Østerbro

Who lives in Østerbro?

Østerbro is a very appealing residential area, and it attracts all kinds of people. When compared with Copenhagen’s averages, residents of Østerbro have a higher than average disposable income and are 1.5 years older. There are a few large public employers in the area, so it’s likely that many residents are working for the Danish government in some capacity. There are also fewer foreigners living here, with 20% foreign residents compared to the city average of 25%. This area has grown by 18% over the last 15 years and has forecasted much more growth in the future. 

Daily life in Østerbro

Østerbro has a reputation for being one of the quieter neighbourhoods of Copenhagen, but this doesn’t mean that it’s boring. While it’s true that cafe culture is stronger than the nightlife scene in Østerbro, there are tons of interesting things going on! There are often large events at Fælledparken (and its stadium) such as games, concerts, and festivals. Since it has the biggest park in Copenhagen, it’s a natural place to gather on exciting and important occasions.

It’s not just a residential area, it’s also home to some significant employers as well! Embassies and offices are scattered around the area, blending in with their surroundings. Though some organizations stand out such as Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen’s main hospital, and an integral United Nations office, the UN City! You can expect that there are plenty of people commuting into the area for work - it’s certainly not empty during the weekdays.

Østerbro can also pack a punch when it comes to cafes, restaurants, and cosy bars. A great place for a laid back evening out; if you’re feeling a party night, the city centre is only minutes away. We imagine residents are thankful for a quieter neighbourhood to come home to whenever their night is winding down.

Buildings and apartments in Østerbro

Østerbro is characterised by beautiful classic Copenhagen apartment buildings. Over half of the buildings in Østerbro were built in the early 1900s and have been well taken care of.  Though it’s a densely populated area, you can find all kinds of housing, with apartment buildings concentrated towards the city centre and standalone homes in the northern areas of Østerbro. It’s an expensive location to purchase property, so it’s not a surprise that only one-fifth of homes are owner-occupied. The diversity in housing options fosters the diversity of the population, with housing for all phases of life. In addition to the older buildings, there are modern buildings as well, particularly concentrated along the oceanfront. Østerbro still has space to build and grow, a quality that is scarce among Copenhagen’s central neighbourhoods!

Things to do in Østerbro

There are plenty of things to do in Østerbro! If you’re living in Østerbro (or just visiting) you will probably be spending a lot of your free time in these places!

Hang out in Fælledparken

Bring a blanket and some snacks and settle in for the afternoon! This park has so much going on, it’s a popular gathering place as well as home to the national football team. There is also a large skateboard park and several football fields to play on. If you’re a runner, this is an amazing place for an uninterrupted jog.  

​​Svanemølle beach

If you thought living in a capital city meant giving up your dream of living near a large sandy beach - we’ve got great news for you! Svanemølle Beach is a beautiful ocean beach in the north of Østerbro. You’ll find many Copenhageners posted up here on a nice day!

Grab a coffee

Everyone knows that Danes love coffee and have perfected the cosy cafe. Østerbro is home to some of the best cafes in Copenhagen - so if you live here you will want to make cafe-hopping part of your routine.

Go for a stroll

Østerbro is full of beautiful streets and parks, you will find something new every time you venture out. Stroll through historical Brumlebyto see some of Østerbro’s oldest homes, and be sure to spend some time on Olufsvej for your dose of cute colourful homes. Walk through Fælledparken, then explore the charming residential streets. 

Go shopping

Østerbro is known for its trendy upscale boutiques, no day of shopping would be complete without a visit here! If you live for the hunt of finding something new, you will love shopping here. Explore Østerbrogade and Nordre Frihavnsgade to get started and find your favourite shops.

The history of Østerbro

History of the Østerbro

Østerbro's history is similar to the other neighbourhoods surrounding the city centre. Before the 1850s Østerbro was mainly used as a farming area with a few settlements scattered around. These small settlements were often ransacked as they were outside of the fortified city. In the late 1700s, there were some fabric companies, distilleries, and military grounds in the area; a few roadways were developed then that still frame the neighbourhood today.

Østerbro, as it is today, began to form in the mid-1800s as the city of Copenhagen started to expand. Similar to nearby Frederiksberg, Østerbro became popular among affluent Copenhageners who built summer homes in the northern area of Østerbro. The expansion in Østerbro was slower than nearby neighbourhoods, this translated to stricter building codes and more human-centric building design. Which is still appreciated today by the residents of Østerbro.

Østerbro wasn’t just shaped by the affluent - the working class also played a significant role in the development. One of Denmark’s first social housing projects was built here. The oldest buildings in Østerbro were designed by the Danish medical association in light of the Cholera outbreak. Impoverished families lived in these homes, giving them a safe and healthy environment. Though they are no longer social housing, they are still lived in today, located next to Fælledparken. It’s a highly coveted address for Copenhageners, the waitlist to buy one of these homes is over 20 years long!

The early 1900’s was a busy time in Østerbro, with lots of construction. Fælledparken was established, Østerbro station was built, and Rigshospitalet was started. This set the tone for the preservation of green space which defines the area nowadays.

Today the neighbourhood is quite blended, with all kinds of people living there. It has the reputation of being an affluent neighbourhood, but by Copenhagen standards, housing is similarly priced to the rest of the city. Østerbro’s residents are generally quite active both socially and athletically - you will notice this if you live there! It’s home to the worker’s movement, which was established in Fælledparken and still celebrated there annually on May 1st. Whatever parts of city life you enjoy, you can experience it from the comfort of a home base in Østerbro.