2026 Hellerup Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Introduction Copenhagen is the first city that’s ever made me consider living in another country. I can’t speak for all of Denmark, but from what I saw, the Danish really seem to have life figured out. What amazed me most was the level of trust: no barriers on transport, no ticket checks, and hardly any police or security. It probably says more about the UK, but if we had that level of trust, it would be broken instantly. The Copenhagen Card is something every city should offer. It’s clearly subsidised, because after a few attractions and some public transport, it pays for itself. It also encouraged us to try things we might not have booked otherwise. ⸻ Activities We visited for five days, with two being travel days. Here’s what we did: Day 1 Copenhagen Zoo – The best zoo I’ve ever visited. Seeing pandas was a dream, we spotted baby tigers, and the elephant enclosure was incredible—you get so close. There’s also an interactive area with baby goats you can pet. Home of Carlsberg – A self-guided tour with a welcome taster and a free 400ml beer at the end. Carlsberg isn’t popular in the UK, but in Denmark it was the best beer I had. Tivoli Gardens – We went on a Saturday night in late November, which was extremely busy, so we skipped the rides. Still, the scenery and lights alone were worth the visit. Day 2 Rosenborg Castle – Beautiful grounds and lots of history. It’s self-guided and doesn’t take long to see. Natural History Museum of Denmark – Just a short walk away. A quick visit with great photography and plenty of taxidermy. Botanical Gardens – In the same area, lovely scenery that’s probably even better in summer. We ended the day at Nyhavn, the colourful waterfront area you see on social media, then found a Scottish pub and enjoyed a few too many Carlsbergs. Day 3 A slow morning… Experimentarium – A hands-on science museum that made me feel like a kid again. We spent about three hours playing with everything and could’ve stayed longer. The rest of the day was relaxed: steak dinner and Christmas lights. ⸻ Hotel Copenhagen Island – A great stay with clean rooms and friendly staff. It’s a five-minute walk to the nearest Metro and Subway station. ⸻ Good to know • It is expensive—no tourist traps, just genuinely high prices. • It’s not that cold for winter; similar to the rest of Europe. • Public transport is excellent and easy to navigate. • No language barrier at all—everyone we met spoke English.

During our trip to Denmark, we specially scheduled a day to visit the Experimentarium, and we were completely pleasantly surprised! From the moment we entered, it felt like a kid's paradise, filled with hands-on, interactive exhibits. Although quite crowded, the place was well-organized and didn't feel chaotic at all, making the overall experience very comfortable. It's also very considerate for parents. There are free lockers that can fit backpacks and coats, eliminating the need to lug around a lot. They also allow you to bring your own food and water, which is truly a relief. We brought sandwiches and fruit and found a spot to rest and refuel at noon. It was easy and convenient. Although there is a dedicated play area for children under five, my six-year-old couldn't enter. At first, he complained a little, "Why can't I play?" But he quickly became absorbed in the other exhibits and completely forgot about it. His biggest blast was the Bubble Hall! He spent almost two hours there, blowing bubbles, getting wrapped up in them, and constantly shouting, "Mom, look! I'm a bubble man!" The staff were also very friendly and eager to play with him, creating a very joyful atmosphere. He also couldn't stop enjoying the other science exhibits. When he saw the lightbulb actually light up while pedaling his bike, his eyes lit up and he exclaimed, "Wow, I'm generating electricity!" He also played with the interactive human body exhibit several times, finally coming to me and saying, "Mom, this is more fun than an amusement park!" Seeing him so happy, I thought the admission price was well worth it. We played from 10 a.m. until closing time and didn't want to leave at all. A quick reminder for those who want to go: Remember to bring your own lunch and water, and it's best to buy your tickets online; it's much cheaper and you don't have to wait in line. The Science Museum in Denmark is truly a must-see. We will definitely be back next time!

Stop: Experimentarium Experimentarium is Denmark’s premier science center, a hands-on museum in Hellerup just north of Copenhagen that invites visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of science through play and discovery. Designed as an interactive space, it transforms complex ideas into engaging experiences that spark curiosity and imagination. Inside, the museum features themed zones covering everything from physics and chemistry to the human body, digital technology, and sustainability. Visitors can experiment with light and sound, test their physical abilities, and explore exhibits that explain the science behind everyday life. The Bubblearium, where giant soap bubbles take center stage, and the Tunnel of Senses are perennial favorites. The building itself is a modern architectural statement, with its signature spiral staircase resembling a double helix, echoing the center’s focus on science and innovation. With workshops, demonstrations, and activities tailored for children and adults alike, it is a place where learning feels like pure fun. For travelers discovering Denmark, Experimentarium is an energizing stop, offering a playful yet insightful journey into the world of science in an interactive and unforgettable way. #mytraveldiary