Denmark

Cost of living

What a month costs

One of Europe's priciest cities. Rent, dining out and childcare bite hard, but public services and transport give a lot back.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Copenhagen

1. NyhavnThe postcard harbour lined with candy-coloured townhouses and old wooden ships.
2. Tivoli GardensA historic pleasure garden and amusement park in the city centre, magical after dark.
3. The Little MermaidThe small bronze statue on the Langelinie promenade, a nod to Hans Christian Andersen.
4. Rosenborg CastleA Renaissance palace holding the crown jewels, ringed by the King's Garden.
5. AmalienborgThe royal family's winter residence, with a changing of the guard at noon.
6. Christiansborg PalaceSeat of parliament, with a tower you can climb for free city views.
7. RundetårnThe 17th-century Round Tower with a spiral ramp instead of stairs.
8. Freetown ChristianiaA famous self-governing community in Christianshavn, quirky and green.
9. Frederik's ChurchThe Marble Church, whose vast dome sits on the axis behind Amalienborg.
10. National Museum of DenmarkThe country's cultural history under one roof, strong on Viking-age finds.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Malmö, SwedenCross the Øresund Bridge by train in about 35 minutes for a change of country and a different vibe.
2. HelsingørHome to Kronborg Castle, the real-life setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet, an hour up the coast.
3. RoskildeViking Ship Museum and a UNESCO cathedral, 25 minutes west by train.
4. Louisiana Museum, HumlebækA world-class modern art museum on the coast with sculpture gardens over the Øresund.
5. Møns KlintDramatic white chalk cliffs and beech forest about two hours south, best as a car day trip.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. The Coffee CollectiveCopenhagen's leading specialty roaster, with a flagship on Jægersborggade in Nørrebro.
2. Andersen & MaillardA roastery and bakery in Nørrebro known for beautiful pastries and strong coffee.
3. Democratic CoffeeTucked by the main library on Krystalgade, beloved for its cardamom bun.
4. Prolog Coffee BarA tiny, serious coffee bar in the Meatpacking District.
5. Café NordenA grand two-storey classic on Amagertorv, good for people-watching on the pedestrian street.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. NomaRené Redzepi's globally famous laboratory of New Nordic cooking, book far ahead.
2. GeraniumThree Michelin stars high above Fælledparken, refined and vegetable-forward.
3. Restaurant SchønnemannA cellar institution since 1877 for classic smørrebrød and aquavit.
4. HöstApproachable New Nordic from the Cofoco group, warm and well priced for the level.
5. Kødbyens FiskebarSeafood in the Meatpacking District, a lively fixture for years.
6. AOCA two-star tasting menu in a vaulted 17th-century cellar near Amalienborg.
7. SanchezRosio Sánchez's Mexican kitchen in Vesterbro, some of the best tacos in town.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Mad & KaffeThe build-your-own brunch pioneer, with spots in Vesterbro and Amager.
2. GrødA porridge bar in Nørrebro that turned humble oats into a Copenhagen thing.
3. Wulff & KonstaliGenerous breakfast boards and coffee on Amager and in Vesterbro.
4. Atelier SeptemberThe Gothersgade cafe famous for its avocado toast and pared-back style.
5. GranolaA retro diner-style spot on Værnedamsvej for eggs and shakes.