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District of Copenhagen, Denmark
Photo: Niels Elgaard Larsen - User: (WT-shared) Elgaard at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Vesterbro is just outside Copenhagen’s city centre (the Inner City or Indre By), making it a very attractive place to live. It includes the districts of Sydhavnen. Enghave, Valby and Vanløse.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
While Denmark's largest and most famous beer producer has moved production from this historic location, to a modern facility in the provinces, it is still possible to visit the old brewery, and small scale production of speciality beers still takes place here. Many of the buildings are quite striking, the stables for the famous horse drawn Carlsberg carriages are still open and functioning, and last but not least it is home to the world's largest collection of beers (bottled).
Old cattle market turned exhibition hall, in the up and coming Kødbyen sub district (see section below). Various changing exhibitions. The website schedule is in Danish only.
Small museum of toys and dolls, dating all the way back to 1840 and up to 1930s.
This museum, run by B&W, houses what was the largest diesel engine in the world for around 30 years. Nowadays it has a lot of diesel related exhibits spread over three floors, especially to do with ships - all very well presented. The volunteers are retired B&W employees and are very friendly. They run the main engine every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, plus on some other occasions as advertised on their website. There's a small gift shop where you can buy t-shirts, notebooks, etc. They ask that you email ahead if you want a guided tour.
Jump in the harbour for a swim at Copencabana harbor swimming bath. There is a jumping tower for fun, and a large pool, with sea water from the harbor. Not as popular as the larger harbor swimming bath at Islands Brygge, Copencabana is less overrun and better suited for more serious swimming.
The New Theatre
One of Denmark's top stages, usually lays stage to famous musicals or plays like Chicago, Phantom of the Opera etc, but the performance may in Danish so check ahead. The striking building is one of the most beautiful theatres in Northern Europe following a grand renovation in the 1990s, and received the prestigious 'Europa Nostra' award for the efforts.
The Swim Centre
If you are installed at a cheap hotel without private baths or want some inside activities on a cold or wet day, the swim centre, or DGI-byen as it is known to all locals, is a good option. No time-limits, super-ellipse shaped pool, climbing and diving pool, warm spa pool, and other water activities.
Bicycle Snake
This bridge is often shown in publications to display the merits of Copenhagen as a bicycle city.
Food market with more than 30 small cafe, bars, and street food places.
Has a large selection of domestic and imported beer, and a menu with pasta, sandwiches and burgers. Outdoor seating on a small square for good weather, and friendly staff.
This café has gotten some rave reviews, after converting a very traditional working class watering hole into a café. But respectful yet thorough renovation, has ensured this place has a rather unique atmosphere. Food is excellent, but the coffee and tea servings are not as good.
Themed after Asterix' fat friend, this place has good beer and sandwiches, otherwise the menu is so-so, the real attraction is outside seating on Vesterbro Square.
Bakery in the main station.
Indian/Pakistani
One of the best of many Indian/Pakistani options in the district run by 4 brothers from Karachi, and one of the very few places where the courses have not been spiced down to fit the bland taste of the Danes.
Thai
To many locals, the best Thai place in the district, good food, descent interiors - complete with a large picture of the King and Queen.
Japanese
Good Japanese place, staffed with natives. Many locals will tell you they have the best sushi in town, but they also have Teriyaki, Gyoza and Tonkatsu handy if you are not into seafood. Also doubles as Japanese cocktail bar
Vietnamese
Romantic, with French and Italian decoration. Price is about 65 kr for a starter and 85 kr for a main dish.
Greek
This cafe is in the Fisketorvet shopping centre, with all the impersonal quirks that entails, but the cheap buffet is good if you get a Mediterranean crave from the Copencabana beach located just in front of the shopping center.
Italian
Started by chef from one of Copenhagen's fanciest restaurants, this place goes in the opposite direction and offers an informal, cheaper and more laid back alternative, without sacrificing much in the terms of quality. Only offers one set menu every day, which in Catholic tradition on Fridays consists of seafood.
Cafe and steakhouse.
Restaurant Lê Lê
A very nice Vietnamese restaurant, trying to recreate the country's street kitchen, albeit in much more stylish surroundings. Good and authentic food, the best is to order a selection of small dishes, but also a few main courses on the menu, and descent drinks.
French
Cosy, smoke-free place that serves most food in pots, pans, and jars. At least two persons must share the main course, everyone at the table get the same starters and desserts.
Spanish
Cosy little Spanish tapas bar in a basement, with authentic Spanish tapas, good wines and interesting interiors.
American
It is one of the few American eateries you can find in the city, without crowns or golden arches out in the front. Funky surroundings, fireplace, steaks and burgers on the menu, and of course good wines from the Napa valley.
Danish
Cosy traditional Danish place, where people from all walks of life come and enjoy the relatively cheap food, with all the Danish classics on menu, in either the indoor restaurant, or in the place real attraction, the very attractive garden seating.
Mexican
Cosy little diner, with favorite police foods because of nearby police station. Safest place to have breakfast in Copenhagen!
Stylish restaurant with a great view that serve modern Danish/Italian food
It is no longer a bar since 2016. It is now the smallest venue of Vega. Ideal bar is a branch of the Vega nightclub, handing out drinks at street level in the same building, but it is run as a separate outfit, with a bit more appeal to the happening crowd. It is usually too crowded to sit, so only go here early or if you are ready to dance the hours away on the small but usually packed dance floor. Unlike Vega there is no cover charge.
A descent attempt to create a traditional Japanese Izakaya in Copenhagen, the Japanese version of a pub, where small dishes and snacks are often served together with the beverages. Some really good cocktails on the menu.
Newly opened café/bar on Sønder Boulevard (parallel to Istedgade) serving various coffees, beer and wine. For food you can get a French-style sandwich in a freshly baked baguette. They show international sports events on a large screen and also have a separate smoking room. Free wi-fi and a cozy atmosphere
Stylish and minimalist wine bar named after the grape popular in Argentinian wine production, where all of the wines are from. For snacks there is a plate functioning much like the Argentinian version of Tapas. Huge variety of Argentinean wines per bottle as well as per glass. The wine bar functions as a wine store as well and sell their imported wines at very reasonable prices to go.
Bar, concerts, night-club in a 1956 Vilhelm Lauritzen building with dark wooden panelling, mahogany floors, friezes, 1950s lamps, etc. the building itself is worth a visit. The largest concert hall, Store Vega has room for 1500 guests, the smaller Lille Vega has room for 500 guests, and the weekend nightclub (Friday & Saturdays) is happening on two different floors with house/electronica and R&B/hip-hop.
Copenhagen's only bar and lounge that is targeted at lesbians.
Drink the house beer 7 Ekspressen, if you drink 10 you get a bronze medal, drink 17 you get a silver medal, 27 you get a gold medal, a great day of fun.
Cocktail bar in beautifully renovated pharmacy lab.
Set up by two ambitious Icelandic girls, this club was too loud for its old location on Nørrebro, so it moved its noise and nice vibes here, and continue to be hugely popular, and the DJ line up certainly lives up to the two owners ambitiousness
Although this bar can be difficult to find in between the meat shops and shady alleys, it is usually packed with a mix of trendy students and young professionals after midnight. Before that you can have dinner in their restaurant.
Part Party venue, part exhibition space, part queer powerhouse, has a makeshift bar which may or may not be open when you visit, and a website where you can check out the dates for your next outrageous party or concert, or maybe get lucky there is an interesting film screening.
Gammel Kongevej 1, Partly owned by Claus Meyer of TV fame and Danish importer of Valrhona chocolate Estate Coffee specialise in luxury coffee, gourmet chocolate, and chocolate desserts. Small pot for coffee for 28 kr.
Central and friendly budget hotel, the top-end rooms are upgraded and in very nice condition, the cheapest ones share bathrooms on every floor, but gets the job done if you just need sleep, and you wake up to a really hearty breakfast buffet in the morning. Friendly and personal service.
Dormitory style hostel in what functions as a public house for the local youth the rest of year, Open June 27 to August 28. But if you are visiting during that time, you will be hard pressed finding anything cheaper (save the YMCA listing below).
Funky hostel, opened in March 2015. Includes bike rental outlet and tattoo parlour.
Open start of July to mid-August, and lends out 36 beds to sleep on, which are usually in high demand, so remember to book ahead. There is curfew between 00:30 and 07:00, you might want to consider if you plan to part take in the good night-life.
Astoria is a design hotel owned by Brøchner Hotels.
Two blocks from the Central Station, the hotel is a nearly 90 years old magnificent building which has been carefully renovated using Scandinavian design.
Good location, and the lobby area is well designed, but rooms a rather on the small side, and some rooms are reported to begin showing obvious signs of wear and tear, but otherwise clean.
clean, secure with commune kitchen area. Breakfast not included. Also, you might be disappointed with the suggested breakfast cafe, so you're probably better off going to one of the many buffets around the center.
A two-star hotel run by a Christian charity, offering basic but clean single, double, and family rooms right behind the central station - can sometimes get a bit noisy, but the staff is usually a friendly lot. Free internet, and breakfast included.
Basic hotel in the lower end of the Copenhagen price range, right behind the central station. Small rooms, but you can sometimes get substantial discounts, to make it worthwhile if you just need a bed. Free wireless internet. All rooms are non-smoking.
Good value money. Excellent location in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, but don't get too worked up over exteriors as the rooms are very basic, but still clean and totally adequate if you just need a bed, service is reported to be good.
Central hotel in traditional Balinese style with real modern art, teak beds and small balconies, informal and organic approach to doing business. Also has a small cosy courtyard garden and bar and a fantastic Balinese style spa.
4-star hotel on its own artificial island in the harbour - hence the name - which apart from some exceptions, gives you good views from the room. Stylish interiors and good service. And one of Copenhagen's largest shopping centers right next door.
former Sofitel
4 Star hotel, right at the exit of the central station, with Tivoli across the street. Classical interiors, and a lot of history.
This central campground is open May–August (both inclusive), but doesn't allow tents - which means campers and caravans only.
A large shopping centre and cinema complex overlooking the harbour just behind Dybbølsbro Station. 120 stores, 55,000 m². The artificial Copencabana beach is just behind the center.
The flagship store of the on-line art collective bearing the same name, it is in the meatpacking district. Fashion, Gallery and likely some music for sale, and also a café.
Quite affordable Danish furniture and industrial design, quite big for an inner city store.
DZOO is a working design store, based on a community of eight designers, which also sell designs made by a row of other Danish handcraft designers.
Trendy fashion store selling unique Pakistani designer clothes for women, with a modern twist, imported directly from London.
The store of Danish fashion designer Hanne Zachariassen, she makes her own youthful and colourful designs from recycled materials, for both women and men.
Store of a young couple, where the man of the house makes recycle jewellery and other items from trash, which ends up looking a lot better than it sounds, while his girlfriend - a fashion designer, takes care of women's fashion part of the store.
Owners Anne & Tine has put up a store that's hard to put in a box, part youthful fashion store, a mind blowing collection of accessories, you definitely don't see every day, and gadgets the two owners have picked up from all over the place.
As the name would suggest, we are here dealing with a really girlie store with various cute items, plastic fantastic 1950s nostalgia inspired items no less.
A fashion store for both sexes, with good Scandinavian brands and second-hand clothing.
By bus
The backbone of bus transport in central Copenhagen are the A buses operated by Movia, which run every few minutes throughout the day.
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Articles and travel topics about Vesterbro and Denmark.
Culture & historyThough not a country often associated with colonialism, Denmark (or Denmark–Norway during the union between the two countries) had an empire.
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Travel tipsDenmark, Norway and Sweden are constitutional monarchies.
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Nature & adventureCycling in Denmark is very popular for both recreational and commuting, and the Danish cycling culture is often compared to that of the Netherlands.
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Travel tipsDenmark has good roads, and driving is usually a practical way to get around the countryside. In Copenhagen (and to some extent other large cities) public transportation is usually the best way to get around; especially…
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