Nansensgade
Press feature
February 2008
Nansensgade - A hip local Copenhagen Oasis
If you ask a Copenhagener where to find both trendy boutiques and delicious food in a lively atmosphere, the answer will be Nansensgade. The narrow one-way street on the outskirts of the inner-city is buzzing with life, and in its laid-back shops you can find everything from sushi and chocolate to dresses and shoes. The street is located just a stone's throw away from Nørreport Station between Ørsteds Park and the Lakes. Copenhageners come here in droves to shop in the plentiful small designer boutiques, to hang out at the cool bars and cafes and to enjoy the easygoing local neighbourhood charm. In recent years, Nansensgade has been transformed into a popular place to be with many worthy attractions all hours of the day or night.
Wine and dine on Nansensgade
Café Bankeråt, which serves a complete breakfast, is already busy from the early morning hours. The café opened in 1992 and was instrumental in breathing new life into the street. In the evenings, the café attracts a diverse crowd and becomes one of the city's hot bars. The décor is eccentric with wall-mounted animal heads, doll heads as lamps and stuffed animals sporting clothing and jewellery. Many of the locals eat here, but residents from throughout Copenhagen also come to enjoy the atmosphere.
Another 'Nansensgade Classic' is Sticks 'n' Sushi. This was the first sushi restaurant in Copenhagen and it is a huge success. You can choose to be served in the restaurant or order take-away and find a free spot on one of their benches, or go over to nearby Ørsteds Park and enjoy the sushi in green surroundings. Prices are steep but the quality of the food is worth it.
Nunc est bibendum - now we must drink. And that is exactly what you can do in the inviting wine bar Bibendum. It is always jamme-packed, but if you have not reserved a table, you can sit at the bar and be entertained by the wine experts behind the counter. If you're hungry, try Bibendum's popular tapas plate together with a selection of wines chosen to compliment the dish. Bibendum is a perfect place for an easy going first date. You can buy a whole bottle of wine or sample many different wines by glass throughout evening. All the wines sold in the café can be purchased in the wine shop next door. Here you can choose from over 100 different wines priced between 50 and 400 kroner.
For a more sophisticated date, A Fair is a trendy café that serves delicious food, like their lovely brunch, made from quality ingredients and served in a cool and light setting.
Incredible finds - from the opulent to the unusual
Shopping is great on Nansensgade, especially if you are looking for something out of the ordinary. The style is feminine, sensual and exclusive when the two designers, Maria & Kendt, create and sew clothing that carries their label. The boutique, Kendt, radiates style and the duos own designs are sold side-by-side with shoes and bags by well-known labels such as Dior, Gucci and YSL. You'll look like a million in their reasonably priced elegant dresses and tops. The designers maintain a high level of exclusivity by producing only three models of the same dress.
In a basement with red walls and shelves filled with stilettos, two young Danish designers sell vintage clothing, their own designs and high-end Danish design. Ymer Dress brings vintage clothing home from New York and the Danish designs consist of both clothing and accessories, for example bags and belts. You'll find jeans, shoes, sunglasses and stilettos in the cosy cellar boutique.
The Kjoler boutique is the newest shop on Nansensgade. The name, which means dresses in Danish, says it all. The boutique is packed full of vintage dresses, from elaborate ball gowns to everyday frocks. The two owners of the shop were previously stylists, and that influence is clearly felt. They always have good suggestions for accessories that perfectly match with the dress you are trying on. All the dresses are freshly wash and ironed and ready to go. Furthermore, they are reasonably priced. Prices start at 300 kroner.
Spread over two floors is Casmose Copenhagen specializing in Danish design. The boutique is spacious and the clothing is classic, made with surprising details in natural materials such as wool and linen. Don't forget to visit the first floor where you will find shoes, necklaces and asymmetric shoulder bags.
Nansensgade isn't just for grow--ups. Children are also represented in the selection of shops. IdaT offers Danish kidswear labels such as Katvig and Holly's Baby. You can also buy IdaT's own baby designs with 70s nuances and naïve line drawings at reasonable prices. Right next door to IdaT is Copenhagen Kasbah Concept Store that carries the Danish contemporary women's wear label COPENHAGEN KASBAH, known for its sophisticated, raw and easy-to-combine styles. The concept also carries handpicked shoes, jewellery, selected fashion magazines and Wallpaper City Guides.
One thousand and one night's boutique
Patterned materials are also well represented in the shop SUQ. This Arabian adventure in arts and crafts opened its doors in 2002. The boutique became an instant success, and today SUQ is the only store in Northern Europe that imports directly from small workshops in Syria. Many of the goods are custom made for the boutique. High-heeled shoes, mouth-blown drinking glasses, water pipes and, of course, popular damask tablecloths can be found in the shop.
Another shop worth mentioning is Kubera, which sells high end home décor imported from Asia, especially Tibet, Nepal, India and Thailand, as well as books on the Far East and Buddhism. The owner is married to a Tibetan and travels all over Asia to amass his collection.
Home away from home
The Ibsen Hotel located on Nansensgade gives you quick and easy access to all of the neighbourhood's charms. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal at the three-star hotel. The hotel has six suites and offers smoke-free rooms as well as a cosy garden.
Mentioned above|
Café Bankeråt |
Sticks 'n' Sushi |
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Bibendum |
A Fair |
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Kubera |
Kendt |
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Ymerdress |
Deville Antiques |
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Kjoler |
Casmose |
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IdaT.dk |
Copenhagen Kasbah Concept Store |
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SUQ – Danmask Copenhagen |
Ibsens Hotel |
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