Vesterbro is the story of a town district, formerly known as a working class neighbourhood and red light district. The days of scantily clad ladies are long gone and have given way to families, fashionable shops and restaurants. If you're visiting Copenhagen, do not miss a trip to Vesterbro.
Vesterbro stretches from the bustling life at Copenhagen Central Station down to the peaceful Vestre Cemetery, and from the refined atmosphere of Frederiksberg to the flourishing district of Sydhavnen. Vesterbro is a piece of Copenhagen's history that you should not miss. Families with kids jostle together with skateboarders and older residents who have lived here since this part of town was a working class neighbourhood.
Vesterbro is brimming with cosy cafés where locals and tourists meet over a cup of coffee or an organic breakfast. Pay a visit to Granola on Værnedamsvej - a coffee shop and café in a charming rear building. Or stop by Café Bang & Jensen on Istedgade, housed in an old apothecary. If you're looking for excellent dining, then Vesterbro is the place to be. You'll find gourmet restaurants, hip burger bars and in the summer, food stalls lined up at Kødbyens Mad & Marked (food market). Kødbyen (Meat Packing District) features gastronomical delights all year round and you'll find everything from fish to fowl on the menus.
Photo: Visit Copenhagen
Looking to find a piece of unique Danish design to take back home after a visit to Copenhagen? Then the place to look is Vesterbro. There are plenty of small, local designer boutiques and the selections offer everything from clothing and jewellery to furniture and handicrafts. Take a stroll down Værnedamsvej, Istedgade or Vesterbrogade and you'll find shops and boutiques galore.
Photo: Visit Copenhagen
Give your wallet a break and enjoy one of the many free pleasures that Vesterbro offers. Why not visit Vestre Cemetery, where you'll always find peace and serenity. Many famous names lie buried here and during the summer you can join a free guided tour of the cemetery and its grounds.
Akademiets Have (Garden's Academy) offers a refuge and a green oasis in the midst of the big city. The huge park is a perfect destination for children and parents armed with a picnic blanket and picnic basket. You'll find Akademiets Have at the old Carlsberg brewery buildings. The Copenhagen Lakes are like pearls on a string. The 5 lakes are amongst Copenhagen's most distinctive landmarks. The lakes link Vesterbro, Nørrebro and Østerbro together and serve as a recreational area for Copenhagen's residents. The path around the Lakes is about 6 kilometres long and has also been designed to accommodate joggers.
Vesterbro never sleeps. The district is known for its nightlife and boasts a variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs for night owls. Take a stroll through Kødbyen and feel the beat from the clubs through your feet as you walk. The high end cocktail bars have bartenders who will mix you the finest drink you can imagine. Don't forget to pay a visit to one of the area's many pubs, where locals meet over a beer and a game of dice.
We recommend 3 hotels in Vesterbro, all of which are close to everything the district has to offer as well as public transportation.
Stay at one of Copenhagen’s coolest hotels. Perfectly situated in Kodbyen, a neighbourhood filled with good vibes, cafés, food markets and some of Copenhagen's best nightclubs and bars, whose vibe can be both felt and heard at our hotel.
Unique city hotel in the hip Vesterbro district of Copenhagen. Stay close to everything that the city has to offer. Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen central station are just a few minutes away.
Stay centrally in a hotel with impressive views of the Lakes and Copenhagen skyline. An exceptional conference hotel – also with an underground car park.