Morning
We’re going to start our perfect day in Aarhus by going backwards, making a journey to the past to see what Denmark used to be like. Sure, starting by going backwards doesn’t really make sense, but you’ll just have to trust us on this one. Den Gamle By is one of the country’s great museums, the first open-air museum of its kind on the planet and an absolute must when in Aarhus. The museum is home to more than 70 buildings representing architectural styles from all over Denmark. It is also home to the Danish Poster Museum, which is undoubtedly one of our favourite museums in the city.Den Gamle By is located next to the Botanical Gardens of Aarhus, a verdant expanse of flora that seems to be perpetually under threat. Give it the love it deserves by checking out as much as you can, paying special attention to the greenhouses — they are about as photogenic as greenhouses get.
Afternoon
We’ve dealt with the past, so time to hurtle you fast into the future. ARoS is one of our favourite museums and galleries in Aarhus, in Denmark, in Scandinavia, and it won’t take you long to understand why. The art museum is one of the largest in Northern Europe, covering 10 storeys of magic showcasing the best of Danish art along with no small amount of excellence from around the world. The highlight of the museum stands on top, the rainbow-called circular walk, a viewpoint that give stunning vistas of Aarhus in a variety of colours. Gorgeous.From artistic excellence to struggle. Head from ARoS to the Aarhus Women’s Museum, a hugely important house that details the struggle for equality that women in Denmark have been forced to undergo over the centuries. The Occupation Museum is next door, an impactful look at the years Denmark spent under Nazi occupation during World War II. This could all get a little heavy (could? It will!) so head to the harbour and check out Dokk1, an architectural curiosity that is home to a cultural centre and the largest public library in Scandinavia.
Evening
Where to party in Aarhus? Before you hit the booze, head to Godsbanen to see if anything exciting is going on at Aarhus’ cultural power plant. There usually is, so come prepared. Godsbanen is more than just an Instagrammer’s wet dream, this is a celebration of art in all its forms, with frequent exhibitions, live music events, theatre and all the rest. You could easily spend your entire evening here.You could do that, or you could head back to the Latin Quarter and indulge in a spot of bar hopping. This is the oldest part of Aarhus and maybe its most picturesque, a collection of adorable streets that are home to an array of bars, restaurants, pubs and cafes, all offering something just a little bit different. That is Aarhus in a nutshell really — beauty, culture, excitement and that intangible eccentricity that makes Denmark a truly special place.
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