The second-largest city in Denmark, Aarhus has long been the nation's cultural heartland. Full of trendy Michelin-star restaurants, a thriving arts scene, fascinating museums and beautiful cobbled streets, Aarhus is the perfect place to go for a city break. There's a wide range of accommodation here; our collection of the best places to stay in Aarhus has something for everyone from quiet and romantic to chic boutiques.

Aarhus is one of those cities that is a genuine pleasure to get totally lost in. Roaming aimlessly through the picturesque and cobbled Latin Quarter, a labyrinthine maze of backstreets lined with gorgeous 14th century architecture, boasting numerous independent boutiques and local outlets. Many of the hilly residential areas are backed by houses with multicoloured terraces, while in the centre of town, you will find numerous trendy bars and restaurants (Aarhus was the European Region of Gastronomy in 2016) serving local treats like Smorrebrod - an open-faced sandwich made of rye bread, topped with meat and cheese. Be sure to drink a Mikkeller beer along with the Smorrebrod - the two go hand-in-hand!

Aarhus was the European Capital of Culture in 2017, and it is easy to see why. With its medieval buildings, 12th century cathedral and countless museums, it is a haven for history-lovers and culture-vultures. The ARoS Museum is not to be missed: boasting artworks ranging from the Dutch Golden Age all the way through to contemporaries like Grayson Perry, it is a fabulous place to wander around. After a heavy day of sightseeing, be sure to stroll through the Botanical Gardens, or, better still, head out of the city towards the Mols Bjerge National Park, and trek through the hills, beech forest and Kalo Castle ruins, and admire the otters of the lakes!

What not to miss

• Drink some quality Mikkeller beer while munching on a tasty Smorrebrod.
• Wander around the ARoS Museum and admire artworks from the Golden Age through to now.
• Immerse yourself in the violent history of Denmark at the Viking Museum.
• Visit the beautiful 12th century cathedral.
• Stroll through the Botanical Gardens.
• Head out to Mols Bjerge National Park and see the otters, castle ruins and beech forest.

Cobbled, quaint and steeped in culture, Aarhus is the perfect place to go for romance, art and history. Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Aarhus to start planning your trip.

The best places to stay in Aarhus

Romantic hideaway

• Aarhus Guldsmeden is an intimate hotel with 27 stylish rooms, surrounded by peaceful gardens in the Latin Quarter of the city. The suites are stylish and bright and there's a cafe perfect for unwinding in.

Scandinavian chic

• Hotel Oasia is a hotel that marries Scandinavian traditions with a stylish regard for decor. Boasting gorgeous views, contemporary rooms, designer furnishings and some seriously sleek Nordic style.

For an apartment or cottage

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of cottages and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• Fly to Aarhus Airport (flights go from Stansted and Manchester).
• If you want to rent a car we recommend contacting our partner Rentalcars.
• The best time to go is during the summer, when the temperature ranges between 11 and 20 degrees; bare in mind that during the summertime, dawn begins at 4.30am and doesn't set until 10pm!

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Aarhus,
• expand your search to include all our Denmark recommendations,
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.