INDRE BY

The tourist and shopping centre of town is ingeniously called Indre By, literally “inner city”, or just “K” – not for København, the Danish name for Copenhagen, but for the letter following the post code in this district – though it comprises a number of smaller districts, each with its distinct character.

Strøget – Minefeltet

Suburbanites, tourists and drunken Swedes roam the area for the abundance of shops, loud pubs and rather suspect fast food joints on Strøget, supposedly the world’s longest pedestrian shopping street , or seek respite on the more tranquil Strædet, running in parallel below and full of antique shops and cafes.

Købmager Kvarter

Although the main thoroughfare, the pedestrianised Købmagergade, plays second fiddle to Strøget, the area holds some of the city’s most attractive shops, bars and eateries. Busy throughout the day, it’s bustling with yummy mummies, trendy students and model-looking locals.

Pisserenden

Historically one of the seediest parts of the city, the neighbourhood just above Strøget carries the flattering name of Pisserenden (literally “the urinal”) and obviously where most of the old school gay scene is found. Today the nightlife and people are as colourful as the pretty old buildings.

Skater kids and students dominate by day before gays and bar hoppers move in at night. Most of the gay action is centered around the intersection of Larsbjørnsstræde and Studiestræde, although Ørstedsparken, the park across from Nørre Voldgade, gets busy on summer days for topless fun in the sun and at night for the bottomless sort.

Latinerkvarteret

It may be called the Latin Quartier but the historical university district that dates back to medieval times is rather more subdued than its Parisian counterpart. With most of the faculties having moved out to more modern facilities, the area is giving up the books for lattes and fashion.

Vester Kvarter

Pretty it ain’t, the part of town that stretches from Hovedbanen, the central station, to Rådhuspladsen, the city’s town hall square with all its flashy neon signs. Busy with traffic and commuters, it’s a transit area rather than a destination, except in the Tivoli in-season, when tourists and locals alike flock to the old amusement park.

Nyhavn

The harbour by the majestic Kongens Nytorv square used to be infamous for the debauchery dished up in generous servings to visiting sailors but today it’s mostly overpriced lunches being administered. Postcard perfect, it’s a pretty spot for a cold beer dockside. On sunny days, most of the city’s population seems to agree.

Frederiksstaden & Nyboder

The stately, almost Parisian feel of Frederiksstaden stands in contrast to the humbler, but pretty and historic district of Nyboder. Noble and peaceful, the only queen in this part of town is the ruling majesty, whose main residence is at the rather modest Amalienborg Palace that forms the center of the area.