Vesterbro

Once seedy, now swarming with hipsters

Word to the wise: Vesterbro has its own palm-fringed artificial beach, the pun-tastically named Copencabana. Find it in front of the Fisketorvet shopping centre during summer months.
Until quite recently, announcing you were heading over to Vesterbro for the evening would result in raised eyebrows. Now, you're more likely to get an approving nod. Once Copenhagen's red light district, this area to the west of Central Station has become the place for the young and the hip, and if a hot restaurant or cutting-edge gallery is opening in the city, chances are it'll be here.

Istedgade is Vesterbro's best known street, but it still carries traces of sleaziness, particularly at the station end. Best to head instead for the funky Oehlenschlagersgade and Vaernedamsvej, famous for its speciality food shops. When the sun goes down, head for the meat-packing area, Koedbyen - unappealingly translated as 'Meat City' - where discerning clubbers and bar flys will be spoilt for choice.