The Bars And Galleries Of The Meatpacking District In Copenhagen, Denmark

Once home to numerous food industry businesses, Copenhagen’s meatpacking district Kødbyen has transformed into a creative hub by day and a district of lively nightlife and trendy restaurants by night.

Located slightly off the tourist trail, the district is nevertheless easy to find just a few minutes walk behind Copenhagen’s main train station. It’s well worth a visit for anyone wanting to dig below the surface of Scandinavian cities and find a more local experience.

Students of urban development also flock to the area to appreciate the changes undergone in the area. The oldest 19th-century buildings close to the railway tracks were the beginnings of the district, while other distinctive architectural styles mark the area’s development. Many of the galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bars retain the rough aesthetic of the original buildings.

Its proximity to the train station means that even travelers taking weekend trips to Copenhagen can incorporate a meal or a drink in the Meatpacking District.

Where to eat and drink

Despite the informal atmosphere and rough second-hand decor, Kødbyens Fiskebar received a Bib Gourmand in a previous edition of the Michelin Guide to Nordic Cities.

While a stylish place to be seen, people do also come here for the food whether that be a few nibbles with a glass of wine or a full three-course meal. Five different types of oyster are on offer, while all herbs and vegetables are sourced from organic farms or foraged around Copenhagen.

If you prefer barbecue and beer, Warpigs is a must-do. The collaboration between 3 Floyds Brewing and Mikkeler has become a firm favorite in the Danish capital.

The aroma of smoked meat is hard to resist, while you have the choice of 22 tap beers to wash it all down. Arrive early as the slow-smoked meats often sell out before the night is over.

If that’s not enough beer for you, Fermentoren offers 24 beers on tap and stays open until at least midnight every day.

Elsewhere in the district, Tommi’s Burger Joint is a good choice for food in a rush, while the bustling Gorilla offers snacks and sharing plates or a something for everyone menu of fish, pasta, meat and salads.

Arts and culture

Most of the district’s art galleries are clustered around the central square Flæsketorvet.

A top choice for international visitors, Galleri Bo Bjerggaard focuses on international contemporary art including numerous examples of high-quality photo and video art. The gallery also runs a nearby sales-focused gallery named Ekele, which specialises in original graphics and art books.

Other popular galleries include Gallery Poulson and V1 Gallery. Poulson rotates its exhibitions up to ten times per year and its owners travel to many leading international art fairs, something which is reflected in the global focus of many of its exhibits. The long-established V1 also works to showcase international artists working across different media.

Before your visit, check to see if there are any exhibitions or events taking place at Øksnehallen, a former cattle market turned exhibition space when Copenhagen served as European Capital of Culture back in 1996.

Another place worth looking up the schedule for is Warehouse9, a multidisciplinary performance venue and the longest running LGBTQ+ performance venue in Denmark.

How to get to Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District

From Copenhagen’s central train station or the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, the Meatpacking District is just 10-15 minutes walk.

From other parts of central Copenhagen such as Kongens Nytorv, it’s about a 35 minutes walk or you can take the metro to København H, from where the Meatpacking District is just a 5 minute walk.

Scandic Kødbyen offers 370 rooms on the western side of the district and you can expect an informal, lively atmosphere in the bars and lounges.