Like a Local Guide to Vesterbro Neighbourhood
Just a short walk from our hostel in the heart of the city centre is the neighbourhood of Vesterbro. Vesterbro has a charming local vibe and a colourful history, despite being just next to the city centre. Boardered by the famous tourist attractions Tivoli amusement park and the NY Carlsberg Glyptotek, Vesterbro has been awarded the prize of one of the “coolest” neighbourhoods in the world as it has been regenerated over the past decade. Now a hip hang out of lively bars, cosy cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries, Copenhagen locals enjoy the neighbourhood as a great place to live and a cool local hangout.
As locals know, this lively and eclectic neighbourhood is now considered one of the hippest spots in Copenhagen, with a transformation over the past decade that has seen it transform from the 90s red-light district to a hotspot for creatives, students, locals, and international residents.
Stretching from the central station to the Vestre Kierkegard park, Vestebro is neatly sandwiched between the city centre and harbour up to the neighbourhood of Frederiksberg, with parks and local streets adding charm to it's central location. Here you can find street art, interesting shops, peaceful parks, and a lively street scene.
This transformation from the historic Vesterbro includes the former Meat Packing district, a trendy spot for bars, clubs, and cafes for the past decade, as well as well as bustling streets and local hang outs. It offers a little bit of everything, great food, bars, boutique shops, and it’s close to the centre of town but with a more local vibe.
Here is our guide of how to explore Vestebro like a local!
The Vesterbro Vibe: What to check out
Dating back to the 1800s Vestebro developed as a busy working-class neighbourhood, centred around the main street of Istedgade which is still the heart of the action. This was also the main area for the red-light district and a focus for urban development. Nowadays locals enjoy the lively cafe and bar culture around Istedgade, Sønder Boulevard, and the “Little Paris” street of Vaernedamsvei. This street is one of our favourite spots for watching the world go by from a cafe terrace and taking a peak in the local boutique shops. Slow down the pace with some relaxing in one of the coffee spots or enjoy the outdoor living. Vesterbro also has plenty of green space to enjoy some peace or a picnic. Take a stroll to Enghaveparken local park, or the charming Vestre Kirkegard, or further towards Frederiksberg you can visit nearby Søndermarken.
Kødbyen (The Meatpacking District)
The famous bar area in Vesterbro is Kødbyen (The Meatpacking District) which is known for its night life with star bars like the local favourite Jolene Bar, Mikkeller’s beer brewery, NoHo, and of course War Pigs. This former industrial area is now one of the city’s favourite places for nightlife, as well as some cultural places of interest like the contemporary art gallery Galleri Møst and movies at Cinemagic. Here you can also find the V1 Gallery. VI was founded in 2003 and is known for both international and local artists showing urban art and culture through performance, graffiti, mix media and installations. Also check out the Fotografisk Centre where you can find Danish photographers on show. Current exhibitions at the Fotografisk Centre include exhibition "In the Past We Made History" until 27.04.25.
Meatpacking is also a great day spot, with picnic benches for sunny days of people watching and then also for the evening crowd as the cocktail bars get busy and the clubs start pumping out the music! 
Vesterbro Farmer's Market
For foodies then head straight to the fresh produce at the Farmer's Market (second Sunday each month). Here you can find all kinds of tasty treats as it is part of a push to bring quality ingredients and local produce - you can find over 40 food stalls.
For architecture lovers check out the Vesterbro library designed by celebrated Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, a favourite spot for students.
For beer lovers you have the most famous Danish beer brewery here at Carlsberg City, which is the historic brewery revamped into a place to hang out with restaurants and bars. It is an interesting area to explore that has become a whole part of the neighbourhood in itself. 
Grab something to eat or drink at one of the famous local favourites - for your beer, cocktail, or pastry!
Warpigs
Part of the Mikkeller beer hall, there are over 20 beers on tap to accompany your smoked bbq plates and rock music. Grab a tray and fill yourself up in the meaty institution (not great for vegetarians…)
Lidkoeb
Whisky lovers should head to the third floor of this local hang out tin the former apothecary. Cocktails are on the menu, and it’s seriously buzzing at the weekend!
Bageriet Brød
The Danes love bakeries, and they do them well! The filled sandwiches here are to die for, along with the sweet pastries and buns.
Cafés and Hangouts
Hang out with friends, travel solo, or enjoy being a digital nomad with plenty of cafes with wifi! Vesterbro has lots of well-loved places to watch the world go by with a good coffee and Danish pastry!
Café Dyrehaven
If you’re looking for brunch or a coffee and snack then step into this cosy cafe that seems more like a lounge. Get comfy and enjoy the menu choices at this local favourite.
The Coffee Collective
It’s part of a chain but they do serve good coffee including speciality coffees if you’re into your beans, and it always has a nice buzz.
Granola
Breakfast and pancakes are the order of the day at this retro cafe.
Bang & Jensen: This café is coffee by day and cocktails by night, with a DJ and food. Hip hangout on Istedgade.
Prolog: Prolog roasts their own coffee on nearby Paper Island (Refshaleøen) and a cosy indoor seating and a sunny little terrace in summer.
Mad go Kaffe: On Sønder Blvd you can enjoy coffee, brunch and lunch here with their delicious menus. Stay long enough and the menu changes from coffee to cocktails and beers.
When the Weather is Good!
Havnebadet Fisketorvet - the Fisketorvet Harbor Bath
You need to wait for summer for this one, but Vestebro has a great swim spot in the harbour. Cool off on a summer’s day with a quick dip at Havnebadet - it gets busy as one of the favourite local pools in summer. Havnebadet Fisketorvet is definitely worth a visit for those looking to enjoy the picturesque harbor, walk along the waterfront, and experience a unique side of Copenhagen - our famous swim spots in the city! Whether you decide to dive into the water or simply enjoy the view, it’s scenic spot to visit on a sunny day. Swimming optional!
We hope you enjoy our guide for like a local in Vesterbro, book your bed with us and get more handy tips for enjoying the city.
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