Copenhagen: Politically Incorrect Beer Tasting Walking Tour

A Walk Through Copenhagen’s Vesterbro with a Twist of Beer and Humor

Exploring Copenhagen’s Vesterbro neighborhood on a Politically Incorrect Beer Tasting Walking Tour offers a unique blend of gritty history, craft beer tasting, and a good dose of humor. This two-hour outdoor adventure takes you through a part of the city that has transformed from a rough red-light district into a buzzing hub of nightlife, all while giving you a behind-the-scenes look at its colorful past. The tour is led by guides who keep things lively, making it not just informative but downright entertaining.

What I appreciate most about this experience is how it balances authentic local culture with fun, approachable storytelling. The fact that it’s outdoor and alcohol-friendly (legally, of course) is a huge plus, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and city views while sampling some excellent beers. The tour’s emphasis on educating about the neighborhood’s seedy side—from brothels to drinking dens—gives you a different perspective on Vesterbro’s evolution. Plus, ending at WarPigs, a renowned BBQ spot, makes for a satisfying conclusion.

One small consideration is that since the tour is fully outdoors, you’ll want to dress appropriately for weather conditions. Also, it’s not a pub crawl, so don’t expect to bar hop nonstop—this is more about tasting, learning, and enjoying the scenery. The experience offers excellent value at $61, especially considering the 9 beers you get to try, the lively guides, and the insights into Copenhagen’s local beer scene and history.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic outdoor experience: Explore Copenhagen’s Vesterbro neighborhood in an open-air setting, which enhances the relaxed, social vibe.
• Diverse beer tasting: Sample 3 local beers and 6 craft beers, providing a broad view of Denmark’s brewing scene.
• History with humor: Guides share stories about Vesterbro’s colorful past—brothels, drinking dens, and its transformation—often with a humorous twist.
• Not a pub crawl: This tour emphasizes learning and tasting rather than hopping from bar to bar, ending at a top-rated BBQ restaurant.
• Excellent guides: Multiple reviews highlight guides like Thor, Martin, and Roger for their humor, knowledge, and engaging storytelling.
• Great value: For $61, you get 9 beers, a guided walk, and insider insights—an enjoyable way to see a different side of Copenhagen.

Exploring Copenhagen’s Vesterbro: A Neighborhood Reborn

Vesterbro in Copenhagen is a neighborhood that intrigues visitors with its dramatic shift from its red-light roots to a lively, trendy district. This walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into this area’s gritty past and its current vibrant scene. If you’re interested in a mix of history, local culture, and beer, this tour hits all those notes.

The tour begins just inside the Urban House Hostel, where you’ll meet your guide next to an orange cooler—an inviting start to your two-hour journey. From there, you’re walking through streets filled with stories, stopping at notable venues like Mikkeller Bar, Fermentoren, and Spunk, each offering a taste of Copenhagen’s craft beer craftsmanship.

What sets this experience apart is the storytelling. Guides like Thor and Martin are praised in reviews for their humor and deep knowledge. They keep things lively with fun anecdotes about the neighborhood’s seedy history and its evolution into a nightlife hotspot. You’ll learn about when the district was home to brothels and drinking dens, and how it has become a favorite among locals for its cool bars and restaurants.

The beer tasting itself is a highlight. With nine beers in total, ranging from light to double IPAs, you’ll get a broad sense of Denmark’s brewing creativity. While some reviews mention that tasting beer from cans might feel a bit modest, the experience is more about enjoying the atmosphere and learning about the breweries. Plus, the final stop at WarPigs is a treat—a renowned BBQ joint where food isn’t included but can be purchased to round out your evening.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting at Urban House Hostel
This spot is a natural meeting point and ensures everyone begins on a friendly note. The guide will introduce the neighborhood’s history and what to expect.

Mikkeller Bar
A name recognized worldwide among beer lovers, Mikkeller is known for innovative brews. This stop provides a quick 10-minute overview, allowing you to sample some local flavors and hear about the brewing scene directly from your guide.

Fermentoren
Spending about 15 minutes here, you’ll get an inside look at one of Copenhagen’s best craft beer bars. Guests rave about the guide’s stories that make even a brief stop memorable, with some reviewers mentioning that guides like Thor keep things entertaining with their humor.

Meatpacking District
This former industrial meatpacking hub has transformed into a lively nightlife area with cool bars and eateries. Expect about 15 minutes of walking and tasting, where guides will share stories about the district’s past—things like brothels and drinking dens—and how it’s become trendy today.

Spunk
Another 15-minute stop, Spunk is revered for its selection of craft beers. Reviews highlight guides like Magnus for their humor and knowledge, making each tasting session both fun and educational.

Sonder Boulevard
A short 10-minute stop, where you’ll learn about the latest hotspots. The focus remains on beer, but guides also sprinkle in tips about more local favorites.

Ending at Flæsketorvet
Your tour concludes at this well-known address, where you can buy food to complement your beer experience. Many reviewers mention that their guides hung out afterward, making it easy to continue conversations and soak up Copenhagen’s lively vibe.

What You’ll Learn and Experience

This isn’t just about drinking. You’ll hear stories about Vesterbro’s colorful past—from its brothels to its drinking dens—and understand how the district has transformed into a hip area. Guides like Roger and Sebastian have a talent for weaving local history with humor, making the stories both engaging and easy to remember.

You’ll also learn about local breweries and their specialties, gaining insight into Denmark’s craft beer scene. Several reviews mention that guides are very knowledgeable, sharing details that go beyond just the taste—like brewery backgrounds and local trends.

The tasting of 9 different beers provides a good variety, from light beers suitable for beginners to more robust double IPAs. While some reviews note that the beers are from cans, most agree that the overall experience and the stories made up for it.

Since the tour is outdoors, dressing for the weather is advised, especially in Denmark’s unpredictable climate. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, so comfortable shoes and an umbrella or jacket are practical tips.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

If you appreciate local history told with humor, this tour will delight you. It’s especially suitable for those curious about urban transformation and local brewing scenes. Foodies who want to combine sightseeing with beer tasting will find it worthwhile, especially since it ends at a top BBQ restaurant.

It’s a great activity for adults of all ages, but not suitable for children or pregnant women. Also, if you’re gluten intolerant or sensitive, keep in mind that beer tasting is central to the experience.

Groups looking for a social, informal outing will love the friendly guide and the lively group atmosphere. Solo travelers often mention how the tour helps break the ice and meet new friends.

Price and Logistics

At $61 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the nine beers included and the insider knowledge. The tour lasts around two hours, making it an easy and manageable outing. Starting just inside the Urban House Hostel, it’s conveniently located for most visitors.

You can reserve and pay later, which is perfect if your plans are flexible. The outdoor setting and small group size create an intimate feel, and guides like Martin and Magnus are often praised for their engaging storytelling.

Final Thoughts

The Politically Incorrect Beer Tasting Walking Tour in Copenhagen is a distinctive way to explore Vesterbro. It’s perfect for those interested in local character, craft beer, and lively storytelling. While it’s not a pub crawl, it offers plenty of opportunities to taste different brews and learn about the neighborhood’s colorful past.

Guides like Thor, Martin, and Roger receive glowing reviews for their humor and knowledge, making the experience even more memorable. If you’re a curious traveler who enjoys combining history with a few laughs and a good beer, this tour is a fantastic choice.

Just remember to dress for the weather, plan for a bit of a walk, and perhaps make plans to continue the evening at WarPigs afterward. It’s a memorable way to see a different side of Copenhagen—where grit meets craft, and humor is always served cold.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women since it involves beer tasting and adult themes.

How many beers will I taste?
You’ll taste a total of 9 beers, including 3 local beers and 6 craft beers, providing a wide variety of flavors.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts just inside the Urban House Hostel, next to an orange cooler, and ends at Flæsketorvet 25 in Copenhagen.

Is the tour indoors or outdoors?
The entire tour takes place outdoors, so be prepared for the weather.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, weather-appropriate clothing, and a sense of humor.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are food and meals included?
No, food isn’t included, but you might want to purchase some at the final stop or plan to eat beforehand.

Is the beer from cans or bottles?
Some reviewers mention tasting beer from cans, which might be a slight disappointment for beer enthusiasts seeking fresh pours from taps.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it an easy and relaxed outing.

Is this a pub crawl?
No, it’s designed as an educational and tasting experience, not a pub crawl, with a focus on learning about the neighborhood and its breweries.

This Copenhagen tour offers a wonderful mix of history, humor, and good beer, making it a memorable way to explore one of the city’s most transforming neighborhoods. Whether you’re into craft brews, local stories, or just a fun outdoor activity, it’s well worth considering.