Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a fascinating city. It's both a port town and a sprawling metropolis all in one. It’s a bustling city where work and play go hand-in-hand, making for a more pleasant atmosphere than in other destinations worldwide. Not to mention its heritage preservation all while moving forward with modern society. With all this in mind, wouldn't you want to explore Copenhagen yourself? Wouldn't you want to know more about the different districts that make up the Danish capital? Well, here's a guide to the central neighborhoods in Copenhagen to help you out!
Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen to Stay
The best neighborhoods in Copenhagen differ from person to person. What may be the perfect district for a single adult wouldn't necessarily suit a family of four. So to say that this and that neighborhood is the best overall is a bit unfair and far-fetched. With that said, there's no doubt that Nyhavn, Østerbro, Frederiksberg, Freetown Christiania, and Christianshavns are the most popular areas in the city. Some of them are exciting with lots of youthful energy while others are peaceful residential districts perfect for a family.
Is Copenhagen a Safe City?
Yes, the Danish capital is a generally safe place. The
crime rates in Copenhagen are low and have been low for quite some time now. The city currently enjoys a low 25.61% general crime rate and only a moderate 54.16% rate of increasing crimes.
Copenhagen Neighborhoods to Avoid
In truth, there are no neighborhoods to avoid in Copenhagen. You're better off staying aware of your surroundings no matter where you go in the Danish capital.
Christianshavn, Copenhagen
Picturesque doesn't even begin to describe Copenhagen's Christianshavn neighborhood. Located along the coasts of Holmen Island right by the city's canals, this idyllic district has long attracted tourists over the years. The colorful houses fascinate with their bright hues and almost perfect symmetry, rivaling those in Amsterdam. And don't think that just because this place is by the canal, it's a peaceful area in the Danish capital. Hotspots like the Copenhagen Street Food and the Copenhagen Opera House never fail to draw in people from the rest of the city and even the world.
Is Christianshavn Safe?
Yes, it is. Since it's among the more popular parts of Copenhagen, the district is always lively and the security is tight enough.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Frederiksberg in Copenhagen
Practially every city has at least one or two upscale neighborhoods and Copenhagen is no exception. In this bustling city, Frederiksberg serves as the affluent district. A series of fine dining restaurants, designer brand boutiques, and even its own namesake grand palace make up the area. The place has the most
luxurious apartments in Copenhagen while sports cars and limousines drive about, making the neighborhood seem like it's a world away from all the others. But what's most notable about Frederiksberg is its botanical bliss too. From parks with luscious greeneries to sidewalk trees and mini-gardens, you won't see a scarcity of Mother Nature in this part of the Danish capital.
What to Do in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen
There's a lot you can do in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, so much so that you can spend most of your time in this part of the city and you'll never get bored. Take the whole family to Copenhagen Zoo, for example, and see the adorable animals. Visit the Bakkehuset Museum and relish the glory days of Danish art. You can also hang out at Søndermarken, one of the city's best parks, and have all sorts of outdoor fun.
Source: Flickr.com/ La Citta Vita
Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen
Freetown Christiania isn't technically a neighborhood. It's more accurate to say that it's a small but central commune in Christianshavns district. The place, however, is Copenhagen's premier hipster haven. It's so different from the rest of Christianshavns that it's become its own neighborhood. The area used to serve as a military base back in the early 20th century. But around the 1970s, the hippie movement took over and what remained of the barracks became cafes, bakeries, vegan and vegetarian restaurants, and the like. Freetown Christiania is also known as the “green-light district” of the capital city; the place to get your cannabis fix. Though it’s technically not legal, it’s tolerated here!
What to Do in Freetown Christiania
Not a lot of people realize that there's a lot you can
do in Copenhagen for a day. Just look at Freetown Christiania, for instance. Here you can go to cannabis cafes, meet bohemians, hang out with the locals, shop for cool knick-knacks, indulge in some vegan cuisines, and more. True to its name, the place is all about enjoying freedom and embracing peace and love!
Is Freetown Christiania Safe at Night?
Yes, it's safe! Just because Freetown Christiania is known for drugs, it doesn't mean that it's a dangerous place. As mentioned earlier, Copenhagen is so safe that there are barely any neighborhoods you need to avoid.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Franklin Heijnen
Kødbyen, Copenhagen
Kødbyen, also known as the “Meatpacking District,” has a lot in common with the famous New York area that bears the same moniker. Just like its Manhattan counterpart, this neighborhood is the nightlife hub of Copenhagen. A string of bars, bistros, pubs, and cafes dominate the area, making it the go-to place for happy hour and partying. If you stay here well into the night, you'll also get to see the underground clubs that open come midnight. Up for some fun? Kødbyen is your kind of place!
Is Kødbyen, Copenhagen Safe?
Don’t worry, Kødbyen is safe! Though it may get rowdy at times, especially at night, the area is safe overall.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Fred Romero
Nørrebro in Copenhagen, Denmark
As with every other major city, there's always that one area that most expats call home. In Copenhagen's case, it's Nørrebro. Most of the Danish capital's international communities have settled down in this area, making it among the most colorful on the list. When you
move to Copenhagen, this is one of the best places to call home. Not only will you get to hear different languages spoken here, you'll also get to taste the different flavors of the world, learn about other countries' cultures, and more. Street culture is alive and well in Nørrebro so you won't want to miss passing by here!
What to Do in Nørrebro, Copenhagen
Visit Assistens Cemetery and see the resting places of notable Danes like author Hans Christian Anderson or philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. Go on a foodie tour of Jægersborggade, Nørrebro's famous strip of noteworthy eateries, cool coffee shops, and more. The place has some of the
best restaurants in Copenagen, especially when it comes to foreign cuisines. And during winter, you can go ice skating in the nearby lake. The seasonal cold freezes it up, making it perfect for some winter fun!
Is Nørrebro, Copenhagen Safe?
Nørrebro is a safe and peaceful neighborhood. Its multicultural community makes it lively every once in a while, but it doesn't get so rowdy that it becomes dangerous.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Latin Quarter in Copenhagen
Just like the one in Paris, Copenhagen has its own Latin Quarter and it's just as bohemian as you'd think. This neighborhood has become the artistic hub of the Danish capital. Many of the city's creatives call this home, from authors and painters to intellectuals and digital artists. You'll also find some of
Copenhagen's best coffee shops, coolest bookstores, and lots of amazing art studios here. Among its many hotspots, the tiny cinema East of Eden is a major local favorite. This is where you can watch foreign indie films. The Women's Museum, on the other hand, chronicles over 150 years of women's progress and feminism. Sounds cool, right?
Is The Latin Quarter in Copenhagen Safe?
The Latin Quarter is a safe part of Copenhagen. The locals here are more laid-back compared to other parts of the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Orf3us
Nyhavn in Copenhagen
The beautiful neighborhood of Nyhavn is likely among the most photographed parts of Copenhagen. Perhaps even in the entire country of Denmark. When people think of this idyllic Scandinavian country and its noteworthy capital, they picture Nyhavn. It's the most tourist-friendly district in the city too, full of classic townhouses with tall chimneys, cobblestone streets, and a colorful harbor where a myriad of ships and ferries dock every day. Fairytale author
Hans Christian Andersen famously once lived here for around 20 years of his life. There's no doubt he got inspired to write many of his beloved tales while he looked toward the busy but beautiful harbor from his window.
What to Do in Nyhavn, Copenhagen
In a neighborhood like Nyhavn, where old-world charms reign supreme, the best thing to do around here is to relish the history and heritage of the place. Take selfies by the famous port and don't forget to feature the colorful 17th and 18th-century houses. Check out “Mindeankeret” (Memorial Anchor) which was established to commemorate the sailors who died in World War II. Eat at any of Nyhavn's foodie hotspots and indulge in some local delicacies like smørrebrød. And of course, don't forget to check out where Hans Christian Anderson once lived.
Nyhavn Copenhagen Restaurants
Nyhavn is one of the best places to go on a foodie tour of Copenhagen. The waterfront district has tons of exciting culinary hotspots. Il Rosmarino is one! It's a delicious trip to Italy by the scenic canal. Restaurant Gilleleje is an absolute must, especially for those who want to discover authentic Danish cuisine. It's even quite historic too as the restaurant is one of the oldest in Copenhagen. Craving some seafood? Then Restaurant Havfruen is your kind of place. They serve the freshest fish and other seafood delicacies captured within Danish waters. Talk about local!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Østerbro, Copenhagen
Much like Frederiksberg, Østerbro is another of Copenhagen's more affluent neighborhoods. It's widely known as a family-oriented district with residential areas and trendy hotspots. You'll find many of the latter on Østerbrogade, the neighborhood's main street. This place is lined with upscale restaurants, hip cafes, cool stores, and more. Famously, Østerbro is also where you'll find Parken Stadium, home of the FC Copenhagen football team. Expect this part of the area to be crowded whenever there's a game. Near the stadium is Fælledparken, a popular city park with many sports fields, playgrounds, and more.
What to Do in Østerbro, Copenhagen
The most popular parts of Østerbro offer something for you to do. On the main street, Østerbrogade, you can eat and shop till you drop! Football fans will likely spend a lot of time in Parken Stadium too, whether cheering for the local FC Copenhagen team or simply enjoying the sport they love. As for families and friends, there's no better place to hang out than Fælledparken. It's the perfect spot for spending quality outdoor time with your loved ones.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Leif Jørgensen
Refshaleøen, Copenhagen
Located on the harbor of Copenhagen, Refshaleøen is a former industrial site-turned-hip district. From the relic warehouses that used to house manufacturing plants, factories, and the like came trendy eateries, art studios, popular hangouts, and more. The city's youthful energy transformed this once desolate part of the town into a must-see, especially for foodies. This creative hub doesn't just produce the most interesting local artists and performers. It's also become an area for experimental chefs, bakers, and more to establish their own foundations in the Danish capital.
Refshaleøen Restaurants
So, among the many restaurants in Refshaleøen, which ones are worth your while? The two-time Michelin-starred Alchemist is one. Unique and experimental dishes paired with rich wine await those adventurous enough to eat here. The quaint Seaside Toldboden may not share the same sort of high-concept flair, but its fishy dishes are more than enough to satisfy anyone, even the snootiest of culinary connoisseurs. And for dessert, look no further than the Lille Bakery. It's your one-stop shop for all things sweet, especially Danish pastries.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ News Oresund
Vesterbro, Copenhagen
Vesterbro is another of Copenhagen's popular nightlife hubs. During the day, it's a trendy neighborhood with local designer boutiques, cool cafes, and hip eateries. At night, however, the district lights up with its lively bars, crowded bars, and traditional pubs. Vesterbro used to be the Danish capital's red-light district, so it's no surprise that the area is still more alive at night than during the day. Nevertheless, the neighborhood is far from its sketchy past. It's even become one of the best places for the youth to stay. They'll find lots of affordable housing here and all the great hotspots they could ever want.
What to Do in Vesterbro, Copenhagen
Eating, shopping, and partying are the names of the game here at Vesterbro. Since it has one of the best nightlife scenes in the city, you won't want to miss the incredible hotspots that liven up after dark. During the day, you can simply go from one trendy restaurant to another. Or perhaps hang out at a cafe to kill time, make some friends, and enjoy
hygge, the Danish value that makes
Denmark a happy country. Don't overlook Vesterbro's shops either! Who knows what you might find when you peruse these treasure troves of unique, sometimes vintage, and definitely cool fashions?
Is Vesterbro, Copenhagen Safe?
Yes, it is. Vesterbro is far from its red-light district past. Though it remains a popular nightlife hub, it’s become a lot safer and more peaceful over the years.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
There's a lot to look forward to in Copenhagen. The city's many districts alone have their own unique charms to offer, as well as a few secrets worth uncovering. Simply put, you're guaranteed to have fun exploring the Danish capital!
