To the west of Centrum is the vibrant neighborhood of Vesterbro. Formerly home to mostly working-class inhabitants and a red-light district, immigrants and trendy young folk have since moved in and seem to live quite harmoniously with the original populations. The buildings date from the late 1800s and were constructed during the industrial revolution. A number of popular cafés now surround the spruced-up Halmtorvet Square, which was previously notorious for its late-night prostitution.
Istedgade is a main artery in the neighborhood, leading from the Central Station to Enghave Plads. Istedgade has diversified over the past several years; no longer an area reserved for porn shops and massage parlors, the colorful neighborhood is now full of low-key cafés and trendy boutiques that serve the neighborhood's rapidly growing population of artists and students. It is a nice place to enjoy a snack, a coffee, or a beer in the sun. Though Istedgade is relatively safe, you may want to avoid the area near Central Station late at night.
The street of Vesterbrogade runs west from Rådhuspladsen to the neighborhoods of Valby and Frederiksberg. Originally a farming area that supplied the royal households with fresh produce, Frederiksberg is now known for its residences of the well-heeled and the city zoo. Valby is also where Carlsberg has its headquarters, although the company now only brews specialty beers here.
