5. Copenhagen: Vesterbro Beer & Neighborhood Tour
Your Copenhagen tour starts at the city’s central station before venturing into what used to be the roughest neighbourhood in town. As the world’s most famous red-light district of the ’60s, Vesterbro quickly made a name for itself, which brought with it drug addicts, street prostitutes, tattoo shops, as well as shady dive bars. Wandering the streets today, though, you see first-hand how gentrification can change a place.
We start the Vesterbro neighbourhood tour with a visit to one of the few traditional bodegas still standing that has not been completely overrun by newcomers to the area. Here, we enjoy a beer in a familiar Danish atmosphere and talk about its importance for the locals who have lived in the neighbourhood all their life.
From there, we make our way up one of the most famous streets in Denmark, where you hear stories of the Vesterbro of the past. This takes us into a quiet street where you hear a drama-filled story of two siblings who had a knack for beer, which they turned into a hugely popular beer brand that resonates so well with the city’s contemporary way of life.
As we move on, you hear about and experience one of the city’s amazing parks and its importance to the neighbourhood, as well as be introduced to one of our local breakfast secrets that you just must try. We end the tour at one of the locals’ favorite additions to the Copenhagen bar scene that mixes the homely and the new golden craft brew, where you’re free to roll the dice if their selection gets too overwhelming. Stay as long as you like, or, if you feel like exploring further, your guide is happy to share dinner recommendations — there are many excellent places just around the corner.