The city on foot
Photo: Anders Hede
Most of central Aarhus is easily covered on foot. There are many pedestrianised streets, narrow streets, open spaces, squares and car-free zones.
If you want to go shopping, the best places to go are: the newly-renovated pedestrianised high street "Strøget" which stretches from the railway station to the Cathedral; the city squares; the "Latin Quarter"; and along the re-opened section of the Aarhus Å river where you will find a string of vibrant and pleasant cafés.
It is also in these parts of the city that you find Old Aarhus. In the "Latin Quarter" there are many fine buildings dating back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Previously these used to be merchant's houses and small commercial concerns whereas today they have been converted into shops, restaurants and offices.
In the city centre there are also several of Aarhus’ architectural gems such as the old Customs House, the Aarhus Theatre, the Hotel Royal and the old City Hall which now holds The Women's Museum and The Occupation Museum.
Near the old city centre, at most a 10-minute walk, lies the City Hall park with the Aarhus City Hall, and, immediately opposite, the Concert Hall, the Scandinavian Congress Center and the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, and from this point it is only a further 10 minutes on foot to the Old Town.
The city also boasts several parks and green areas which are perfect for strolling in or for just sitting down on a bench to relax. The Old Town is located in the Botanical Gardens with its wonderful array of fascinating plants and trees.
The Memorial Park, which is in a wonderful location in front of the Marselisborg Palace leading down to the Bay of Aarhus, boasts vast lawns, huge old trees, the Rømer Garden with a wealth of flowers, and the monument to commemorate Danes who were killed as enlisted soldiers in the German army during WW1.
A stone’s throw from here lies the Marselisborg Palace Park which is open to the public when the Royal family is not in residence. The park, which has exceptional views of the bay, holds a fine collection of sculptures which are distributed throughout the park in an inspired and striking manner.
Both north and south of the city there are woodland areas which are perfect for strolling through, and both the local and the district councils organise nature walks in the area.
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