Copenhagen is a small city, with just 600,000 inhabitants in its central area, so you can cover a lot of ground in just one trip if you plan well. Within its compact confines, the city’s distinct neighborhoods each offer something unique, from the colorful and modern to upscale districts sprinkled with medieval history.
Over the past few years, Copenhagen has become a wildly popular destination year-round. Some come to visit the Little Mermaid sculpture in Indre By and walk in the footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen; others have a bite of the famous food scene in Nørrebro. Some hit the clubs in Vesterbro or the parks in Frederiksberg. All are impressed by the density of things to do across Denmark’s capital.
So grab a bike and get ready to explore Copenhagen’s best neighborhoods.
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1. Nørrebro
Best for a first trip to Copenhagen
This neighborhood has to be first on the list for new arrivals, as it’s one of the world’s coolest – a fact that Danes (particularly residents of Nørrebro) are particularly proud of. There are plenty of reasons for this award. Nørrebro is the most ethnically diverse and densely populated neighborhood in Copenhagen, full of sidewalk breweries, parks and great food from around the world served at restaurants and food trucks alike.
Nørrebro is where you can grasp the vibe of Copenhagen. Start off at one of the must-visit bakeries: Benji, Rondo, Mirabelle, Andersen & Maillard or Collective Bakery. They are all to die for, many created by Noma alums. Have breakfast the Danish way: order coffee and sourdough buns with butter and cheese, then add a sweet pastry for a breakfast dessert.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the neighborhood. Head to Jægersborggade to find clothes from local designers at Damernes Magasin, hand-selected interior items at Craft Sisters and artisan eats at Grød, which serves creative versions of porridge with delicious toppings, along with congee and risotto.
Check out the historic Assistens Kirkegård and have a look at Hans Christian Andersen’s grave before grabbing an inexpensive lunch of hummus and manakish (flatbreads with toppings) at Ali Bageri. In the afternoon, cross the Dronning Louises Bro over the lakes of Copenhagen to chill in the sunshine, bottled beverage in hand.
2. Indre By
Best for sightseeing and shopping
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If you think of Copenhagen, chances are a picture of the famous colored houses by the harbor – known locally as Nyhavn – pops into your head. Nyhavn is one of the city’s main attractions and a highlight of the Indre By neighborhood.
Indre By translates to “Inner City,” and this is Copenhagen’s historic center. It’s a great place to stay if you’re visiting Copenhagen for the first time and crave convenience. In Indre By, you’ll be within walking distance of most of the major sights and the city’s medieval heart. The Christiansborg Slot parliament building, Rosenborg Slot, the queen’s residence at Amalienborg Slot and the Rundetårn (Round Tower) are all here.
If you’re into art, check out Statens Museum for Kunst for its impressive collection of works dating back to the 1300s. Make sure you get coffee at Apollo, set in a gorgeous courtyard overlooking Nyhavn. If shopping is your workout, browse along Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, where you’ll find the iconic department stores Illum and Magasin.
3. Vesterbro
Best for a weekend stay
If you want to understand more about the history of Vesterbro and how it developed, the neighborhood plays a central role in Tove Ditlevsen’s books about her upbringing (start with her Copenhagen Trilogy, made up of Barndom, Ungdom and Gift).
But today, this formerly gritty red-light district and working-class neighborhood has been gentrified into the hippest part of Copenhagen, brimming with restaurants, fun bars and clubs, particularly concentrated around the Meatpacking District. Close to the city center, Vesterbro is a great area to go for a weekend if you’re looking to party and explore Copenhagen in a more local way.
Go for breakfast at Mad & Kaffe, where you can build your own brunch out of a variety of tasty dishes. Stroll tree-lined Sønderboulevarden, and you’ll understand why Vesterbro is so celebrated. In the Meatpacking District, have the best coffee in town at Prolog and lunch from one of the area’s restaurants – tacos at Hija de Sanchez, sourdough pizza at Mother, dim sum at Magasasa or fine dining at Gorilla.
Throughout the day, visit Absalon, a former church turned community hub for food, drinks, coffee and games. Every night at 6pm, this nonprofit institution offers communal dining. It’s an unforgettable experience, as you get to eat delicious, healthy food at an almost-too-good-to-be-true price in the company of Copenhageners, from senior citizens to students looking for a budget-friendly meal and a good time. Make sure you book ahead on its website.
4. Christianshavn and Christiania
Best for water views and hippy vibes
Technically part of Indre By, the man-made island of Christianshavn was created by King Christian IV in the 1600s. With its picturesque canals, water views and little colored townhouses, it’s one of the most desirable areas to live in and well worth a visit, even if you’re passing through.
Besides the canals and the twisting tower of the Vor Frelsers Kirke, Christianshavn is home to Copenhagen’s self-styled Freetown – the commune of Christiania. An interesting contrast to the upscale attitude elsewhere in Christianshavn, Christiania is a former military base taken over by squatters and artists. Today, weed is sold seemingly freely (although recreational marijuana is technically illegal in Denmark), families live in sometimes-gorgeous, sometimes-funny-looking houses by the lake, and hippie culture thrives.
Have coffee or lunch at Månefiskeren or Morgenstedet before leaving Christiania, then hit up the Refshaleøen area for street food, baked goods at Lille and maybe a beverage and a dip in the ocean at La Banchina.
5. Frederiksberg
Best for cafe culture, fanciness and fashion
Copenhagen’s answer to Paris’ boulevards, Frederiksberg is a neighborhood of tree-lined streets with sidewalk cafes serving elegant residents. You’re likely to find yourself dreaming of living here.
If you’re in a browsing mood, don’t miss the Værnedamsvej and Gammel Kongevej shops that specialize in Scandinavian interiors, such as Dora, or the fashion and jewelry stores Wood Wood, Ganni, Julie Nielsdotter and I Blame Lulu. Visit Central Café and Hotel, the tiniest hotel in the world, for a cup of coffee, and have a fancy but budget-friendly dinner at Polly or Les Trois Cochons.
In need of an afternoon break? Visit the gorgeous Frederiksberg Have, which has a lake with canals set within the park, and the impressive Frederiksberg Slot.
