Why you should ditch the hotel and stay in an Airbnb
Daily cleaning, a breakfast buffet, soaps and shampoos… Hotels are nice (usually!) but staying in an Airbnb could add an extra spice to your Copenhagen adventure. Not only do you get a sneak peek in to the everyday lives of the danes. You also get the chance to experience the essence of ‘hygge’ and you may even get an understanding of why the Danes are so ridiculously happy… despite the lack of elevators and luxurious bathrooms.
Here is what you can expect when booking an Airbnb.
People actually live there
In many cities Airbnb is pure business. You can tell that no one lives there. No personal items, no family photos and very standardized interior. Airbnbs in Copenhagen are different. In most cases people actually live there. You shouldn’t expect to be left with too much closet space because the wardrobe is most likely packed with sweaters, jeans, dresses, etc. from the person who lives there, and you may be asked to water the plants if you are staying for a longer period of time. On the other hand you usually don’t have to worry about buying butter, ketchup, coffee and other essentials, which in many cases are part of the package.
The best part about checking into an Airbnb in Copenhagen is that you are entering a personal home that portrays the hygge and happiness that the Copenhageners are known for. Whether you are staying in a small apartment in Nørrebro, a modern seaside apartment in Islands Brygge or an old mansion in Østerbro you can very often expect to stay in a home that unites Danish design classics with a personal touch. Danes know good design, and they aren’t afraid to make it personal!
Small bathrooms and walk ups
While the Danes are big spenders when it comes to design, the Copenhageners are not the big bathroom connoisseurs. It’s not that the regular Copenhagener doesn’t want a cool bathroom. We do! But many of us also enjoy living in old, charming buildings and let’s face it… they didn’t have bathrooms back in the 1870’s.
If you are staying in the old working class neighborhoods such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro and Amager you could end up with a small bathroom covering about 1 square meter, which fits a toilet, sink and a shower. Pretty impressive actually! Also you will rarely find an elevator in the older buildings. Frederiksberg and Østerbro are also home to many lovely, old buildings but back in the days these areas were primarily reserved for the better bourgeoisie, who could afford – and had enough space for – an actual bathroom. If a large, modern bathroom and an elevator is your main priority you should probably have a look at the newer areas such as Islands Brygge, Nordhavn, Amager Beach, Sluseholmen and Teglholmen.
Amazing design
Denmark is known for the endless list of great 20th century designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Poul Henningsen and many more. The designs are known for simplistic functionalism suited for everyday life whether you’re young or old, and the classics can be found in many homes across all social classes.
When checking into an Airbnb in Copenhagen you could very well run into iconic chairs such as The Ant, the Y Chair, The Egg, The Swan, Papa Bear Chair and the 7 Series as well as PH lamps, Flowerpot and several other Danish darlings.
5 reasons to pick an Airbnb in Copenhagen
- Understand and feel the concept of ‘hygge’ in a homely atmosphere.
- Cook your own food. Eating out in Copenhagen can be pricy.
- Authentic and local! Get closer to the locals and experience their lifestyle.
- Pick the neighborhood that matches your personality.
- It’s a real home and your host may even lend you his or her bike.
Hip, central or quiet? Which Airbnb in Copenhagen is for you?
The question is not whether or not you should chose to stay in an Airbnb in Copenhagen. The question is where to stay. Copenhagen has plenty of personalities spread all over town and there’s an Airbnb to suit any mood.
If you want to stay in the hip neighborhood of Nørrebro, Airbnb is pretty much your only choice since there are basically no hotels in this part of town. And even Amager, Frederiksberg and Østerbro only have a few hotels to chose from.
Stay in Vesterbro if you’re looking for nightlife, great dining options and a neighborhood that’s both cool and central. Head to Østerbro is you’re looking for extra space, playgrounds for the kids and some peace and quiet. Pick Nørrebro if you want to hang out with the young, cool crowds or stay in Frederiksberg if you’re looking for the exact opposite of Nørrebro. Amager is great if you expect to spend a lot of time at the beach, in Refshaleøen or Christianshavn. And last but not least: Go for Indre By and Christianshavn if you want to stay central and have all the biggest sights within walking distance.
