Over the previous few years, Copenhagen has turn into a wildly standard vacation spot. Some come to go to the Little Mermaid and stroll within the footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen, others to have a chew of the well-known meals scene, however all are impressed by Denmark’s capital.
As Copenhagen is a small metropolis, with simply 600.000 inhabitants within the central metropolis space, you may cowl loads of floor in only one journey, in case you plan it properly. Regardless of the town’s compact measurement, its neighborhoods all provide one thing totally different and distinctive, from colourful, younger and hip districts to extra upscale areas sprinkled with medieval historical past.
Seize a bike and prepare to discover Copenhagen’s finest neighborhoods in just some days.
Nørrebro
Greatest for a primary time journey to Copenhagen
This neighborhood must be first on the record for brand new arrivals, because it was deemed the world’s coolest neighborhood in 2021, a proven fact that the Danes (significantly residents of Nørrebro) are significantly happy with. There are many causes for this nomination. Nørrebro is essentially the most ethnically various, and most densely populated neighborhood of Copenhagen, stuffed with sidewalk breweries, parks full of individuals and nice meals from all over the world served by native eating places and road meals vehicles.
Nørrebro is the place you go to understand the native vibe of Copenhagen. Begin your day by heading to one of many must-visit bakeries (Benji, Rondo, Mirabelle, Andersen & Maillard, or Collective Bakery). Any one among these will do, as they’re all to die for, lots of them created by Noma alumni bakers. Have breakfast the Danish approach – order espresso and sourdough buns with butter and cheese, and add a candy pastry for a breakfast dessert.
Spend the remainder of the day exploring the neighborhood. Head to Jægersborggade to seek out garments from native designers at Damernes Magasin, hand-selected inside objects at Craft Sisters and artisan meals at Ro Chokolade and Grød, which serves upscale variations of porridge with scrumptious toppings, together with congee and risotto.
You’ll want to take a look at the historic Assistens Cemetery and take a look at Hans Christian Andersen’s grave, then seize an affordable lunch at genuine hummus and manakish spot, Ali Bageri. Within the afternoon, head to the Dronning Louises Bro bridge overlooking the lakes of Copenhagen to sit back within the sunshine, accompanied by a bottled beverage within the firm of pleasant locals.
Indre By (Central Copenhagen)
Greatest for sightseeing and purchasing
For those who consider Copenhagen, the possibilities are an image of the well-known coloured homes by the harbor – recognized regionally as Nyhavn – is what pops into your head. Nyhavn is among the important points of interest of Copenhagen and a spotlight of the Indre By neighborhood.
Indre By interprets to ‘Inside Metropolis’ and that is Copenhagen’s historic heart. It’s an amazing place to remain in case you’re visiting Copenhagen for the primary time and crave comfort. In Indre By, you will be inside strolling distance of many of the must-see vacationer sights and the town’s medieval coronary heart. High points of interest resembling Nyhavn, the Christiansborg Slot parliament constructing, Rosenborg Slot fortress, the Queen’s residence at Amalienborg Slot and the Spherical Tower are all right here.
For those who’re into artwork, take a look at Statens Museum for Kunst, for its spectacular assortment of artwork, with works courting again to the 1300s. Ensure you seize espresso at Apollo, set in a stunning courtyard overlooking Nyhavn. If purchasing is your exercise, browse alongside Strøget, one among Europe’s longest pedestrian purchasing streets, the place you’ll discover the enduring malls, Illum and Magasin.
Vesterbro
Greatest for a hip weekend keep
If you wish to perceive extra concerning the historical past of Vesterbro and the way it has developed, the neighborhood performs a central function in Tove Ditlevsen’s well-known books about her upbringing (begin along with her Copenhagen Trilogy, made up of Barndom, Ungdom and Reward).
However in the present day this previously gritty red-light district and working-class neighborhood has been reinvented because the hippest space in Copenhagen. This standard district for guests and locals is brimming with eating places, enjoyable bars and golf equipment, significantly concentrated across the Meatpacking District. Near the town heart, Vesterbro is a superb space to remain for the weekend in case you’re trying to celebration and discover Copenhagen in a extra native approach.
Seize breakfast at Mad & Kaffe, the place you may construct your personal brunch out of quite a lot of tasty dishes. Stroll tree-lined Sønderboulevarden to know why this space is so celebrated. Within the Meatpacking district, have the perfect espresso on the town at Prolog, and seize lunch from one of many space’s hip eating places – tacos at Hija de Sanchez, sourdough pizza at Mom, dim sum at Magasasa or finer eating at Gorilla.
All through the day, go to Absalon, a former church turned neighborhood hub for meals, drinks, espresso and video games. Each night time at 6pm, this non-profit establishment gives communal eating and it’s an unforgettable expertise, as you get to eat scrumptious, wholesome meals at an almost-too-good-to-be-true worth within the firm of native Copenhageners, from senior residents to college students searching for a budget-friendly meal and a superb time. Ensure you guide forward on their web site.
Christianshavn and Christiania
Greatest for water views and hippy vibes
Technically part of Indre By, the man-made island of Christianshavn was created by King Christian IV within the 1600s. With its picturesque canals, water views and little, coloured townhouses, it’s one of the crucial fascinating areas to dwell in, and properly price a go to even in case you’re passing by.
Apart from the canals and the enduring, twisting tower of the Church of Our Saviour, Christianshavn is named the house of Copenhagen’s self-styled “Freetown” – the commune of Christiania. An fascinating distinction to the extra upscale vibe elsewhere in Christianshavn, Christiania is a former navy base taken over by squatters and artists. In the present day, weed is bought seemingly freely (though it’s technically unlawful in Denmark), households dwell in sometimes-gorgeous, sometimes-funny-looking homes by the lake, and hippie tradition thrives.
Have espresso or lunch at Månefiskeren or Morgenstedet earlier than leaving Christiania, then head to the Refshaleøen space for road meals, baked items at Lille Bakery and perhaps a rest-stop beverage and a dip within the ocean at La Banchina.
Frederiksberg
Greatest for cafe tradition, fanciness and style
If Copenhagen had slightly Paris, it will be Frederiksberg – a neighborhood of attractive, tree-lined boulevards with sidewalk cafes that includes fancy-looking, coffee-sipping residents. You’re more likely to end up dreaming of dwelling right here.
For those who’re in a purchasing temper, don’t miss looking alongside Værnedamsvej and Gammel Kongevej, which specialise in Scandinavian inside retailers stuffed with enjoyable knick-knacks, resembling Dora and Wood Wood Wood, and style and jewellery retailers resembling Ganni, Julie Nielsdotter and I Blame Lulu. Go to Central Cafe and Hotel, the tiniest lodge on this planet, for a cup of espresso, and have a flowery however budget-friendly dinner at Polly or Les Trois Cochons.
In want of a day hangout? Go to the attractive park, Frederiksberg Have, that includes a lake with canals and a powerful fortress, Frederiksberg Slot.
