Vesterbro

Vesterbro used to be known as Copenhagen's working-class quarter and red light district. However, during the last ten years the district to the west of the Central Station has undergone a massive transformation.

This old, run down patch of dark tenements and cheap worker's accommodation - which since the 1960s was known for its sex industry and having more butchers per square kilometre than anywhere else in Europe - is now one of the hippest and most fashionable places in the city - not just to live, but to shop, eat, drink and have a great night out.

Confirmation of its ascendancy came as far back as in 2001, when the Danish-themed issue of Wallpaper magazine declared Vesterbro Copenhagen's hippest quarter.

Istedgade - the artery of Vesterbro

The artery of Vesterbro is its main street, and famous sex street, Istedgade. From the back entrance of Copenhagen's Central Station it runs through Vesterbro to Enghave Park.

The eastern end of it, the area between the Central Station and Gasværksvej, remains about as red light as they come. But as you walk for a few minutes further west, you will notice more and more groovy, boho-cafes, retro-kitsch clothes shops and cool designer shops.

Halmtorvet - the new café square

Billions of Danish kroner have been spent cleaning and repairing many of the buildings to create Vesterbro's new café square, Halmtorvet, turning a no-go area into a must-go area.

The intensive brush-up and new cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, like Carlton and Apropos, ensure that this hip square buzzes with life throughout the day and well into the night. Several cafés serve food and drinks in the centre of the square and on the sunny sidewalks.

PH Caféen boasts regular live music, and Amüse Bouch will ‘amuse your mouth' with its French with Asian food. In addition the old cattle market Øksnehallen is a light and stylish exhibition hall with a changing programme of art and photography exhibitions throughout the year.

Copenhagen's meatpacking district

Vesterbro's meatpacking district is yet another spot, which has undergone a massive transformation. Copenhagen's new and trendy places are opening here. In what was formerly a slaughter house, art, food and cocktails have been united in an experimental café, restaurant and bar named Karriere.

New artworks by leading international artists define the design and functions of the place, which is open from early in the morning till late at night. The Danish artist Jeppe Hein and his sister Lærke Hein are behind Karriere.

Another organic restaurant is Bio Mio. Also visit Paté Paté, Fiskebaren and the art galleries V1, DASK, Bo Bjerggaard and Kontraframe, the designer shop Art Rebels, the bakery Kreative Kager, the tea room Tante T or the Butcher's Lab - a combined gym and gallery.

The district also houses a vibrant nightlife. Apart from Karriere, try nightclub Jolene, the old school bar and eatery Mesteren og Lærlingen, music venue Kødboderne 18, nightclub Flæsk or nightclub The White Room.

Vesterbrogade and Værnedamsvej - a gourmet paradise

Vesterbrogade runs along the border to the district of Frederiksberg. This is a busy street with large stores, cafés and restaurants. Delicatessen bar, café and restaurant was one of the first places to make Vesterbro hot and trendy.

If you are looking for a sensational food experience, visit the Michelin-starred restaurant Formel B. If you prefer to cook for yourself, Vesterbro is also packed with enticing food shops.

The quarter even boasts its own 'food street', Værnedamsvej - a gourmet paradise with specialist cheese, wine, fish and chocolate shops, as well as cafes and grocers.

Skydebanehaven and Enghave Park

Skydebanehaven is Vesterbro's secret garden. You probably will not find it, if you do not look. But behind a big fortress-like gate on Istedgade, you will find a hidden breathing hole with a large playground area.

Further down at the very end of Istedgade is another green oasis, Enghave Park. Rest your feet, play some sports or watch the kids play at the park playground. During the summer you will also find several free events taking place, like open air cinema and concerts.

Vega - one of Europe's leading music venue

Around the corner from Enghave Park is Vega, one of the leading music venues in Europe and also a very popular nightclub among all Copenhageners.

Everyone from Fat Boy Slim and the Manic Street Preachers to The Killers and Robbie Williams has played at one of Vega's two stages. Also visit Vega's supper-chilled lounge bar Ideal.

Maps and addresses in Vesterbro 

Watch Vesterbro - the film