Copenhagen Alternative: Discover Vesterbro & Christianshavn with Local Cuisine Tasting
4.8
10 Ratings
København
Discover the alternative side of Copenhagen with a local private guide. Explore the quirky neighborhoods of Vesterbro and Christianshavn, and indulge in a tasting of local cuisine. Uncover hidden gems and offbeat places in this half-day tour.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Viktoriagade - This street was once a fortified area established by Christian IV in the 1600s, protected by a moat. By 1950, the area began redevelopment, and the moat resembled an open sewer, leading to the creation of the street over it. Land along the street was sold in lots starting in 1856, with many buildings dedicated to charity, such as homes for officers’ widows. Buildings at numbers 8, 10, and 12, built in the mid-1800s, are listed in the Danish register of protected buildings and sites.

  • Det Ny Teater - Opened in September 1908, this is one of Denmark’s largest theaters. It was designed to be a large theater and to create a passage between Gammel Kongevej and the new Vesterbro Passage (now part of Vesterbrogade).

  • Værnedamsvej - Named after Werner Dam, a beer collector who acquired land in the 1700s and opened a popular beer garden. It was also known as Slagtergaden (“Butchers’ Street”) due to the many butchers in the area.

  • Saxogade - In the early 1950s, residents of Saxogade sent a large letter of protest against the poor housing conditions. The neighborhood was initially home to factory workers who moved from the countryside seeking better living conditions. The demand for better housing was mainly for the children, as families lived in overcrowded, small one-room apartments, sometimes with up to 10 people.

  • Skydemuren - The shooting range wall is a castle-like structure flanked by two residential properties between Skydebanehaven and Istedgade. It was built as a bullet trap to protect traffic on the new Istedgade from projectiles from the Royal Danish Army’s shooting range, now Skydebanehaven. The wall forms the point de vue for Skydebanegade, which starts from the opposite side of Istedgade with its uniform, richly decorated houses.

  • Istedgade - Named in memory of the 1850 Battle of Isted in the First Schleswig War, Istedgade is one of Vesterbro’s most important streets. It is known for its role in World War II, its drug issues, and being the largest red-light district in Scandinavia. During WWII, it was a refuge for the Danish resistance, with the slogan: “They can take Rome, they can take Paris, but Istedgade will never fall.”

  • Istedgade 31 - Stjerne Radio opened in September 1942, run by Carl Munck and JK Søndergård. They broadcasted the English BBC radio through loudspeakers, playing a crucial role in the Danish resistance.

  • Meatpacking District, Copenhagen - A revitalized industrial area known for its trendy dining scene and vibrant nightlife.

  • Oksnehallen - An exhibition space in an old market building in the Meatpacking District. Built in 1891 to house merchant offices, it could accommodate 1,600 cattle. The market was used until the White Zone opened in the 1950s.

  • Halmtorvet - Originally Copenhagen’s haymarket, it was located inside the Western City Gate where City Hall Square is today. It closed on January 1, 1888, and moved to the area outside the new Livestock Market, which opened in 1879. Market days were Wednesday and Saturday, with several hundred loads of hay and straw traded and distributed to stables around the city.

  • Men’s Home for homeless - Established in 1910, this private organization (subsidized by the Danish state) helps homeless and vulnerable people recognize and use their resources to improve their lives and contribute to a diverse society.

  • st - Maria Church
    This small church opened in 1909 and now serves as a shelter for homeless people, families in need, and socially marginalized groups. It actively engages in the neighborhood, providing daily care and support to those seeking spiritual and economic help, including vulnerable groups like illegal immigrants, drug addicts, prostitutes, and people with criminalized lives.

  • Copenhagen - Lunch in a classic Danish restaurant.

  • København H - Built in 1911 and inspired by the architectural style of the town hall, it is Denmark’s largest railway station (Nørreport St. has the highest daily passenger flow). It has 7 platforms and 13 tracks.

  • Knippelsbro - A 115-meter long drawbridge built in 1937, connecting Copenhagen with the island of Christianshavn. The name comes from Hans Knip, who operated the bridge and collected tolls from passing ships in 1641, living on the bridge with his family.

  • Christians Kirke - A rococo-style church built between 1754-59, originally called Frederik’s German Church after Frederick V. It served the German-speaking congregation in Copenhagen who wanted their own church.

  • Strandgade 4 - This 1780s building housed the DieselHouse Museum (now moved to København SV), which tells the story of B&W, dating back to 1843. B&W started as a one-man smithing workshop and grew into one of Denmark’s largest workplaces, symbolizing Danish industry from 1865-1979. Today, it is MAN Energy Solutions.

  • Asiatisk Plads - Former base of the Danish Asia Company (1732-1843), now home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a convention center.

  • Sankt Annae Kirke - A place to see listed buildings from the 1600s-1700s, including houses 8-22 with remains from some of Copenhagen’s oldest houses (circa 1650), with no. 14 being the best preserved.

  • Wildersgade - A street dating from 1617-22 (from the founding of Christianshavn), now a quiet residential cobblestone street with mansions, old houses, and warehouses from the 1700s-1800s.

  • Wilders Kanal - Once a busy market square, it is now a relaxing spot with water views. It also has one of Copenhagen’s most expensive marinas, accessible only to yacht club members. The Wilders Plads 10 building is a beautiful 2-story timber-framed house built in 1736, originally a sailmaker’s workshop and housing.

  • Søkvæsthuset - A large yellow neoclassical building from 1754-56, now listed, it was a naval hospice and later housed the Danish Naval Museum/Orlogsmuseet until 2016.

  • Church of Our Saviour - A baroque church famous for its twisted spire with an external spiral staircase leading to the top. It serves as a parish church for about 8,000 people.

  • Christianshavns Voldgade - A defense zone created during the time of Christian IV to complete the capital’s protective ring and prevent Swedish attacks.

  • Freetown Christiania - A partially self-governed neighborhood of about 1,000 residents, established in 1971 by a group of hippies protesting the lack of housing on abandoned military land. Covering approximately 34 hectares, it is the second most visited site in Copenhagen after Tivoli, attracting half a million tourists annually.

What's Included
  • Metro tickets included
  • Taste local cuisine with a complimentary drink
  • 4-hour private tour with a local guide
What's Not Included
  • The guide will not go with you into Christiania as they are not allowed.
Additional Information

Copenhagen ranks among Europe’s most fascinating and enjoyable destinations. However, identifying the must-visit locales and enticing spots could be challenging. This Alternative Tour of Copenhagen is meticulously crafted to enlist some of the most intriguing attractions and concealed treasures of the Danish culture.

Delve into the peculiar aspects of Copenhagen, spanning from an erstwhile red-light district now transformed into a supremely trendy zone to a micronation housing 800 citizens. Experience an intimate viewing of some of the city’s unique locations, all within the span of half a day, guided personally by a local.

Location
Viktoriagade 8
Viktoriagade
In front of Mikkeller Bar.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(10 Ratings)
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1 star
Charlotte_v
Mar 30, 2024
Lost of history with a great guide - Our guide Alessandro took my sister and me to some places around Vesterbro and Christianshavn we would never have discovered on our own. The tasting stop was nice too. Alessandro knew his stuff and was very personable and friendly.
Review provided by Viator
Rom1ma
Jan 12, 2024
Copenhagen off the beaten track ! - What a great day we had with Grazi! We booked this tour wanting to see more of Copenhagen and discover it off the beaten track and it really delivered! Without spoiling the surprise, we strolled through Copenhagen's streets and neighbourhoods, learned about Denmark's history, talked about Danish society and got well needed background information about Freetown Christiania and so much more... The addition of a stop at the butcher's shop and lunch at a traditional Danish restaurant took this already good day to a whole another level. Grazi's full dedication to tell us all about the stops and streets, go above and beyond to answer all our questions really made us feel like the trip was curated to our every need. On top of that, her openness and interest in knowing us made the whole journey feel more like a day with a friend than just a tour. We cannot recommend this tour enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabethg_s
Dec 6, 2023
Great personal tour - Grazi was one of the best guides I have ever had with Viator. You could tell she was excited to share this experience and wanted to ensure we get the most out of the tour. She took us to places we would not have seen or experienced without her. We also appreciated that she shared some personal stories that related to Copehagen. This tour definitely showed us not the typical Copenhagen.
Review provided by Viator
Eulaliaanderson
Sep 20, 2023
Copenhagen's Secrets with Anders - Our guide, Anders, expertly tailored our tour to our interests, showcasing Copenhagen's rich history and culture. We explored lesser-known spots, like Skydebanehaven and Wildersgade (I had to look up this names to write them properly), with his fascinating commentary. A visit to Freetown Christiania was the highlight. I highly recommend this tour for a unique Copenhagen experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary_m
Aug 19, 2023
Hidden gems of Copenhagen - Excellent guide who took the time not only show us hidden gems but was also extremely knowledgable and engaging. Thanks Karolina
Review provided by Viator
Benoitmarceaauu
Apr 1, 2023
Great tour to go a little deeper - Great Tour with Tov! If you want to go to the typical tourist sites of Copenhagen this is not the tour for you. Tov took us into the real life of Vesterbro, a wonderful and trendy part of the city, full of interesting stories and present projects that help you to understand the unique character of the Danish people. We were then guided through the beautiful canals of Christiania after a rest break where we ate a Smorrebrod that left a delicious taste in our mouths. We left with the feeling that we had gone a bit deeper into the city. Great job Tov!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Poyrazoozgur
Feb 11, 2023
A different view of Copenhagen - Very interesting tour with Lesley. We toured Vesterbro, the most hipster part of Copenhagen, full of interesting stories and local life. Then we went to eat a typical Danish sandwich (I don't remember the name) in a very cozy restaurant. In the second part we went to walk around the canal area. Leslie has been a great guide, she is full of information and stories, all told in a very friendly touch. I highly recommend this tour for all those who have already done the typical tourist route and want to go deeper into the history, culture and neighborhoods of Copenhagen.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexandra_t
Nov 1, 2023
Interesting city tour with lots of insider info! - We did enjoy our tour with Alessandro very much! We walked from 11am until 2pm (3 hours) around the quarter Vesterbro and to Christianshavn. We also visited the free republic "Christiana" and had a look inside the small village. We walked everything, we also had good weather, no metro card was needed. We learned many things about the neighborhoods and the residents, it was very comprehensive and we could ask many questions. Only flaw: It was a bit expensive in my opinion, as no food or drink was offered, but I had expected some kind of "food tour", too bad. Nevertheless, we were very satisfied.
Review provided by Viator
Lorys_s
Aug 12, 2023
Too Short - The tour guide was very kind, patient and knowledgeable. We enjoyed the few areas that were visited; however, the tour took 2 hours as opposed to 3 hours and we did not take lunch to save time. In the end, we felt we paid too much money for this tour.
Review provided by Viator
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June 2024
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