Meet Pauline: On the move and looking for stories

For the first article ever in our series City Voices, we are starting at home. Meet Pauline Vink, the creator and editor of See Copenhagen City.

1. How did you end up in Copenhagen?
My husband and I moved to Ørestad from Northern Jutland in the spring of 2020, and we instantly fell in love with both our neighbourhood in Ørestad and Copenhagen as a whole.

2. What does a typical day in your Copenhagen look like?
I use the city every day. Most mornings start in Ørestad, often with coffee and a bit of writing before heading out. I spend much of my time exploring different neighbourhoods in search of inspiration for new stories, meeting people and visiting new places. One of my favourite routines is taking the metro to Kongens Nytorv and simply walking from there without a plan. Sometimes I end up in Nyhavn, other times all the way to Vibens Runddel. The best ideas usually come when I am moving around the city.

3. Your favourite neighbourhood right now? Why?
Ørestad, of course. For me, it has everything I need in everyday life: great cafés and restaurants, and beautiful nature just outside the door. That mix of city energy and calm, green surroundings feels quite unique and is one of the reasons I enjoy living here so much.

4. A place you always bring friends or visitors?
Recently, Restaurant Nögen has become one of my go to places when friends or visitors come to Copenhagen. My husband and I had such a great evening there that I have kept bringing people back. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is relaxed and genuine, and the menu is based on surplus ingredients, with a real focus on sustainability.

5. A personal favourite most people do not know about?
Kay’s in Ørestad. It is almost an institution in its own right, because it offers so much in one place: a bakery, café, restaurant, deli and food shop. They also host very affordable community dinners every Thursday evening, which makes it feel like a real local gathering point.

6. Best coffee in the city?
I know it is a cliché, but any coffee you drink while walking around Copenhagen somehow becomes the best coffee.

7. Where do you go when you need inspiration or a break?
For a break, I head to Kalvebod Fælled. The openness and quiet nature help me clear my mind. Inspiration, on the other hand, almost always comes from the city. Walking through different neighbourhoods, observing everyday life and small details is where most of my ideas begin.

8. A recent discovery in Copenhagen?
It may not be a discovery yet, but I am very curious about the new Postbyen area that is about to open. I think it has the potential to become an exciting new part of the city, and I am looking forward to following how it develops.

9. One thing Copenhagen does better than anywhere else?
There are many great cities in the world, but Copenhagen really hits a sweet spot. It is incredibly walkable, has a strong culinary scene, rich cultural life and so many green spaces.

10. What do you think the future holds for Copenhagen?
I see Copenhagen becoming an even stronger international hub for culture, food and sustainable urban living. The challenge will be to grow while preserving the sense of community and everyday liveability that makes the city so attractive in the first place.