Describe who you are in 3 sentences:My name is Anders Elmshøj and I’m 24 years old. My day to day life I spend as a lifestyle and fashion photographer based in Copenhagen. I originally wanted to be a professional skateboarder, but a bad hip and lack of skills prevented me from that.
What is your relation to this city?
I moved to Copenhagen straight from highschool in the summer of 2014. When I first moved to the city there was a lot of things to get used to, when you are from a small town called Næstved with 43000 residences. I saw Copenhagen as an enormous city, but quickly realized how small it actually was compared to other big cities in the world, this is mainly what I love about Copenhagen. If you own a bike, you can be anywhere within 15-20 minutes without breaking a sweat. My main reason for moving to Copenhagen was to find more work regarding photography. I have since then opened up my own studio which is basically my second home, as I tend to spend more time there than in my apartment.
Best experience?
Weirdest experience?
Last summer. We had the hottest summer in years. We don’t really rely on good weather in Copenhagen. So when we had three consecutive months of almost tropical weather, the city was almost melting.
Your top 3 hangout spots?
1. I love to hang out in my studio. It is the place where I can find peace and get creative. I share my studio with young entrepreneurs, like myself, and I see them as my friends. We host great Friday bars together.
2. At night I like to be at the restaurant/bar called "Cantina". They serve great beer, drinks or whatever you are in the mood for. I usually drink at the place but the food there is great as well.
3. The old meat district in Copenhagen locally known as 'Kødbyen' is a great place to be all-year-round. The place itself has many forms of original restaurants, bars and clubs. You can’t really go wrong anywhere in that area.
Favourite restaurants?
- “La Banchina”, It is literally a small shed with a kitchen inside, they serve breakfast and various fresh fish.
- “Porno Pizza” on Gothersgade it is not the actual name of the place but I am pretty sure they got their nickname because they used to play porn videos in the restaurant while you were waiting for your pizza. But nonetheless. Great Pizza! Especially in the early hours on Saturdays.
Best date place?
I love to cook. So I would probably cook my date a meal. I don’t like to be formal when going on dates. If we were to go for a drink, then there is a nice wine bar on Nørrebro called "Vinhanen". They serve great organic wine, in an authentic and mature atmosphere.
If you are going on a date in Copenhagen there is also the option to look up if there are any flee markets in the area. Trust me! Walking around a flee market can be the ice breaker to a lot of funny and strange conversations.
Best Sunday spot?
In my bed nursing my hangovers. If not that you can go to the lakes in the centre of Copenhagen. If the weather is good, you can grab a coffee and sit on one of the benches surrounding the lakes.
If you were to live in another place, where would that be and why?
Paris is one of my favourite cities other than Copenhagen. It’s beautiful, the food is great and learning to speak French is on my bucket list. I’ve had some of my best memories from that city.
Where is your escape place from this city?
Tisvildeleje in northern Zealand. My friend has a super cozy summer house there and I frequently visit. It’s only an hour north of Copenhagen where you suddenly find yourself surrounded by beaches and woodland. Everything is very local and you can easily turn off your brain. You can go for a long weekend or maybe even just a day.
Best 5 local advices?
1. Rent a bike.
2. Stay on the right side of the bike lane so people can pass you. Locals can be very aggressive when biking.
3. Don't just stay in the city center. Every area has its own charm. I’m especially fond of the areas Vesterbro and Nørrebro.
4. Visit in the spring or summer time. Copenhagen or Denmark in general isn’t known for its good weather unfortunately.
5. If you want to try great traditional danish food then try places that serves 'Smørrebrød'. It is rye bread with various toppings. If your not into rye bread then nothing beats a good fish filet with remoulade.