General

A fashion photographer’s tips for discovering Copenhagen

Italian-born Tania Ferrari is a freelance fashion photographer, and a newcomer to the Danish capital.

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.

TOP STORIES

  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs