Neighbourhoods
City Centre
History in the capital’s heartland
Nowhere captures Copenhagen’s rich history – the second-oldest of any Nordic capital – quite like Indre By, its inner city. A stroll along the colourful Nyhavn harbour reveals its iconic 17th-century facades. Stop by Apollo Bar for coffee, wine or its refined dinner menu, served in a courtyard that feels intimate despite its central location. Then head to the historic Nyboder quarter, a former naval barracks built in the 17th century, now known for its distinctive rows of ochre-hued homes. Nearby, Frama’s shop and restaurant, Apotek 57, is a good stop for breakfast or a light lunch, while just across the road, Bottega Barlie offers a great wine list and a seasonal dinner menu.
Then, take a walk through the imposing Amalienborg royal palace and along the waterfront, stopping by Tadaima for its selection of design objects, before making your way to Kastellet, one of northern Europe’s best-preserved star fortresses. A walk around the site offers beautiful elevated views over the harbour.
Frederiksberg
Leafy elegance and good coffee
Frederiksberg is a city within the city, known for its grand old buildings and tree-lined avenues (by law, every residence here must have a view of a tree). The municipality was established in the 18th century when King Frederik IV built Frederiksberg Palace as his summer residence. The palace still stands on a hill overlooking Frederiksberg Have, the city’s largest park. Designed in the English style, the park, with its winding paths, canals and towering trees is a perfect spot for a stroll. It is also home to Fasangården, a former pheasant farm for royal hunts now transformed into a secluded restaurant serving food and drinks.
From the park, take a walk down Frederiksberg Allé, a grand boulevard lined with elegant apartment buildings and entertainment venues, including the recently refurbished Betty Nansen Teatret. Turning onto Gammel Kongevej, the neighbourhood’s main street, Mejers Bageri serves some of the city’s best cinnamon buns, while just across the street, Hvornum offers a curated selection of vintage and contemporary furniture and objects.
Vesterbro
The city’s vitality writ large
This young and lively district of Copenhagen strikes a perfect balance between bustling streets, inviting squares and independent retailers. Start your walk at Enghave Plads and put a pep in your step with a treat from the Bageriet Brød bakery, such as a classic Danish breakfast of a bread roll with butter and cheese. Strolling down Istedgade, you’ll find a mix of shops including Kyoto, which offers a selection of garments from Nordic brands both big and small, and Dansk for design objects.
Crossing through the residential streets of Vesterbro from Istedgade brings you to the lively Værnedamsvej, a street which connects the neighbourhood with Frederiksberg. This charming alley is lined with great spots for food, including the long-established Granola with its refined interiors – perfect for a coffee or a glass of wine. Nearby, you’ll find a mix of florists, cheese shops and smaller retailers such as Dora for quirky objects and Norse Projects for clothing.
