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Nørrebro sætter sanserne på speed for Mohammed: »Byen er mere, end hvad øjet ser«

We all have a language for the city around us – if only we ask the right questions. In the interview series My Neighborhood, we invite local voices to put their city into words.

You’ll get their best recommendations for hidden gems and beautiful urban spaces – along with a warm invitation to discover or rediscover cities and neighborhoods across Denmark.

By Anna Skovby Hansen

My Neighborhood: Copenhagen, Nørrebro

Mohammed Alsaadi was born with a visual impairment. Here, he talks about what it’s like to experience the city without being able to see it. He is 31 years old and self-employed at the company Madsynet. Mohammed grew up in Nørrebro, where he loves exploring – especially when it comes to food, music, and long walks. He’s not discouraged by the fact that the city can sometimes feel like an obstacle course.

What do you associate with Nørrebro?

»Mangfoldighed. Det er det første, jeg tænker på. For mig er Nørrebro selve hjertet i den mangfoldighed – det er en bydel, hvor hele verden mødes. Der er liv, varme og en følelse af, at alle hører til.«

Hvordan oplever du København med et synshandicap?

»I experience the city through sounds, atmospheres, and smells. I was born with a visual impairment and only have one percent vision, so I use my other senses much more actively. I hear the buzz of the city, I smell it, and I feel the ground change under my feet as I walk. It takes me longer to find my way around – and yes, I do bump into things sometimes. But I’d rather do that than stay at home and miss out on life. For example, the Google Maps voice warned me that I was approaching water on my way to BLOX. I do get a little nervous about falling into the harbor, because there’s a lot of water in Copenhagen!«

What should people experience in Copenhagen?

»I love food and everything gastronomic. Torvehallerne is one of my favorite places in the city. Walking among the stalls, smelling exotic spices, and tasting fresh delicacies is an experience in itself. It’s a place where you can take your time, talk to the stall owners, and really feel the city’s pulse.

I also love Refshaleøen. I enjoy walking through the street food market and picking food based on the smells – I can’t read the menu – and there are so many different world cuisines here.«

"It can give you goosebumps to hear music in there because you feel the sound through your entire body."

Which buildings or places would you show to visitors from out of town?

»Definitely the DR Concert Hall. I’ve had some amazing musical experiences there. The acoustics are world-class – it can give you goosebumps to hear music in there because you feel the sound through your entire body.«

Photo: Jeppe Carlsen

Where do you go to catch your breath?

»Nørrebroparken. It brings back childhood memories. I often take walks there with friends and talk about life. In the summer, I love Grøndalsparken and Damhussøen – places where I can feel the sun on my skin and find a bit of mental calm.

Another special place is Assistens Cemetery. There’s something meditative about walking there – right in the middle of the city, but still in total silence. It’s also a great place to meet someone if you want to have a conversation without distractions. And I love Søndermarken – especially in the summer, when you might be lucky enough to find wild garlic, apples, or blackberries.«

Where else do you go?

»I love hanging out at Nørrebrohallen, where the community kitchen Send Flere Krydderier (Send More Spices) is located. There’s a warm vibe and wonderful food – and it’s a place where you’re welcomed as you are.

Nørrebrogade, to me, is the essence of Copenhagen. There’s always life, and the street has so many different people and shops that you never know what you’ll come across. Elmegade and Jægersborggade are two of the coziest streets in the city – full of small, unique shops, sidewalk cafés, and bakeries that smell heavenly.«

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