Greater Copenhagen Travel Guide

Copenhagen is a huge city composed of several distinct districts with a flavor all their own.

Indre By is the downtown, historical heart of Copenhagen, complete with dotted church spires, historic buildings, narrow alleys and excellent shopping. Christianshavn was originally laid out as a working class neighbourhood 300 years ago, but is now a thriving area notable for its many canals. The Freetown of Christiania is situated in the northern part of Christianshavn, along with Holmsn, the old naval area, turned trendy.

Vesterbro still has its share of sex shops and sleazy hotels, but has evolved tremendously in recent years and is now one of the hippest places to live, with cafes and bars dotted along its main artery, Istedgade. Frederiksberg is a small town which originally formed around Frederiksberg castle, this area is still a separate municipality. Literally surrounded by the City of Copenhagen, it has preserved a special conservative, upscale feel.

Nørrebro is the most vibrant part of Copenhagen, especially along the main artery, Nørrebrogade, with a mix of immigrants, students, and original working-class Nørrebro-inhabitants. Østerbro is a cozy neighbourhood north of the center. Less vibrant than Nørrebro and Vesterbro, and less quaint than Frederiksberg, it is the home of the famous Little Mermaid statue, and the beautifully preserved Kastellet citadel. Amager was once a bastion of the working class but now has its own distinct atmosphere, is booming with new development.

The northern suburbs are the home of Dyrehavsbakken, the world's oldest running amusement park, and Frilandsmuseet, the world's largest open air museum. You can also canoe down the Mill River. There is no doubt that this is an altogether different kind of suburbia. It is often colloquially known to locals as the "whisky belt", due to its often well-heeled residents. Vestegnen composes the suburbs west and south of the city and is short on attractions apart from the good Arken art museum.