Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen is a whimsical gift and decoration shop on busy Vimmelskaftet in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town. Step inside and you enter a nostalgic world of Christmas ornaments, seasonal décor, candles, and pretty homeware, all arranged in richly styled corners that feel part fairy tale, part old-time general store. It’s an easy, atmospheric stop for finding distinctive Danish gifts just a few minutes from the city’s main sights.
A brief summary to Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
- Vimmelskaftet 46, København K, København K, 1161, DK
- +4551161818
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit outside December if you prefer a quieter browse; in the weeks before Christmas the aisles can become very busy and space is tight.
- Many items are delicate glass or ceramic, so ask staff for extra wrapping if you plan to carry purchases in hand luggage or continue travelling.
- If you are hunting for seasonal pieces, check both ground-level displays and higher shelves; themed collections are often spread across several corners.
- Combine a visit with a stroll along Strøget and nearby historic streets to balance atmospheric shopping with classic Copenhagen sightseeing.
- Aim for mid-morning on weekdays for the best chance of browsing freely without the tighter crowds of late afternoon.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
A fairy-tale shop in Copenhagen’s old town
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen sits on pedestrian Vimmelskaftet, one of the central spines of the inner city, yet the atmosphere inside feels far removed from the bustle outside. The name means “The Old Pharmacy”, a nod to the brand’s original store in the southern Danish town of Tønder, where an old building was transformed into a nostalgic wonderland of decorations and curiosities. Here in Copenhagen, the same sense of storybook charm has been condensed into a compact but densely stocked shop right in the historic core. Once you step through the door, the light shifts and the sound of the street fades, replaced by soft music and the quiet clink of ornaments and glassware. Shelves rise almost to the ceiling, filled with decorative objects that make the room feel like a cross between an old apothecary and an attic full of heirlooms.From Christmas dreams to year-round inspiration
The Det Gamle Apotek universe began in 1989 with a passion for Christmas, old buildings and furniture, and an urge to create a shop that felt like an adventure to visit. That festive DNA is still very much present in the Copenhagen branch. Even outside the winter season, you are likely to find baubles, garlands and figurines that look ready to adorn a Christmas tree in a Scandinavian living room. Over time, the range has grown beyond purely festive items. Today the shelves also carry candles, lanterns, vases, textiles, and small pieces of interior décor. Many pieces lean toward a romantic, slightly vintage aesthetic: muted pastels, antique-inspired finishes, and materials like glass, metal and wood that pick up the warm indoor light.Wandering through a world of details
The Copenhagen store is not as vast as the original in Tønder, but it uses its space to maximum effect. Displays are grouped by colour or theme, so a corner might be dedicated to deep greens and golds, while another glows with whites and silvers. It invites slow browsing rather than quick in-and-out shopping. Even if you are not looking for anything specific, it is easy to linger, picking up small objects and discovering details you missed at first glance. Because of the central location, the shop naturally attracts many visitors who are exploring the nearby streets and landmarks. Yet the interior retains an intimate feel: narrow aisles, stacked shelves, and the occasional creak of the floorboards all add to the sense of entering a slightly secret space hidden inside a busy shopping street.Souvenirs with a distinctly Danish flavour
For travellers, Det Gamle Apotek offers an alternative to mass-produced souvenirs. Instead of generic city trinkets, you are more likely to find candleholders, decorative objects and seasonal pieces that would not look out of place in a Danish home. Many designs reflect Nordic tastes for cosy lighting, soft colours and simple motifs drawn from nature, making them easy to integrate into your own interior once you return home. Prices range from small, affordable items such as ornaments and candles to more elaborate centrepieces and sets, so it is possible to pick up both modest gifts and more substantial decorative pieces. Because items are often delicate, it is worth taking a moment to ask for extra wrapping if you are travelling onwards with fragile finds.Timing your visit and making it part of your day
The Copenhagen store usually follows straightforward hours, opening every day of the week with slightly shorter hours on Sundays. Being on a main pedestrian artery means you can easily combine a visit with other stops in the old town, whether you are heading toward the nearby historic squares or simply drifting along the shopping streets. Many people pause here between other sights, using the calm, warmly lit interior as a short visual break from the urban pace outside. At peak times during the run-up to Christmas, the shop can feel pleasantly crowded, with the aisles full of people searching for ornaments and gifts. Outside the festive season, it tends to be calmer, making it a comfortable place to stroll through at your own pace, notice the textures and colours, and perhaps find a piece that brings a little of Copenhagen’s cosy atmosphere back home with you.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jorcks Passage
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Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Varehuset Messen
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A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Højbro
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A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Lur Blowers
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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.
Fiolstræde 42
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Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
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Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Kultorvet
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Kultorvet is a historic cobbled square in Copenhagen’s city center, where centuries-old traditions blend with modern café culture, street performances, and community gatherings.
City Hall Square
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Copenhagen’s City Hall Square is the city’s ceremonial heart, blending grand architecture, local traditions, lively events, and everyday urban buzz into one essential landmark.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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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.
Copenhagen City Hall
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Denmark's civic masterpiece: National Romantic architecture, astronomical engineering, and the heartbeat of Copenhagen.
National Museum of Denmark
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Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
Christiansborg Palace
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Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Frederiksholms Kanal
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Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
Statue of Andersen
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Iconic bronze statue of Hans Christian Andersen in busy Rådhuspladsen, a literary landmark celebrating Denmark’s cherished fairy-tale author in central Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nytorv
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Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Gammeltorv
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Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Church of Our Lady
0.1 km
Lively, colourful canal harbour in central Copenhagen known for vibrant houses, historic ships, waterside cafés, and rich maritime heritage.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.2 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Gråbrødretorv
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Mythic grandeur meets urban tranquility at Copenhagen’s spectacular Gefion Fountain, a must-see bronze sculpture and water feature rooted in Norse legend.
Strøget
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Amagertorv
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Balderdash
0.3 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Magstræde
0.3 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest cobbled lanes, Magstræde is a colorful, time‑worn shortcut through the city’s medieval heart and everyday modern life.
Københavns Synagoge
0.3 km
A discreet 1833 synagogue in Krystalgade whose neoclassical facade hides an Egyptian‑inspired interior and centuries of Danish Jewish history, faith and resilience.
Læderstræde
0.3 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Vandkunsten Springvand
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Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Gammel Strand
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A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.3 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
The Round Tower
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Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Essential places to dine
Københavner Cafeen
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Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Kronborg
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Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Restaurant Tight
0.2 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Wining and Dining
0.2 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Det Lille Apotek
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.2 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Marv & Ben
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Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Krebsegaarden
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An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.3 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant 1733
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Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
ferment, ramen izakaya
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Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
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Warm brick-and-wood dining room in central Copenhagen serving polished Mediterranean-inspired classics, a four-course menu and easygoing evening cocktails.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
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Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
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Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.0 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
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A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.1 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.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.1 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Notre Dame
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A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Akimbo
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A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Audrey Vintage
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Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
& Other Stories
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Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Souvenir Shop
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Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Studio Arhoj
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A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Hygge Original
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A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Quirky Lane
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Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Another nué
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A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Wasteland
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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.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
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Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Aloë Cocktail Bar
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Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Luke's Bar
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Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Bæst Cocktailbar
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Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Lord Nelson Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Jane
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Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Strøm
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Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Bar7
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Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Godt Øl
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Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Centralhjørnet
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One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Ruby
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An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Bird and The Churchkey
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Bar'Vin
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Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Floss Bar
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Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Musen & Elefanten
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Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
The Dubliner
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Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Chateau Motel
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Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
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Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
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Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
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Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
0.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
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Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
0.3 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
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Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Arch
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Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
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Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Club Mambo
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Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
The Zoo
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Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Module
0.6 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Lusso
0.6 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly