Top 10 Things to Do in Copenhagen: Bikes, Saunas & a Quick Trip to Sweden
We just got back from a family trip to Copenhagen, and I can honestly say—it lived up to the hype. The city is clean, safe, and surprisingly easy to explore, even with kids in tow. Between biking everywhere, taking a quick train to Sweden, and squeezing in theme parks and saunas, we packed a lot in without ever feeling rushed.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s what stood out most—and what we’d absolutely recommend.
🏨 Where We Stayed: Tivoli Hotel Copenhagen (7/10)
We stayed at the Tivoli Hotel, and while it’s not five-star luxury, it was a solid base. The rooms were modern and practical, with fun little nods to the famous Tivoli Gardens. The location was great—walking distance to the train station and city center.
A standout perk? We had executive lounge access, which turned out to be well worth it. There was Carlsberg on tap, light snacks throughout the day, and a relaxed, quiet space that made a big difference. It was the perfect spot to refresh and regroup between outings, especially with kids. Whether we needed a break from sightseeing or just a peaceful drink in the evening, the lounge gave us that extra breathing room away from the city buzz.
View from the Executive Lounge - Tivoli Hotel, Copenhagen
Best part? MASH Penthouse, the steakhouse at the top of the hotel. Genuinely good food and panoramic views. If you’re into a well-cooked ribeye with a skyline sunset, it's worth booking.
We’d give the hotel a 7 out of 10—comfortable, convenient, and great if you’re traveling as a family.
✅ Top 10 Things to Do in Copenhagen
1. Ride Bikes Everywhere in Copenhagen
We rented bikes straight from the hotel and honestly, it was the best way to see the city. Copenhagen is made for cycling. It’s flat, safe, and the bike lanes are better maintained than some roads back home. Even the kids kept up.
We hired bikes direct from the Tivoli Hotel - Around £60 per day for 5 people
2. Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen —Twice in One Day
We grabbed a day pass and ended up going twice. In the evening, the park totally transformed—no lines, glowing lights, and this peaceful energy that was kind of magical. A surprise favorite.
Tivoli Gardens
3. Train to Malmö, Sweden
It only takes 40 minutes to get to Malmö by train. We went for the day and loved it. Highlight? A quiet outdoor beach sauna followed by a classic Swedish lunch at Bullen—home-style meatballs, mashed potatoes, and zero regrets.
Swedish lunch at Bullen
Ribersborgs Kallbadhus in Malmö and Kallbadhuset Varberg on the west coast are two must-visit destinations for those wanting to experience the revitalising cold bath ritual.
Stortorget, Malmö
4. Christiansborg Palace Tower Copenhagen
We climbed to the top for free and got some of the best views of the entire trip. You can see the rooftops, canals, and even all the way across to Sweden on a clear day. No crowds, either.
Amazing views from the Christiansborg Palace Tower
5. Canal Stroll in Nyhavn - Copenhagen
Yes, it’s in every travel guide—but for good reason. Bright buildings, boats, and cafés lining the water. We stopped for coffee and just enjoyed the view. No rush.
Canal Stroll in Nyhavn
6. Rosenborg Castle & The King's Garden Copenhagen
A proper fairytale castle with royal treasures inside and plenty of green space outside for the kids to burn off energy. Relaxed and surprisingly quiet in the morning.
7. Reffen Street Food Market Copenhagen
This place had everything—Korean, Thai, local beer, vegan options—and it’s right by the water. The atmosphere was chill and perfect for lunch after a bike ride.
8. Slightly Overrated, But We Did It: The Little Mermaid Copenhagen
She’s tiny, and the crowd is always bigger than you'd expect—but we biked out, took the photo, and checked it off the list. Worth doing once.
The Little Mermaid
9. Shopping on Strøget Street Copenhagen
Long pedestrian street, tons of shops, cafés, and people to watch. Good for souvenirs, snacks, or just taking it easy between sights.
10. Explore Christianshavn & Christiania Copenhagen
This area felt totally different—artsy, a bit rough around the edges, but really interesting. If you’re curious about Copenhagen’s counterculture side, take a walk through.
✈️ Final Thoughts: Easy, Clean, and Surprisingly Fun
Copenhagen is one of those cities that just works. The people were kind, the streets spotless, and the whole place had this calm energy that made traveling as a family way less stressful. Even the airport was a breeze.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say eating out is about 20% more expensive than in the UK, but the quality was consistently high.
Between the biking, the castles, the theme park magic, and our sauna-meatball combo day trip to Sweden, we came home with more memories than photos—and that's saying something. If you’re looking for a European trip that’s equal parts chill and exciting, Copenhagen delivers.
