Aamanns, the pioneer of modernized smørrebrød, is also here, along with Neopolitan pizzeria Surt; Kona, a destination izakaya from former Noma chef Philipp Inrieter, and Studio, by Christoffer Sørensen, a Michelin Best Young Chef.
For 161 years, Copenhagen’s sprawling Carlsberg brewery held its secrets behind closed gates. When Carlsberg moved away in 2008, a plan was hatched to transform the old site, with its patinaed spires and life-size elephant statues, into a showcase neighborhood. What attracts residents to the emergent Carlsberg District also charms visitors: copious green space, easy public transit, and an evocative mash-up of contemporary and repurposed architecture, anchored by cherry-picked restaurants and shops. At the light-flooded Coffee Collective, they like to serve two roasts at once to contrast the beans’ terroirs. Aamanns, the pioneer of modernized smørrebrød, is also here, along with Neopolitan pizzeria Surt; Kona, a destination izakaya from former Noma chef Philipp Inrieter, and Studio, by Christoffer Sørensen, a Michelin Best Young Chef. Home designers Carl Hansen and Søn, by Adelborg and PP Møbler have arrived. Fashion’s Henrik Vibskov has also moved in, packing his atelier with kaleidoscopic garments, in contrast with the classic suits of Deerest nearby. In December 2023, the Carlsberg brewery itself springs back to life, with a state-of-the-art, interactive visitors’ center and the revival of its 1847 bar-room. Also to come are Friday summer parties in the courtyard and the unveiling of namesake Carl Jacobsen’s lavish gardens, open to the public for the first time since their 1890 groundbreaking. Afterwards, retire to the windowseat of your room at Hotel Ottilia overlooking the construction cranes. In a city that believes in livable density, you’re witnessing smart urban planning unfold. — Betsy Andrews