With the aptly chosen slogan of the world's "smallest big city", Aarhus is petite enough for one to be acquainted with the place in a short time, yet large enough to fill the days and nights with lively activities and events. The mixture of youthful optimism and creativity, together with the city's good old-fashioned cosiness, create a unique atmosphere, which will make your visit to Aarhus a pleasant and uplifting experience.
Aarhus was founded by the Vikings some 1300 years ago, and has been an important trading city ever since. However, it was not until the 1900’s that Aarhus really started growing and soon became Denmark’s second largest city after the capital of Copenhagen. Dubbed the cultural capital of Denmark (and proudly holding the title of European Capital of Culture for the year 2017), Aarhus has been at the forefront of defining Danish art and culture for years, which also shows through the city’s architecture and the up-and-coming designer shops and boutiques popping up across Aarhus. Denmark's second city is also very musical - once home to a burgeoning music scene (many of the nation's iconic bands started here), it now carries its cultural legacy through the annual International Jazz, SPoT, and NorthSide Festivals.
The relatively large influx of young people and students from across the Nordic countries creates a natural base for cultural activities, and there are countless cafes as well as clubs, cinemas, museums, parks and various other venues of entertainment. Each year, the town hosts several festivals and concerts including Aarhus International Jazz Festival in July and Aarhus Festuge in September—the biggest themed festival in Scandinavia.
There are plenty of eating places in downtown Aarhus. The obvious places can be found on the main streets, but by wandering around in the small side alleys, you can also find other cosy eateries at sometimes cheaper prices. If you want to taste a good old Danish dish, try out the esteemed Pinden Restaurant (listed below).
