This summer, after a delightful family visit in England, the boys and I ventured to Copenhagen to reconnect with friends. The city has long been on my travel wishlist, and we were eager to dive into its vibrant culture: swimming in the harbor, gliding down a massive museum slide, and indulging in an array of delectable pastries. Here are a few snapshots from our adventure if you’re interested in a glimpse…
From the moment we touched down, it was clear we had arrived in a design mecca—just look at those chic airport carts!
We settled into a charming apartment in Indre By, Copenhagen’s historic heart, enabling us to explore much of the city on foot.
Here’s a candid shot of the boys on their way to adventure—aren’t they adorable?
One small detail I appreciated was the twin duvet setup on the beds. It ensured that no one had to wrestle for covers—a small victory for us all!
Our days were packed with exploits, including a thrilling descent down the four-story slide at the Danish Architecture Center…
…enjoying a light snack at La Banchina, where opportunities for a refreshing dip in the harbor beckoned…
…and marveling at the Guinness World Records Museum, where we stood beside a life-sized statue of Robert Wadlow, the tallest person recorded at 8 feet 11 inches.
With just the boys and me on this trip, I happily went along with their every whim. Tivoli Gardens quickly became a favorite, and we found ourselves there two days in a row. Tucked away in the midst of the city, the park boasts roller coasters, bumper cars, swings, ice cream, floral displays, verdant lawns, and cozy reclining chairs—each day, I settled on a bench, sometimes diving into a book while they reveled in the rides.
Here they are enjoying the roller coaster!
Our friends urged us not to skip the city’s renowned pastries, so each morning became an exploration of sweet delights, ranging from sourdough buns to rich, yet airy, cinnamon rolls.
What struck me was how cafés often faced outward, inviting patrons to indulge in people-watching—a pastime that flourished all around us.
The people-watching was indeed splendid. The local style leaned towards minimalism—cool, casual, and effortlessly chic, with a prevalence of rain jackets, neutral hues, and oversized shirts and jeans.
Additionally, biking is the way of life here; it truly resonates with me! More than half of the residents commute by bike, and I marveled at riders balancing various passengers—children, heels, suitcases, dogs, and even a bed!
One of my favorite evenings transpired at the home of my friend Miriam, whom you might recall from her wonderful house tour. We have stayed connected since our initial interview, and despite this being our first face-to-face meeting, it felt remarkably familiar. The wonders of the internet never cease to amaze.
Isn’t she lovely? When we arrived, I remarked on how impressed I was that she was preparing pizzas from scratch instead of ordering out, to which she chuckled, “I immediately regretted it.”
Miriam had invited a few friends, including the fabulous duo behind the site Scandinavian Standard. The atmosphere was warm and filled with laughter.
Toby hit it off with a girl at dinner, as they both delighted in sharing their obsessions with video games, television shows, and the precise dates and lengths of their school breaks.
And just for those curious minds, here’s the sole photo Anton snapped during our time in Denmark—proof that not every moment gets documented!
Our love for this city deepened with each passing day, and I couldn’t have asked for better companions than these two little rascals. Thank you for the warm welcome, Copenhagen! xoxo
Several readers expressed interest in recommendations, so while I acknowledge this was my first experience in Copenhagen, I’m happy to share insights from our visits and suggestions from friends. Additionally, before setting off, I created a Google map featuring playgrounds, cafés, and shops. Though it’s not exhaustive, I hope it might prove helpful to someone.
Where we stayed: a two-bedroom Airbnb in Indre By, a bustling yet tranquil neighborhood.
Where to procure pastries: Hart, Lille, Apotek 57, Juno, and Atelier September emerged as local favorites, though nearly every café impresses with its offerings.
Where to dine: Casamadre, Apollo Bar, Mangia, and Pauli were highly recommended by friends. La Banchina provides a fantastic vibe for snacks, coffee, and drinks. (Be cautious; we visited another Italian place that was disappointing, with slow service and, unfortunately, plastic found in our meal!) On a brighter note, we loved the burgers at Gasoline Grill; they tend to sell out daily, so aim for lunch or an early dinner.
Where to shop: Shrig Shop, Holly Golightly, Ganni (a brand that captures that quintessential cool-girl Danish style), Rains (you’ll see their rain jackets everywhere), Studio Arhoj, Still Life No. 22, Dora, and Danish Made for Rooms.
Where to muse: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (definitely a day trip worth taking, as it looks absolutely stunning), Finn Juhl House, and the Danish Design Museum.
Where to entertain the kids: Tivoli Gardens, Guinness World Records Museum (though it wasn’t stellar, the boys found joy there), the Danish Architecture Center (don’t miss the big slide), and any of the delightful playgrounds I noted on my Google Map, plus Gasoline Grill and every café for a sweet treat!
What would you add? If you’re a local, do you have any insider tips? I’d love to hear your thoughts… xoxoxo
PS: Check out “12 surprising things about parenting in Denmark” and Miriam’s Copenhagen house tour.
(La Banchina photo by Nicki Sebastian.)
