Travel advice: A family side trip from London – Vienna or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen's City Bikes bicycle sharing system is hugely popular with residents and visitors.

VISITING LONDON FOR FOUR WEEKS AND WE'D LOVE A SIDE TRIP WITH OUR CHILDREN, AGED 1 AND 3, FOR ABOUT FIVE NIGHTS. VIENNA OR COPENHAGEN? S. SLATER, KINGSFORD NSW

Both great choices but Copenhagen, definitely. Copenhagen is more of a strolling city with Stroget, one of the world's longest pedestrian streets, Hans Christian Andersen architecture, canals, parks, cafes and a real palace with kings and queens and handsome guards with enormous bearskin hats.

Close to the heart of the city, Tivoli Gardens (tivoli.dk/en) brings in a touch of Disneyland, and along with the rides and fantasy there also beer gardens, shops, and smart brasseries.

Nyhavn, the city's old harbour, is a lovely spot for a stroll on a warm day. Don't miss the statue of the Little Mermaid at Langelinie Pier, and brush up on the Hans Christian Andersen story before you go. Although the city's fabulous City Bike system does not have bikes with child seats, you can rent them from Kobenhavns Cykelbors, a very Danish way to see the city.