Think of everything that makes Copenhagen so brilliant: its effortless style, its fabulous food, its multiculturalism and its creativity. Now distil that down into a district of not much more than 3 sq km. That’s Nørrebro, indisputably the city’s most exciting and dynamic corner.
Nørrebro started life as a workers’ enclave, before becoming the backdrop to scenes of civil unrest in the late twentieth century. Politics certainly hasn’t been swept under the carpet here – the district’s LGBTQI Pride, for instance, is an explicitly anti-commercial and anti-racist grassroots event – but the quarter has lost its reputation as a place you’d think twice about visiting after dark, becoming a welcoming and independent-minded destination.
In fact, in 2021 it topped Time Out’s annual ranking of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods. Follow the main street of Nørrebrogade all the way through it, branching off down side alleys full of one-of-a-kind independent shops, street art, coffee shops, bars and restaurants whenever the mood takes you. Here’s our guide to the best of it.
Nørrebro’s great and all, but wider Copenhagen is a top-tier city in anyone’s books. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in the Danish capital.
Want more granular guides? Check out our run-through of the trendy dockside district of Refshaleøen.
Munching
Top-drawer tacos at La Neta / Image: Rasmus Malmstrøm
You can – and should – eat your way around the world in Norrebro. The food scene here is truly global (the district has an annual, hotly contested kebab championship), reflecting the area’s history of migration, and all inflected with a characteristically Danish casual cool. Ramen to Biiru combines hearty bowls of authentic Japanese noodle soup with local brews, and guests of all ages get the fun of ordering from a vending machine.
A taco press flown over from Mexico City is the centrepiece at taqueria La Neta, which in addition to a strong selection of mezcals and tequilas has a dozen taps of Mikkeller beer (what else?). And of course, the seafood here is world class: Oysters & Grill has a real roll-your-sleeves up neighbourhood restaurant feel.
Browsing
Textbook coffee at Darcy’s Kaffe / Image: Maya Matsuura
Copenhagen is the stylish centre of Danish design, both old and new. You’ll find plenty of the former in Nørrebro, which is packed with antiques shops and retro clothing emporiums, as well as one-stop shops dedicated to everything from vintage lighting (Hot Kotyr) to beautifully bound reading material from all around the world (Ark Books).
Sankt Hans Bazar and Sankt Hans Garde Antiks are both must-sees for vintage enthusiasts and those who love top quality bric-a-brac, and if you’re lucky you’ll be in town for the Ravnsborggade flea market, which sees an entire street taken over by stalls selling the best pre-loved wares. All that browsing calls for caffeine: stop by funky Darcy’s Kaffe for beans by the bag or a speciality brew to sip in situ, paired with baked goods from Danish legend Bageriet Brød.
