VisitAarhus

The heart of Aarhus - culture, life and atmosphere

Right in the centre of Aarhus lies the heart of the city – a vibrant area where culture, history and city life come together. There’s always something to discover here, whether you’re into shopping, café culture, art or historic surroundings.

The Latin quarter in Aarhus
Photo: jakob Vingtoft

In Aarhus, life is a bit slower even though Aarhus is a rapidly developing city, the pulse of the city meets a relaxed atmosphere and offers both culture and world-class experiences.

The small streets at the heart of the city intertwines and reveals Aarhus’ age. The old Latin Quarter, surrounds Store Torv and Bispetorv where you will find Aarhus Cathedral, which was built between 1190 and 1300. The tower with its 96 meters is one of the tallest in Denmark and the church, which is the main church in Aarhus Parish, is absolutely worth a visit.

The city’s charming neighbourhoods

In the Latin Quarter, Vestergade, Trøjborg and on Aarhus Ø – you can choose between the charming old cobbled streets or the trendy new area close to the water.

The city’s vibrant centre is centred around Strøget and the surrounding streets. Here you can explore everything from well-known shops to small specialist boutiques that give the area its special charm.

The cathedral is located at the end of Strøget, and it is also on Strøget that you’ll find the department store Salling, where, from the top of Salling ROOFTOP, you can enjoy the view of the city with a drink, a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. On selected days, you can listen to small, intimate concerts, and if you dare, you can step out onto the transparent platform that hovers above the shoppers many metres below you.

From the platform, you can see Aarhus City Hall, which is just a stone’s throw away. The City Hall was designed by the world-famous architects Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller, whilst the interior and furniture were designed by furniture architect Hans J. Wegner. It is open to visitors, and you can take a guided tour with AarhusGuiderne.

And not far from Aarhus city centre lies Aarhus Ø – the new district that has sprung up in the city in recent years. Here you can experience the thoroughly modern Aarhus with its architectural high-rises, home to both the iconic buildings Isbjerget and Lighthouse, Denmark’s tallest building.

Discover art and beautiful murals

Explore the popular Kunstrute, where you can discover arts and crafts and get tips on the best experiences from place to place. Delve into history, discover beautiful nature areas or explore the city's many gable murals, such as the 17 Walls - a project that brings the UN Sustainable Development Goals to life through fascinating gable art. Use the app to experience public art in new ways!

Cafés and city life

It is also in the heart of the city that you’ll find a wide selection of cafés, bars and restaurants. Take a break by the river, where outdoor seating areas line the banks and the atmosphere is lively – especially during the warmer months. Here you can start the day with a cup of coffee, enjoy lunch in the sunshine or round off the evening with dinner and a glass of wine.