A neighbourhood guide to Copenhagen

Copenhagen may be a compact city — you can cycle from one side to the other in about 15 minutes — but it’s built upon a vibrant patchwork of distinct, characterful neighbourhoods. Depending on where you stay, you may find yourself surrounded by innovative new builds, trendy brewpubs or contemporary art spaces, each one offering a different way of experiencing the city. Here, we take a look at some of the city's most intriguing neighbourhoods — from Christianshavn's historic, colourful streets to the inventive modern architecture of Nordhavn. Take some time to explore and decide which is the one for you.

Vesterbro

For independent shops and cafes
Known for being the city’s former red-light district, Vesterbro has cleaned up its act and is now full of independent shops, vintage boutiques and casual restaurants. Characterful highlights here include Folkehuset Absalon — a culture house hosting silent discos, communal dinners and art sessions — and Værnedamsvej, a French-inspired shopping street lined with cafes, such as the rustic Rist Kaffebar, and shops, including the eclectic homeware store Dora. Located just a short stroll from the central station, you’ll also find plenty of boutique hotels and the popular amusement park, Tivoli Gardens.

Don’t miss: The Meatpacking District, with its abundance of restaurants and bars, including John’s Hot Dog Deli and Paté Paté, a Danish restaurant in an old pâté factory.

Nørrebro

For diverse nightlife
Nørrebro is renowned for being one of the city's hippest spots. Its diverse neighbourhood is brought together by Superkilen Park, a public space featuring a collection of global items — from an outdoor Thai boxing ring to exercise gear from Santa Monica. In Nørrebro, you can eat shawarma while watching skateboarders glide around the park's Red Square, wander Assistens Churchyard, where Hans Christian Andersen was laid to rest or join the locals in a jog around the Copenhagen Lakes. After dark, Nørrebro has a reputation for its lively nightlife, with plenty of places to visit. Try glasses of natural wine — one of Copenhagen’s signature drinks — at neighbourhood bar Pompette, or head to trendy brewpub Brus for local beers. 

Don’t miss: Baka d’busk, a bohemian vegetarian restaurant found on a residential street in Nørrebro. A firm favourite among locals, it’s so good, even meat-eaters love it. 

Nordhavn

For creative modern architecture
One of Copenhagen’s newest quarters, Nordhavn (‘North Harbour’) is full of creative new-builds and reworked harbour buildings. It’s home to the new headquarters of Bjarke Ingels Group, a leading architecture and design firm, alongside the award-winning UN City building and Konditaget Lüders, a distinct, scarlet-coloured activity park located on a car park roof. Spot houseboats fitted with swimming pools and saunas floating at the entrance to Copenhagen Harbour. Here, you’ll also find the Tip of Nordø, a circular lighthouse-like building with a winter garden inside. Gallery-style interiors showroom Audo is another must-see, with its stylish cafe, restaurant, shop and exclusive residence.

Don’t miss: New this winter, Nordhavn’s culture house Nordhus brings together people aged 18 to 25 with a vibrant hub of communal dining experiences, bingo and music events.

Refshaleøen

For contemporary art
It’s out on the city’s northern fringes that some of the edgiest things happen. Once an industrial site, Refshaleøen has been redeveloped into an innovative playground that's home to spaces like Copenhagen Contemporary, an international art gallery that shows immersive art such as the James Turrell installation. Elsewhere, hit the slopes at the city’s futuristic mountain sports centre, Copenhill, where visitors can enjoy outdoor adventure activities in the heart of the city. Follow up with a sauna session at Nordic spa CopenHot before tucking into fresh doughnuts from bakery Lille. For one of the best views of the city, gaze at the Marble Church across the water, its facade framed by the royal palaces of Amalienborg Square.

Don’t miss: Open on weekends in Refshaleøen, the B&W Market is a treasure trove of vintage furniture and knick-knacks, appealing to those with an eye for Danish design.

Christianshavn

For historic harbourside walks
Christianshavn is one of the most charming parts of Copenhagen, where colourful, half-timbered houses line the neighbourhood’s narrow canals, making for a scenic walk. While here, book in for a sauna and scrub at local spa Sofiebadet, one of the city’s original 20th-century wash houses. Further down the street, shop past Ganni collections at its off-season shop, Ganni Postmodern, before paying a visit to Broens Street Food at the Greenlandic Trade Square, where you'll find food stalls from renowned local restaurants and chefs, along with cocktails, beer and wine. In the winter, the square is transformed into a large temporary ice skating rink. Best of all, climb the 400 steps to the top of the Church of Our Saviour for a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the city.

Don’t miss: Hunker down at cosy cafe Sandø and try one of the delicious homemade cakes or pastries, inspired by the ingredients of the season.