Copenhagen, Denmark, widely regarded as one of Europe's most toddler-friendly cities, has been put to the test by a mother seeking a family city break that also caters to adult tastes. Julie Delahaye, writing for the Liverpool Echo, took her two-year-old to the Danish capital to see if it lived up to its reputation, focusing on practicalities like pram-friendly pavements, appealing food for a toddler, and attractions that engage both parent and child.
A Smooth Arrival with a Toddler
Delahaye prioritised a short flight, and direct services from the UK to Copenhagen take just under two hours, approximately 2 hours 5 minutes from Liverpool. She departed from London Heathrow with British Airways, which proved the most economical option given her luggage. Copenhagen Airport is remarkably straightforward to navigate, with the metro station located directly within the terminal building, making the journey into the city centre effortless.
The Metro journey from the airport to the city takes roughly half an hour, and both platforms and trains are extremely pram-friendly. While numerous taxi services were available, the family arranged accommodation through Airbnb near a station, making public transport incredibly practical for their needs.
Top Attractions for Little Ones and Adults
One of the standout destinations was Copenhagen Main Library, which features an entire floor devoted to children, equipped with soft play areas, interactive zones, and an abundance of toys and books. The toddler loved selecting books and retreating into dens and tents scattered throughout the shelves. There's even a designated 'buggy parking' area with marked bays and lockers. After an hour or so, they ventured downstairs for coffee and pastries at the library's café.
For genuine sightseeing, the Round Tower is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Its spiral structure was originally constructed to allow horses and carts to reach the summit, making it wonderfully pushchair-friendly. However, it is rather steep, so parents may wish to take turns pushing the pram. At the top, a viewing platform is accessed via a very steep staircase, requiring you to leave the pram behind and carry your little one up the 20 or so steps.
Tivoli Gardens, the renowned theme park said to have inspired Walt Disney's Disneyland, was one of the most cherished destinations. The enchanting gardens, exciting rides, and abundance of dining options gave the toddler plenty of room to run about freely, and the family was pleasantly surprised by the number of rides he could enjoy alongside them.
Exploring the Waterfront and Beyond
Nyhavn Harbour, the famous multicoloured waterfront, is arguably Copenhagen's biggest attraction. While you need to maintain a secure grip on your toddler's hand due to the proximity of water, the establishments and eateries were all extremely family-oriented. The family paused for refreshments one afternoon and also considered canal boat excursions, which run for roughly an hour—though that wasn't quite as entertaining with a fidgety toddler.
For those with a toddler who only naps in the pram, the lengthier walk to the Little Mermaid statue is worthwhile. The path is reasonably level, but there's limited activity in that vicinity, so if pressed for time, the Metro might be a superior choice. Copenhagen is also brimming with green spaces and play areas, which was a massive advantage, allowing the toddler to dash about while the adults enjoyed a coffee and absorbed the scenery.
Dining and Coffee Culture with a Toddler
With a two-year-old who has yet to master sleeping through the night, bars and clubs weren't on the agenda. However, restaurants are an absolute must, and dining early in the evening avoids the later, potentially boisterous crowds. Restaurant staff consistently offered high chairs, presented children's menus with activity packs and crayons, and remained entirely unfazed by the occasional toddler meltdown.
Where Copenhagen truly excels is its thriving coffee shop culture. There's no shortage of bakeries and cafés open from the crack of dawn, offering plenty of chances to treat yourself to a coffee and pastry, or settle outside near a park. The city's relaxed atmosphere was a massive draw, as nothing felt hurried and the family never felt like they were in anybody's way with their pram.
In her verdict, Delahaye states Copenhagen is undoubtedly extremely toddler-friendly. Granted, some streets are rather narrow, which can be tricky with a pram, and as with any city there are pockets dominated by bars where the atmosphere isn't quite as family-orientated. But all things considered, it was one of the most straightforward city breaks she has undertaken with her toddler, and one she has been enthusiastically recommending to fellow parents ever since.
