Many see Copenhagen as a summer destination for grown up city life, but Copenhagen is also a fantastic winter city to travel to with children. Copenhagen offers lots of fun activities for the whole family. Classics, like currently winter-open and snow-covered Tivoli (winter open until February 24th), Den Blå Planet and the HC Andersen Museum – but also one of the world’s longest pedestrian shopping streets that offer both typically Danish red sausages, Danish pastries and of course churros – the children’s number one favorite street food. Visitdenmark is constantly updated with good holiday tips not only in Copenhagen, but throughout Denmark. Below are our best tips for a successful holiday with children in Copenhagen.
This text has previously been published in Premium Magazine which is distributed at selected airports and lounges.
Good accommodation
When traveling with children many compromise on hotel standard and choose a budget hotel, not seldom slightly remote. However, when traveling with children, your priority should be to live close to the venues and sights you intend to visit. Since Tivoli is a given attraction now that they are winter open during february, we have chosen to highlight two hotels that are as close to Tivoli that you can possibly get. In addition, these hotels are located very close – and even just opposite – the central station, which saves money on bus/train fares and extra costs for taxis.
Nimb
Nimb is a magnificent boutique hotel located in the middle of Tivoli. Your hotel charge includes entrance tickets and unlimited ride tickets, which makes it a stay very affordable for families with children. Nimb hotel has its own exit directly to the park, so no waiting in line at the entrance. The Nimb castle is fabulously beautiful with its pinnacles and towers. Reminiscing all of Disney’s romantic fairytale castles, it’s guaranteed to be a children’s favorite!
Nimb hotel is a member of small luxury hotels of the world . Nimb opened its doors as early as 1909. Since then, it has undergone several transformations and just a few years ago the entire hotel was completely renovated and the final result was 38 uniquely decorated rooms and luxurious suites.
It’s worth mentioning that Nimb has, since the very beginning, focused on gastronomy and this is not least evident in the breakfast offering. In addition to classics such as yogurt, cereals and freshly squeezed juices, there are children’s favorites such as pancakes, porridge and omelette. Naturally all served á la minute, nothing less would be expected at a luxury hotel.
Nobis
Nobis is next door to Tivoli’s western entrance. You’ll be inside the gates of Tivoli after just a few steps out of the door from Nobis. Nobis Copenhagen is Swedish Nobis Hospitality Group’s first hotel in Denmark. It’s been designed by prominent Swedish architects Wingårdhs. It is hard to believe that this super trendy hotel, with 80 rooms and suites, from the beginning was an old music conservatory before being completely renovated to the luxurious hotel it is today. This hotel is also child friendly as the stylish and minimalist interior offers few objects that can be torn down or broken. No paintings on the walls either – instead the art has been moved down into beautifully decorated wool rugs on the floors.
The Nobis breakfast buffet is especially worth mentioning as it contains a table full of all sorts of delicious pastries as well as the much appreciated pancakes with homemade chocolate cream, raspberry jam or blueberry cream.
Food and drinks
Mrs. Nimb
Never underestimate the importance of good food and drinks. If you are looking for a quick belly filling, there are a large variety of fast food places within the Tivoli gardens. Much nicer though, is to take the time to sit down and rest for a while between the rides. The classic smørrebrød-restaurant Fru Nimb is a good place to do so, it attracts both young and old with their 50 different kinds of smørrebrød (danish open sandwiches), Mrs Louise Nimb (Nimb’s original smørrebrød-chef) composed many of these recipes more than 100 years ago. There is definitely something on the menu that will attract all ages. Even if you don’t visit Tivoli gardens you can still access the restaurant from street side.
Cakenhagen
What would a vacation be without indulgences – Cakenhagen is a fantastic pastry shop that is located in the tivoli area. If you choose to come to Cakenhagen on a weekend, you can book the “Kage-extravaganza” (cake extravaganza) which is exactly what it sounds like; a big buffet table with luxurious French pastries, cakes and macrons. Remember to book this ahead of time, as it is very popular to indulge in pastries like a true Marie Antoinette for DKK 350 per person, 175 dkk for children below the age of 8.
If you can’t get enough of this extravaganza – you can also get Cagenhagen’s own recipe book, by well-known head chef Torben Bang. Price 295 kr.
To do
Tivoli gardens
The amusement park Tivoli gardens is Copenhagen’s most famous attraction. It was founded in 1843 and has inspired many other theme parks around the world. This is the very place where Walt Disney found inspiration for the first Disneyland in California. Right now the park is open with a winter theme until February 24th when Tivoli Gardens closes until reopening for the summer season on April 4th. Tivoli is also open over the autumn holidays with a scary halloween theme, Oct 11th – Nov 3rd. The park reopens for Christmas mid-November.
Den Blå Planet
Den Blå Planet (The Blue Planet) is a majestic place – 9000 square meters make it the largest aquarium in Northern Europe. You can easily spend an entire day here and still feel that you have not yet managed to look at everything. Keep an eye out for the schedule of when the animals get fed in their respective pools, as it’s a fascinating scene to watch. Den blå planet is Denmark’s new big attraction with its great collection of hammer sharks, sea lions, piranhas and 20,000 other fish and sea animals from all over the world.
Strøget
Strøget is one of the world’s longest pedestrian shopping streets. It’s a Mecca for shopping no matter what age you’re in. Next to Rådhusplatsen you will find the large chains such as H&M, Vila, Vero Moda, Zara and Bianco. A little further away towards Kongens Nytorv you will find luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermes, Burberry and Royal Copenhagen. If you want a breather and a moment to exhale between purchases, there are many cafes and restaurants where you can rest your feet along the way.
Museums
If the weather is bad or your feet are hurting after too much shopping and carousel riding, it might be nice to visit one of Copenhagen’s museums for children. Ripley’s Belive it or not is located on the Town Hall Square “Rådhuspladsen” next to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. At the other end of the long pedestrian street, at Kongens Nytorv, you’ll find Guiness World Records and The Mystic Exploratory. All four are worth a visit – if you buy a so-called “fun pass” you get a 25% discount on regular price, applies to both adults and children.