6-Day Family Trip to Copenhagen: Complete Travel Guide from Dubai (Visa, Itinerary & Tips)
Planning a family trip to Copenhagen from Dubai can be both exciting and overwhelming. However, with the right preparation and a well-structured itinerary, your journey can be smooth, enjoyable, and memorable. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the Schengen visa process, hotel and flight choices, Copenhagen Card options, and a detailed 6-day itinerary based on our real family experience.
Schengen Visa for Denmark from Dubai
First and foremost, you need to apply for a Schengen visa through Denmark. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. You must begin by submitting your application online via the official Denmark visa portal:
https://um.dk/en/travel-and-residence/how-to-apply-for-a-visa/
Once you submit the application, you will receive a reference number. This number is essential because it allows you to book your VFS appointment. However, note that it can take up to 24 hours for the reference number to appear in the VFS system.
After that, you must visit the VFS centre in person with all required documents. These typically include:
- Return flight tickets and detailed itinerary
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Bank statements for the last 6 months
- Emirates ID, UAE visa copy, passport copies, and original passport
- One passport-size photograph
- School letter for children confirming leave and no objection
In some cases, the embassy may call for a short interview to verify your travel plans. Following this, your application is forwarded to the visa officer. Processing usually takes between 2 to 4 weeks, so it is advisable to apply well in advance.
Flights and Hotel Stay in Copenhagen
For our trip, we chose Emirates Airline, and the experience was excellent. Their A350 aircraft was new, comfortable, and family-friendly. That said, you can also explore other airlines if you are looking for more budget-friendly options.
In terms of accommodation, we stayed at Marriott Copenhagen:
https://expedia.com/affiliate/ABLlBBq
The hotel is ideally located near the waterfront and close to Copenhagen Central Station and metro access. Additionally, the rooms were spacious, which is a big advantage when traveling with children.
Why the Copenhagen Card is Worth It
To make sightseeing easier and more cost-effective, we highly recommend purchasing a Copenhagen Card. There are two main types:
Copenhagen Card – Discover: Covers 80+ attractions and includes public transport, including airport transfers.
Copenhagen Card – Hop: Covers 40+ attractions and includes unlimited hop-on hop-off bus access.
If you plan to explore areas outside Copenhagen, the Discover card is better option. Otherwise, the Hop card works perfectly for city attractions.
One major benefit is that a single adult card allows two children (aged 3 and above) to enter for free. Moreover, children under 3 are usually free, although you may still need to get a zero-cost ticket.
6-Day Copenhagen Itinerary for Families
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
We arrived in Copenhagen at 1:30 PM and reached our hotel by 4 PM. Initially, we took a taxi from the airport, which cost around DKK 380—quite expensive. Therefore, we recommend taking the train to Central Station or using Uber or Bolt for a cheaper option.
After resting, we visited a nearby mall just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. There were plenty of dining options, making it perfect for a relaxed first evening.
Day 2: Exploring Historic Copenhagen
The next day, we headed to The Round Tower area. Although the tower is not included in the Copenhagen Card (entry costs DKK 40), the view is worth it.
Afterward, we explored several nearby attractions including:
- Botanical Garden
- Rosenborg Castle
- Christiansborg Palace
- Nyhavn waterfront
Since all these locations are within a 10–20 minute walking radius, it was easy to manage even with kids. The weather, however, was quite cold and windy compared to Dubai, so dress accordingly.
Day 3: Canal Tour and Local Food
On day three, we enjoyed a one-hour canal boat tour, which was included in our Hop Card. This is one of the best ways to see Copenhagen from a different perspective.
Later, we explored Nyhavn again, did some shopping, and enjoyed local treats. Make sure to try Danish pastries and hot dogs—they are simple but delicious. We also stopped at Espresso House for hot chocolate and coffee.
Day 4: Copenhagen Zoo with Kids
This day was dedicated to Copenhagen Zoo, which is perfect for families. You can either take the hop-on hop-off bus or use public transport (metro to Frederiksberg Allé Station, then bus 7A).
The zoo is a full-day activity and features a wide variety of animals including polar bears, lions, giraffes, pandas, penguins, and more. There is also a zoo tower (extra cost DKK 25) for panoramic views.
If you still have energy, you can visit Frederiksberg Gardens nearby.
Day 5: City Tour and Tivoli Gardens
We spent this day exploring Copenhagen via the hop-on hop-off bus. There are three routes—red, green, and purple—and we recommend trying all of them for a complete overview of the city.
In the evening, we visited Tivoli Gardens, which is a must if you are traveling with children. It is best experienced after sunset when the lights create a magical atmosphere.
Tivoli is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks (opened in 1843) and even inspired Walt Disney. It offers a mix of classic rides and modern attractions, making it enjoyable for all ages.
Day 6: Departure
On our final day, we had a relaxed breakfast and headed to the airport. This time, we used Uber, which was cheaper than a taxi. The journey takes about 20 minutes, and taxis are easily available outside the Marriott.
Since our flight was at 3:15 PM, we did not have time for additional sightseeing.
Additional Tips for Copenhagen
While in Copenhagen, make sure to try Joe & The Juice, a popular Danish brand known for fresh juices and sandwiches. Also, if your kids love LEGO, remember that Denmark is the home of LEGO, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the trip.
Overall, Copenhagen is a clean, safe, and family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for both adults and children. With proper planning and the right travel tools like the Copenhagen Card, your trip can be both efficient and enjoyable.
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