23-year-old Tania Ferrari is a freelance fashion photographer from Italy. Six months ago, after finishing her studies, she moved to Copenhagen to pursue fashion advertising and communication.
I first came to Denmark … in February. I always knew I wanted to live abroad, so I packed up my suitcase and bought a one-way ticket. I had no idea what to expect. I showed up in Copenhagen with no job prospects and no appartement. For the first month I live in a hostel in Nørrebro. Although I knew I wanted to work in fashion, I first got a job as a barista before becoming a freelance photographer.
If you asked me if it was love at first sight … I would say yes. I had never visited the city before I moved here, so I literally jumped into the situation. It has only been 6 months since I came here, but I do think Copenhagen is the right city if you want to reinvent yourself and figure out who you are.
My favourite thing about living in Copenhagen is … the way you travel the city. I love biking, it’s a beautiful way to see the scenery. I also think the hygge lifestyle fits me because I like living in a relaxed way.
The best place to take pictures in Copenhagen… is in Nørrebro. The hippy-vibe neighbourhood is really aesthetic.
My favourite observation about the Danes is … They are a bit closed off, but I don’t think this is so different from other parts of Europe.
Jeg kan tale … not so much Danish. I’ve been trying to learn it without going to school, but I’m planning on starting classes in September. I think it is really important to learn the language as an act of respect for the Danish language and culture.
The best way of making Danish friends is … through public relations, if you know someone that knows a Dane, then take the chance to get in touch with them. Hobbies like playing tennis or going to dance school are also a really good way to meet new people.
On an integration scale of 1 to 10, I would say I’m a… 7, but I’m pretty confident that one day I’m going to be a 10 .
I have more international friends in my social circle because… I have a lot of Italian friends. I knew that there were lots of Italians here but I didn’t expect this many. I have friends from Spain, Iceland, and from the east of Europe.
I recommend that visitors to the city go to… Nyhavn, because it’s really famous. Skip the mermaid – it’s really small. I think Copenhagen is a better city to live in than to come to as a tourist. Of course, there are a lot of beautiful things and monuments to see, but it’s more a city for experiences, I think.
The best places to visit on a budget are… just the outdoors. Rent a bike, because that way you’re able to see a lot of the city. There are also a lot of free art galleries.
Three great food and drink spots are… Domo Sushi, Copenhagen Coffee Lab and the Meatpacking District as a whole, for drinks. I really like that neighbourhood and the vibe its got going on.
The three words that I think best describe Copenhagen are… Liveable, happy and colourful. I think when the weather is that grey all the time the city needs to be colourful.
