Vesterbro

Who lives in Vesterbro?

Long answer short, everyone! This neighbourhood is composed of long-time residents who have watched the full transformation of the neighbourhood and new residents who’ve worked hard to secure housing in the covested area. You’re sure to see artists, business people, as well as small families and retirees. It’s also diverse in terms of nationalities, 24% of people living in Vesterbro have foreign backgrounds. If you compare residents of Vesterbro, they may live quite different lives, but they all share the independent spirit that brings the neighbourhood together.

Daily life in Vesterbro

No two days are quite the same in Vesterbro as it’s a cultural hotspot! This neighbourhood is buzzing with activity, from boutique shops and restaurants to the hottest music venues. You can enjoy this neighbourhood year-round and take in the variety of events that cycle through. Vesterbro is home to many of Copenhagen’s iconic sites, from Vega and the Meatpacking district to the historical Carlsberg brewery.

The atmosphere of the neighbourhood is very creative, those that live here enjoy tons of cafes, restaurants and shops. There is also a good amount of green space with the large park, Vestre Kirkegard, and expansive green space that was recently (2017) added on Sønder Boulevard. As it’s a high-density neighbourhood, these outdoor spaces are very welcomed and heavily used. When it’s sunny (or just not raining) you will see tons of locals hanging out on Sønder Boulevard and on the patios of cafes and restaurants. Despite the fact that there is always lots to do in Vesterbro, it has a very relaxed pace and laidback atmosphere.

Buildings and apartments in Vesterbro

Vesterbro is characterised by its many small and winding streets - something you don’t see in most of Copenhagen’s neighbourhoods. Most of the buildings in Vesterbro follow the classic five-storey Copenhagen apartment building style that you see in the rest of the city. As an old industrial area that made extensive preservation efforts, there are lots of historical buildings and areas to enjoy. If you want to live in Vesterbro, apartments are essentially the only option, due to the density you won’t see any standalone homes!

Things to do in Vesterbro

One of the best things about Vesterbro is that you will never be bored there! In addition to the many points of interest in the area, there are also events cycling through, such as concerts at Vega, new exhibits at art galleries, and new restaurants to try! It also attracts a wide variety of people, so if you’re hanging out in the meatpacking district you’ll be in good company. Here are some of our favourite places to check out!

Værnedamsvej (better known as ‘Little Paris’)

This street is charming and as soon as you arrive you will see exactly why it’s calling ‘Little Paris.’ Brimming with cosy cafes and wine bars, you can enjoy sitting on one of the many patios and watch the cyclers pass by. It also has charming speciality shops to check out.  

Kødbyen (The Meatpacking District)

You’ve probably heard about this one, but it’s always worth a mention. Hanging out in the meatpacking is almost mandatory if you’re living in Vesterbro. There are lots of great bars (like NoHo and Jolene Bar) and restaurants, you can enjoy this area rain or shine, but it’s always something special in nice weather!

Havnebadet Fisketorvet

You’ve got to appreciate living in a city where you can just swim on the waterfront! Havnebadet is one of the best ocean pools in Copenhagen. In the summer tons of Vesterbro residents hang out here to cool off, some even go for a quick lunch break swim!

Vestre Kirkegard & Sønder Boulevard

These are the main green spaces in Vesterbro, rest assured that they are well-loved! Go for a long walk in Vestre Kirkegard or hang out with some beers on Sønder Boulevard.

Carlsberg City

Visit the home of (probably) the best beer in the world. There is almost nothing more Danish than Carlsberg, and Vesterbro is the home of it all! The historic brewery site has been transformed into a lively neighbourhood. Check out the restaurants and parks, make sure not to miss the brewery itself!

The history of Vesterbro

Vesterbro has a long history with deep roots as the entertainment district of the city. The area was established in the 16th century and what was once farmland and mills, slowly transformed into the Vesterbro we know and love today. 

Vesterbro’s transformation into an urban area began in the mid-1800s, like most of Copenhagen’s neighbourhoods outside the downtown core. Vesterbrogade, a central street in Vesterbro, was historically the main passageway into Copenhagen; making the area a popular hub for railways and home to Copenhagen’s central train station (which is still in use today). All this activity also meant that Vesterbro became the logical location for trade and merriment! 

As Vesterbro continued to develop in the 1900’s it was home to a diverse working-class group, giving the area a rebellious and independent spirit that still persists today. It was natural that during the Denmarks occupation in WWII, this neighbourhood was the heart of the resistance movement. Istedgade, perhaps the most famous street in Vesterbro, was the centre of this, even today you still see stickers and banners in Vesterbro saying “Istedgade overgiver sig aldrig” meaning, ‘Istedgade never surrenders’. This same street also came to be known as the red-light district of Copenhagen; today it’s transformed into a street full of restaurants, bars, and is one of the few areas in the city which is busy day and night!

Vesterbro has undergone dramatic transformations becoming the area it is today. Substantial urban renewal projects began in the 1980’s, which addressed the infrastructure and also the residents that had traditionally struggled throughout much of the 1900’s. The area has become one of the most desirable places to live in Copenhagen, its independent spirit and classic cool has persisted - a nod to its working-class roots.