Guide: Copenhagen at night - where the locals go

Guide: Copenhagen at night - where the locals go

June 11, 2025

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a city that never sleeps. As dusk falls, the streets come alive and bars and clubs open their doors, inviting locals and tourists alike to explore the city's nighttime charms. In this guide, we'll take you on a tour of some of the best places that make up Copenhagen's vibrant night scene. From chic cocktail bars to cozy pubs, you'll learn about the places that are a favorite choice of the Danish capital's residents. Get ready for an unforgettable night full of delicious drinks, great atmosphere and Danish hygge at its best.

Ad

Elegant cocktail bars - gems of Copenhagen's nightlife scene

Let's start our nighttime adventure with the elegant cocktail bars that are the true gems of Copenhagen's night scene. Our first stop is 'Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar', a hidden gem in the heart of the Vesterbro district. This bar, located in a basement at Dannebrogsgade 6, impresses with an atmosphere straight out of the 1950s. Despite the lack of signage outside, the interior impresses with vintage decor and carefully chosen details. Guests praise not only the delicious cocktails, but also the exceptional service, which passionately creates drinks tailored to individual preferences.

Another must-visit spot is 'Lidkoeb', located at Vesterbrogade 72B. This three-story bar is housed in a restored 1886 building and offers a unique experience on every level. The first floor is a classic cocktail bar, the second floor is a cozy space with a fireplace, and the very top is an exclusive whiskey bar. Lidkoeb is known for its innovative cocktails and friendly atmosphere, although it's worth remembering that there is an age limit - a minimum of 23 years old.

Not to be missed is 'Curfew', located at Vesterbrogade 20. This speakeasy-style bar takes guests back to the Prohibition era. Entrance can be a bit mysterious - you have to press a bell or make an advance reservation. The interior impresses with its vintage decor, and the bartenders create cocktails with true passion and craftsmanship. This is the perfect place for those who appreciate a unique atmosphere and quality drinks.

Gin & tonic lovers should definitely visit 'Strøm' at Niels Hemmingsens Gade 32. This cozy bar offers a wide selection of gins and tonics, and the bartenders will be happy to advise on the perfect composition. Strøm stands out not only for its excellent drinks, but also for its friendly atmosphere and professional service.

It is worth noting that all the bars mentioned fall into the price category described as expensive or moderate. Cocktail prices usually range from 100 to 150 Danish kroner. However, the quality of the drinks, the unique atmosphere and the professional service fully justify these prices. Each of these places has its own unique character, so the choice depends on individual preference - do you prefer a hidden bar in a basement, an elegant establishment in a historic building, or perhaps a bar with a 1920s vibe?"

Cosy bars with character -. Copenhagen's favorite night spots

Continuing our nighttime tour of Copenhagen, it's worth taking a look at cozy bars with character, which are a favorite choice of local nightspots. One such place is 'Ruby', located at Nybrogade 10. This elegant cocktail bar is housed in an 18th century townhouse overlooking the canal. Ruby is famous for its innovative drinks, often inspired by Danish traditions. The interior is reminiscent of a stylish living room, creating the perfect environment for relaxing to the sounds of jazz music. Prices are admittedly high, but the quality of the cocktails and the unique atmosphere fully compensate for this.

Nearby, at Valkendorfsgade 11, is 'Balderdash' - a place that impresses with its creativity and original approach to the art of cocktails. The bar offers unique drinks such as the 'Mushroom Alexander' - a combination of gin, chocolate, three kinds of mushrooms, coconut cream and deer heart. Balderdash stands out not only for its unusual flavor compositions, but also for its friendly atmosphere and professional service. It is the perfect place for those looking for new and exciting taste experiences.

Another place worth noting is 'Gaia Cocktails' at Sankt Peders Stræde 45. This small, cozy bar offers creative cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. Guests praise not only the taste of the drinks, but also the friendly approach of the bartenders, who passionately talk about their creations. Gaia Cocktails is the perfect place for a quiet evening with friends.

For those who appreciate a more casual atmosphere, the ideal choice would be 'The Barking Dog' at Sankt Hans Gade 19. This bar is famous for its mezcal-based cocktails, but also offers a wide selection of other drinks. The interior is cozy, with low ceilings creating an intimate atmosphere. The Barking Dog is a place where you can spend hours chatting over excellent drinks.

If you are looking for a place that perfectly reflects Danish hygge, be sure to visit 'No Stress Bar' at Nørregade 26. As the name suggests, the atmosphere here is extremely relaxing. The bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, including the popular 'carrot cake' and 'gin with basil'. The cozy interior and friendly staff make No Stress Bar the perfect place to end a busy day of sightseeing.

It's worth noting that prices at these bars are usually moderate to high, ranging from 100 to 150 Danish kroner per cocktail. However, the unique character of each of these places, the quality of the drinks and the unique atmosphere make the prices commensurate with the experience offered. Each of these bars has its own specialty - whether it be Danish-inspired cocktails, extravagant flavor blends, or classics with a new twist. The choice depends on your preferences and the mood of the evening.

Copenhagen's gems - places with unique character

At the end of our nighttime tour of Copenhagen, we will present a few special places that stand out from the rest with their unique character. The first is 'K-Bar' located at Ved Stranden 20. This elegant cocktail bar, run by Kirsten Holm, a well-known Danish cocktail expert, offers not only delicious drinks, but also an extraordinary atmosphere. K-Bar is famous for its creative cocktails, often inspired by Danish flavors and traditions. The interior combines modern design with coziness, creating an ideal place for evening gatherings. Prices are admittedly high, but the quality of drinks and service fully justifies it.

For those looking for something truly special, the ideal choice would be 'The Bird and The Churchkey' at Gammel Strand 44. This bar specializes in gin, offering an impressive collection of the drink as well as carefully selected tonics. The interior is cozy and intimate, and the service is extremely knowledgeable. The Bird and The Churchkey is a place where you can not only drink an excellent gin & tonic, but also expand your knowledge of the drink.

If you prefer a more casual atmosphere, be sure to visit 'Escobar København' at Blågårdsgade 2A. This bar, despite its name, has nothing to do with drugs - it's a paradise for metal music lovers. Escobar offers a wide selection of beers at affordable prices, and in the evenings you can often listen to live concerts. It's the perfect place for those who want to combine nightlife with good music.

Last but not least, 'Mikkeller Bar' at Viktoriagade 8 is a must stop for all craft beer lovers. Mikkeller offers an impressive selection of beers from its own brewery, as well as from other renowned producers from around the world. The interior is minimalist but cozy, and the staff will be happy to advise you on choosing the right beverage.

When comparing these places, it's worth noting the differences in price and atmosphere. K-Bar and The Bird and The Churchkey are among the more expensive options, but offer a unique experience for cocktail and gin connoisseurs. Escobar København and Mikkeller Bar are more affordable and offer a more casual atmosphere, ideal for those who appreciate good music and craft beer.

Each of these places has its own unique character and specialty. K-Bar is all about elegance and innovative cocktails, The Bird and The Churchkey is a paradise for gin lovers, Escobar København is all about music and a casual atmosphere, and Mikkeller Bar is a mecca for craft beer fans. The choice depends on your preferences and mood - Copenhagen offers something for every nightlife lover.

Keep in mind that prices and opening hours can change, so it's always a good idea to check for up-to-date information on the official websites or social profiles of these places before visiting. Whichever place you choose, you can be sure that you're in for an unforgettable night in the Danish capital.

Similar articles

Ad