Charlie’s Bar, Copenhagen
A snug, semi-subterranean British-style pub in central Copenhagen, pouring top-quality cask ales and draft beers in a compact, character-rich setting.
Tucked into a narrow lane just off Copenhagen’s main shopping streets, Charlie’s Bar is a compact, British-style pub known for its exceptional beer and snug, lived‑in charm. Inside this semi-subterranean bar you’ll find hand-pulled cask ales, around 18 beers on tap, dark wood, low ceilings and walls plastered with brewery memorabilia. It is the only venue in Denmark to hold the prestigious Cask Marque award for quality cask ale, making it a serious stop for beer lovers and a cozy hideout from the bustle of the city above.
A brief summary to Charlie's Bar
- Pilestræde 33, Copenhagen, København K, 1112, DK
- +4551212289
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 2 pm-12 am
- Tuesday 2 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 12 pm-12 am
- Thursday 12 pm-1 am
- Friday 12 pm-2 am
- Saturday 12 pm-2 am
Local tips
- Come in the afternoon if you prefer a quieter pint; the snug interior fills quickly in the evening and space can become limited.
- Ask about the cask ales on hand pump and try a half-pint first to explore different styles before committing to a full glass.
- There is no full food menu, so plan to eat nearby and treat Charlie’s as a pre- or post-dinner beer stop.
- On warmer days, look for the open front window where you can perch with a drink and watch Pilestræde’s street life drift past.
- If you are sensitive to crowded spaces, avoid late Friday and Saturday nights when the small bar area is at its busiest.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
Charlie's Bar location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Charlie's Bar
British pub soul in the heart of Copenhagen
Charlie’s Bar sits just off Strøget in Pilestræde, but it feels as if you have stepped straight into a side street in the UK. A modest frontage, beer signs and soft globe lamps mark the entrance, while a Marston’s sign above the door hints at its British allegiance. Step down inside and the room tightens around you: a narrow, semi-subterranean space with low ceilings, worn wooden floors and the soft murmur of conversation. The bar is deliberately unpolished, trading glossy design for the kind of patina that can only be earned over time. Exposed brick behind the counter, scuffed stools and a compact bar area create the feeling of a well-loved local. It is a place designed around the glass in your hand and the people you are here with, not the screen in your pocket.Cask ales, tap lines and a serious beer pedigree
What sets Charlie’s apart is its devotion to beer, especially traditional British ale. Around 18 taps pour a rotating assortment of brews, with a strong showing of UK-style bitters, porters and pale ales alongside continental and craft options. Pride of place goes to the cask ale pumps, drawing beer from the cool cellar in the traditional way. Charlie’s is the only bar in Denmark to have earned the Cask Marque certification for the care and quality of its cask ales, a distinction often likened to a Michelin star for beer. For the curious, this is the place to compare hand-pulled pints against familiar keg pours and explore subtle differences in body, temperature and aroma. The staff tend to know their way around the tap list and can usually steer you toward something that suits your taste.Atmosphere below street level
The interior atmosphere is cozy and close, especially on darker evenings. Wooden benches and small tables line the walls while the ceiling is almost completely covered with brewery coasters, framed photos and posters, giving the space a lived-in visual clutter that regulars cherish. Lighting is soft but not gloomy, just bright enough to read a tap list and catch your friends’ expressions across the table. Despite the subterranean feel, Charlie’s remains connected to the street. In milder months the front window often opens, creating an inviting ledge where guests can stand outside with their drinks while those inside occupy a sunken table directly beneath. This blurs the line between bar and alleyway and suits Copenhagen’s love of life lived outdoors whenever the weather allows.Where locals and visitors share a pint
Charlie’s draws a mixed crowd: after-work regulars, visiting beer enthusiasts, couples slipping in for a quiet drink and small groups debriefing the day’s sightseeing. The soundtrack tends to be low-key, letting conversation fill the room. There is no dance floor or performance stage here, only the ebb and flow of people moving between bar and tables. Because the space is compact, it can feel pleasantly bustling on busy evenings, yet there are still quiet afternoon hours where you can linger with a book or notebook and watch the bar slowly fill. The narrow layout means you are rarely far from anyone else, which lends itself to chance conversations and the easy camaraderie that often defines the best pub experiences.Planning your visit and what to expect
Charlie’s keeps generous opening hours through the week, usually from early afternoon until around midnight or later, making it flexible whether you want a pre-dinner pint or a final nightcap. Beer prices are moderate by local standards, reflecting both the central location and the focus on quality imports. There is no full kitchen; the bar is about drink rather than dining, so plan to eat elsewhere before or after. This is an indoor, smoke-free environment with basic amenities like restrooms and limited seating that fills quickly at peak times. Mobile reception is generally solid, though you may be tempted to put your phone away and simply enjoy the analog pleasures of a good pint in good company. For anyone who cares about beer, or simply loves the atmosphere of a classic pub, Charlie’s Bar is one of central Copenhagen’s most characterful small stops.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Varehuset Messen
0.2 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.3 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Højbro
0.3 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Jorcks Passage
0.4 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Frederik VII
0.5 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.5 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.5 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Church of Holmen
0.5 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
The King's Garden
0.5 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of The King's Garden, a historical park in Copenhagen surrounding the majestic Rosenborg Castle, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Bredgade 18
0.5 km
Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Church of Our Lady
0.5 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Fiolstræde 42
0.5 km
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
0.5 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Nytorv 2
0.6 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Nytorv
0.6 km
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
Balderdash
0.2 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Stork Fountain
0.2 km
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.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.2 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.2 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Højbro Pl.
0.3 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Amagertorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Højbro Plads
0.3 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Strøget
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.3 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Gråbrødretorv
0.3 km
Mythic grandeur meets urban tranquility at Copenhagen’s spectacular Gefion Fountain, a must-see bronze sculpture and water feature rooted in Norse legend.
The Round Tower
0.3 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
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.
Bishop Absalon
0.3 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Indre By
0.3 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Ved Stranden
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Essential places to dine
l’Alsace
0.2 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.2 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Frank
0.2 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.3 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.
Restaurant Maven
0.3 km
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.
Llama
0.3 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Marchal
0.3 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Alouette
0.3 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Bistro Royal
0.3 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
King Hans Cellar
0.3 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Wining and Dining
0.3 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.3 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Det Lille Apotek
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Den Lille Fede
0.4 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Norse Projects
0.1 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Norse Store
0.1 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Storm - design art fashion
0.1 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
ILLUM
0.1 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.1 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Magnolias
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.2 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.2 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.2 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Magasin du Nord
0.3 km
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.
Hygge Original
0.3 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Danish Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Viking Souvenirs
0.3 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Charlie's Bar
0.0 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Moose
0.1 km
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.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
1105
0.1 km
Intimate, low-lit cocktail hideaway in central Copenhagen, where Nordic-inspired creations and a sleek black bar set the stage for sophisticated evening drinks.
Trykbar
0.2 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Balthazar
0.2 km
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.
Gejser Bar
0.2 km
Intimate Indre By cocktail bar where Danish-inspired drinks, Mediterranean small plates and warm, living-room style design create a refined yet relaxed evening stop.
Bar Deco
0.2 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, serving imaginative signature drinks in a low-lit, refined yet relaxed Copenhagen setting.
The Dubliner
0.2 km
Lively Irish pub on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, pouring well-kept Guinness, showing big-screen sports and serving hearty pub grub in a warm, wood-paneled setting.
Bar'Vin
0.3 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Strøm
0.3 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.3 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
The Jane
0.3 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
K-Bar
0.3 km
A small, monochrome cocktail lounge off Ved Stranden where crafted infusions, intimate lighting and a personal touch showcase Copenhagen’s modern bar culture.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Zoo
0.1 km
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.
Lusso
0.2 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.
Mini Bar
0.2 km
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
0.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
0.6 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.6 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Miami Bar
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
0.6 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Culture Box
0.7 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Dorsia
0.7 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
0.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Club Mambo
0.8 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
