The Library Bar
Copenhagen's literary cocktail sanctuary where jazz, craftsmanship, and old-world elegance converge.
A historic cocktail bar housed in Copenhagen Plaza, The Library Bar evokes old-world elegance with Chesterfield armchairs, leather-bound books, and oil paintings of Danish noblemen. Known for exceptional cocktails inspired by literary themes and live jazz performances on weekends, this intimate venue captures the atmosphere of a refined gentleman's club from a bygone era.
A brief summary to Library Bar
- Bernstorffsgade 4, Copenhagen, København V, 1570, DK
- +4528305861
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 5 pm-12 am
- Thursday 5 pm-12 am
- Friday 5 pm-1 am
- Saturday 5 pm-1 am
Local tips
- Reserve a table in advance, especially for groups of eight or more, to guarantee seating in this intimate venue with limited capacity.
- Visit on Friday or Saturday evening from 8:30 PM onwards to experience live jazz performances by the resident ensemble.
- Arrive after 5 PM when the bar opens; the atmosphere deepens as evening progresses and the venue fills with the warmth of conversation and music.
- Budget accordingly—cocktails range from approximately 100 DKK for classic drinks to 160 DKK for house creations, reflecting the premium quality and setting.
- Explore the literary theme by asking bartenders about the inspiration behind signature cocktails, which often reference classic literature and historical figures.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
Library Bar location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Library Bar
A Portal to Copenhagen's Golden Age
Nestled within Copenhagen Plaza on Bernstorffsgade, The Library Bar transports visitors to an era of sophistication and refinement. Since opening in the 1970s, this intimate establishment has maintained its character as a bastion of classic cocktail culture. The bar's design deliberately evokes the ambiance of a private library in a stately home, with floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with leather-bound books and first editions creating an intellectual backdrop. Oil paintings of Danish noblemen gaze down from the walls, while plush Chesterfield armchairs invite guests to settle in for an evening of unhurried conversation and exceptional drinks.Craftsmanship Behind the Bar
The Library Bar has earned recognition as one of Copenhagen's finest cocktail destinations through meticulous attention to bartending craft. Cocktails are inspired by literary themes and prepared with theatrical precision, transforming drink-making into an elegant performance. The menu balances classic cocktails with house creations, while the spirits selection emphasizes single malts, champagne, and cognac—beverages that have defined the bar's identity since its inception. Each drink is crafted to complement the venue's refined atmosphere, making the experience as much about artistry as taste.Jazz and Musical Heritage
Music has been central to The Library Bar's identity throughout its history, with jazz holding a place of particular importance. Live jazz performances occur every Friday and Saturday from 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM, featuring the bar's resident jazz ensemble. The venue has hosted notable Danish musicians, including Thomas Blachman and his orchestra, whose album "At the Plaza – The Library Bar Concerts" was recorded here and released on the legendary Verve label—a historic achievement in Danish music. These intimate concerts create an atmosphere of cultural refinement, drawing devoted jazz enthusiasts who appreciate both the music and the setting.Historical Significance and Evolution
Before Denmark's smoking ban in 2007, The Library Bar was renowned as Copenhagen's premier cigar lounge, attracting connoisseurs from across Europe. While cigars are no longer part of the experience, the bar's commitment to luxury and exclusivity remains unchanged. Over the decades, the venue has served as a backdrop for music videos, film scenes, photography shoots, and private events, cementing its status as an iconic Copenhagen institution. The bar's small, carefully curated size ensures that each visit maintains an air of exclusivity and intimacy.The Atmosphere and Experience
The Library Bar succeeds in creating a sanctuary from the modern world. Warm lighting, carefully selected furnishings, and the scent of quality spirits and leather create a multisensory environment that encourages lingering. The bar's modest capacity means that reservations are essential, particularly for larger groups, ensuring that the intimate character is preserved. Guests consistently describe the atmosphere as cozy yet sophisticated, a rare combination that reflects the bar's thoughtful curation of every detail from décor to service standards.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Frihedsstøtten
0.1 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.1 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.1 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.3 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.3 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Lur Blowers
0.4 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
Magstræde
0.7 km
Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Church of Our Lady
0.8 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.8 km
Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
Jorcks Passage
0.8 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
The Stable Boy's House
0.9 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.9 km
Explore the world of neoclassical sculpture at Thorvaldsens Museum in Copenhagen, home to the works of Bertel Thorvaldsen and a treasure trove of art and architectural inspiration.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.9 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.9 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Gammel Strand
1.0 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Tube
0.1 km
Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.
Model train display
0.1 km
Discover the enchanting Model Train Display in Copenhagen, showcasing intricate landscapes and charming miniature railways for all ages.
Rutschebanen
0.1 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Tivoli Gardens
0.2 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Himmelskibet
0.2 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Statue of Andersen
0.3 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
City Hall Square
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.4 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.4 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Planetarium
0.4 km
Immerse yourself in razor‑sharp journeys through the cosmos beneath Europe’s largest tilted dome at Copenhagen’s lakeside Planetarium, a family‑friendly hub of space science.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.4 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Rainbow Square
0.4 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.5 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.5 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Essential places to dine
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.1 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Spisestedet FEED
0.2 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Retour Vesterbro
0.3 km
Relaxed French-inspired bistro in the heart of Vesterbro, serving generous steaks, classic comfort dishes and cocktails in a warm, urban Copenhagen setting.
LUN restaurant & winebar
0.3 km
Andalusian-inspired tasting menus, serious wine and cocktails, and a warm candlelit atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district.
L'appetito
0.3 km
Traditional Italian plates, thin-crust pizzas and warm trattoria charm just off Copenhagen’s busy city centre streets.
Smagsløget
0.3 km
Discover Smagsløget in Copenhagen: where traditional Danish flavors meet innovative culinary experiences in an inviting atmosphere.
Maple Casual Dining
0.4 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.4 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Ristorante Buono
0.4 km
Cozy Vesterbro Italian with candlelit tables, generous pasta and risotto, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Copenhagen’s evening dining scene.
Cofoco
0.5 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Rio Bravo
0.5 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.5 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.6 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Delphine
0.6 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Vækst
0.6 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.1 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
0.1 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.2 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.4 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
0.5 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
København K
0.6 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.6 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Souvenir Shop
0.6 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Wasteland
0.6 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Quirky Lane
0.6 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Notre Dame
0.7 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Artikel København
0.8 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.8 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Library Bar
0.0 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Jernbanecafeen
0.2 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
CUBE bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
The Shamrock Inn
0.2 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Proud Mary Pub
0.3 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
The Scottish Pub
0.3 km
A lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, pouring whisky and beer late into the night with sports on screen, DJs, and an easygoing crowd.
Curfew
0.4 km
Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.
Spunk
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Taphouse
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s craft-beer playground with 60+ rotating taps, minimalist Scandinavian design and a relaxed, conversation-first atmosphere off City Hall Square.
Southern Cross Pub
0.5 km
Lively two-floor sports pub in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring well-priced beers, screening wall-to-wall live sport, and staying open long into the night.
The Rooftop Bar
0.5 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.5 km
Discover unconventional wines and craft cocktails in Copenhagen's most welcoming wine bar.
Musen & Elefanten
0.5 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
The Marble Bar
0.6 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Never Mind
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Module
0.2 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Den Anden Side
0.3 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
CristalClubCopenhagen
0.4 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Club Mambo
0.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
0.5 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
Dorsia
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
0.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Baggen
0.6 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Miami Bar
0.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
0.7 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Mirror
0.7 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.7 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Sophisticated
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Business Friendly
