A Copenhagen Itinerary
We are back from Denmark with the ultimate Copenhagen itinerary. Planning ahead is crucial if you only have 72 hours to explore this beautiful city with your kids. This blog post will guide you through the perfect three-day itinerary in Copenhagen, emphasizing how a Copenhagen Card can enhance your experience, save money, and make traveling easier while visiting the city’s top attractions.
Why the Copenhagen Card is a Must-Have for your Copenhagen Itinerary
Before diving into your exciting three-day adventure, let’s discuss the Copenhagen Card. This useful tool is available for 24, 48, 72, or 120 hours, perfectly fitting your three-day visit. The card provides free admission to over 80 museums and attractions, free public transportation by bus, train, and metro throughout the region, and discounts for restaurants, rentals, and sights. For families, the card is particularly valuable as it offers free admission for two children under the age of 10 per paying adult—perfect for family trips.
Day 1: An Enchanting Day and Night at Tivoli Gardens
Morning to Midday: Explore Tivoli Gardens
Start your Copenhagen adventure at Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world. Tivoli opens its gates to a world of fantastical rides, beautiful gardens, and historic buildings. We aren’t thrill-seekers but older kids (or big kids!) will enjoy the vintage roller coasters or the modern, adrenaline-pumping rides. Younger children will enjoy the gentle rides and the magical atmosphere of the park. Your Copenhagen Card grants you free entry, so make the most of it and maybe even go for a second round of rides! If you want to leave the park for a while as we did make sure to get stamped so you can re-enter later!
Midday Break: Bastard Café
After your exhilarating morning, take a leisurely walk to the Bastard Café, a cozy spot ideal for a break. This is no ordinary café; it’s filled with hundreds of board games from around the world. Friendly staff can help you pick out a game that’s suitable for your family. Most of the games are free but for some of them you pay a fee on top of your food and drink to be able to play.
Evening: Return to Tivoli Gardens
As dusk falls, head back to Tivoli Gardens. The park transforms at night with beautiful illuminations, creating a magical evening atmosphere. Catch one of the live shows or concerts often held in the gardens, offering everything from ballet to pop concerts, ensuring a fun time for every family member before you head back to your hotel.
Day 2: Culture and Nature in the Heart of Copenhagen
Morning: IKOKO Copenhagen
Begin your day at IKOKO Copenhagen, an innovative children’s cultural center that offers interactive exhibits and activities designed to stimulate. IKOKO creates an engaging environment where kids can learn through play and creativity. Each room is designed by a different artist with a different theme. We spent about an hour and a half here and it was probably my daughter’s favourite part of our trip. The giant ball pit was a big hit with all of us!
Lunchtime Walk: Botanical Gardens
Next, take a soothing walk to the nearby Botanical Gardens. These gardens are a part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, offering a vast array of different plant species, a picturesque lake, and several glasshouses. The Palm House, in particular, is a hit among families, offering a jungle-like experience right in the middle of the city. Your Copenhagen Card also serves as admission to the Palm House and children are free.
Late Lunch: Glyptotek Café
Continue your day with a late lunch at the Glyptotek Café, located within the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. This museum houses an impressive collection of art in a building that is a work of art itself. Have a relaxing meal among the statues and palms in the beautiful Winter Garden café and then explore the art collections.
Day 3: A Journey through Modern Art
Day Trip: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
On your final day, take a trip outside the city center to visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, located in northern Zealand with stunning views over the Øresund Sea. The museum is famous not only for its excellent collection of modern art but also for its family-friendly approach to art education. The museum’s Children’s Wing offers creative workshops and activities, making it a perfect spot for young ones to appreciate art.
As you explore the sculptures in the garden, discuss the artworks with your kids, or simply enjoy the serene setting, your trip to Louisiana will provide a relaxing yet intellectually stimulating end to your whirlwind tour of Copenhagen.
Wrapping Up
With the Copenhagen Card in hand and a well-planned itinerary, your 72 hours in Copenhagen will be filled with joy, learning, and unforgettable memories. From the historic charm of Tivoli to the interactive experiences at IKOKO and the artistic haven of Louisiana, each day brings something new and exciting for the family. Copenhagen is a city that truly cherishes its younger visitors, making it an ideal destination for families looking to explore, learn, and have fun together. So pack your bags, grab your Copenhagen Cards, and get ready for an adventure that your family will remember for a lifetime.
(we received a Copenhagen card from Visit Copenhagen but all words and thoughts are my own)
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