Fall in Love with Aarhus

Aarhus is Denmark’s second city and its premier port town. It is one of the oldest cities in Denmark, with settlements dating back as far as the 8^th century, so it has its fair share of history and plenty of stories to tell. It is by no means a city stuck in the past, however, and has plenty to do all year round.

In the summer, Aarhus’s city centre and harbour are completely taken over by Aarhus Festuge, a cultural festival which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Each year the festival has a different theme and there are a wide range of cultural activities, and the streets are taken over by market stalls, outdoor cafes, concerts, street theatre and groups of friends having a great time.

ARoS is Aarhus’s most famous art museum and has a constantly-rotating selection of exhibitions including artists from all over the world. There is also a café and restaurant which offers some of the best views of the city, as well as a totally unique dining experience, serving local produce inspired by the changing seasons.

Aarhus Old Town (also known as Dem Gamle By) is an open-air museum which brings the history of the city to life. It consists of 75 buildings from different eras and areas of Denmark and is one of the most important Danish museums outside of Copenhagen, attracting over 3.5 million visitors each year. Most of these buildings are open to visitors, giving a snapshot of Danish life in various points in history, there are also several shops and restaurants in the old buildings which add to the illusion of a living town.

Moesgaard Museum is an excellent museum where you can learn about prehistory through interactive and innovative installations, all set in a striking, modern building which overlooks the forest and sea.

Aarhus is also a lively and vibrant centre for nightlife in Denmark, popular with students and young professionals alike. There are concert halls and music venues such as Train and Musikhuset Aarhus which are also popular bars and watering holes such as Social Club which are local favourites. Aarhus also has a cosmopolitan and international selection of restaurants available, sure to appeal to anyone’s tastes. Perhaps the best of these is Globen Flakket, a riverside eatery which attracts a big crowd every night.

Whether you’re looking for a cutting-edge modern apartment, or a boutique hotel in classic Scandinavian style, you’ll find a great place to rest your head in Aarhus. Hotel Royal is one of the most luxurious options available in the city, set in a wonderful and classically-Danish building in the middle of the city. There are also cheaper options available, such as City Sleep In Hostel or Hotel Gudsmelden for those on a tighter budget.