Nikolaj Kunsthal – Copenhagen Contemporary Art Center
Medieval church reborn as Copenhagen's most atmospheric contemporary art center, where eight centuries of history frame cutting-edge creativity.
Nikolaj Kunsthal is a cutting-edge contemporary art center housed in the restored Church of St. Nicholas, Copenhagen's third-oldest church, located in the heart of the city between Christiansborg Palace and Kongens Nytorv. Originally built in the early 1200s as a place of worship, the building was devastated by the Great Fire of 1795 and subsequently transformed into a fire station, butcher's market, and naval museum before becoming an avant-garde art space in 1957. Today, it showcases 5–6 experimental and innovative exhibitions annually across three gallery spaces, featuring Danish and international contemporary art in a breathtakingly beautiful setting of whitewashed walls, soaring ceilings, and a distinctive 90-meter tower with a verdigris copper spire.
A brief summary to Nikolaj Art Gallery
- Nikolaj Plads 10, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1067, DK
- +4524227127
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-6 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekday mornings (Tuesday–Friday, 11am–1pm) for a quieter experience; the space is especially atmospheric when natural light streams through the tall Neo-Baroque windows and crowds are minimal.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Thorvaldsens Museum, located just across the canal—admission to Nikolaj Kunsthal includes free entry to this sculpture museum, making for a rich cultural afternoon.
- Explore the Tower Room for a unique perspective; the exhibition space within the historic 90-meter tower offers intimate views and a direct connection to the building's most iconic architectural element.
- Linger in the café, which has become the social and contemplative heart of the building; it functions as both a quiet refuge and a vibrant gathering space, especially during evening openings and special events.
- Check the exhibition schedule in advance; the center rotates 5–6 major exhibitions annually, each with distinct themes and artistic approaches, so timing your visit to a specific show enhances the experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro + Walking
Take the Copenhagen Metro (Lines M1 or M2) toward Vanløse or Christianshavn and exit at Kongens Nytorv station. From the station, Nikolaj Kunsthal is a 3–5 minute walk northwest through the historic city center. Follow signs toward Nikolaj Plads. Single journey ticket costs approximately 24 DKK; a 24-hour pass is around 80 DKK. Service runs every 3–6 minutes during peak hours.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes this an ideal option. Rent a bike from one of the city's many rental stations (approximately 80–150 DKK per day) and cycle to Nikolaj Plads in the Inner City district. The journey from most central locations takes 5–15 minutes depending on starting point. Secure bike parking is available near the venue.
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Walking from Strøget
If you're exploring Copenhagen's main shopping street Strøget, Nikolaj Kunsthal is a 10–15 minute walk away. Head toward Kongens Nytorv square and then navigate to Nikolaj Plads, which sits between Christiansborg Palace and the square. The route passes through atmospheric medieval streets in the Inner City.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the Inner City area near Nikolaj Kunsthal, including routes 1A, 2A, 6A, and 14. Journey times vary from 10–20 minutes depending on your starting location and traffic. A single ticket costs 24 DKK. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with reduced service in evenings and on Sundays.
Nikolaj Art Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Nikolaj Art Gallery
Eight Centuries of Transformation and Resilience
The Church of St. Nicholas traces its origins to the early 1200s, making it Copenhagen's third-oldest church and one of the city's most historically layered buildings. For nearly six centuries, it served as a sacred space where generations of worshippers found solace within its walls. The building reached its architectural zenith in 1591 with the completion of its imposing 90-meter-high Renaissance tower, which became one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, its verdigris copper spire gazing across Copenhagen's low rooftops. This tower would become the building's most enduring symbol, surviving catastrophes that would destroy everything else around it. The Great Fire of 1795 proved catastrophic for the church. The blaze consumed much of the structure, and the cost of repairs was deemed too great for the parish to bear. The congregation was dissolved, and the building's sacred purpose came to an end. Only the brick tower survived the inferno, and for many years it served as a fire lookout post, a solitary sentinel watching over the city it once graced. The original Renaissance spire collapsed and buried itself deep underground, lost to history for centuries until archaeologists would eventually recover it.From Utility to Cultural Awakening
Following the fire, the remaining structure underwent a series of pragmatic transformations. From 1805 onward, the building was repurposed as a fire station, then as a butcher's market—an ironic fate that gave the surrounding square its colloquial name, Maven, derived from the Danish word for stomach. The building later served as a naval museum, each incarnation stripping away layers of its former identity. In 1829, the celebrated author Hans Christian Andersen even set a popular theatrical piece, "Love on St. Nicholas Church Tower," within its confines, cementing its place in Danish cultural memory. The early 20th century brought a turning point. Carlsberg founder Carl Jacobsen, a passionate patron of the arts and cultural heritage, donated funds to rebuild the tower—a remarkable gesture of faith in a structure that would no longer serve a congregation. Architect Hans Christian Amberg undertook the restoration around 1910, approaching the work with reverence rather than trendiness. His discipline lay in recreating the spirit of the original building while respecting its architectural and cultural heritage. The rebuilt tower, with its restored spire, returned to the city skyline a symbol that had been absent for over a century.Birth of an Avant-Garde Vision
In 1957, artist and organizer Knud Pedersen rented a portion of the former church to establish an "Art library"—an unorthodox marketplace where visitors could borrow contemporary artworks for a symbolic fee, the price of a cigarette packet. This innovative concept inaugurated the building's transformation into an avant-garde venue and experimental exhibition space, a trajectory that would eventually lead to the establishment of the Copenhagen Contemporary Art Center as it exists today. The vision was radical: to democratize access to contemporary art and create a space where experimental and innovative artistic expressions could flourish.Contemporary Restoration and Living Dialogue
In recent years, Engel Architects undertook a sensitive restoration that stripped away decades of ad hoc modifications—exposed electrical installations, blocked windows and arches, layers of plastic paint obscuring original surfaces. The work revealed the building's original qualities: whitewashed walls, soaring ceilings, and towering Neo-Baroque windows that flood the interior with light. A contemporary café was introduced as the new heart of the building, serving as a gathering point that shifts from contemplative refuge during the day to vibrant social space during evening openings. The restoration created a deliberate dialogue between past and present, where modern interventions sit comfortably alongside centuries of history.The Exhibition Space Today
Nikolaj Kunsthal now comprises three distinct gallery spaces: the Lower Gallery, the Upper Gallery, and the Tower Room, each offering unique perspectives on contemporary art. The center organizes 5 to 6 special exhibitions annually, focusing on experimental and innovative artistic expressions from Danish and international artists. Since 2011, it has hosted an annual video art festival called Pixelade. Beyond exhibitions, the center presents concerts, performances, guided tours, artist talks, and special dinners, positioning itself as a multidisciplinary cultural hub. The building's soaring ceilings, thick walls, and abundant natural light create an inspiring atmosphere that supports both serious artistic engagement and social connection.A Monument to Artistic Courage
What makes Nikolaj Kunsthal extraordinary is not merely its architectural beauty or historical significance, but its embodiment of cultural resilience. A building that survived fire, served utilitarian purposes, and was nearly forgotten has been reborn as a beacon of contemporary creativity. It stands as a living monument to the power of cultural investment and artistic vision—a place where the sacred and the everyday meet, where history maintains an ongoing dialogue with the present, and where visitors encounter art within spaces that themselves tell stories of transformation, loss, and renewal.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
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Frederik VII
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Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
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Varehuset Messen
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The Danish Parliament
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Wilhelm Hansens Hus
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Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
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.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
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A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Magstræde
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Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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Jorcks Passage
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The Round Tower
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Explore The Round Tower, Copenhagen's historic observatory offering stunning city views and engaging cultural exhibitions.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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The War Museum
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Nytorv
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Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Unmissable attractions to see
Segway Tours Copenhagen
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Højbro Pl.
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Ved Stranden
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Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Højbro Plads
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A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Bishop Absalon
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Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Stork Fountain
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Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Stromma Canal Tours
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Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
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Læderstræde
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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.
Amagertorv
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Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Guinness World Records Museum
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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.
Church of Holmen
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Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Strøget
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Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Christiansborg Palace
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Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Maven
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Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
King Hans Cellar
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Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
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l’Alsace
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Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Marchal
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Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Frank
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A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
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.
Restaurant Tight
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Restaurant Grønnegade
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Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
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Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
à terre
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à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Bistro Royal
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Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit 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.
Goldfinch
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Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Urban Outfitters
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Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Magasin du Nord
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Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Magnolias
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A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
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.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
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Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Norse Store
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Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
& Other Stories
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Norse Projects
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Storm - design art fashion
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
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Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Dubliner
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1105
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Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Balthazar
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A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Charlie's Bar
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Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
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.
The Moose
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Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
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.
Bar Deco
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Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Bo-Bi Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Brønnum
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An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Aloha Beach Bar
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Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Ruby
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TATA Cocktail Bar
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A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
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A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
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.
Mini Bar
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Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
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
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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
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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.
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.
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.
Culture Box
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Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
