Copenhagen districts: our complete guide
When preparing our visit to Copenhagen, we were pleasantly surprised by the size of the city and the number of things to do.
To make your stay as easy as possible, we’ve listed the neighbourhoods we visited and the main things to do!
Nyhavn: The Charm of the Old Port
Nyhavn is probably one of Copenhagen’s most emblematic districts. This historic district, with its colorful houses lining the canal, is Copenhagen’s most photogenic spot.
Nyhavn, which means “New Harbour”, was dug out in the 17th century to welcome merchant ships from all over the world. Today, it’s a relaxing place where visitors can stroll along the quay and admire the historic ships moored there.
👀 Things to do in the area:
- Take a cruise to explore Copenhagen’s canals
- Enjoy a Danish beer or a smørrebrød in the open air in front of the canals.
- Take a photo in front of the house where Hans Christian Andersen lived.
🌟 Practical advice: this is also the most touristic district. To make the most of Nyhavn, we recommend visiting it at the end of the day, when the light of the sunset is reflected on the water.
⛵ The best cruises in Copenhagen
Indre By or city center : The Heart of Copenhagen
Indre By, or the city center, is the beating heart of Copenhagen, where history and modernity meet. This is the district you can’t avoid when visiting Copenhagen. It’s also a great place to stay in Copenhagen, so you’re close to all the main points of interest.
This district is home to some of the city’s most famous monuments, including Amalienborg Palace, the royal residence, Christiansborg Palace, the Danish parliament, Rosenborg Castle and the Round Tower, a 17th-century astronomical observatory.
👀Things to do in the area:
- Explore the National Museum of Denmark
- Fresh air at the Botanical Gardens
- Get a bird’s eye view of Christiansborg Castle, Denmark’s parliament building
- To the east of the district, the famous statue of the Little Mermaid is enthroned on the water.
👉 Discover Copenhagen off the beaten tourist track: the yellow houses of Nyboder.
🏨 It’s the ideal place to stay in Copenhagen, and you’ll find our selection of hotels in Indre By in this article.
Christianshavn: Between Tradition and Modernity
Christianshavn is a unique neighborhood that we loved, where picturesque canals are reminiscent of Amsterdam, and maritime history blends with a bohemian atmosphere.
Founded in the early 17th century by King Christian IV, Christianshavn is now a residential district.
🌿 At the heart of Christianshavn lies Christiania, an autonomous community founded in 1971. Christiania is famous for its free spirit and artistic initiatives.
🌟 Tips for visiting the area: we advise you to move away from the center of Christiana, as the buildings and the area are in better condition. Don’t miss Thomas Dambo’s giant troll.
Since April 2024, Pusher Street has been a thing of the past. Christiana’s atmosphere is set to become more family-friendly.
👀 Things to do in the area :
- Explore the quays on a bike tour
- Take a stroll through Christiania
Vesterbro: The trendy district
Formerly a working-class district, Vesterbro, located in southwest Copenhagen, has metamorphosed into one of Copenhagen’s trendiest residential neighborhoods. It’s an ideal place to stay for those who want to discover Copenhagen’s nightlife.
Once renowned for its slaughterhouses, Vesterbro has undergone a veritable renaissance in recent decades.
The abattoir district has now been transformed into a series of restaurants, offering plenty of open-air space, perfect for soaking up the sun.
👀 Things to do in the area :
- Explore Tivoli Park, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks and a must-see on your Copenhagen vacation.
- Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, this museum houses one of Europe’s most important collections of ancient art.
- Eat out or have a drink in one of the restaurants in the MeatpackingDistrict.
- This is the place to go swimming in Copenhagen.
👉 Find out more about our restaurants and bars in the Vestebro district here
Discover our ideal itinerary for a weekend in Copenhagen.
Refshaleøen and Reffen: Copenhagen’s Avant-Garde
Located to the east of the city, Refshaleøen is a thriving neighborhood known for its industrial atmosphere and innovative cultural initiatives. A former shipyard, Refshaleøen has been transformed into a vibrant neighborhood, hosting festivals, art events and creative businesses. It’s just a short bike ride from the center of town.
👀 What to do in Refhaleoen
- Eat or drink at the Reffen street food market at the water’s edge on one of the many deckchairs!
- Enjoy the Reffen skatepark
🌟 Go there at sunset, and you’ll be able to admire the historic center in the distance!
Nørrebro: The Multicultural Quarter
Nørrebro is a residential neighborhood with a pleasant, authentic atmosphere, located north of the city center, far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist districts. Nørrebro offers a wide range of budget accommodation options.
👀 What to do in Norrebro
- Photograph the Superkilen park, entirely covered in white lines, very Instagrammable.
- For a relaxing break, head to Assistens Kirkegård, a cemetery with a beautiful green space in the heart of the city!
- Chill out in a café. Find our top addresses in the Norrebro district here.
Østerbro: The Family Quarter
Located north of the city center, Østerbro is also a quiet residential area, ideal for families and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, this is the place to stay on your vacation.
With its wide, tree-lined boulevards and elegant buildings, Østerbro offers a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere. It’s a great place to live, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Østerbro’s many parks and green spaces make it an ideal location for outdoor activities. The Fælledparken park is perfect for picnics, walks and sporting activities.
👀 What to do in Østerbro with your family
- North of Osterbro: spend a day at the urban beach of Svanemøllen Strand, perfect for children.
Frederiksberg: Danish Elegance
Frederiksberg is an elegant enclave in the heart of Copenhagen, the chic district renowned for its lush gardens and majestic buildings.
Although located in the center of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg retains a distinct ambience with its wide avenues and opulent residences. It’s a neighborhood prized for its quality of life and chic ambience.
- Visit Copenhagen Zoo, located in the magnificent Frederiksberg Park,
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To help you find your way around and prepare for your stay in the Danish capital, we have produced a map showing the boundaries of the various districts:
To extend your stay in Copenhagen, take a look at our other articles on the city’s top attractions and tips on how to make the most of your visit.
👉 A great way to save money during your stay in Copenhagen: the Copenhagen city pass with numerous free museums, unlimited transport and a canal boat cruise.
