Østerbro Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to stay, foods to try, and much more in the beautiful neighborhood of Østerbro.


If you are planning to visit Copenhagen, make sure you don’t miss exploring Østerbro, one of the city’s most charming and picturesque neighbourhoods located in the northeastern part of the city. With its mix of historical landmarks, natural attractions, and outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in Østerbro.

Introduction to Østerbro

Østerbro, like many neighbourhoods in Copenhagen, is the epitome of Scandinavian charm, with its colourful 19th-century townhouses, picturesque parks, elegant avenues, and stylish cafes lining the streets. The neighbourhood is well-connected to the city centre and offers the perfect balance between urban and natural landscapes, with wide pavements, green spaces, and bike-friendly streets.

List of Places to Visit in Østerbro

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you are a history buff, then Østerbro has plenty to offer in terms of cultural and historical attractions. Here are some must-visit places:

  • The Copenhagen National Museum: The largest cultural and historical museum in Denmark, it showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage, art, and history.
  • The Workers Museum: This museum, located in the heart of Østerbro, documents the life and struggles of the working-class people in Denmark.
  • The Danish Jewish Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Denmark’s Jewish community and is housed in an iconic building designed by Daniel Libeskind.

Natural Attractions of Østerbro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Østerbro is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with several lush green parks, beaches, and lakes offering a range of outdoor activities. Here are some of the best natural attractions you must explore:

  • Fælledparken: Copenhagen’s largest park, Fælledparken covers an area of 58 hectares and includes a skate park, football pitches, and a playground.
  • The Lakes: Østerbro is home to three man-made lakes that are popular for walking, jogging, and cycling.
  • The Little Mermaid Statue: No visit to Copenhagen is complete without seeing the iconic Little Mermaid statue, located on the Langelinie promenade.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Østerbro

One of the best ways to explore Østerbro’s natural beauty is by hiking or biking. The neighbourhood has several scenic routes perfect for leisurely walks or intense cycling. Here are some of the best routes:

  • The Fælledvej Route: A three-kilometre long route that passes through Fælledparken and several other parks and lakes.
  • The Kastellet Route: A four-kilometre long route that takes you through the stunning Kastellet fortress, the Little Mermaid statue, and the Østre Anlæg park.

Best Things to Do in Østerbro: Activities and Tours

From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, Østerbro has something for everyone. Here are some of the best activities and tours you must try:

  • Rent a Bike: Cycling is almost a way of life in Copenhagen, and you can rent a bike and explore Østerbro’s neighbourhood at your own pace.
  • Boat Tour: Take a guided boat tour of the city from the harbour and enjoy stunning views of Østerbro from the water.
  • Food Tour: Try some of Østerbro’s delicious local cuisine on a guided food tour and sample some of the best traditional dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Østerbro

If you’re planning to spend a week in Copenhagen, make sure you allocate at least three days to explore Østerbro. Here is a sample itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Copenhagen National Museum and stroll through Fælledparken
2 Explore the lakes, the Little Mermaid statue, and the Kastellet fortress
3 Visit The Workers Museum and take a bike tour of the neighbourhood
4 Spend the day at the beach or rent a kayak in the nearby Øresund Strait
5 Take a boat tour of the city’s famous canals and see Østerbro from the water
6 Indulge in Østerbro’s food scene and try traditional Danish dishes
7 Spend the day shopping for souvenirs and local products to bring home

Food and Drink Scene of Østerbro

No visit to Østerbro is complete without trying some of the local cuisine and beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Smørrebrød: A traditional Danish dish consisting of an open-faced sandwich with meat, fish, or cheese toppings.
  • Frikadeller: Danish meatballs made with pork and beef, served with potatoes and gravy.
  • Rødgrød med Fløde: A berry pudding with cream.

Local Beverages

  • Snaps: A traditional Danish spirit made from distilled grains or potatoes, often served with pickled herring.
  • Øl: Danish beer is known for its excellent quality and variety, with several local breweries in Copenhagen.

Where to Stay in Østerbro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Østerbro has several accommodation options to suit every budget, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some top places to stay:

  • Hotel Osterport: This elegant hotel is located just a few steps away from Osterport Station, with easy access to the city centre and attractions.
  • Generator Hostel Copenhagen: A stylish and modern hostel located in the heart of Østerbro, with a range of affordable accommodation options.
  • Aurora Hotel: This charming hotel is located in a 19th-century building, with spacious rooms and a cosy atmosphere.

What to Buy in Østerbro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs and local products to bring back home, Østerbro has plenty to offer. Here are some top picks:

  • Royal Copenhagen Porcelain: Denmark is known for its high-quality porcelain, and Royal Copenhagen is the perfect place to shop for traditional Danish tableware.
  • Lakrids by Bülow: A Danish luxury brand that offers several flavours of gourmet liquorice, perfect for foodies.
  • Paper Collective: This Danish design company offers a range of art prints and posters by established and emerging artists.

Local Culture and Customs of Østerbro

Denmark has a rich cultural heritage, and the people of Østerbro are known for their friendly and welcoming nature. Here are some local customs to be aware of:

  • Hygge: Pronounced “Hoo-gah,” it is a Danish word that describes the feeling of cosiness and contentment during the winter months.
  • Cycling Culture: Copenhagen is famous for its bike-friendly streets, and cycling is a way of life for the locals.

Best Time to Visit Østerbro

Copenhagen is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Østerbro is from May to September when the temperatures are mild, and the days are longer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Østerbro

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine: Denmark is known for its delicious food, so make sure to try some traditional dishes such as Smørrebrød and Frikadeller.
  • Rent a bike: Cycling is the best way to explore Copenhagen, and Østerbro has several scenic routes perfect for cycling.
  • Visit the local markets: The farmers’ markets in Østerbro are a great place to sample local produce and foods.

Don’t:

  • Waste food: Danes are very conscious about food wastage, and it’s considered impolite to leave food on your plate.
  • Be loud in public places: Danes are known for their reserved nature, and loud behaviour in public places is frowned upon.
  • Forget to bring cash: While most places in Østerbro accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Safety and Health

Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates. However, it’s always a good idea to take the necessary precautions, such as keeping your valuables safe and being aware of your surroundings. Here are some health tips:

Safety in Østerbro

  • Scams: While Denmark is a safe country, be aware of tourist scams such as pickpocketing and overcharging for goods and services.
  • Transportation safety: Østerbro is well-connected to the city centre, and public transportation is generally safe. Taxis are also a safe option.

Health in Østerbro

  • Drink tap water: Tap water in Denmark is safe to drink, and you can save money and reduce plastic waste by bringing a refillable water bottle.
  • Beware of allergies: Danish cuisine often contains nuts and other allergens, so be sure to ask about the ingredients before ordering food.

Getting to Østerbro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Copenhagen is well-connected to the rest of the world, and it’s easy to reach Østerbro from the airport or the city centre. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Østerbro

  • Copenhagen Airport: Also known as Kastrup Airport, it’s the largest airport in Denmark, located just 9 kilometres from Østerbro.

Bus Stations Near Østerbro

  • Østerport Station: This is the nearest train station to Østerbro, and it’s well-connected to the rest of Copenhagen.

Other Options

  • Taxis: Taxis are a convenient and safe way to travel around Copenhagen, and many taxi companies offer fixed rates.

How to Get Around in Østerbro

Østerbro is a compact neighbourhood, and the best way to explore it is on foot or by bike. Public transportation is also a convenient option, with several bus and train routes connecting Østerbro to the rest of the city.

Where to Go Next from Østerbro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Copenhagen is a gateway to several other beautiful destinations in Denmark, and Østerbro is the perfect base from which to explore them. Here are some popular destinations:

  • North Zealand: This picturesque region is known for its stunning castles, scenic beaches, and charming towns.
  • Malmö: Located just across the Øresund Strait, this Swedish city is known for its beautiful architecture, food, and cultural landmarks.

Conclusion

Østerbro is a bustling and charming neighbourhood that offers a blend of history, culture, nature, and cuisine. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat traveller, there are plenty of things to see and do in Østerbro, so don’t miss out on this beautiful neighbourhood.

The The "soup terrine" building at Trianglen Swarms of tourists at the little mermaid statue Swarms of tourists at the little mermaid statue Kastellet Kastellet Nyboder Nyboder Trekroner fortress Trekroner fortress Walkway in National Gallery of Denmark Walkway in National Gallery of Denmark Fælledparken Fælledparken Den Franske Café and Guldanden by søerne at nighttime Den Franske Café and Guldanden by søerne at nighttime Cafe DagH on Østerbro Cafe DagH on Østerbro