Copenhagen: Neighborhoods

Town Center Copenhagen’s center is bracketed by water, with a line of lakes to one side and the harbor on the other. (The town’s name is derived from Kjøbmandehavn, meaning “the merchants’ harbor.”)

Nørrebro and Østerbro To the north of town center are the largely residential areas of Nørrebro and Østerbro, which have quiet streets, great restaurants, and shops patronized more by locals than visitors.

Vesterbro West of the center is the city’s former red-light district, which is now known for being one of the funkier and more exuberant parts of town. It’s still a bit gritty, but far from dangerous.

Frederiksberg Between Vesterbro and Nørrebro, this is one of the smarter quarters, a residential area with elegant avenues and the large, lovely Frederiksberg Park.

Christianshavn This area is notable for three reasons: its proximity to the Royal Opera House, a restaurant called Noma, and the colorful hippie commune of Christiania, which is in constant disagreement with the rest of the city over its claim to be a self-governing enclave and the reluctance of its inhabitants to pay taxes.