Part of what makes Copenhagen so charming are the different neighborhoods in the city, all with their very own distinctive flavor and character. This melting pot makes it a very interesting city to explore. Whether it’s multicultural Nørrebro, hipster Vesterbro or residential Frederiksberg, Copenhagen offers something for everyone.
Nørrebro
The last couple of years Nørrebro has evolved into one of Copenhagen’s hottest quarters with a multicultural mix and an influx of young locals. This area is where you will find trendy bars, clothing shops and kebab places all together.
When in Nørrebro you cannot miss Jægersborggade. This beautiful street is filled with art galleries, organic produce shops, vintage clothes and jewelry designers. But as the shops only open as from 11am what better way to start the day than with a relaxing breakfast in one of my favorite spots: Grød. With four locations all over town Grød proves that their porridges, acai bowls and yogurt jars are a very popular treat.
In this area there are a lot of fun coffee spots, like the Coffee Collective and Sneakers & Coffee, where indeed you can buy sneakers while sipping on a latte, how hipster can it be right?! On this street you will also find the only caramel cookery in Copenhagen, Karamelleriet, and believe me you are not leaving this shop without buying some of this delicious candy. You must go to jewelry store Malene Glintborg and Kaktus København I really wanted to take it all home with me. Another shopping street in Nørrebro is Elmegade, but for some reason that one didn’t quite do it for me!
For a lovely lunch spot in the sun head to Taxa Cafe. On the menu you will find salads, sandwiches, eggs and burgers. Also the homemade lemonades are really yummy!
If you really wanna feel that urban jungle vibe and find an original spot to take photographs in Copenhagen go to Superkillen Park, where you will really feel the diversity Copenhagen is so famous for.
Vesterbro
The previous red light district and former working class area of the city has now become one of the most trendy parts of the Danish capital. Vesterbro is home to some of Copenhagen’s newest restaurants, bars, shops and galleries.
If it’s creative design shops, vintage and cool streetwear stores you are after, Istedgade, is where you need to be! Another must do is Værnedamsvej, a small yet busy shopping street situated between Vesterbro and Frederiksberg.
Værnedamsvej is known for its French atmosphere and many cozy coffee and wine bars like Montgomery. Making it the perfect street for a coffee break or aperitif before dinner. Make sure to stop by Dora as well, a design interior shop, that sells the funniest gadgets.
With its very own Meatpacking District, Vesterbro likes to follow in the steps of Manhattan. And knowing this I had to check out the restaurant scene there! I stumbled upon a few nice looking restaurants such as the meat restaurant Fleish and Italian trattoria Mother, but we decided to have dinner at Kødbyens Fiskebar. Over there it’s all about fresh fish and seafood. Both E. and I had the blue mussels from limfjorden, steamed in white whine and dill flower and this was by far my favorite meal in the city.
The atmosphere at the Meatpacking District was wonderful, especially with the nice weather, (the first this year in Copenhagen actually), both locals and tourists came out to enjoy drinks and food on the terraces. So as all the restaurants in this part of town are very popular, especially during the weekend, make sure to make a reservation.
Frederiksberg
Our Airbnb was located in Frederiksberg, a more posh and residential area of Copenhagen. I can imagine it’s a nice neighborhood to life in. The green spaces over there are amazing and a nice alternative from the buzz in the city, but on the other hand the city is not that far away.
From our Airbnb it was about a five minute walk to the Copenhagen Zoo and Frederiksberg Palace. We did not visit the zoo, but we did have a lovely evening walk in the gardens of Frederiksberg Palace. And we were not the only ones… when the weather is nice, the garden is a popular hangout spot for youngsters, joggers and picnickers. The palace dates back to the early 1700’s and was often used as a summer palace. Unfortunately you can only visit it during a guided tour, which goes every last Saturday of the month.
Frederiksberg’s main street is Gammel Kongevej aka King’s Road, where you will find many clothing shops, sushi restaurants and deli’s. As we mostly ate in the city center or at Vesterbrogade, a large boulevard going from Vesterbro to Fredriksberg, I don’t have any recommendations for hotspots at King’s Road. At Vesterbrograde you will find another location of Grød and a Halifax Burgers restaurant. Halifax offers everything from homemade dressing to fries and the burger buns are delivered from their own bakery. If you are deeper into Frederiksberg you will also find one at Falkoner Plads. Halifax Burgers is the place if you like to eat a good burger now and then.
(last picture by @eveliendz)