Superkilen is an urban space, which really reflects Nørrebro’s colorful DNA. Also Superkilen is a tribute to the diversity that Nørrebro – more than any other neighborhood in Copenhagen – is known for.
The urban space is divided into three areas, which are color coded in black, red and green, each with its own identity and function. The perfect places to explore daily life or do any kind of recreational activity. Not least, Superkilen makes up for a great place to meet or observe the locals.
Locals were asked to contribute to the design of Superkilen and nominate specific objects from their home country or countries they have lived in or traveled to. If you take a good look, you will be able to find 99 objects from 59 countries that represent the neighborhood’s diversity such as swings from Iraq, a boxing ring from Thailand and a fountain from Morocco.
There’s plenty to see and do here with several places to rest, play, have a barbecue or exercise, all while exploring the many objects and their stories. Why not go on a little treasure hunt? Maybe you will find all 99 exotic treasures around The Red Square, The Black Market and The Green Park.
To find all the 99 “hidden” treasures check out this map!
Red, black, green?
The Red Square is located at Nørrebrogade, Nørrebro’s most busy street. A great pitstop if you crave a cup of coffee or if the kids need a break. If it’s your lucky day, there might be a flee market or a pop up concert going on. You never know…
Black Market is located in between The Red Square and The Green Park. Go here, if you want to play chess or ride your skateboard or roller blades around the concrete hills of Nørrebro. Less talk, more play!
The Green Park is the most quiet of the three, located between Black Market and Tagensvej. Lie down on the grass, read a book or play basket ball with your friends – or join the locals.
How to get to Superkilen
If you’re coming from Indre By by bike, cross Dronning Louise’s Bridge and ride a few kilometers along Nørrebrogade until The Red Square shows up on the right hand side, approximately halfway between Nørrebro’s Runddel and Nørrebro Station.
If you’re on the M3 metro line, you can get off at Skjolds Plads and walk a few minutes to reach The Green Park. Or get off at Nørrebro Station and walk a few minutes down Nørrebrogade in order to reach The Red Square.
While most cemeteries are sacred and quiet, Assistens Cemetery in Nørrebro is quite different. This is the burial site of Hans Christian Andersen, Søren Kirkegaard, Niels Bohr and a bunch of other famous Danes, who have gone to rest here since the 18thcentury, and although it still functions as a cemetery, it is primarily used as a park for the many locals strolling through every day.
The cemetery was built to take the pressure off the cemeteries in the central part of Copenhagen and today it is the most famous of all cemeteries in Denmark. Assistens Cemetery is a place to go to rest – and not only if you’re dead. On a sunny day you will see people sunbathing, taking a break and hanging out. Though the neighborhood’s busiest street, Nørrebrogade, is just behind the wall, it feels like the city is lightyears away.
It may come as a shock to some foreigners that the Danes hang out in a cemetery among tombstones and buried people but it should not be confused with bad manners or lack of respect. Assistens Cemetery may be a resting place for the dead, but it is also a tribute to life, so join the locals and enjoy the unspoiled nature in a truly idyllic setting. You may even think of it as a little piece of heaven.
How to get there
Look for the yellow wall, which can be seen from Nørrebrogade, Jagtvej and Kapelvej, about halfway between The Lakes and Nørrebro Station. It shouldn’t be too hard! If you take the metro, get off at Nørrebro Runddel and you have arrived!
What to do in Assistens Cemetery?
Buy a cup of coffee at a nearby coffee shop and take a stroll.
Do a picnic on a sunny day.
Go treasure hunting and see if you can find Hans Christian Andersen, Kirkegaard and some of the other famous Danes buried here.
Have you ever heard of Sydhavnen? If you’re looking to stay in a Copenhagen neighborhood that’s authentic, quiet and budget friendly, you might want to consider a stay in Sydhavnen. And with that we mean the old part of Sydhavnen. Once a tired working class area mainly consisting of public housings and poverty, now an up and coming neighborhood with easy access to Vesterbro, Central Copenhagen and the canal towns of Sluseholmen, Teglholmen, Engholmene and Islands Brygge.
While the old part of Sydhavnen was built between 1930-1950, Sluseholmen and Teglholmen, which are technically also part of Sydhavnen, were built built from 2006 and onwards and creates a great contrast to the old part of Sydhavnen. Recently Engholmene popped up as a new addition to the canal towns.
You will love Sydhavnen if…
peace, quiet and fresh air is on your agenda
the budget is tight and you would like to stay local
you enjoy running or walking while you’re on holiday
you want to be close by the water
Where is Sydhavnen?
Sydhavnen is bordering Vesterbro, Carlsberg Byen and Valby with the western part of Amager across the water. South of the residential area in the old part of Sydhavnen, you will find Valby Park, which stretches south to Hvidovre.
5 things to do in Sydhavnen
Most people who choose to stay in Sydhavnen will most likely use it as a base for daily experiences and activities around the city. However, there are things to do in and around Sydhavnen. Here are 5 things you need to try during your stay in Sydhavnen.
Run, relax and look at alpacas in Valbyparken
Valbyparken – or Valby Park – is one of Copenhagen’s biggest parks, which you will find in the backyard of the old Sydhavnen. The park offers great running paths as well as little theme gardens, such as the Japanese Garden, the Water Garden, Fruit Garden, the Oriental Garden, the Islamic Garden and many more. Bring a sandwich and have a picnic… but wait, there’s more! In the left part of the park, towards the water, you might get a surprise. Valbyparken is also home to alpacas that are running around in their own little gated community. Take a walk and have a look but don’t get too close. For everyone’s sake.
Go for a swim at the Sluseholmen harbor bath
Why go to the beach if you can jump in the nearby harbor? Don’t worry. It’s not as dodgy or as dangerous as you might think. The canals in Copenhagen are ideal for swimming. The water is clean and calm and there are even lifeguards at the harbor baths. You will find seveal harbor baths around the city with Islands Brygge being the busiest while this one is more quiet. Sluseholmen harbor bath offers two pools for swimmers and divers, a children’s pool and a youth pool.
Visit the sustainable haven at BaneGaarden
This is a true hidden gem, and it can be quite hard to find but Google Maps is your friend. Located behind the railway tracks between Vesterbro and Sydhavnen, BaneGaarden is a little urban, entrepreneurial haven with a garden and some barns. All made of sustainable materials. Even the stage in the courtyard is made from plastic. You can always come by for coffee, food or a drink but it seems like anything could happen here. A workshop, concert, talks or who knows what.
Take a stroll around Fiskerihavnen in Sydhavnen
This is one of these places that may not be around too much longer, unfortunately. Fiskerihavnen is a real little fishing village with a proud maritime heritage. Rough yet idyllic. Some people live in house boats, other in creative cottages and some just come here to do their fishing. You won’t find fine dining or cafés. But you will get a sense of what Sydhavnen was like years ago.
Chill time at Teglværket
In Teglholmen you will find Teglværket. A former warehouse, now a venue for big parties, flea markets and much more as well as you can come here to enjoy a drink and have a bite to eat while you have your feet planted in the sand. Still a hidden gem for many Copenhageners.
How to get around in Sydhavnen
The neighborhood of Sydhavnen is 4-5 kilometers from the city center, and that means you should either rely on a bike or public transport. Luckily it’s super easy to get around by bike with bike lanes connecting Sydhavnen to Vesterbro or Central Copenhagen. If you prefer public transportation you can catch the S-train from either Sydhavn Station or Sjælør Station to Copenhagen Central, Nørreport, etc.
Where should I stay in Sydhavnen?
Whether you are looking to stay in the modern part of the neighborhood in Sluseholmen or Teglholmen or in “the real” Sydhavnen, Airbnb is definitely your best bet. There are a few hotels around, such as Scandic Sydhavnen, however these are primarily meant for business travelers and big groups and they are all located by the main roads.
In Sluseholmen, Teglholmen and Engholmene you can find modern, convenient apartments in all sizes – with elevators, heated floors and big balconies, probably also with sea view. If you pick an Airbnb in the old part of Sydhavnen you will stay in more traditional apartment buildings, most likely with less convenience but at the same time more budget friendly.
What to expect from an Airbnb in Copenhagen? Read our guide!
You may be able to see most of Copenhagen’s sights in one day, but what’s the rush? Forget about a quick getaway and enjoy a real vacation in Copenhagen with 1 week in Copenhagen. This itinerary will give you a chance to experience the real Copenhagen and the hidden gems as well as it will show you where to mix and mingle with the Danes. Read on and figure out how to slow travel your way through Copenhagen in the summertime.
Welcome to your 1 week in Copenhagen. Whether you arrive at the airport or Central Station, take it easy! Grab a hotdog and take the metro, bus or S-train to your chosen destination. It’s not that there are not tons of great hotels to choose from but if you want to blend in and become part of Copenhagen, we highly recommend checking into an Airbnb. Preferably in Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Østerbro, Frederiksberg or Amager where you get the neighborhood feel without being too far from the city center.
Let’s assume it’s sunny and nice out. Get takeout from the local kebab place or grab a salad in the supermarket and head to a nearby park. If you’re staying in Nørrebro, you might want to check out Assistens Cemetery, or go to Fælledparken or Østre Anlæg in case you’re staying in Østerbro. In Frederiksberg the obvious choice would be Frederiksberg Gardens, while Amager is all about the beach. Lie down, smell the grass and enjoy your lunch.
On your way back, stop by the grocery store and buy whatever you need for your breakfast tomorrow morning.
Evening: Eat local
No matter what neighborhood you’re staying in, you will find lots of great dining options. Check out earlybird.dk or r2n.dk if you’re looking to save a little money.
Day 2: Go sightseeing
9 am: Get up and get ready
Admitted! This day has nothing to do with slow travel but you might as well get it over with. Shower, have breakfast and wear something comfy. This is your super touristy day and you’re going sightseeing!
10.30 am: Rent a bike…
If you want to feel like a local, you need to get around like a local. There are several ways to rent a bike. If you want the authentic bicycle, many local bike shops offer rental bikes that will blend in perfectly. If you don’t mind looking like a tourist as you ride around town, get the Donkey Republic or the Bycyklen app and locate a bike nearby.
Roll down the street and get comfortable on your bike, then head to Central Copenhagen. Don’t be late for the guard shift at Amalienborg, which takes place at 12 pm. Beware that you won’t be the only one there so get there a bit early if you can. It’s a monarchical show off and if you want to add a bit of excitement, try to see how close you can get to the guards before they start yelling at you.
After checking out the guards doing their thing, go to Marble Church across from Amalienborg and from there ride your bike down Bredgade, pass the Gefion Fountain and go the The Little Mermaid at Langelinje. Catch a glimpse of the little copper statue – if she’s not completely blocked by other tourists – and head to Nyhavn.
1 pm: Lunch time
If you want to try the traditional smørrebrød (open rye sandwich), stay in Nyhavn. Otherwise you can cross the bridge from Nyhavn to Christianshavn and have lunch at Broens Street Food.
2 pm: Pit stop at Christiania
Ride your bike through Christianshavn in the direction of Freetown Christiania, park your bike and take a stroll through the colorful neighborhood. Take a quick walk through Pusher Street and explore the side streets. You might want to grab a cup of coffee somewhere and maybe play backgammon at Nemoland. Stay as long as you feel like before heading to the next tourist hot spot.
4 pm: To the tower
Jump on the bike again and cross Knippelsbro, pass Christiansborg and get off your bike at Højbro Plads. Walk through Købmagergade (walking street) to Rundetårn, Round Tower, and enjoy a bit of exercise when you walk up the tower. Enjoy the view and walk down again.
5 pm: Zen time at Kongens Have
Kongens Have (King’s Garden) offers a view of Rosenborg Castle, but most importantly it’s a great place to relax and meet the locals, who just got off from work. Bring beer, soda or whatever you like and enjoy the late afternoon sun.
6 am: Food and drinks at Kayak Bar
No need to dress up. Move on to Kayak Bar and grab a seat. You may have to wait a bit, but it’s worth it. Enjoy a casual dinner and drinks, maybe at a shared table, and stay for as long as you like… who knows. You might make new friends.
If you have had too much to drink, leave the bike and get it tomorrow. Otherwise bring it on the metro.
Day 3: Relax and recharge
AM: Wake up slowly
Today is about winding down and recharging. Bring your breakfast to the balcony or have brunch in bed. No rush.
Noon ish: Relax by the water
Who would have known! Copenhagen is actually a brilliant destination for beach bums. Go to Amager Beach for real beach life or to Svanemøllen Beach if you’re staying in outer Østerbro. Or do as many Copenhageners prefer – spend your day at the canals.
Copenhagen offers plenty of great harbor hangouts for sunbathing and swimming with Islands Brygge as the most popular spot, booming with primarily young people. Other options are Fisketorvet, Sandkaj in Nordhavn, Sluseholmen or in Christianshavn by Broens Street Food.
Evening: BBQ or picnic
Stay out if the weather allows and enjoy a simple barbeque if you’re up for it. Otherwise get pizza, sushi or kebab and enjoy the last sunrays of the day.
Day 4: Hello sailor!
11 ish: Go sailing
Pack a bag with extra clothes, a towel and a few snacks and ride your bike to your chosen boat rental. If you are looking for electric boats that are easy to navigate there are two good options: Friendships in Christianshavn and GoBoat in Islands Brygge. Note that you have to book these boats in advance. Another option is Copenhagen Boat Rent by Fisketorvet, which offers motorboats. It is not possible to book a boat at Copenhagen Boat Rent – you simply just have to show up and wait. On a sunny day it can take a while. While you wait you might as well enjoy an hour at the pool or wait by the pier. That’s what slow travel is all about – enjoying the moment between the moments.
The advantage of GoBoat and Friendships is that the boat trip is more comfortable and you can sit around a table. The downside is that you have to book in advance and you need to return the boat on time. The motorboats from Copenhagen Boat Rent are able to go faster, however they are not as comfy and won’t seat as many people. The greatest advantage is that you don’t have to book in advance and you can keep the boat for as long as you want.
Afternoon: Enjoy Copenhagen from the water
It’s not entirely up to you, where you want to go with your boat. There are certain rules. But it would make sense going through Holmens Canal, around Christiansborg, continue by Nyhavn and cross the water and sail to the backside of Christiania. Stay here for a bit, have a chat with other sailors passing by and jump in the water if you feel like it. Once you’ve had your break, continue through Christianshavn and back to your boat rent.
Want to experience the water in a different way? Rent a kayak at Kayak Republic.
Evening: Cool down after a hot day on the water
A day on the water is fun but it can also be exhausting. So do whatever makes you happy but don’t stress about it. You have 1 week in Copenhagen, which gives you plenty of time to explore it all. Check out Meatpacking District if you haven’t already done so. Or head back to your Airbnb for an early night.
Day 5: Relax at Refshaleøen
AM: Wake up
Wake up, eat your breakfast and take it slowly. Don’t forget – you have 1 week in Copenhagen and it’s meant to be enjoyed. Today is about hanging out and living life. Again!
12 pm: Refshaleøen
Refshaleøen is possibly the coolest part of Copenhagen! Known for super fancy restaurants such as Amass and Alchemist as well as Copenhagen’s biggest food market, Reffen, is more than just food. However, this is where locals as well as tourists go to eat and hang out on a sunny day. In this place your lunch could easily last for five hours!
You can easily spend all day at Reffen but there’s more to the old, industrial island. Looking for wellness? Head to Copenhot for some outdoor jacuzzi time. It’s even possible to go for a ride in a floating hot tub. Want to mingle with the locals over a beer or a glass of wine, go to La Banchina – once a hidden gem by a small harbor, now a popular hangout with a great mellow vibe. Looking for a posh beach club? Also a possibility if you go to Halvandet.
Evening: Stay or go…
You may want to stay in Refshaleøen. If not you might want to go back to your apartment, get dressed and eat out. Let’s suggest Guldkroen in Nørrebro for a traditional pork feast – or explore what’s on the menu in some of Vesterbro’s many great restaurants. Do you think social dining could be fun? Then check out Absalon in Vesterbro.
Day 6: Take a walk on the wild side
Morning and afternoon: Wake up and tie your shoes…
With yesterday’s calorie intake you might want to consider burning some. Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting the gym. Have a solid breakfast, tie your shoes and head to Amager for a day of walking the Amarmino. The Copenhagen version of The Camino.
Take the metro to DR Byen and start the hike. The full hike takes 5-6 hours. If that’s too much it’s possible to cut it short. The hike is a great contrast to the city and will take you by nature reserves, meadows, coastline and the small town of Dragør. A great hike if you’re up for it.
Do you prefer a city walk? Tour the three parks Ørstedsparken, Botanical Garden and Østre Anlæg and continue to Kastellet. Or stroll down Nørrebrogade, Istedgade or Gammel Kongevej if you want to do a bit of shopping and experience some of the cool streets of Copenhagen.
Evening: Go somewhere nice!
Copenhagen is packed with great restaurant, and you definitely deserve to go somewhere nice. After dinner you may feel like a drink or two. Check out Meatpacking District in Vesterbro for a great party on weekends, Ravnsborggade in Nørrebro or Central Copenhagen for a variety of cocktail bars and clubs.
Day 7: Repeat and enjoy the show!
Morning and afternoon: Do whatever makes you happy
Maybe you feel like another day at the beach, or perhaps you want to explore more of Refshaleøen. Basically you should enjoy your last day just the way you want to.
Want to find a hidden gem and get lost? Visit BaneGaarden, a little organic oasis hidden behind the railway tracks between Vesterbro and Sydhavn. Depending on the schedule there might be a concert, a beer tasting or another event going on – and of course, plenty of good food and coffee.
Evening: Go to a concert!
If you haven’t already done so during your 1 week in Copenhagen, you may want to visit Byhaven by Pumpehuset today, depending on whether or not there’s a concert – an outdoor venue where you can enjoy free concerts while having drinks and snacks.
If nothing is happening at Byhaven, maybe there’s a concert at Christiania – or even at Tivoli if you want to do something a bit more traditional but also touristy. Whatever you choose, make it a night to remember.
Day 8: 1 week in Copenhagen has come to an end
Wake up, pack your bags and leave your Airbnb in proper condition. If you have time, enjoy a brunch at Mad & Kaffe, which you will find in Vesterbro, Amager, Nørrebro and Frederiksberg before heading to the airport or train station after this brilliant 1 week in Copenhagen.
The Copenhagen quickie: 1 night in Copenhagen itinerary
Going on a super quick city break to Copenhagen? While it is ideal to have to two days to explore Copenhagen, you can still experience a big part of the city in just one day. With the perfect itinerary for Copenhagen, one night in the city may just become the micro trip of the year. We can guarantee you to check off a great deal of Copenhagen highlights in a single day – but we can’t guarantee that you don’t want to come back for more.
Itinerary for Copenhagen – Day 1: Arrive. Explore. Eat. Indulge!
AM: Arrive and check in
With no time to waste we recommend you book a hotel with a central location with easy access to the M2 metro line or the train to CPH Airport. Ideally Central Copenhagen close to Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport or close to Central Station in Vesterbro.
Upon arrival take the train or metro to your chosen location, drop off your luggage at your hotel and head Langelinie.
11-12 am: The Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Castle
If you have the time go to check out The Little Mermaid at Langelinie around 11. Beware! You may be disappointed as she is quite little and doesn’t look too happy. Also you can expect to be met by a bunch of other tourists, who got the exact same idea. Nevertheless – the little bronze statue is among the Copenhagen highlights and the visit won’t take too much of your valuable time as it is basically along the way to Amalienborg, which is up next.
From The Mermaid continue to Amalienborg Castle – a walk that will take you about 10 minutes. The castle itself is quite modest compared to the Marble Church towering in the background, but if you wait for 12 o’clock you can see the guard change, which is a nice little traditional parade.
1 pm: Marble Church, Nyhavn and lunch
If the church is open to visitors, have a look inside – otherwise head directly to Nyhavn and take a stroll on the sunny side. If you’re looking for a traditional lunch this is the place to have a seat and a taste of the famous open sandwiches – also known as smørrebrød – with herring, shrimp, roast beef and other delicious toppings.
Looking for something a bit less traditional? Cross the bridge and enjoy a casual street food lunch at Broens Street Food.
2 pm: On board – a tour of the canals
From Nyhavn you can catch the guided canal tours with either Stromma or Netto Boats. A great alternative to the regular “Hop on – hop off” bus rides. From the water you can see many of Copenhagen’s most important sights and a canal tour will guarantee you a quick view of the main highlights.
Most of the tours will sail by The Little Mermaid, the Opera, Christianshavn, Christiansborg Castle and the outskirts of Christiania. You will enjoy the view of Copenhagen’s towers and spiers, old houses, narrow canals and low bridges as well as the maritime life, which can be quite busy in the summertime. All in just one hour!
3.30 pm: Take a walk in Christiania
From Nyhavn cross the bridge to Christianshavn and continue to Christiania, a so-called “freetown” or an autonomous hippie village located in Christianshavn. Take a walk through Pusher Street while keeping your phones and cameras in your pocket, as it is not allowed to photograph in this part of the village.
While Pusher Street may seem a bit rough to some visitors, the village behind is quite idyllic and laid back with little boutiques, quirky houses and some great eateries.
Alternative afternoon itinerary for Copenhagen
If you’re not up for Christiania, take the yellow harbor bus to Refshaleøen and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at Reffen, Copenhagen’s biggest street food market with lots of stalls offering great snacks and drinks as well as a view over Copenhagen. Or settle down at La Banchina, a little gem located close to Reffen.
After enjoying a late afternoon under the sun, take the harbor bus back to Nyhavn and head back to your hotel to get changed for a night out.
6 pm: Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is fun, romantic, traditional – and very Danish! Also, the old amusement park offers a wide range of dining options.
Take a stroll through the streets, go on a few rides if you dare and head to your chosen restaurant. Are you here on a Friday you can enjoy the open air concert at 10 pm, while you can enjoy the fireworks on Saturdays at 11.45 pm.
Late: Coctails or party all night
With only one night in Copenhagen it would be a shame to go to bed early. Luckily the city offers plenty of cocktail bars and breweries, depending on your mood and personality.
If you’re looking for a wide variety of bars, head to Meatpacking District in Vesterbro, just a 5-10 minute walk from Tivoli. This place gets busy and there’s basically a bar for whatever mood you’re in and the party tends to just as fabulous outside on the square as inside the bars.
If you’re looking for something a bit more classy or romantic, the cocktail bars around Gammel Strand is a great choice.
Itinerary for Copenhagen – Day 2: Until next time…
9 am: Breakfast and off to Copenhagen Airport
Oh no! Time to go already… and you may only have slept a few hours.
Grab your breakfast at the hotel or at the local bakery, pack your bags and head to the airport. Luckily it’s only a 15 minute metro or train ride away.
Looking for another itinerary for Copenhagen? Check out all itineraries here!
Looking for another itinerary for Copenhagen…
Summertime, “slowcation”, Christmas or Copenhagen quickies? Check all itineraries for Copenhagen and be inspired for your next trip to Scandinavia’s “Capital of cool”!
No doubt she’s pretty but can she also be witty? She’ll balance on heels but even better on two wheels…
Ok, we’ll leave the rhyming to Visit Copenhagen who captured the essence of the Copenhagen spirit pretty well in this ultra short poetry clip. Watch the video of Copenhagen and experience Copenhagen in 102 seconds. Enjoy!