AMAGER – a hidden gem in Copenhagen

If you ask a born-and-raised Copenhagener about Amager (pronounced Ama’r) they will either frown or tell you how much they love the island. Amager was a low-income area with cheap apartments, and as such was considered a low-status and somewhat dodgy neighbourhood. But a lot has happened recently. Situated just beyond the historic Christianshavn area, Amager is a great destination close to the city, but removed from the high-density tourist zones. This often-overlooked ‘small city in the bigger city’ is where you find the gems; like locally produced kombucha, natural wine, cafés and fantastic second-hand shopping. Read on to discover the best hidden gems in Amager to visit on your next trip to Copenhagen.

Alice Ice Cream & Coffee

Copenhagen is renowned for good coffee. On the border of Amager and Christianshavn, you’ll find the café and (during summer) ice-cream shop Alice. The spot serves amazing coffee, masala chai, natural wine to-go and a small selection of homebaked goods that draw a queue of locals on sunny mornings. The interior is minimalistic – the coffee speaks for itself – and it’s a good place to work from.

Markmandsgade 1

Instagram: @alice.cph

Tapirus Second hand

This is hands downs one of Copenhagen best second-hand stores. Tapirus buys and sells pre-loved fashion for men and women. You will find clothes, accessories, shoes and jewellery from trendy Scandinavian brands, as well as fun vintage and lesser-known gems. No shopping trip is complete without a visit to Tapirus.

Amagerbrogade 48 C

Instagram: @tapirus_secondhand_shop

Naturlig Høst

Naturlig Høst means ‘Natural Harvest’. With a nice selection of organic fruits, vegetables and loose-weight nuts, the newly-opened produce store has been welcomed with open arms to the neighbourhood. Find high-quality chocolate bars, Danish rapeseed oil and other delicacies to bring on a picnic, or to gift to a loved one.

Amagerbrogade 118

Instagram: @naturlig_hoest

Josephine

Josephine is a cosy wine shop and bar located in an old bodega that has been lovingly restored by the new owners. Josephine has quickly become ‘the place’ for locals to swing by for a glass or two after work or for first dates, and is popular among wine-loving Copenhageners. With a giant selection of red, white, rosé and orange wine, kombucha and beer, it’s one of Copenhagen’s best new wine bars. Don’t miss the DJ sessions on Sundays or wine tastings on Thursdays.

Frankrigsgade 15

Instagram: @josephine_amager

KBH Deluxe

If you’re new to buying clothes second-hand, or don’t want to waste any time looking through piles of clothes, KBH Delux is for you, with only a curated selection of Scandinavian and higher-end brands. At KBH Delux you will find vintage and pre-loved clothes, shoes and accessories for women.

Amagerbrogade 57

Instagram: @kbh_deluxe

Le Kaff

It’s hard to find raw and vegan pastries and cakes, but at Le Kaff they have something for everyone. Next to the beach, Le Kaff is perfect for sipping on cool ice lattes during summer and warm hot chocolates during winter. Do not miss the pistachio cake – a rich chocolate and crunchy pistachio dream.

Øresundsvej 158

Instagram: @lekaff

Amager beach

Any Amager local will agree that the beach is one of the area’s best features. This beautiful white-sand beach is the perfect place to spend all day with the kids and family, or to go for a quick dip with friends. Close to the metro station Amager strand, on a hot summer’s day Amager Beach feels like a Danish version of a Mediterranean beach.

Table Ferments

One of the best things about Amager is the number of creative people. Table Ferments is run by two kombucha enthusiasts that make top-class kombucha in unexpected flavours. Ever tried bay leaf, beetroot or oregano kombucha? This is your sign to explore a new palette. Open by appointment only.

Liflandsgade 4

Instagram: @tableferments

Left: Table Ferments. Right: Nomad and the bean.

Nomad and the Bean

A cup of cofee at the café Nomad and the Bean feels like sitting in your uncle’s living room, with friends and family popping by. It’s a tiny café with a giant heart. The owner roasts his own coffee and wholeheartedly embraces every guest to make them feel at home. The coffee is so fresh you’ll want to buy a bag to take home – which you can.

Holmbladsgade 15

www.purplenomad.dk

Ost og Deli

The vibrant yellow walls of this minimalistic deli match the bold flavours of the cheeses, canned goods in beautiful packaging, and natural wines that it sells. The owner is happy to help you find the perfect cheese, and even seeks out vegan cheeses to suit everyone’s needs. A fantastic little store to write home about.

Holmbladsgade 5

Instagram: @ostogdeli_amager

Naturlig Høst.