12 Best Bars in Copenhagen, Denmark

Background Illustration for Nightlife

Nightspots are concentrated on and around Strøget. Restaurants, cafés, bars, and clubs stay open after midnight, a few until 5 am. Check out the Copenhagen City Guide (www.ctw.dk) and the English newspaper The Copenhagen Post (www.cphpost.dk) for listings.

Copenhagen used to be famous for jazz, but that has changed, with many of the best clubs closing down. However, you can find nightspots catering to almost all musical tastes, from ballroom music to house, rap, and techno. There are also plenty of trendy clubs where DJs provide the sound tracks.

Alice

Nørrebro Fodor's Choice

When Jazzhouse, one of Copenhagen’s best jazz and night clubs, joined forces with the music venue Global, this venue was created. It’s home to the city’s scene for jazz, experimental electronic, global, and folk, and it’s located in a lovely brick building in an idyllic courtyard in inner Nørrebro.

Beau Marché

Indre By Fodor's Choice

Whether you’re looking to buy vintage furniture or just have a glass of wine, you’ve come to the right place. This Francophile combined coffee shop, wine bar, and furniture store is a delight for the eyes and taste buds.

Café Intime

Frederiksberg Fodor's Choice

This bohemian institution, which first opened in 1922, is popular among intellectuals, artists, and the LGBT+ community for its cocktails. Every day a pianist plays on the grand piano, and every Sunday there's live jazz.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Hviids Vinstue

Indre By Fodor's Choice

Around since the 1720s, Hviids Vinstue attracts all kinds, young and old, singles and couples, for a glass of wine or cognac in its atmospheric basement with dark, wooden furniture, stained-glass windows, and leather couches.

La Fontaine

Indre By Fodor's Choice

A must for jazz lovers. This is Copenhagen's quintessential jazz dive, with sagging curtains, nights that turn into mornings without you noticing it, and hepcats.

Library Bar

Vesterbro Fodor's Choice

Located in the heart of a historic hotel, this bar is an elegant and romantic spot for a quiet but pricey drink. It has golden wood, leather chairs, and walls carpeted by books. In December, a Christmas tree hangs from the atrium---upside down.

Bernstorffsgade 4, Copenhagen, 1577, Denmark
33-14–92–62
Nightlife Details
Closed Sun.

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Loppen

Christianshavn Fodor's Choice

Some of the bigger names in Danish music (pop, rock, and urban) and budding artists from abroad play at this medium-size venue in Christiania, which is run by volunteers and known for spotting the next big thing on the international alternative rock and indie scene. Covers range from DKr 50 to DKr 350.

Sydområdet 4B, Copenhagen, 1440, Denmark
32-57–84–22
Nightlife Details
Closed Jan.

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Palæ Bar

Indre By Fodor's Choice

One of Denmark’s most legendary bars, this beloved institution has served beer, wine, and stronger spirits for decades. It’s long been popular among journalists and in the publishing world.

Ny Adelgade 5, Copenhagen, 1104, Denmark
33-12–54–71

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Pompette

Nørrebro Fodor's Choice

This friendly bar and shop sells natural wines by the glass and bottle, served with a good selection of cheese and charcuterie.

Møllegade 3, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
No phone

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Ruby

Indre By Fodor's Choice

Ruby was one of the first serious cocktail bars to open up in Copenhagen, and it's still one of the best. Inside an unmarked building, Ruby feels more like a private party in a luxury apartment than a cocktail lounge. It buzzes with a mixed clientele. The cocktail bars Lidkøb and Brønnum are run by the same team.

Vega

Vesterbro Fodor's Choice

This three-story complex houses some of Copenhagen's best concerts and parties in some of the city's most unusual, beautiful surroundings. Store Vega is where larger concerts are held; Little Vega hosts smaller concerts and turns into a nightclub on Friday and Saturday. Next door is Ideal Bar, a good place to have a drink on your way in or out of Vega.

Vinoria Lilo

Indre By Fodor's Choice

This unpretentious wine bar is an excellent place to explore the world of natural wine. There's no menu; instead the friendly, knowledgeable bartenders will guide you, letting you try a few different wines so you find one that you love. The bar snacks—such as caramelized cherry tomatoes with Danish burrata (fresh cow-milk cheese made from cream and mozzarella) and toasted, oiled sourdough bread—are excellent, too.