Nightlife in Copenhagen: clubs and nightlife districts

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is the right destination if you are looking for a mix of cultural sightseeing by day and wild nightlife by night. The city boasts a vibrant nightlife. In its neighbourhoods you will find everything from sophisticated wine bars to live music venues, from quaint breweries to popular nightclubs.
Here is everything you need to know about nightlife in Copenhagen.

First time in Copenhagen? Take a tour of the cult clubs with a local!
Throw yourself into Copenhagen's nightlife with a tour of the city's coolest pubs and clubs, including free shots and drinks and VIP access to Copenhagen's cult clubs. Info and costs here.

Where to go in the evening: streets, areas and districts

Nightlife in Copenhagen is very varied: from breweries to wine bars, from live music venues to discos, there is certainly no shortage of choice. For a quieter nightlife, choose the old town, with the famous Strøget, the shopping street par excellence dotted with numerous clubs, and Nyhavn, the charming canal at night all lit up. For unbridled nightlife, head to Vesterbro, Nørrebro and Østerbro: these neighbourhoods are home to the capital's most famous and popular nightclubs.

Keep in mind that in Denmark, as in the rest of Northern Europe, people dine quite early, around 7 p.m., so clubs such as cocktail bars start to fill up already around 9 p.m. The first part of the evening is spent among the breweries, winebars and clubs in the centre, then moving on to Vesterbro, Nørrebro and Østerbro: here the clubs do not fill up until midnight and go on until dawn. You should also know that in Copenhagen the metro runs 24 hours a day and night buses, marked with the letter 'N', also operate at night.

Is Copenhagen dangerous at night? No, Copenhagen is ranked as one of the safest cities in Europe. Even in the evening you can stay safe and move easily between the different neighbourhoods. However, we always advise you to stay in the busiest areas and not to move around alone in the suburbs or areas you don't know.

Strøget and Nyhavn

Strøget and Nyhavn are located in the historical centre of Copenhagen: the former is the longest pedestrian street in Europe, full of clubs, restaurants and shops, the latter is the city's famous canal, one of the most photographed and visited areas, also thanks to the colourful little houses.

Here you will find people of all ages, from locals to tourists, and the movida starts right after dinner, with the first clubs starting to get crowded. Pubs, live music venues, cocktail bars, a few small clubs, the choice is certainly not lacking! The youngest then move on to the main discos located in the neighbouring districts. In addition, here in the city centre, continuing along Strøget, one arrives at Tivoli Gardens, the oldest amusement park in the world, open during the summer until 11 p.m. or midnight, a sure place to spend a different evening.

Thecult venues in the area are the renowned Hive and Culture Box. For those who tend more towards alternative and live music venues, we recommend Zoo Bar and The Jane. For a quieter evening we recommend La Fontaine, for an aperitif or romantic dinner Restaurant Grønnegade. If you go at dinnertime, opt for the Rosie Mcgee Restaurant, which also offers music and evening entertainment.

Vesterbro

Photo by Jules Verne Times Two. Vesterbro is one of Copenhagen's nightlife hotspots. It is located a few kilometres from the centre, in the south-west, and borders the Tivoli Gardens. You can reach it on foot or use the M3 metro line, which runs through the whole district. It is also home to the historic Carlsberg Brewery, which is packed with events in the summer.

The district's nightlife is mainly youthful: the city's best-known nightclubs can be found here, as in the districts of Nørrebro and Østerbro. Specifically, most of the clubs are concentrated in the Meatpacking District, inside old factories. The evening starts as early as 8 p.m., with some discos and clubs remaining open until 5 a.m. Some clubs have free admission, while others charge an entrance fee, especially in the case of international events and guests, with a cost ranging from €15.00 to €25.00.

Thecult clubs in the area are the renowned Bakken and Vega. For those who tend more towards alternative and live music venues, we recommend KB3 and Jolene. For a quieter evening we recommend Café Dyrehaven and 1656 cocktailbar, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner Restaurant Cofoco.

Nørrebro

Photo by Bex Walton. Nørrebro is Copenhagen's multicultural district, full of art galleries, bookshops, small vintage and antique shops. Of course, there is no shortage of clubs! It is located north-west of the city centre and is easily accessible by metro: the reference stop for reaching clubs and discos is Nørrebros Runddel St, served by the M3 red line, which also passes through the city centre.

Like Vesterbro, the nightlife in this district is mainly youthful. This is also because Nørrebro has very affordable accommodation, so many young people stay here. The evening starts around 10 p.m. in the discos, first in the clubs, and then dancing until dawn: in some places, the dance floor hardly empties before 5 a.m. Again, some discos have free admission, while others charge between €15.00 and €25.00 depending on the events scheduled.

Thecult clubs in the area are the renowned Rust and Kassen. For those who tend more towards alternative and live music venues, we recommend SigurdsGade 39 and Stengade 30. For a quieter evening we recommend Blågård's Pharmacy and The Barking Dog, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner the Gaarden & Gaden.

Østerbro

Photo by Ramblersen. Finally, we find Østerbro, one of the capital's most exclusive neighbourhoods. Located north of the old town and bordering the district of Nørrebro, it can be easily reached from the centre by train, the reference stations being Nordhavn and Svanemøllen.

Østerbro also has a lively nightlife, although quieter than Nørrebro and Vesterbro. Here you will mainly find beer and wine bars, as well as a few discos. Due to the character of the venues, the neighbourhood attracts people of all ages and its alleys, especially during the warm season and sunny days, begin to fill up already before dinnertime for an aperitif or a glass of wine with friends. Here the average cost for a beer is DKK 50.00 (€6.70), for a cocktail DKK 65.00 (€8.70).

Thecult venues in the area are the renowned Holstein and Søernes Ølbar. For those who tend more towards alternative and live music venues, we recommend Magrath's Irish Pub. For a quieter evening we recommend Bubbles Bar and Kompasset Ølbar, and for an aperitif or romantic dinner Dag H.

Copenhagen's most popular venues: pubs, discos and nightclubs

• Rust (Nørrebro, Guldbergsgade - Get directions)
  One of the best nightclubs in Copenhagen, spread over 3 floors. It covers all genres, from indie rock and indie pop to hip hop and electronic music, also touching on dubstep, reggae, soul, and funk. Frequented mainly by young people. Cost of admission depending on events and evenings, average cost €15.00;

• Hive (Indre By, Skindergade - Get directions)
  One of Copenhagen's most exclusive clubs, located in the city centre. Dress code required, not smart but still well-dressed. Frequented by people of different ages, open from 23:00. Admission often free;

• Culture Box (Indre By, Kronprinsessegade - Get directions)
  Popular Copenhagen club dedicated to techno and electronic music, divided into 3 different rooms. Frequented by people of all ages, young people are mainly concentrated in the area called Black Box, the most party-like. The Red Box is more intimate and quiet. Average cost of admission €20.00;

• Bakken (Vesterbro, Flæsketorvet - Get directions)
  One of Copenhagen's great institutions. A mix of music, themed evenings from Thursday onwards, great beers and cocktails, ideal for meeting new people too, a real landmark. Frequented by people of all ages. Free entry, drinks charge, for a beer average cost €6.00;

• KB3 (Vesterbro, Kødboderne - Get directions)
  Large club in Copenhagen, with an area of 850 sqm, a large dancefloor, lounging areas, outdoor courtyard used in summer, a 13 m long bar counter. Frequented mainly by young people. Average entrance fee €17.00;

• Kassen (Nørrebro, Nørrebrogade - Get directions)
  One of the best cocktail bars in Copenhagen, as well as being one of the cheapest and for this reason frequented mainly by young people and university students. Happy Hour and theme nights, ideal for a drink before moving to a club. Admission free, drinks charged, for a cocktail average cost €9.00;

• Stengade 30 (Nørrebro, Stengade - Get directions)
  Historic Copenhagen club, with DJ sets ranging from hip hop to new vawe, from techno to rock concerts. Mainly frequented by young people, it also houses an upper floor with billiards and bar area. Admission cost depends on the events scheduled, generally no more than €7.00;

• Zoo Bar (Indre By, Sværtegade - Get directions)
  Disco pub in the heart of the old town, small but very crowded, especially Thursday to Saturday. Great atmosphere, perfect for meeting new people and spending the evening before going to the disco. Frequented by people of all ages. Admission free, cocktail costs €10.00 on average.

• Vega (Vesterbro, Enghavevej - Get directions)
  A club truly for everyone. On its 3 floors it houses a disco, a large concert space and a lounging bar. Frequented by people of all ages, it also has a very rich programme. Tickets according to evenings and concerts, average cost €20.00;

• Loppen Club (Christiania, Sydområdet - Get directions)
  This club has been active for about 30 years and organises numerous concerts of all kinds. The atmosphere is really relaxed and informal, the people who frequent it very particular. Once the concerts are over, the disco part begins. Admission according to events, average cost €20.00;

• Mojo (Indre By, Løngangstræde - Get directions)
  Venue with blues concerts, among the most important of its kind in Europe. Every evening happy hour from 20:00 to 22:00, frequented mainly by people aged 30 and over. Admission free, drinks charged, for a beer average cost €8.00;

• The Barking Dog (Nørrebro, Sankt Hans Gade - Get directions)
  Cocktail bar with an English pub atmosphere, ideal for spending a quiet evening with friends. Mainly frequented by an adult clientele, there is no background music either. Admission free, drinks charged, cocktails from €8.00;

• Rosie McGee (Indre By, Vesterbrogade - Get directions)
  Well-known pub in the heart of Copenhagen, where you can already stop for dinner and then enjoy evenings with commercial music. Frequented by people of different ages. Thursdays and Fridays generally free admission, Saturdays chargeable, on average €8.00;

• The Jane (Indre By, Gråbrødretorv - Get directions)
  This venue is a mix of cocktail bar and disco. Located in the city centre, its rooms are all worth exploring: some have bookcases that are actually doors and lead to other bars. Frequented mainly by young people. Admission free, cocktail costs €10.00 on average;

• Eiffel Bar (Christiania, Wildersgad - Get directions)
  Old Danish pub active since 1737, when it welcomed sailors arriving in town. Today it is frequented by many young people as well as entrepreneurs. Admission free, drinks charged, for a beer average cost €4.00;

• SigurdsGade 39 (Nørrebro, SigurdsGade - Get directions)
  Well-known Copenhagen nightclub, with DJ sets, also international, and numerous evenings. Mainly frequented by young people. Tropical-looking bar, as well as its exotic-looking drinks. Average entrance fee €10.00;

• Alléenberg (Frederiksberg, Allégade - Get directions)
  Historic Copenhagen pub whose décor remains the same as the year it opened in 1924. Frequented by a varied clientele, it is a real meeting place and one of the city's most popular pubs. Admission free, drinks charged, for a beer average cost €6.00;

• Hviids Vinstue (Indre By, Kongens Nytorv - Get directions)
  One of the oldest bars in Copenhagen, with over 300 years of history. It is located in the heart of the city, overlooking the National Theatre. Mainly frequented by an adult clientele, it offers excellent canapés (smørrebrød) and beers, and its famous mulled wine is worth sampling. Free admission, average cost for a beer and a smørrebrød €12.00;

• Café Dyrehaven (Vesterbro, Sønder Boulevard - Get directions)
  One of the most famous and popular open-air cafés in the whole district, open until midnight. Inside it combines an old pub atmosphere with a fresher, more youthful mood. Free admission, drinks charge, for a beer average €8.00, for a canapé (smørrebrød) average €9.00;

• La Fontaine (Indre By, Kompagnistræde - Get directions)
  One of Copenhagen's most important jazz venues, located in its historic centre. Open until 5am, it has become famous for its jam sessions. Frequented by an adult clientele and lovers of the genre. Average cost of admission €16.00;

• Jolene (Vesterbro, Flæsketorvet - Get directions)
  Messy, rowdy, informal club but where fun is guaranteed. Good beers and DJ sets during the evenings, ideal to hang out with friends. Frequented by a varied clientele. Admission free or on payment depending on the evening, from €10.00.

What to do: ideas and tips

• Pub crawl with stops at the city's best pubs and clubs - book online

• Spend an evening at Tivoli Gardens - book online

• Spend an evening at the Hard Rock Cafe - book online

• See the Copenhagen Opera House lit up on the water

• Stroll along the scenic Nyhavn Canal

• Watch the sunset and city lights from the Rundetårn

• Dance the night away at Rust in the Nørrebro district

• Enjoy a beer with friends at one of the many breweries

• Spend an evening in Christiania among its clubs