springing up from the ground to the delight of Danes and vacationers alike. And you know what? It’s not only the architecture that has a modern look.

   Niderhavensbroen 

Niderhavensbroen | Royal Danish Playhouse | Opera

The Inderhavnsbroen Bridge is a 180 meter-long architectural masterpiece connecting Nyhavn to Christianshavn. It’s reserved exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians. As such, you can walk across it stress-free with your little ones. From the bridge, you’ll have an impressive view of the Royal Danish Playhouse and the Opera.

The Royal Danish Playhouse is a theater with a futuristic design which overlooks the harbor. Designed by architects Lundgaard & Tranberg, it mainly hosts dramatic plays. The various rooms have 100, 250 and 650 seats, respectively. If you pass through the surrounding areas at night, don’t forget to admire the beauty of the building’s facade under the lights.

The opera house faces the Queen’s palace. Built on the water’s edge, the building is impressive with its resolutely modern architecture, designed by the Danish Henning Larsen. Glass and steel are combined with concrete and marble, creating a stylish ensemble. The interior has fourteen floors in total and houses an infinite number of stages. Children will certainly marvel at this space of more than 40,000 m².

Havnebadet Island Brygge

If the sun is out, be sure and go to Havnebadet Island Brygge. This is a swimming area located at the port of Copenhagen. The place is arranged in a very contemporary way, and offers you an opportunity to swim laps, practice your diving skills or simply sunbathe.

    Royal Opera

Superkilen Park

Superkilen Park

Superkilen Park is a decidedly urban space where the pavement has been designed in a very playful spirit. Here, you’ll find three distinct spaces: the Red Square, the Black Market and the Green Park.  It’s truly a world apart, where fountains, benches, sculptures…are decidedly non-traditional. You can picnic there if you’re looking to spend all day in the park.

05  DANISH  DESIGN

Danish design, whether it is furniture or clothing, is known all over the world for its clean, simple lines, great materials and classic creations that never go out of style. Originally, Danish design was a product of the 1950s. The post-war period experienced a lack of materials, and therefore durability and high quality was in demand. Some of the most prominent Danish designers from the mid-century period, Georg Jensen, Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl and Arne Jacobsen, just to name a few, all made Danish design popular on the international scale.

Today’s designers, such as Louise Campbell, HAY, Normann Copenhagen, Cecilie Manz and Muuto, all draw on elements of the Danish design classics of the post-war era.

The Danish Design Museum

Our favorite museums

Worker’s Museum

This museum offers a mix of history and culture classes which retrace the history of workers in the 1950s. Your children can even put themselves in the shoes of the child workers of yesteryear!

ARKEN Museum of Modern Art

Located in Ishøj, south of the Danish capital, its building features maritime-inspired architecture. The museum features more than 400 works and offers one of the best collections in all of Scandinavia.

National Gallery of Denmark

The Statens Museum for Kunst (or SMK) is the largest art museum in Denmark. It’s located just steps from Rosenborg Castle. Its Danish, French and international art will fascinate you. Don’t forget to stop in the museum store, whose books and artsy objects will appeal your children.

06  8Tallet | A new way to live together

The 8TALLET (or 8HOUSE) is a complex which owes its name to its architecture, which is in the shape of an 8. You’ll find it in the Ørestad neighborhood. It’s built in such a way as to encourage cohabitation. There are common rooms dedicated to shared meals, seniors, a daycare center, penthouses, offices…in short, it’s a private universe where everyone feels useful.

07 EAT | DRINK & AFTERNOON SNACKS

PATÉ PATÉ

Slagterboderne 1, 1716 København

This is THE trendy address par excellence! Danish sauce is literally added to traditional recipes from southern Europe. We advise you to reserve in advance.

LA NETA

Nørrebrogade 29, 2200 København

If you like Mexican food, this restaurant is for you! Its concept is based on street food. Here, the flavors are authentic, the ingredients are always fresh and the welcome is undeniably warm. Go whenever you want; you’ll easily find a seat!

GRØD

kl tv 50 Jægersborggade København N, 2200 København

This gourmet spot is named after its specialty: Grød (porridge). It doesn’t sound very original? In fact, it is! All the recipes have been revisited, so you can discover ultra-creative varieties of porridge. Apples, caramel and almonds are ingredients that are often found in the recipes.

UNDICI

Wilders Pl. 11, 1403 København

This restaurant is rather young, having just opened its doors in June 2018. It’s located in a former automobile garage, offers a breathtaking view of the Copenhagen canals, and features Italian cuisine. You can choose between a table in the dining room or on the terrace.

                                                                    La Neta                                                                                                                                                        UNDICI

BOB – BIOMIO ORGANIC BISTRO 

Halmtorvet 19, 1700 København

You may be wondering what kind of Copenhagen cuisine awaits you here. In fact, it’s all in the establishment’s name. It features organic cuisine with the possibility of opting for a vegetarian or vegan menu.

SOCIAL

Peblinge Dossering 4, kld. th, 2200 København

Who feels like having some good ice cream or delicious chocolate? We bet your children won’t refuse such an offer! At Social Foodies, they don’t just treat the customers, they also support social causes in Denmark and Africa. Disadvantaged people are particularly supported by this institution. Go ahead, you’ll make everyone happy!

BRYGGEN 11

Islands Brygge 11, 2300 København

Just a few steps from the Brygge Islands, Bryggen 11 is an ice cream lover’s paradise. Numerous flavors, whether classic or creative, are waiting to be tasted.

♥  STREETFOOD IN COPENHAGEN

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has built a solid reputation for street food… and for good reason, as there is no shortage of great spots. Many food stands can be found at the Tovernhallerne Covered Market or at Papiroen’s (which is in front of The Little Mermaid).

08 OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO STAY

It goes without saying that you’ll have to spend the night somewhere. The big question is which hotel to choose, as the choices are vast. We’ve prepared a selection of great places:

BERTRAMS GULDSMEDEN ★★★

Vesterbrogade 107, 1620 København

This eco-friendly boutique hotel has definitely caught our attention! Okay, it’s exclusively for adults. But it’s also nice to have a getaway for two from time to time, isn’t it? Its Balinese-style decor gives you a pleasant change of scenery, even if for just one night.

SAVOY HOTEL  ★★★

Vesterbrogade 34, 1620 København

Built on six floors, the establishment has 66 rooms which overlook the carefully landscaped courtyard. Refinement is everywhere, whether in common areas or in bedrooms. Family rooms can accommodate up to four people.

We hope you will enjoy your trip to Copenhagen. And don’t forget to send us your best tips and addresses in the comments section.

See you soon for new adventures!