Authentic Copenhagen: Undiscovered Neighborhoods, Local Experience

Copenhagen has always been a dream destination for me. When I finally had the opportunity to go there I really enjoyed getting off the beaten track and I am delighted to present to you my list of less touristy neighborhoods to visit in Copenhagen.

I like the idea of ​​going against the grain of the touristy places. I'm going to tell you about my favorite things to do in Copenhagen, including the best cafes, restaurants, parks and neighborhoods.

The neighborhoods I'm going to tell you about are Vesterbro, Norrebro, Frederiksberg and Refshaleøen. Each neighborhood has its own unique atmosphere and architecture. In these neighborhoods you'll find more locals than tourists!

If you are looking for other cities with a gentle, Nordic atmosphere, I invite you to read our article on Amsterdam .

What to do in Vesterbro, Copenhagen

Vesterbro is west of Copenhagen train station and is one of the trendiest neighborhoods we visited. There are plenty of outdoor cafes here, tattoo shops and graffiti everywhere.

It is also home to the old slaughterhouse district which has now been transformed into amazing restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating which is great when the sun is out. In the same area is Øksnehallen, a former livestock market.

Even though Copenhagen has a reputation for being an expensive city you will still find plenty of free things to do!

Where to eat in Vesterbro

Tommi's Burger Joint

Located in the slaughterhouse district, Tommi's offers a menu that focuses on quality over quantity. I opted for the veggie burger, which was definitely one of the best veggie burgers I've ever had.

Warpigs

Warpigs is a meat lover's paradise. With everything from prime rib to pork shoulder to lamb chops on the menu, there's something for everyone. As you walk in, you grab a tray and head to the counter where they cut the meat fresh in front of you.

Best coffee in Vesterbro

Mad & Coffee

Mad and Kaffe is great for cheesecakes and brownies, as well as fresh juices and coffee. They also offer delicious main dishes for lunch, as well as a bakery with amazing rye bread.

What to do in Norrebro, Copenhagen?

Norrebro starts near the center, right next to the river. It is a perfect place to watch the sunset. The Danes bring a picnic and drinks to sit by the river.

Norrebro is hard to explain, it's more a question of atmosphere and feeling. Here we are very far from the tourist center. It's much calmer and necessarily more authentic.

Superkill

Superkilen is a public park in the heart of Norrebro. You've probably seen it on Instagram, it's so photogenic with its white lines. The park consists of three sections: The Red Square, The Black Market and The Green Park. Many objects in the park were designed based on foreign architecture. For example, the fountain in this photo is based on a Moroccan fountain.

Istegade

This is the main shopping street in Norrebro where you will find most of the cafes and restaurants.

Where to eat in Norrebro?

Baest is perfect for pizza lovers. The ingredients are all organic and many are made directly on site like the cheese. No cutlery here, because pizza is much better with your fingers!

Your guide to Refshaleøen in Copenhagen

My favorite neighborhood of all time! If the weather is nice I recommend walking from the center. It will take you about 1 hour to reach the Refshaleoen neighborhood, but the walk is nice and you will pass by the bridges.

Otherwise take bus 9A from the center to Reffen. Reffen is a street food hotspot in Copenhagen! Refshaleøen is actually a former industrial area that used to have one of the largest shipyards.

Where to eat in the Refshaleøen district of Copenhagen?

Reffen street food market

I love street food markets, where you can choose from many stalls and Reffen is right on the river which makes it even better! Once you have your food, you can sit on a sun lounger right by the water. It's a great place for families, if you're exploring Copenhagen with kids.

Baghaven

Right on the river and part of Mikkeller, this is the perfect place for beer lovers. Baghaven means backyard and it really feels like you are in someone's backyard. The atmosphere is great and everyone is friendly here.

Broaden and Build

Right next to Copenhagen Contemporary (modern art museum), Broaden and Build is a great restaurant that uses only seasonal products. The menu changes depending on the season. It's a great place for a lunch on the terrace.

What to do in Frederiksberg?

Frederiksberg has more of a residential feel than the other three neighborhoods. The main street is very upscale with lots of clothing stores, restaurants and cafes. Frederiksberg was definitely the greenest neighborhood we visited in Copenhagen.

Frederiksberg Gardens

It is a very nice park to walk and relax in the sun. Arriving at the park, on the left, there is a small gate that leads to another much smaller park, where there is a lake, a flower garden and even a small labyrinth.

Where to eat in Frederiksberg?

Bertels Salon

For an amazing cheesecake, you have to go to Bertel Salon. There are about 12 different cheesecakes on offer, all for 48 DKK (6.5€) each. They also have great coffee and it's the perfect place to sit and people watch, like the Danes do.

I hope you enjoyed my tips on the best things to do in Copenhagen and can explore some of the less touristy areas on your own!

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