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15 Best Bars in Copenhagen

By Alia Akkam

You might plan on an early evening in, but Copenhagen has other ideas for you. The city brims with diverse, quality bar experiences, which means you might hole up at a cozy joint (Ørsted Ølbar) one night, and sip an exquisite cocktail in a sophisticated setting (Ruby) another. Whether it’s an old-fashioned haunt fueled by beer and political chatter (Toga Vinstue) or a mid-century hideway thoughtfully turning out nightcaps (Duck and Cover), bars in Copenhagen are a delightful addition to the itinerary.

Strøm Bar Arrow

Art Deco is synonymous with glamour, and while Strøm Bar, which pays homage to this design era, is certainly sexy, it's not the least bit ostentatious. Tuck into one of the booths and while away the evening sipping different cocktails. Begin, perhaps, with the grapefruit-accented Gin & Tonic, here made with Geranium Gin and Campari ice spheres, or order the Champagne Colada, with pineapple and toasted coconut flakes, followed by the Dark & Stormy on tap. They'll ease you into a richer bourbon concoction made with Averna, almond, and coffee bean oil.

Lidkoeb Arrow

Like its older sister Ruby, Lidkoeb, situated in an old pharmacy production facility with a courtyard, turns out clever and delicious cocktails. But with Chesterfield sofas and roaring fireplaces, this tri-level bar in Vesterbro has a more brazen streak that perfectly matches the neighborhood’s edgy spirit. Despite Lidkoeb's high-energy vibes, the bartenders remain focused on quickly turning out cocktails, like an Old Fashioned with peanut-butter-fat–washed bourbon and banana syrup.

Ved Stranden 10 Arrow

Given Copenhagen’s proliferation of exquisite cocktail joints and the Mikkeller-fueled craft-beer craze, it’s hard for a wine bar to stand out in the city. But Ved Stranden 10, with its charming by-the-canal location, does exactly that. There’s no menu here—rather, just an ever-changing roster of wines from mostly small producers. In summer, you might find salvation on the terrace with an Austrian rosé by winemaker Christian Tschida; in winter, you'll keep warm with a Piedmontese red from Roagna. Swing by on Wednesday evenings for one of the weekly tastings.

Andy's Bar Arrow

Copenhagen teems with swank, lounge-like lairs, but Andy’s Bar—much to the delight of locals—is not one of them. Located in the center of the city, close to Rosenborg Castle Gardens and the famed Hans Christian Andersen statue, Andy’s is an institution. Here you’ll find late-night revelers, amped by the jukebox, nursing beers until the 5–7 a.m. closing time. Although Andy’s opens in the afternoon, it's best to visit in the middle of the night, when the customers—spanning old-timers and students—are especially colorful.

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Ørsted Ølbar Arrow

Copenhagen's craft beer scene is impressive, and one of the best places to become acquainted with it is Ørsted Ølbar, located a stone’s throw from Nørreport Station and tranquil Ørstedparken. The cozy brick-walled joint, which has rustic wood touches, features 20 different taps pouring brews from Denmark and beyond, along with some 200 bottled varieties. Sports fans will appreciate the TVs, dart board, and foosball table, but on Saturday evenings the ambience gets a jolt from DJs spinning funky vinyl.

Duck and Cover Arrow

Duck and Cover is a subterranean sanctuary in bustling Vesterbro. In contrast to the neighborhood’s other packed-to-the-gills bars, it's a relaxed, ideal place to pop in for a subdued nightcap amid a striking collection of vintage furniture and lighting. You'd be satisfied with a classic like a Martinez, but we suggest springing for one of the more creative seasonal concoctions. Scandinavian ingredients get much play here—think Finnish Napue rye gin aided by a boost of schnapps and blueberry shrub.

K-Bar Arrow

K-bar is named for Kirsten Holm, a pioneer of the Copenhagen cocktail scene. Years after opening, this bar, situated near Højbro Square, remains a sought-after drinks destination—and deservedly so. Martinis come in such incarnations as the Southeast Asian-inspired Phi Phi, made with vodka, coconut, ginger, coriander, lime, chile, and lemongrass. There are also a number of G&Ts to try; say, the the apple and lemon version, made with gin from the Danish Radius Distillery, as well as elegant Champagne tipples.

Balderdash Arrow

There's nothing ordinary about Balderdash, a quirky bar that's housed in a circa-1732 building in the center of the city and run by a daring American expat. Cocktails here are a madcap stream of creations that integrate ingredients like ginger-sumac vinegar, lemon curd, and sea buckthorn. If a savory milkshake topped with bacon salt and wax moth larvae is too far out of your comfort zone, opt for an Old Fashioned with smoked bone marrow and burnt butter, a Martini aromatized with dashi and horseradish perfume distillates, or the charred tomato-strawberry gazpacho and tonic.

Brønnum Arrow

Adjacent to the buzzing Kongens Nytorv square is Brønnum, a hushed, historic retreat—the perfect post-sightseeing reprieve. Specializing in Champagne, along with a well-edited list of wine and cocktails and late-afternoon live jazz performances, the bar is a splendorous maze of rooms with ornate wood carvings, soaring windows, and plush seating. The building itself has a rich history; a bar, restaurant, or café for more than 125 years, it has attracted a slew of notable Danish personalities through the years, including author Hans Christian Andersen.

Gensyn Bar Arrow

Set in an old Frederiksberg bodega, Gensyn is an inviting neighborhood bar—exactly the kind of place you want to turn to for a late-night pint or happy-hour Mojito—that also happens to make some of the city’s finest cocktails. Try the spot-on classics like an Old Fashioned, which, here, melds a trio of different whiskies, a grapefruit Margarita, made with dark agave syrup, or the bar’s own pineapple- and angelica-forward Gensyn Gin, made at Frederiksberg Distillery and used as the base for a mean G&T.

Curfew Arrow

This Vesterbro hangout has been operating as some sort of bar since the 1940s. Today, as Curfew, it has a contemporary, speakeasy-like feel. The drinks here change seasonally, but they're always imaginative: Consider the Great Wall of China, part of the Seven Wonders of the World theme, which marries Scotch with plum, sesame, five-spice honey, Madeira, ginger wine, and orange oil. From the menu inspired by 20th-century novels, spring for the gin-based Lolita.

The Jane Arrow

When you're jonesing for a late night of dancing, head to The Jane for DJs like Kenno and the Glitter Boys. This laid-back underground lounge and nightclub, situated right in the city center, also makes cocktails that prove miles ahead of the oft-forgettable ones so common at clubs. And one glimpse at the Mad Men décor—the books, the Chesterfields, the dark wood—indicates that The Jane prefers understated glamour to heavy-handed flash.

Toga Vintsue Arrow

Copenhagen has no shortage of upscale, aesthetically alluring bars, but sometimes, the evening calls for more simplistic surroundings: just a fun, laid-back place to converse and knock back beers with regulars. These no-fuss venues are called bodegas, and one of the city’s best examples—complete with dim lighting and a gallery-like collection of busts—is Toga Vinstue. Beer is what customers here clamor for, and there’s plenty of it, including Denmark’s own Guld Tuborg and Ale No. 16.

The Barking Dog Arrow

Located on a quiet lane in Nørrebro, close to the curious Danish Police Museum, The Barking Dog is a chill bar for drinks and good conversation. A clever menu features numerous cocktails, many of them pre-batched in barrels. There are classics like margaritas and daiquiris, as well as Swedish-inspired vodka-tonic-lingonberry highballs and straightforward concoctions heavy on the mezcal, including the stiff Mexican 8-Ball, made with tequila and absinthe. Partake in one of the spirits flights—agave, sugarcane, grain—to expand your repertoire, or just stick to a beer like a Danish Pilsner or IPA.

If your Copenhagen sojourn only allows for one cocktail bar, you'll want to make it Ruby, one of the pioneers of the vibrant scene. Since 2007, this canalside bar, situated in an 18th-century townhouse, has been turning out some of the city’s most creative and well-wrought libations. The playful drink menus change seasonally and showcase creations like the Gin ‘N’ Colada #2, made with Tanqueray No. Ten, pineapple, lime, celery bitters, and coconut butter, or the Rita & Ruby, a Margarita riff with licorice-infused Don Julio reposado tequila and fresh-squeezed rhubarb juice.

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The 13 best nightlife spots in Copenhagen

From vibey jazz bars to mega late-night clubs, here's our ultimate guide to Copenhagen's nightlife scene.

Copenhagen is the prime destination for a trendy, foodie weekend away. The kind of place that makes you want to rent a little bike for the day with a bag full of fresh pastries, and hopefully end up being the subject of someone’s Instagram shot. It’s a beautifully aesthetic, dainty place with great vibes, but don’t be fooled – Copenhagen has a very fun, very late-night side too. 

That’s right. This city is aesthetically pleasing by day, and wild by night. Dipping a toe into Copenhagen’s nightlife scene will have you dancing to live music in an old-school jazz bar and ordering shots at a three-story nightclub. It’s got everything from niche indie spots to classic mainstream spots, and everything in between (including a community centre with DJs). Whatever you’re into, here are the best nightlife spots in Copenhagen right now. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍸 The best bars in Copenhagen 🍽️ The best  restaurants in Copenhagen 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs in Copenhagen 🎨 A complete guide to  the Nørrebro neighbourhood

This guide was last updated by Laura Hall , a writer based in Copenhagen . At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

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Best Copenhagen nightlife

1.  Godt Øl

Copenhagen is known for its excellent craft beer scene, and Godt ØI  is pretty much the pinnacle of it all. Tucked away in the city’s old medieval town, this cosy little bar serves up 12 great ever-changing craft beers in a seriously vibesy setting. Think funky sours in tiny glasses, fragrant ales like you’ve never had before, and even a bookable beer tasting sesh every Wednesday, complete with snacks. 

2.  Joy

Sister to Jolene, Copenhagen’s favourite nightclub in Kødbyen, Joy is not just any bar. This is a music-focused bar with a very cool crowd, which hosts a revolving door of brilliant DJs most nights of the week. Hit it up after a few drinks and expect to see soul, jazz, world, psychedelia and more. Plus it’s in  Nørrebro, one of Copenhagen’s coolest neighbourhoods  – and you’re right next to Christiansborg, so you can spend your evening bar hopping in the area. 

3.  La Fontaine

Long a mecca for jazz musicians, Copenhagen boasts several brilliant live music venues, including the delightfully laidback La Fontaine . Tucked down a pedestrian street in the medieval quarter, it’s said to be the country’s oldest jazz club and remains best known for its Sunday night jam sessions. In fact, during the Copenhagen Jazz Festival in 2015, a certain Lady Gaga even dropped by for an impromptu rendition of ‘La Vie En Rose’. Legendary stuff. 

4.  Culture Box

Copenhagen’s premier techno palace regularly plays host to DJ legends such as Derrick May and Jeff Mills. The sound system at Culture Box has the most penetrating bass in town, the VJ shows are superb, and the more sedate downstairs dancefloor is perfect for those who don’t want to sweat on the main floor. 

5.  Gensyn

This award-winning cocktail bar exudes homely vibes, thanks to its friendly local crowd, old-school billiards table and saloon-inspired décor. Start with a Walnut Brown — Gensyn 's house cocktail that’s made with roasted rye bread and three different whiskeys — or try a G‘n’T made with the bar’s very own dry gin: it’s distilled in the basement of nearby Frederiksberg town hall, using botanicals such as coriander seeds, angelica root and brown rice tea.

6.  Nr. 30

An ideal spot to wind down over a glass of wine, this low-key bar and bistro draws a mix of well-heeled locals and in-the-know foodies. The wine list is excellent, while the tiny kitchen shuttles out simple dishes such as burrata or mushrooms on toast. Located south of Copenhagen’s lakes, Nr. 30 is irresistibly cosy in winter, while summer sees crowds spilling onto the street and sharing bottles of exquisite natural wine well past midnight.

7.  Rust

Rust  is one of the city’s best venues for both concerts and clubbing and is an integral part of Copenhagen’s nightlife. Its evolution over the years – from political café through to dubious rock club and, finally, the more polished venue seen today – is all the more impressive for its retention of an experimental edge and an ability to roll with the times. Expect to see anyone from Post Malone to Rufus Wainwright on its artist list; it specialises in indie rock, electronica and hip hop. When live music isn’t on, the three-floor club is a little off the mainstream and always busy on Friday and Saturday nights till late.

8.  Bo-Bi Bar

If you can stand the smoke, no visit to Copenhagen is complete without visiting a ‘brown bar’ – a traditional drinking den where puffing away is permitted. Few are as charming as this bohemian spot Bo-Bi Bar in the city centre. It dates back to 1917, and neither its décor nor its denizens have changed much since. To blend in, pair your beer with a shot of Gammel Dansk – a bitter Danish liquor — and if you’re peckish, ask for a hard-boiled egg with mustard.

9.  Vega

Opened in 1996 and housed in a listed landmark building dating from 1956, Vega is the queen of Copenhagen’s nightlife. It features a large and small concert hall, Big Vega and Little Vega (1,200 and 550 capacity, respectively) – the latter doubles up as a nightclub; and the street-level Ideal Bar, a party institution in itself. The list of famous names to have played at Vega over the years is a testament to its popularity, from secret gigs by Prince and David Bowie to concerts from the likes of Björk. The interior is superb, the service professional and the DJs among the best in town.

10.  Absalon

Dubbing itself ‘an extension of your living room’, Absalon is a colourful community centre housed in a repurposed church in Vesterbro. Visit by day to take a pottery or yoga class – but don’t miss the parties on Friday and Saturday nights. Following Absalon’s famous community dinner – a budget-friendly affair where nobody’s a stranger – revellers hit the dance floor as DJs play everything from Japanese funk to American disco.

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Best Bars In Copenhagen | The 9 Most Local and Unique Spots

Copenhagen is a great spot for nightlife and going out. The city is filled with bars and especially in summer, Copenhagen comes to life like no other city, and there are a ton of things to do . Some of the best bars in Copenhagen are found in popular areas, and others you travel a little out of the city to enjoy.

While Denmark, and Copenhagen, are best known for beer, the bar scene of the city has expanded to almost every extent desired. From local bodegas to high-class cocktail bars decorated in a New York City style, Copenhagen has it all.

I’ve lived in Copenhagen for 10 years and have been a night owl my entire life. I think I know just about every little street and will nod at any popular bar you ask me if I’ve ever been to.

While you will find a ton of great places throughout the entire city, and it’s hard to say exactly what are the best ones, there are a few places that always stood out to me.

I’ve chosen to mention a few specific places in Copenhagen because of different criteria. They are all unique and local experiences that always provide a good time. It can be the serving, the setting, the people, the interior, or the vibe of the different places that secured them a spot on the list.

These are, in my opinion, the best bars in Copenhagen, that you should prioritize visiting while you are in the city.

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What Are the Best Bars in Copenhagen?

La banchina.

La Banchina is my all-time favorite bar to hang out at during summer in Copenhagen.

The name “La Banchina” means the quay in Italian and this is because the place sits right on the water with its own little pier.

Here you can go swimming and for 50kr you can even use their sauna which people tend to do in the colder months. 

At La Banchina you have great natural wines as well as beer and other things. Outside there is a simple kitchen that usually has two options of the day – all seasonal and very natural just like the place. 

To sum it up, you can call La Banchina many things. A bar, a wine bar, a restaurant, a café, a sauna, and a swimming spot, and that is why I love this place. La Banchina offers a great variety of things that I find very unique, and it is the best place to be on a sunny day.

Also, La Banchina is located right out by the street food market Reffen – another great spot to hang out for food or a beer.

La Banchina is found close to Refshaleøen at Refshalevej 141, 1432 Copenhagen.  

In terms of Nørrebro vibes and bars in this area – Brus is the best option. It is a brewery located in an old warehouse in the heart of the Nørrebro area.

The place brews a ton of different beers that you can get on tap or canned from the small shop connected to the bar. 

You can also do beer tastings if you want to try out a few different ones. Be careful though, some of them will make your knees a little wobbly as the alcohol percentage is quite high. 

Brus is a bar in Copenhagen that is always busy as people come in groups to enjoy the many great beers and hang out. 

One side of the warehouse is also a restaurant and the place does different events.

You find Brus at Guldbergsgade 29, 2200 København N.

I guess that Friheden is both a cafe, a restaurant, and a bar. And they have managed to do great in all 3 categories. 

The reason why I call it a bar is that this place takes off on the weekends and especially in summer you will end up at a small street festival outside. 

As soon as Friheden closes people stick around out front and hang out on the skate ramp. Friheden has tables out front as well as inside and also has a great terrasse out the back. 

Don’t worry, if you are not in Copenhagen during the warmer months, May until August, Friheden is still a good place to visit in the evenings.

The place is also in the Nørrebro area and has a very relaxed atmosphere, great music, and decent prices.

The address is a little hard to define, as Friheden is located half in the park and by a skate ramp. But find it at Esromgade 15, 1 1, 2200 København.

Kayak Bar is another bar in Copenhagen that really stands out and represents just how great the city is. 

Its name describes it quite well in itself as it’s a bar – and you can rent Kayaks too. Naturally, it sits right on the water and during summer you have a whole little beach party going on out front. 

Kayak Bar is also my favorite spot during the Copenhagen Jazz Festival which usually runs for most of July. 

Have a look at Kayak Bar’s website for any information. 

Find the bar just along the canal at Børskaj 12, 1221 København K.

Kølsters 12 Haner

This bar is probably one of the most beautiful ones in Copenhagen. Decor-wise they did a great job and beer-wise – even more so. 

At Kølsters 12 Haner they serve hand-brewed craft beer where each brewing step is completed with care. You can enjoy beers in the pretty and also super relaxed atmosphere at this Nørrebro bar. 

Another great aspect of this place is the street it’s in. Ranzaugade is full of young people hanging out and nighttime and you have a bunch of different options for food and drinks. If you want to try a classic Danish bodega, there are some great options on this street.

Find Kølsters 12 Haner at Rantzausgade 56, 2200 København.

Liedkoeb is my all-time favorite cocktail bar in Copenhagen. This 3-story building used to be an old pharmacy in the Vesterbro area of Copenhagen. Now you won’t find any medicine, instead, 2 floors dedicated to cocktails, and a whisky lounge bar on top.

The interior inside is done to perfection and Liedkoeb is one of those places you want to stay at for hours or at least as long as your wallet allows. The bar is not the cheapest in the world, but their drinks are incredible and served in great surroundings. The upstairs whisky lounge is even better, and if you like whisky, you will love this floor.

Liedkoeb is accessed through a small alleyway and in summer you have pop-up bars and restaurants in the small court.

I don’t usually go to a lot of cocktail bars, but in Copenhagen, Liedkoeb, or its big sister Ruby, is the best one.

The area around Liedkoeb is also a great spot in terms of restaurants, clubs, and nightlife in general.

Liebkoeb is placed at Vesterbrogade 72B, 1620 København.

Portvinsbaren

Portvinsbaren literally translates to The Port Wine Bar and that describes exactly what they serve. As the first, and only, bar in Copenhagen exclusively dedicated to serving port wine, this place is quite fun and different. You won’t find people packed tight, or dancing on the tables in this place, but instead people enjoying port wine in a lounge setting.

I have a lot of respect for very dedicated and nerdy things, and that is exactly why I love coming to this place. In addition, to liking port wine of course.

If you like this type of drink and want to try something a little different than your standard Copenhagen beer bar, give Portvinsbaren a visit.

Portvinsbaren is found in the Vesterbro area at Kingosgade 4 1623 København, V.

Ved Stranden 10

I thought long and hard about what I consider to be the best wine bar in Copenhagen. Honestly, there are a lot of great ones, but I chose to mention Ved Stranden 10.

This wine bar is found in the inner center of Copenhagen by the canal. This area of the city is full of hotels, restaurants, bars, and places to go.

Not only is the wine list extensive and the options you have great but also the service and interior are on point. These guys love wine and serve a few things in terms of food.

Furthermore, they function as a wine shop. Visit Ved Stranden 10 if you are a wine enthusiast and enjoy being served in beautiful surroundings.

Finally, the center of Copenhagen is also a great area for travelers to stay and enjoy .

You find Ved Stranden 10 at Ved Stranden 10, 1061 København.

For other amazing wine bars in Copenhagen check out Pompette, Bottega Barlie, Den Vandrette, and Vinhanen.

Riga is only open during summer and closes for the colder months.

It is extremely simple but that is also the charm of this place. A little wooden shed, some long tables outside, a square in the front, great beverages – what else do you need? 

Absolutely nothing and many people tend to think so as the place is always full when the weather is nice. 

Another bar in Copenhagen that turns into its own little mini street festival. 

Try their Paloma cocktail and just keep them coming for the rest of the evening.  Hans Christian Andersen.

Find Riga at Dannebrogsgade 53, 1660 København just at Litauens Plads. 

A Map of the Best Bars in Copenhagen

Below I made a map and included my recommendations for you:

The Bar Scene and Culture in Copenhagen

Danish people are nightlife lovers, and in Copenhagen, you go out till late. Bars will stay open until 2 am or 6 am depending on where you go. Some places are even later than that.

When you walk around the streets and areas of the city, you always pass by at least a couple of bars or something that looks cool.

It’s a bit shameful to say, but according to a health study , Danish people are one of the populations worldwide, who drink the most. When you are in Copenhagen, you understand why.

The city’s bar scene is a vibrant tapestry of old and new, offering everything from traditional Danish pubs, known as “bodegas,” to sleek, modern cocktail bars.

You’ll find that each neighborhood in Copenhagen has its own unique bar culture.

In Vesterbro, you can dive into hip, edgy bars where local craft beers are the stars of the show.

Nørrebro, on the other hand, offers a more eclectic mix, with student bars sitting alongside high-end cocktail lounges.

And then there’s the historic center, where you can sip a drink in centuries-old buildings, feeling the weight of history as you enjoy your evening.

In Copenhagen, the concept of ‘hygge’ – a sense of comfort, coziness, and contentment – extends to its bars.

This isn’t just about what’s in your glass; it’s about the warmth of the company, the charm of the surroundings, and the overall experience. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a cocktail aficionado, or someone who enjoys a good glass of wine, you’ll find bars here that cater to every taste and occasion.

Final Thoughts on the Best Bars in Copenhagen

As we wrap up this journey through Copenhagen’s famous and lively bar scene, it’s clear this city is a fantastic and fun destination for a night out.

From the cool summer vibes of La Banchina to the streety setup of Riga, each bar offers a unique experience that captures the essence of Copenhagen.

Remember, this list is just a starting point. There’s so much more to explore in this vibrant city!

And if you’re curious about other activities in Denmark, don’t miss my article on the most unique things to do in this charming country .

That was it for the best bars in Copenhagen. I hope you get to enjoy them!

As usual, feel free to leave a comment below.

//Josephine

FAQs About Bars and Nightlife in Copenhagen

Definitely! Copenhagen’s nightlife is awesome with all sorts of bars and clubs. Whether you’re into chill spots or lively dance floors, you’ll find something cool to do.

In most Copenhagen bars, you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in. But for guys, some places like you to wear long pants and decent shoes to keep things nice and easygoing.

That’s Hviids Vinstue, a real old-school bar in Copenhagen. It’s been around since 1723 and is full of history and classic vibes.

Yep, in Copenhagen, you can drink out in the open. It’s part of what makes the city’s street life so fun and lively.

In Denmark, you’ve got to be 18 to buy drinks at bars or clubs. But the legal age for drinking at home or grabbing lighter drinks from shops is 16.

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Nightlife in Copenhagen: Best Bars, Live Music Venues, & More

Ashley Niedringhaus is an ASME-nominated journalist and author who specializes in crafting bespoke city guides, including a comprehensive guide to Copenhagen for TripSavvy.

TripSavvy / Maria Ligaya

While Copenhagen’s nightlife scene doesn’t get a lot of attention, there’s a vibrant and varied scene waiting to serve up a well-made cocktail or craft brew in an intimate environment. The country’s lax drinking laws mean just about everyone in town is down for a drink, but there is a big barrier to entry: the sticker shock that comes with most bar tabs.

Bartenders at the city’s best cocktail bars take their drinks as seriously as their chef counterparts take their food menus and the prices often reflect that attention to detail. But it’s not just cocktails and Carlsburg here, the city is also spoiled with natural wine bars, with more popping up like daisies each year. Whether you want to toast at a chic bar, taste an orange wine, or enjoy some live music, Copenhagen has something for you.

The bar scene in Copenhagen doesn’t get the attention it might deserve from discerning awards lists, but that helps preserve the "come as you are" ambiance the city prides itself on. As the chef’s proclivity for experimenting with ingredients in the kitchen moves to the bars, there are well-made classics and innovative sips with local ingredients awaiting.

Here are some of the best places to drink in the city: 

• The Jane : Everyone who has stuck around Copenhagen for more than a week will have a great story to tell from a night at The Jane, a cocktail bar in the heart of the city. It’s the kind of place you go for DJ sets and dancing, killer cocktails, or to catch-up with a friend. The mid-century modern vibe, with Chesterfield sofas and leather-bound books, keeps things intimate and relaxed, and there are hidden passageways and a big dance floor.
• Mikkeller : This hoppy hometown hero is on tap at most bars and restaurants across town but their high ABV pints are worth seeking out. Mikkeller Baghaven is an industrial space/science lab at Reffen that focuses on sour beers, fruity ales, and more. The space shines in the summer when an outdoor patio pops up and overlooks the water.
• Lidkoeb : The three floors of this lively Vesterbro bar has something for everyone. A weekends-only whiskey bar takes over the third floor, and there’s a courtyard in the back. As with almost every restaurant or bar in Copenhagen, the menu changes seasonally at Lidkoeb, but a perennially popular drink is Flottenheimer made with gin, Noilly Prat vermouth, rhubarb brine, cardamom, and grapefruit soda.
• Ruby: If you’re going to spend $19 on a cocktail, it’s worth your money to spend it at Ruby, one of the best cocktail bars in town. Ruby finds it’s home in an 18th-century townhouse that was a book press, private bank, and the Danish Spirit Producers’ founding location. The vibe is unpretentious and intimate, making it the perfect place to slowly sip cocktails from the seasonal menu.
• Balderdash : With non-traditional ingredients like deer heart and foie gras, it’s easy to confuse the bartenders with chefs. In addition to sourcing small-batch distillers, the team works with food producers too. In the height of summer strawberry season, a menu favorite uses the finest Danish strawberries with foie gras distillate, strawberries, bourbon, and bitters. They also have potent boozy milkshakes.

Late-Night Spots

When the sun sets at 4 p.m. in the winter, staying out until 9 p.m. can feel like a late night out. That said, the one-more-drink crowd has a number of good options, from dives to high-brow spots. In the summer, most after-dinner drinkers flood the city’s public spaces, waterfronts, and outdoor patios to enjoy the extra sunlight.

Here’s where to go when you don’t want the fun to stop, or when you can’t shake jet-lag: 

• Andy’s Bar : With a weekend call time of 7 a.m. (5 a.m. during the week), Andy’s Bar is the place for just one more drink. It’s a quintessential dive with well-worn wooden benches, faded curtains, and sun-faded posters. Andy’s Bar started as a restaurant and during World War II became a hangout for American G.I.s, but today, it draws a mix of older Danish men and young students. Sure, it’s possible to order a rail G&T but your best bet is grabbing a beer and people watching.
• Gensyn Bar: With a name translating to “see you again,” Gensyn fully embraces its status as a great neighborhood bar. The bar is stocked with local beers and spirits, including their own Gensyn Gin made by neighboring Frederiksberg Distillery. The exclusive gin makes a G&T an obvious good choice but don’t sleep on the old fashioned, made with a trio of whiskeys infused with bunt rye bread
• Curfew : If you approach the night with the attitude that you’re on vacation and anything goes, you might find yourself at Curfew. Small high-top tables, comfortable lounge seats, and relaxed bar seating keep things intimate. The changing cocktail menu is lengthy, featuring classics, alcohol-free options, and creative concoctions.

The summer and winter jazz festivals are the musical highlights of the year, but if you’re looking for live music throughout the year, here are some top spots:

• Brønnum : Next to the Royal Danish Theatre and around the corner from Nyhavn, Brønnum has been an elegant reprieve for more than 125 years. Once a hangout for Hans Christian Anderson (the bar is around the corner from his boyhood home), today it’s an outstanding bar with great late-afternoon jazz sessions. The menu has hearty snacks, a great champagne list, and even Cuban cigars.
• Rust : Copenhagen isn’t a haven for clubbing or EDM shows like other European capitals but Rust is one of the best spots in town for clubbing and local concerts. Located in the cool Nørrebro neighborhood, Rust plays hosts to indie acts, hip-hop, and electronica but opens up to be a multilevel club on Friday and Saturday nights.
• La Fontaine : There’s something happening every night at Copenhagen’s oldest jazz bar but the best nights for live music are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights jazz sessions. The bar doesn’t open until 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. but keeps things going until 5 a.m. Scheduled acts Friday to Sunday play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Cloudy pours, orange hues, low intervention, biodynamic, fun, and unfussy. Welcome to the world of natural wine. If this is your first time branching out from “normal” wine or you’re on the hunt for the perfect Georgian bio, Copenhagen’s incredible scene has it all. 

• Den Vandrette : This indoor-outdoor natural wine bar (or is it a restaurant with a great wine list?) is a perfect ten. There’s a cozy basement level that’s ideal for winter and a gorgeous patio a stone’s throw away from Nyhaven that manages never to feel touristy. Add in a top-notch food menu and it’s easy to see why the F&B crew in town hangs out here.
• La Banchina : Look for La Banchina in a restored boathouse along the Refshaleøen harbor. The boathouse seats 16 people, so in the summer locals sun themselves on the bar’s wooden dock and pop up for sips of natural wine between swimming sessions.
• Rosforth & Rosforth : Oenophiles will already have Rosforth & Rosforth (known as the bar “under the bridge”) bookmarked and have spots for a Saturday tasting reserved before arriving in Copenhagen. Everything is natural and low-intervention here, and the owners import more than 10,000 bottles each year on an engineless sailboat to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Pompette : Translating to tipsy in French, this bistro-style wine shop and bar has one of the biggest collections of natural wines in Denmark, including a full stock from Austria’s Gut Oggau. There’s also a nice selection of cheese and charcuterie to sop up the wine.
• Rødder & Vin : Run by the effervescent Solfinn, who hails from the Faroe Islands, Rødder & Vin is like the “Cheers” of wine bars in Copenhagen. Even if you don’t know a soul, Solfinn manages the communal table that dominates the bar, making connections between guests and talking about natural wines in a way that both newbies and seasoned drinkers will find appealing.

Tips for Going Out in Copenhagen

• Having a drink on the street is legal and Copenhagen and it’s a big part of the after-work culture, especially in summer. 
• It is illegal to bike while intoxicated. 
• There is no Uber in Demark but taxis are available 24/7. The Dantaxi app has an Uber-like function if you’d like to call a taxi in advance. 
• Public transportation is available late into the night. It’s safe and clean just be mindful of pickpockets. 
• Tips are not expected.
• Last call at bars is between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. 
• Unless it’s Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, don’t assume a cocktail bar is open.
• You must be 18 to order alcohol at a bar or restaurant, and 16 to buy it in a shop. There are no restrictions on those 17 and under who drink in a public park and the Danish police don’t both too much unless drinkers are out of control or starting fights.

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• Best Bars In Copenhagen

An Expert’s Guide to the Best Bars in Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s no-efforts-spared food scene has basked in global fame for years now, thanks to two-time best restaurant in the world winner, Noma. Now, a wave of drinking spots are taking on the same ethos, with top-tier cocktail mixologists taking as much delight in experimenting with gins, whiskies and rums as the city’s chefs do with their carefully sourced farm-to-table ingredients.

Danish drinking culture has had a reputation for being “quite crazy”, according to the chef at Copenhagen’s innovative Alchemist restaurant, Rasmus Munk. “But if you focus on the quality in Denmark and Copenhagen, the scene is developing so much right now,” says Munk, referring to an increased emphasis on the calibre and creativity of drinks served in Denmark. “We have some really great cocktail bartenders who have, over the past three or four years, done an amazing job.”

Wine bars and breweries are also getting in on the action, with brewers experimenting more with flavour, and talented sommeliers curating both classic and trendy natural wine lists, not to mention focussing more on sustainability.

Munk knows a thing or two about a good drink – the wine list at his own restaurant, Alchemist, in up-and-coming Refshaleøen, is expertly hand-picked and accompanied by an impressive cocktail collection that includes a solidified gin and tonic. Here’s his guide to Copenhagen ’s coolest drinking spots.

1. Broaden and Build

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Beer

In the same stretch of Refshaleøen warehouse buildings as Munk’s Alchemist, Broaden & Build serves draught and craft beers with a culinary twist. By using cooking techniques – such as toasting or fermenting ingredients – to brew their beers, Matt Orlando (ex-Noma chef and the owner of nearby restaurant Amass ) and brewer Tiago Falcone hope to achieve something more special than the usual two-a-penny craft-beer bar. This ethos comes out in creative brews made with Danish ingredients , such as a low-ABV lacto-fermented rhubarb gose stout with toasted walnuts, a kölsch-style beer with fennel flowers and lemon, and a golden ale with elderflower. “Matt focusses a lot on sustainability and how to use every aspect of the ingredients,” says Munk. “They serve amazing beers and a roast every Sunday with different chefs.”

2. Kyros and Co.

Bar, Cocktails

“This new cocktail bar is really inspired by New York,” says Munk, alluding to the speakeasy-style “secret door” that opens onto Kyros and Co. Spirits served at the softly lit, atmospheric space are distilled in-house (Munk recommends trying the infused gins), while the bartenders aim to incorporate commonplace flavours into their cocktails in inventive ways – think distilled and fermented coffee and cornflakes with tonka-marinated milk syrup and cream sherry, and a Johnnie Walker Black Label that’s been re-distilled to remove the caramel notes and paired with a smoked tea soda.

3. Balderdash

This bar comes from Christian Tang, the same bartender who set up Kyros & Co. and who Munk describes as “very talented”. “Balderdash is really experimental in terms of what cocktails can be – I’ve had some of my best cocktails here,” says Munk. “Tang’s very playful in his way of doing things. He has an ice-cream soda cocktail and all kinds of weird cocktails.” Munk has previously collaborated with Tang, who created a “blood cocktail” to go with one of his Alchemist menus – Munk served a lamb’s heart with an organ donation card, prompting 1,500 Danish diners to sign up as donors. Low lights, relaxed jazz and a working fireplace in an 18th-century home give this bar its unique atmosphere, and bartenders’ exploits have included extracting the amber hue from Campari to make a blue negroni, creating a Midori slush puppy and adding foie-gras distillate to a strawberry old fashioned. “It’s sometimes too much,” says Munk. “But I like that. I think that’s part of it – it’s nice if people are challenged a bit.”

4. R vinbar

Bar, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Danish

Run by Bo and Lisbeth Jacobsen, the same chef couple behind modern Danish restaurant Restaurationen next door, R vinbar’s drink collection consists of classic wines. “You can find wines with a lot of depth and age, and it’s rare to find bars like that,” says Munk. “Right now all the wine bars popping up are very focussed on natural wines – and Bo’s is quite the opposite.” Not that the owners purposefully steer clear of natural wine, but the criteria for the “amazing collection” at R vinbar, in Munk’s words, is that it has to taste good. Team this with a menu of luxury bar snacks, such as preserved Cantabrian seafood, oysters (paired with chablis), select cheeses and charcuterie, plus cake and port pairings, and you’re set for the evening.

5. Ved Stranden 10

Bar, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Danish, European

Bar, Cocktail Bar, European, Danish

Brønnum has been a café, restaurant and bar for the past 125 years, and has been frequented by its fair share of musicians, artists and writers – including Hans Christian Andersen . The historic building, opposite the Royal Danish Theatre, houses a 150-year-old, wood-carved bar that used to be part of an apothecary, and is filled with dimly lit nooks and plush velvet furnishings. “Brønnum is a very classic cocktail bar, very New York-inspired. It’s classic cocktails, with a little touch,” says Munk. “They do the best espresso martini here, and they have an amazing selection of different whiskies from Japan .”

This article is an updated version of a story originally created by Rainer Mesi .

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The Best Bars in Copenhagen

By Wesley Straton

Noma may have packed up and moved to Mexico , but Copenhagen’s reputation for culinary excellence endures without them and their foraged moss. Equally noteworthy is the city’s vibrant and varied nightlife: lax drinking laws combined with an emphasis on good design and epicurean innovation make for an embarrassment of great bars and lounges, all with English-speaking staff. That being said, going out can be expensive and bar hours are often limited: many places don’t open at all before Thursday, and your average cocktail lounge or wine bar isn’t likely to serve after 2 A.M. But if you know where to go, you can stay out until the sun comes up—which in the dead of winter is very late indeed.

For insider tips, I turned to bartender Michael Olsson. Originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, Olsson moved to Copenhagen specifically to get involved in the burgeoning cocktail scene and currently works as bar manager at 1656, one of Copenhagen’s cocktail mainstays. He designs menus that incorporate serious cocktails with all-Danish ingredients as well as gleefully kitschy offerings like the glitter-topped Disco Bramble, aiming for delicious drinks and what he describes as “Instagrammability without going overboard.” (He gets it.) Olsson is an unapologetic cocktail nerd, but also a great believer in good, old-fashioned hospitality and unpretentious good fun—a combination that characterizes all of his favorite after-hours haunts.

Wessels Kro Wessels Kro is “a very traditional Danish bodega”—in American parlance, a dive. “There’s no craft beers, it’s only [cheap] Danish beers like Carlsberg and Tuborg,” Olsson says, but as with any good dive, you don’t go to Wessels Kro for the drinks. It’s a popular industry hangout, where off-duty bartenders go to drink Tuborg, smoke cigarettes, play dice, and generally unwind. But Copenhagen’s oldest pub is by no means exclusive. “The service is actually quite good in there,” Olsson says, “very hospitable and very warm.”

Café Ludwigsen Another favorite bodega of Olsson’s, Café Ludwigsen is bigger than Wessels Kro, with pool tables, dartboards, and both smoking and non-smoking areas. The drink options are more varied here, with cocktails and craft beer on offer in addition to the ubiquitous Tuborg, but Olsson recommends taking advantage of the bodega’s ultra-cheap Galliano Hotshots—a decidedly 80s shooter consisting of Galliano, coffee, and whipped cream. “It’s a fun shot and it doesn’t get you plastered,” he says. “Unless you drink twenty of them.”

Musen og Elefanten Musen & Elefanten, or Mouse and Elephant, is an old pub with a cigar lounge upstairs and a cozy, laidback bar area downstairs. “They close at 2 upstairs but you can still smoke cigars downstairs until 5, 6 o’clock in the morning,” Olsson says fondly. “It’s basically the only cigar place in Copenhagen.” They offer a range of whiskey and rum to go with your tobacco, as well as some basic cocktails, wine, and beer. It’s classy enough that your bartenders will be wearing waistcoats and suspenders, but kitschy enough that your beer may pour out of a tap shaped like an elephant’s trunk.

Toga Toga has long been known in Copenhagen as a destination for free and open political debate, but that’s not why Olsson likes it. “They have a 24-hour license, so they close down when the bartenders are fed up,” he explains. The bartender-curated music is also a selling point—“it’s a lot of these nineties tacky classics that everyone loves when they’re drunk, so you get to hear some Backstreet Boys, et cetera.” And on top of being unaffected and friendly, Toga is open every night of the week.

The Jane “If we want to party on the weekend, we go to the Jane,” Olsson says. Conveniently located in the city center, The Jane is a Copenhagen institution that opens at 8 and closes at 5 all weekend long. “The bottom floor is a nightclub with a DJ and dance floor and lights on the ceiling and all that,” Olsson says, but above you can find a beautiful, speakeasy-style cocktail bar where things are a little mellower: “the music is turned down a bit so people can talk, and if you find someone to flirt with you can stick in that area and not have to yell.” It’s pricier than most of Olsson’s other picks, but with a solid cocktail program (and good flirting vibes), it’s worth it.

As for late-night eats, Copenhagen offers pretty slim pickings. Mostly, you'll find dozens of unremarkable kebab shops and two late-night diners that Olsson doesn’t name but describes as “really, really horrible and expensive.” The saving grace, from Thursday through Saturday, is a varied collection of food trucks that gather in a huge parking lot in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District. “That’s the best option for late night food,” Olsson says. “The quality of the food is actually very surprisingly high.” Save your extra late-night pennies for the weekend, then.

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Where to Drink Cocktails in Copenhagen

The Danish capital shines with more than great Nordic cuisine.

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Nordic cuisine and sour beers may come to mind when one thinks of Copenhagen, but Denmark's capital has an elevated cocktail scene that will please the most finicky of drinkers. Imbibers demand an adventurous approach and exacting precision, and Danish bartenders respond with creative twists on classics. These ten bars range from old timer classics to exciting newcomers.

This four-month-old Vesterbro bar combines minimalist style with a classic cozy environment. If you order only one drink, let it be the "El Obsequio," a combination of rum and mimosa syrup, served in a glass wrapped in brown paper.

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Eight years old and hotter than ever, Ruby offers classic cocktails and house creations without a lot of fuss. The bartenders are friendly and their booze mixing craft is of the highest quality. The best way to experience it is to order one of the seasonal drinks. [Photo: Yelp ]

Duck and Cover

In what seems to be a Mad Men-inspired setting, this otherwise unassuming garden level space features beautiful mid-mod Danish furniture and a well-edited cocktail menu of classic and contemporary seasonal creations like the Floral Fizz. [Photo: Facebook ]

Sister bar to Ruby, this spot, situated in a former pharmacy, is bustling with energy best experienced from a seat at the bar. The cozy interior features strong wood elements. In addition to classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned and Grasshopper, a section of creative modern drinks is available, some with Nordic influences. [Photo: Lidkoeb ]

The Standard

Noma co-founder Claus Meyer is behind this multi-purpose restaurant and jazz club set on the water. Here one will find Michelin starred Studio restaurant on the first floor, meanwhile the more accessible Almanac (with all day Danish dining) takes up the ground floor, with part of that space devoted to Italian eatery, Verandah. Grab a modern cocktail at one of the many bar options and enjoy the waterfront view. [Photo: Meyersmad ]

This gorgeous old-school space has a grand European feel that's best enjoyed early in the evening when cocktail service commences at 5 p.m. The room is quieter than your regular bar, perfect for great conversation and a classic cocktail served in bulky crystal glassware. [Photo: Andra Zeppelin]

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The Barking Dog

The Barking Dog offers an unassuming, understated Nordic ambiance, delivered with a bit of humor. Don't ask your bartender what his favorite drink is; just tell him your favorite flavors and he'll recommend something for you. A tiki drink is the right choice here. [Photo: Facebook/The Barking Dog ]

More of a restaurant than a bar, Baest, helmed by Relae's (number 45 in the world according to S.Pellegrino) Christian Puglisi, expertly executes classic and modern cocktails often spiked with fresh fruit and vegetables. Grab a seat at one of the high-tops and order small plates or charcuterie with your drinks. [Photo: Facebook ]

Posh and refined, this bar is a staple of the cocktail scene in the Danish capital. You may not love the bartenders' butcher-style outfits, but you'll forget all about them once you try the ultra-creative cocktails. [Photo: Facebook ]

Kødbyens Fiskebar

A hipster's paradise, this fish and oyster house will surprise you with mixed drinks that are straightforwardly charming without being fussed over. Oysters and cocktails is what it's all about here. [Photo: Andra Zeppelin]

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Where To Find the Best Cocktails in Copenhagen

Updated: Apr 17, 2024 · Published: Apr 13, 2020 by Dave Lee | May contain affiliate links

The best cocktail bars in Copenhagen reflect the city's growth as a foodie and fine dining destination over the last 10-15 years. I had a fantastic time "researching" this article as I barhopped my way across the city each evening. The bartenders were so engaging at a few places that I didn't want to leave.

I wish I could've made it to more bars during my week in the Danish capital. It's a testament to the scene that there were so many spots I had to leave for next time. My picks for Copenhagen's best cocktail bars were influenced by the quality of drinks, friendliness of bartenders, design, and ambiance.

Table of Contents

Ruby Cocktail Bar

Duck and cover, 1656 cocktail bar, tata cocktail bar, additional bars, where to drink in copenhagen.

Opened in 2007, Ruby was one of the first bars in Copenhagen to attract international attention in the last twenty years. At its peak in 2013, according to The World's 50 Best Bars , Ruby was ranked the 22nd best bar globally. Previously hard to pinpoint, a small sign hangs above this speakeasy entrance, conveniently located across the canal from Christiansborg Palace . The beautiful interior deserves to be seen in daylight when the modern Danish furniture and design are most visible. A cozier interior room with booths and leather chairs lies to the left.

I saddled up to the bar and was presented with the summer/autumn menu. I chose a champagne cobbler made with Charles Heidsieck Rose. The generous fruit garnishes, including blackberry, lingonberry , and lemon peel, added a burst of color to the rim of this light, sparkling drink. I followed it up with one of Ruby's most popular cocktails, the "Tongue Jacuzzi," made from Plymouth Gin, apple wine, fresh passion fruit, dry white wine, lemon, and elderflower.

The average cocktail price is 120-130 DKK, with a few virgin drinks for 60 DKK apiece and a signature lager for 70 DKK. Before departing, I asked the friendly Australian bartender for a shortlist of her favorite bars in Copenhagen. I would make it to two out of five.

Nybrogade 10, Copenhagen, instagram.com/rubycph/

Ruby's early success led its owners to open Lidkoeb in November 2012. The three-floor bar occupies the renovated site of a former pharmacy dating back to 1886. After a full day of sightseeing, including Rosenborg Castle, the Botanical Gardens, and a swing through Tivoli Gardens, I dropped by Lidkoeb just as it opened.

Entry to the main bar is opposite a beer garden full of picnic tables. Inside, the bar runs along the right side, while elevated booths next to arched windows are to the left. Toward the far end is a working fireplace once used by the pharmacy to make medicine and lounge-style seating for larger groups.

The creative cocktail menu is reminiscent of Ruby, though all the drink names are Danish here. The average drink price is 110 DKK. I ordered the delicious Tyve Tyve with Tanqueray gin and cacao nib infused Lillet Blanc, carrot and parsnip syrup, and lemon (seen above). Lidkoeb has at least five beers on tap, plus frozen daiquiris if you're in a tropical mood. The third floor features a more intimate whiskey bar with over 200 brands from around the world, but it's only open Friday and Saturday nights.

Vesterbrogade 72B, Copenhagen, instagram.com/lidkoeb/

See also: Best Cocktail Bars in New Orleans

A block south of Lidkoeb is the easy-to-miss Duck and Cover. Walk down the stairs into this dimly lit cocktail bar, and it feels like you've left the city behind. But don't let the size of the first room fool you. To the left, there is a more spacious seating area with comfortable leather furniture.

It was early on a Monday evening, and I was the only customer in the bar. I ordered One for the Terrace with white vermouth, fresh celery, and Fever-Tree Indian Tonic for 115 DKK. The slice of cucumber, high-quality ice, and moody lighting made taking photos in Duck and Cover a lot of fun. I also enjoyed the drink!

Dannebrogsgade 6, Copenhagen, instagram.com/duckandcoverbar/

See also: Places to Eat and Drink in Stockholm

A five-block walk east of Duck and Cover is 1656, a speakeasy whose exterior is so covered in graffiti you'd hardly know it's there. Step inside and turn to your right for the bar, which features a seasonal menu with cocktails for 125 DKK. Further back, a plush seating area offers a comfier place to hang out and chat if you're there with friends or on a date.

I went for the fruity Nordic Daiquiri, which is made of Plantation Rum, rhubarb, licorice syrup, and lime. I liked its frothy head.

Other intriguing drinks included:

• Ginger Envy with Akavit, cucumber, ginger, and honey.
• Cotton Tale with gin, hibiscus, basil, and orange bitters.

Gasværksvej 33, Copenhagen, instagram.com/1656cocktailbar/

The next day was again full of sightseeing, so it was a nice change of pace to stop by TATA Cocktail Bar at Hotel Sanders to slow things down. TATA takes its name from the red velvet curtain at the Royal Danish Theater located on the same block south of King's New Square, a few blocks west of Nyhavn. The interior is warm and welcoming, with a vintage motif fitting for a bar inspired by a 19th-century European theater. The highly skilled and entertaining bartenders won me over and kept me engaged for hours.

I began with the Best in Show, which was made from Ketel One vodka, grapefruit syrup, tonic wine, quince tea distillate, and sparkling water. The menu described it as refreshing, citrus, and floral with a medium-level booziness. Next, I tried the Empirical Gimlet, made from Empirical , Cloudberry, and Madeira Rum. The glass (pictured above) was super sexy.

Drink prices range from 110 to 165 DKK. They also have a few virgin drinks, beer, and sparkling wine. TATA is one of the best bars in Copenhagen and the winner of the 2019 Bartender's Choice Awards for Best Cocktail Bar in Denmark and Best Bartender (Harry Bell).

Tordenskjoldsgade 15, Copenhagen, hotelsanders.com/tatacocktailbar/

Speaking of the 2019 Bartender's Choice Awards, Strøm Bar in central Copenhagen won for Best Atmosphere. And I could see why when I stopped by on my birthday, following lunch at Geranium and pastries at Juno. It was 6 p.m. on a Wednesday, and I had the bar to myself. But once again, the bartenders made all the difference. Strøm was opened in 2012 by Mikael and Andreas Nilsson, Swedish brothers who worked at the best bars in London before moving to Copenhagen.

Related: Cocktail Bars to Remember

Only one of the brothers worked that night, though I can't recall which one. He suggested their signature Tesla cocktail, which is made with Beefeater Gin, dry sherry, agave, lime, olive oil, and egg whites.

Next was Paint It Gold from their 2016 menu, featuring Absolut Vodka, elderflower, honey, lemon, champagne, and gold. The edible gold gave it a sparkle and made me wonder whether something else would sparkle the following day. As I was sipping my drink, the bartender of another place came in to hang out before his shift.

My third and final drink was the Clipper, which included Diplomatico Rum, grapefruit cordial, Cocchi Americano, and bitters. Prices range from 105 to 150 DKK. And judging from my experience, you can't go wrong (and if you do, they'll make you something new).

Niels Hemmingsens Gade 32, Copenhagen, strombar.dk

There were more than these cocktail bars in Copenhagen I wanted to visit. But winter was coming; I had to get back to Texas.

Next time I'm in town, I'll be heading for these bars:

• Balderdash —American Geoffrey Canilao left New York City for Copenhagen and opened Balderdash in a 1732 house a few blocks from Strøm.
• Curfew —Portuguese bartender Humberto Marques' speakeasy was voted Copenhagen's best cocktail bar in 2017.
• Gensyn Bar —This is one of the bartender-recommended cocktail bars I didn't get to the first time around. It offers inventive cocktails at fair prices in an unpretentious space.

I look forward to updating my list further the next time I'm in Denmark.

More Denmark

Copenhagen’s cocktail scene keeps getting better

Words by Millie Milliken

The restaurant industry suffered a shock in January when the story broke that Noma, one of the world’s most groundbreaking culinary destinations, will close its doors in 2024. While it is an undisputed blow for Copenhagen’s gastronomic landscape, the Danish capital is bursting at the seams with other talent. Between the pet-nat-pouring restaurants and the classic Michelin-starred destinations, the dining scene continues to create headlines (three-starred Geranium came first in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants last year) but Copenhagen’s cocktail bars are beginning to flourish too, from no-nonsense dive bars to luxurious neighbourhood havens and multi-floor behemoths.

While cocktail-bar culture in Copenhagen may be young compared with other cities, there are bartenders doing work to bring it up to speed. ‘The scene has a good mix between old favourites and some exciting new bars that are pushing the industry forward,’ says Michael Hajiyianni, general manager of Ruby , a contemporary bar housed in a historic building that overlooks the Slotsholmen Canal (he also just won Bartender of the Year at the Norse Bar Show). ‘There are also world-class restaurants in Copenhagen with some very passionate sommeliers, so the wine-bar scene is very strong – perhaps more so than the cocktail one.’ Indeed, Geranium’s Andrea Sala won Best Sommelier of Denmark 2023.

Over at Ruby, Hajiyianni and the team are producing smart but approachable cocktails that change with Denmark’s seasons. For the Ruby team, flavour is the most important element, says Hajiyianni. They work with the best farms and foragers they can find, such as Klippingegaard and Sanketurethe – the latter of which is currently supplying them with sweet cicely, pine shoots and meadowsweet for their summer menu. They also work with fermentation specialist, Meta CPH, which makes barley koji for the team to play around with. ‘From here we like to incorporate different techniques or methods of production so that we are always learning and developing. We also like to offer drinks with different textures to make it interesting for the guest.’

Copenhagen is also the birthplace of some seriously innovative drinks brands. Hajiyianni namechecks Muri , a range of non-alcoholic drinks made using fruits, flowers and teas to produce elegant and characterful wine and cocktail alternatives from their water-side facility near Copenhagen’s Nordhavnstippen park. Elsewhere, Copenhagen Distillery is producing whisky, gin, aquavit and coffee spirits from its base in Nordøstamager. Copenhagen Winery is making vermouth, gin and amaro, alongside fruit wine, flower wine and cider, all using local ingredients from their farm north of the city.

Perhaps one of Copenhagen’s most talked about drinks exports, however, is Empirical , a spirits brands co-founded by Lars Williams and Mark Emil Hermansen, both previously of Noma, whose original distillery sits in a former shipyard. A cult following has been driving their inventive spirits since 2017, in addition to the duo’s fascination with fermentation and hard-to-categorise spirits made from unlikely ingredients, including plum kernels, Pasilla Mixe chilli and sorghum. They use malts, wheats and yeasts found in other areas of the industry too.

‘The spirits scene has been dynamic in the past 10 years but even more so in the past five,’ says Williams, who has seen a growing number of micro, craft and hybrid distilleries coming to life, with an increased focus on local ingredients and sustainability. ‘There have never been more cross-disciplinary collaborations between distillers and producers, winemakers or brewers. Copenhagen has been a petri dish in that sense for experimentation and innovation.’

And while the distillery has only just recently closed (with production moving to Brooklyn, NYC), the brand’s presence in the Danish capital is far from over: next year, Empirical will be opening its new experience venue for tastings, a full-service cocktail bar, cross-disciplinary events and an R&D space. While spirits and cocktail lovers wait, there are plenty of bars to keep them busy – here are some of the best in Copenhagen.

Six places for cocktail lovers to visit in Copenhagen 

Spread across two floors, Ruby is a seasonal cocktail bar serving drinks intended to be as accessible as they are delicious (while also nailing the classics), with ingredients ranging from sea buckthorn and miso, to palo santo and sour cherry. Upstairs, the drawing room-style space is bathed in the sunlight that streams through its generous windows; downstairs, in the old vault, it’s more of an after-hours vibe. This is a beautiful bar with a friendly team and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a place to become a regular.

Found inside the Villa hotel (itself housed within the old Central Post & Telegraph Head Office), T37 is striking. Its name is a nod to the code used by the building’s former post office employees to alert each other that an after-work gathering was happening in the exact same space now occupied by the bar. With a central service bar (where you can chat to the bartenders) as well as banquettes lining the walls, it’s a bit of a beast, and come evening it’s filled with live jazz or DJs. Drinks are experimental but fun: lobster-infused Irish whiskey, sourdough ice cream and nettle tea soda are just a few examples of what to expect.

www.villacopenhagen.com/eat-drink/

Walk off the street and into Bar Deco and the place immediately envelopes you in a sophisticated warmth. The noise hums and the energy is buzzy with guests at different stages of their evenings. The bustling bar greets you before you move into cosy corners to enjoy drinks that exude class and watch the bartenders wielding their impressive spirits knowledge. Think clarification, simple garnishes and column ice cubes, mixed with vivid and distinctive flavours, from tea and watermelon to cherry meringue. There’s a bold focus on dark spirits too, like funky Jamaican rums.

Whisky lovers will find nirvana upstairs at Lidkoeb (sister bar to Ruby), which is found in Copenhagen’s famous Vesterbrogade district. More than 200 bottles are at guests’ disposal on Friday and Saturdays but the rest of the week is reserved for cocktails over the buzzy, multi-floor bar. Classics get a contemporary Copenhagen twist here, with the likes of the Cosmo Highballs, Biscoff Old Fashioneds and seasonal Whiskey Sours. Don’t miss one of the house classics either: the Ostero Cola – vodka, Pimm’s, peach liqueur, lemon and Danish favourite, liquorice.

A touch of whimsy comes with a visit to Pulp Bar; the menu alone will keep you entertained. Drinks have fun names, are peppered with interesting ingredients and still look serious: The Freckled Americano comes with Szechuan pepper; the Smash Queen includes peach sorbet and green herbs with grassy rum; Brother Salsa is a Tequila Spritz with tomato tonic water. A nice touch is the cocktails-to-go offering, with bottles and buckets for anyone wanting to continue the party back home.

Anyone who enjoys a soundtrack of jazz played on vinyl with their drinks must visit Bird. This is a spot to also experience classic, technical bartending, alongside of-the-moment flavours and no-nonsense ingredients – spirts are king here and pre-batched cocktails make service seamless. Menus change monthly and seasonally but expect the likes of Melon Cream Soda, Umeshu Martinis and Bonfire Manhattans. And if you really like the cocktails, you can buy a bottle from the bottle shop too. This is low-key chic at its finest.

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20 Amazing Bars to Drink the Night Away in Copenhagen

Urban bar and nightclub "Werkstatt 167" in Reffen, Copenhagen.Author Turaids. WIKIMEDIA

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Urban bar and nightclub “Werkstatt 167” in Reffen, Copenhagen.Author Turaids. WIKIMEDIA

Address: August Bournonvillee Passage 1, 1055 Kobenhavn K.

Call: +45 88 44 04 04., booking: [email protected], opening: monday to wednesday 16:00 to 01:00., thursday 16:00 to 02:00., friday & saturday 14:00 to 02:00..

A glass of Wine.Photo by lindsay Cotter on Unsplash

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 16:00 to 02:00.

Friday and saturday 15:00 to 02:00., sunday 16:00 to 01:00., address: nybrogade 10/1203 kobenhavn k., bookings: [email protected], call: +45 33 93 12 03., 3. wallmans, opening hours: monday to friday 10:00 to 5:00 pm., saturday 12:00 to 4:00 pm., sundays; always closed., address: cirkusbygningen jernbanegade 8 1608 kobenhavn v., bookings: [email protected], call: +45 3316 3700., 4. ved stranden 10, opening hours: monday to friday 1500 to 2200., saturday 1200 to 2200., address: ved stranden 10, 1061 kobenhavn k., bookings: [email protected], call: +35 42 40 40., 5. skybar sticks ‘n’ sushi, opening hours: monday to sunday 11:00 to 23:00., address: arni magnussons gade 2 1577 copenhagen v., booking: [email protected], call: +45 8832 9595., 6. duck and cover.

Krenkerup Classis. Author Erik Cleves Kristensen. WIKIMEDIA

Opening hours: Monday is usually closed, Tuesday to Thursday 1600 to 0100, Friday and Saturday 1600 to 0200, Sunday 1800 to 0000.

Address: dannebrogsgade 6, 1660 kobenhavn., call: +45 28 12 42 90., book with us: vesterbro beerlicious cultural tour., opening hours: sunday 1800 to 0200, monday to thursday 1600 to 0200, friday to saturday 1500 to 0200., address: vesterbrogade 72b, 1620 kobenhavn, bookings : [email protected], call: +45 33 11 20 10., opening hours: tuesday to thursday 1800 to 0200, friday and saturday 1700 to 0300., address: vesterbrogade 20 1620 copenhagen v., booking: [email protected], call: +45 2929 9276..

The pub and brewery Brus at Guldbergsgade in Nørrebro in Copenhagen.Author Leif Jørgensen. WIKIMEDIA

Address: Guldbergsgade 29F, 2200 Kobenhavn N.

Bookings: [email protected], call: +75 22 22 00., 10. alöe cocktail bar, opened from thursday to saturday from 08:00 pm to 03:00 am., address: knabrostræde 5, 1210 kobenhavn., bookings: aloecocktailbar.com, call: +45 71 96 56 07., 11. the globe irish pub, opening hours: monday to friday 14:00 to 03:00, saturday 12:30 to 03:00 and sunday 13:00 to 23:00., address: nørregade 43-45 1165 københavn k., booking: [email protected], call: +45 33 32 08 60., 12. club mambo, opening hours: sunday to wednesday 9 pm to 12:00 am, friday-saturday 10:00 pm to 05:00 am, closed on thursdays., address: vester voldgade 85, 1552 kobenhavn., 13. temporada tapasbodega, opening hours: thursday to saturday 04:00 pm to 12:00 am. closed on other days., address: aboulevard 24, 1960 frederiksberg., call: +45 35 35 15 15., 14. the grill, address: nybrogade 46, 1602, kobenhavn., open from monday to sunday 06:30 pm to 09:30 am., call: +45 33 14 35 35., 15. wagamana, address: tietgensgade 20, 1704 kobenhavn., call: +45 33 75 06 58., 16. halifax.

Bar, Copenhagen.Author Heather Sperling. WIKIMEDIA

Opening hours: Sunday to Monday 11:30 am to 9:30 pm.

Address: larsbjørnsstræde 9, 1454 kobenhavn., call: +45 82 30 43 01., 17. pompette, address: mollegade 3, 2200 kobenhavn., opened daily and closes at 12 am., bookings: [email protected], 18. dronning louises bro.

Best beer in Copenhagen. Author cyclonebill from Copenhagen, Denmark. Wikimedia

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am to 21:00 pm.

Address: dronning louise torvet19- dk- esbjerg, booking: [email protected], call: +45 75 13 13 44., 19. halvandet, address: refshalevej 325, 1432 kobenhavn k., opened daily., booking: [email protected], call: 7027 0296., 20. café slusen, open daily., address: ved slusen 34, 2300 kobenhavn s, booking: [email protected], call: 41 11 89 04..

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8 Amazing Bars In Copenhagen To Visit Post-Pandemic

We can still dream of drinks with friends…

Copenhagen is full of phenomenal bars with amazing drinks and exciting atmospheres. It’s a shame that right now we can’t visit these brilliant spots, but once the city returns to some semblance of normality we hope the streets of Copenhagen will once again be buzzing with people having a great time with friends and family. Until then, we’ll just have to fantasise about prospective summer nights spent at some of our city’s many fantastic bars.[Photos: @NIMB/ @StromBar ]

1. Duck & Cover

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📍Dasnnebrogsgade 6 Basement, 1660

This chic and comfortable bar in Vesterbro is the perfect place to head with your friends on a weekend or after work. The interior is so well-thought-out and comfy, so you can feel at ease whilst you chat, rather than perching uncomfortably atop a bar stool. Plus, they serve delicious cocktails the selection of which the bar changes seasonally, so there’s generally something new to try every time you visit. Check out the website for more details.

📍Guldbergsgade 29F, 2200

If delicious craft beer is your thing then you Brus is the perfect place to relax. Brus is actually a fully-functioning brewery with a grand total of 13 huge fermentation tanks, in which the hoppiest, tastiest and most refreshing beer is brewed. Feeling peckish after a couple of beers? Don’t worry, they serve amazing food too! If you weren’t already convinced to visit by the food and the beer, the bar also puts together special events, like the Korean pop-up last year, involving lots of fantastic Korean food and drink. The website has more details.

3. Kyros & Co

📍Teglgårdstræde 13, 1452

Kyros & Co is ready and raring to open because they haven’t yet had a chance to open to the public. We can’t wait to visit. The interior looks so comfortable and they have developed several ‘culinary cocktails’ for us all to try once they open. Visit the website for more information on this new bar.

📍Bernstorffsgade 5, 1577

Nimb is located within Tivoli and it serves such amazing cocktails. They’re inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytales and everyone should try one (alcoholic or virgin) at least once.

Read more: The Amazing Bar Serving Magical Fairytale Themed Cocktails

5. R Vinbar

📍Gl. Mønt 14, 1117

If you love wine then you’re going to love R Vinbar, but only if you love wine. They don’t serve cocktails or spirits, only wine, and we respect that because it means they have loads of expertise to share. It’s a lovely place to get cosy and sip yourself some vino. You can read more about the bar on the website .

6. Ved Stranden 10

📍Ved Stranden 10, 1061

You’ve probably seen Ved Stranden 10 before. It’s a beautiful, waterfront bar and restaurant with ample seating once the terrace is open. A perfect place to meet friends and enjoy an afternoon sitting in the sunlight with a tasty drink in your hand. Read more about the bar on the website .

7. Strøm Bar

📍Niels Hemmingsens Gade 32, 1153

This art-deco cocktail bar is so pretty that you might not want to leave once you’ve finished your beautifully crafted cocktails. Two brothers opened this bar and you can feel a fraternal kind of atmosphere because everybody serving drinks is so friendly. Head to their website for more information on the bar.

8. The Barking Dog

📍Sankt Hans Gade 19, 2200

The Barking Dog is a brilliant place to visit if you’re looking for a chilled-out vibe in Copenhagen. It’s comfortable, has a lovely warm atmosphere, and plenty of tasty drinks to relax with. It’s great for after-work drinks because it’s the sort of place where you can really have a conversation and sit on some lovely soft sofas. Visit the website to read more about the bar.

Read more: Savour A New Cocktail Every Month With Monthly Cocktail Deliveries

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16 Best Bars In Copenhagen That Won’t Break The Bank

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on July 26, 2017 |

Copenhagen is trending right now, and it’s easy to see why. Colourful architecture, stunning beaches, obscenely cool nightlife and an obsession with coziness… Sounds like our kinda place! So, what’s the catch?! Well, most backpackers think they can’t afford it.

Whilst there’s no denying this isn’t going to be the cheapest city break of your life, it is possible to do it on a backpacker’s budget. There’s glorious street food, amazing hostels, loads of free things to do… But a warm bottle of Carlsberg costs about €15, right?! Wrong! From bodegas to breweries, we’ve put together a guide to the best bars in Copenhagen where you’ll get more bang for your buck. Skål!

1. Eiffel Bar

Cheap beer in Copenhagen –  yes, it does exist! ? @louiseystrom

This popular Copenhagen bodega is a veritable institution – a real, old-fashioned, down-to-earth watering hole for locals of all ages and walks of life. Copenhagen beer prices are notoriously high, but Eiffel Bar proves there are exceptions to this rule. At under €3 for a beer, you’ll be hard-pushed to find anywhere cheaper. If you’re looking for an all-round authentic Copenhagen experience, this is the place to go.

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2. Mesteren & Lærlingen

A rough and ready spot with beautiful people and amazing DJs ? @milllalite

Before the Meatpacking District blossomed into the hipster paradise it is today, it was the haunt of local slaughterhouse workers at the end of their shift. Today, the area is home to one of the coolest bars in Copenhagen. Mesteren & Lærlingen still retains the original tiled walls and unfussy decor, only the clientele has changed. The great DJs and reasonably priced drinks (try their ‘Dark & Stormy’!) make it a winning combination. The party usually spills out onto the street, so wear trainers and don’t expect a seat.

Address: Flæsketorvet 86, 1711 København

3. Café Dyrehaven

Al fresco cocktails and a spot of people-watching ? @stinebuje

Café Dyrehaven is one of those places that feel like they’ve been around forever. Everything about it feels familiar, from the cozy booths to the wood-paneled walls and the shelf above the bar lined with lemonade and beer bottles. This all-day spot, popular with locals for its purse-friendly breakfast, turns into a neighborhood bar at night and is perfect for grabbing a few beers and people-watching on the terrace outside.

Address: Sønder Blvd. 72, 1720 København V

4. Von Fressen

Von Fressen’s Happy Hour will make you happy ? @jmbx

This down-to-earth bar and restaurant channels Berlin vibes and melts perfectly into the hip Vesterbro neighbourhood. Head to Von Fressen for casual candlelit drinks with friends, and make use of the happy hour from 6 to 9pm when you can get two of their delicious signature cocktails for €13. We recommend the ‘Karl Marx’ which features vodka, ginger and blood orange.

Address: Vesterbrogade 124, 1620 København V

5. Copenhagen Street Food

Cheap cocktails and gorgeous views at Copenhagen Street Food ? @mikkehe

There aren’t really any affordable rooftop bars in Copenhagen, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find an awesome view to go with your drink. When it comes to cheap nightlife in Copenhagen, you can’t beat a street food market. One of our favourites is the imaginatively named Copenhagen Street Food , where you can get delicious and cheap cocktails to enjoy by the water. On a summer’s day, there’s no better place to drink.

Address:  Warehouse 7 & 8, Trangravsvej 14, 1436 Copenhagen K

6. Studenterhuset

This student bar is perfect for a fun mid-week drink ? @andreas___petersen

Probably the most popular student bar in Copenhagen, you’ll find great happy hour deals in a laid-back setting. The audience is young, and because it’s a mostly student crowd, there’s a lively atmosphere every day of the week. So it’s great if you want to party mid-week, but they also have free concerts, DJs and other cool events on the weekends.

Address: Købmagergade 52, 1150 København K

7. Vinhanen

Enjoy some of the best wine in Copenhagen from €5 per glass ? @fostermycello

This is not your ordinary wine bar – at Vinhanen , the selection of mostly French wines is stored in large steel tanks and tapped directly into glasses or bottles to order. So there’s a wider than average choice of excellent wines you can order by the glass. The concept also keeps prices wonderfully low by Copenhagen standards, with a glass starting at around €5 per glass. A classy place for wine-lovers on a budget!

Address: Baggesensgade 13, 2200 København N / Enghavevej 24, 1770 København V

8. Neighbourhood

The cocktails at Neighbourhood taste so good they should be illegal! ? @ bylindhage

At €12 for a cocktail, Neighbourhood is definitely the splurge option on this list (though still very reasonable compared to many Copenhagen bars). However, we couldn’t write a guide to the best bars in Copenhagen without including it, because their cocktails are just so outrageously delicious. Not only that, they’re organic, unusual and you can also order a mind-blowing pizza to go with it. We love the ‘Cu-Cress Garden’ cocktail featuring mint-infused Danish gin, fresh cress, cucumber, lemon and egg white. Yum! But the best bit about a trip to Neighbourhood is that if they repost one of your photos, they owe you a free pizza. Boom!

9. Kølsters Tolv Haner

Organic craft beer in Copenhagen from €3 ? @heliyeah

This cozy, beautifully-designed spot has twelve taps serving only hand-brewed, organic beers. No Carlsberg or Tuborg here! The smaller sampling glasses from just € 3 are a great way to experience the many delicious beers  Kølsters Tolv Haner  has to offer without breaking the bank. They also have a wide selection of organic ciders, served in champagne flutes, for the fancier ones among us. Whilst the beer isn’t brewed on site, the bar is run by one of the best breweries in Copenhagen, so you can be sure the staff know a thing or two about great beer.

Address: Rantzausgade 56, 2200 København N

10. Petanque Bar & Terrace

Boules on the rooftop or drinks in the ice bar? Generator Hostel have got you sorted ? @malenepuls

Have you ever played petanque aka boules on a rooftop? If not, you might want to check out Petanque Bar & Terrace on top of  Generator Copenhagen . Play a round or just sip an ice cold drink and enjoy the view with your new hostel friends. For an extra special evening, head to the hostel’s recently opened ice bar. Entry is € 20, but that includes a cocktail and a shot in a glass made of ice – not to mention some epic ice sculptures. This is definitely one of the most unusual bars in Copenhagen.

Address: Vendersgade 22, 1363 København K

11. Nemoland

Freetown Christiana is a must for many visitors to Copenhagen ? @jensandersen750

You’ve probably heard of Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen’s famous hippie commune. But did you know that this cannabis-loving anarchist enclave is also home to one of the best cheap bars in Copenhagen? Nemoland is a great outdoors spot for long summer days and nights. Beers are cheap, there are board games and old school rock music, and the audience is a colorful, easy-going mix of locals and travellers.

Address: Fabriksområdet 52, 1440 København K

12. Café Auto

Laid-back drinks with the locals at Cafe Auto ? @awesomeinredning

A bit off the beaten track, Café Auto  is loved by locals for its healthy brunches and as a casual dinner spot – and for the delicious drinks that won’t break the bank. Try their cocktails from € 7, or share a pitcher with friends. What makes this one of our favourite cocktail bars in Copenhagen is the unpretentious, friendly vibe  and ample outdoor seating.

Address: Griffenfeldsgade 22, 2200 København N

13. Mikropolis

Sample the goods from one of the best breweries in Copenhagen ? @phantomspirits

Over twenty beers on tap, starting from under € 4, and a delicious selection of expertly-mixed cocktails. Mikropolis is one of around 30 bars around the world run by one of the best breweries in Copenhagen:  Mikkeller . Founded by a local maths and physics teacher in his kitchen, this micro brewery is now internationally renowned and is a must for craft beer fans. There are a several Mikkeller bars in Copenhagen alone, but we love Mikropolis best for its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff.

14. Copenhagen Downtown Hostel

Laid-back vibes and cheap drinks at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel ? @marcforne

Everybody knows that hostels are usually one of the best places in any city to find cheap drinks and new friends in a strange city. Copenhagen Downtown Hostel is one of our favourite hostel bars around: the beers are cheap, the decor is gorgeous and it attracts a winning mix of friendly travellers and locals. There’s always something going on here – from the daily Happy Hour to live music and free board games – so it’s a great mid-week option.

Address: Vandkunsten 5, 1467 København K

15. Café Sommersted

“Just one more” at Café Sommersted ? @estheredith

Café Sommersted is what people call a ”go-home-pub”, the place where you end up for that last beer of the night, when you really should have just gone home. But it’s precisely those wee hours of weekend mornings that make for the best memories. The bartender, Cindy, has run the place for 20 years and she, like her bar, is a real Copenhagen institution.

Address: Sommerstedgade 2, 1718 København V

Ping pong and cheap drinks = a great night out! ? @ninna_knudsen

Fancy a game of ping pong with your friends or total strangers – a beer in one hand and bat in the other? If that sounds like the recipe for a great night to you, then you need to pay a visit to Dupong. The happy hour deal of two cocktails for €9 makes it one of the cheapest bars in Copenhagen, where you can also get a pretty good workout to boot.

Address: Griffenfeldsgade 52, 2200 København N

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A city of unique maritime cultural history

Natural wonders and ancient viking lands

There are plenty of memorable moments waiting for you in Copenhagen's many-sided hinterland. But where in the surrounding regions should you go and how do you get around? These guides will help you find the answers and kickstart your wanderlust.

West Zealand - among Vikings and winemakers

Natural wonders in South Zealand and the island of Møn

16 reasons to explore beyond the city limit

History and modern culture in copenhagen's backyard.

Viking history and modern world-class architecture and a lot of beautiful coastline. It's your call just what you want to bring back from a day out in Copenhagen's countryside.   

Malmö: 1 trip, 2 countries

Guide to the Vikings' Roskilde

Beachy vibes and summery charm in these coastal towns.

The vast nature with the sandy beaches and endless rolling landscapes is a contrast to the buzzing life in the city and makes these coastal pearls the perfect places to wind down.

Experiences in Odsherred and Hundested

Explore dunes and beaches and fine coastland by bike, have a seafood treat, and a touch of raw slow life at the coast.

Old school laid back charm abounds in Hornbæk

The epitome of relaxed beach life. 1.5 hours’ train ride from Copenhagen, and you’ll find yourself engulfed in surf vibes, good food and amazing coastal nature.

The idyllic fishing village Dragør, only 30 minutes from Copenhagen, is a perfect, relaxed day-trip destination. In Dragør, you can stroll through the cute cobblestoned streets of colourful houses and enjoy the genuine harbourside “hygge”. Dragør was originally founded by fishermen in th ...

Wait! There is even more to see out there

For instance some idyllic villages and popular summer destinations. Or maybe you're in for som world-class contemporary art by the coast, an ancient Viking fortress or perhaps a treasure hunt to find the wooden giants lurking in the woods of Copenhagen's suburbs?

Rørvig: Old harbour town and beloved summer destination

In the old town of Rørvig, neat, timbered houses with thatched roof, lies shoulder to shoulder.

Lyngby-Taarbæk: Nature experiences and little gems in the outskirts of Copenhagen

Within 20 minutes by train from Copenhagen Central Station, you’re on a green and cultural daytrip to Lyngby-Taarbæk – a 39 km2 municipality in beauti ...

Hans Christian Andersen's hometown Odense

charming, walkable, full of culture and is an ideal day trip destination 1.5 hours from Copenhagen by train.

Lejre Land of Legends

The Lejre Land of Legends is a unique and stunningly beautiful open-air museum, which offers its visitors to embark on a journey through time and spac ...

Amager nature & coast

Nearly all international visitors to Copenhagen pass through the island of Amager – most of them likely without realizing it. The reason is simple: Copenhagen Airport is situated on the island, a mere 15-minute metro ride from the heart of the city.

The Two Royal Towns: Exploring the past and present homes of the Danish royals

Copenhagen’s northern hinterlands are steeped in rich royal history, and you’ll find few places where this heritage is on better display than the towns of Hillerød and Fredensborg.

ARKEN Museum of Contemporary Art

Walk beside world-class sculptures in the dunes, discover one of Europe's best Damien Hirst collections and explore modern art in a wonderful ark-like ...

The Forgotten Giants

Go hunting for the six wooden giants (© Thomas Dambo) lurking in the woods of Copenhagen’s suburbs. Scattered around lush forests, meadows, and by ca ...

Frederiksborg Castle - 500 Years of Danish History at the Museum of National History

Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød is a fairy tale-like experience that no children or adults should miss. The beautiful Renaissance castle is built on ...

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art - world-class art by the sea

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a leading international art museum and an absolute top attraction in Denmark. Art, nature and architecture combi ...

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