The Library Bar, Copenhagen
Velvety armchairs, leather‑bound books and live jazz set the scene for classic cocktails in one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric hotel bars.
Tucked inside the historic Copenhagen Plaza hotel opposite Tivoli Gardens, The Library Bar is a plush, wood‑panelled cocktail bar that feels like stepping into an old-world reading room. Walls lined with leather‑bound books, oil paintings and deep Chesterfield armchairs set a refined, clubby mood, while a serious cocktail list, fine Champagne and single malts underline its reputation as one of Copenhagen’s classic hotel bars. On weekend evenings, live jazz completes the intimate, grown‑up atmosphere.
A brief summary to Library Bar
- Bernstorffsgade 4, Copenhagen, København V, 1570, DK
- +4528305861
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Luxury
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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
- Arrive early in the evening, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, to secure a comfortable armchair before the live jazz starts and the room fills up.
- Cocktails are on the expensive side; plan for one or two carefully chosen drinks and ask the bartender for recommendations based on your preferred spirits.
- Opt for a seat near the shelves or by the bar if you want to watch the bartenders at work; choose a back corner for a quieter, more private conversation.
- Smart casual dress fits the room’s refined atmosphere and enhances the sense of occasion, especially if you are visiting after a concert or dinner.
- If you are in a larger group, consider arranging a reservation through the hotel in advance, as the bar is intimate and seating is limited.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Library Bar 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
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Library Bar
Literary Glamour by Tivoli Gardens
The Library Bar sits just off the lobby of the Copenhagen Plaza hotel on Bernstorffsgade, directly across from Tivoli Gardens and close to the city’s central station. Stepping through its doors is like leaving modern Copenhagen for a more cinematic era: dark wood shelves rise to the ceiling, crammed with leather‑bound books and first editions, while heavy curtains, patterned carpets and the soft clink of glassware create an almost theatrical hush. It feels less like a typical hotel bar and more like a private club or a grand liner’s lounge from the early 20th century. Low lighting pools over polished tables and green shaded lamps, giving the room a flattering, golden glow. Oil paintings of long‑gone dignitaries look down over clusters of Chesterfield armchairs, and the bar counter itself forms a warm focal point, with rows of bottles catching the light. Even when busy, the space retains a cocooning, intimate feel that invites unhurried conversation.Cocktails, Classics and a Taste for Detail
Drinks are taken seriously here, with a menu that balances time‑honoured standards and house signatures. Expect finely made martinis, Manhattans and G&Ts alongside more inventive recipes, often presented with a touch of theatrical garnish or glassware. Champagne, cognac and single malts are well represented, a nod to the bar’s roots in 1970s Copenhagen when it became known as a haunt for connoisseurs of strong spirits. Prices reflect its upscale hotel setting, so this is a place for lingering over a well‑crafted drink rather than a quick round. Table service is the norm, and bartenders typically talk guests through spirits, recommendations and pairings, enhancing the feeling that each cocktail is being mixed with care. For those less cocktail‑inclined, there are also wines by the glass, alcohol‑free options and classic soft drinks, all served with the same sense of ceremony.Jazz Notes and Cultural Footprints
Music plays a central role in the bar’s identity. On Friday and Saturday evenings, a small house ensemble fills the room with live jazz, turning one corner of the bar into an intimate listening space. The sound is carefully balanced to remain present but not overpowering, allowing conversations to flow over brushed cymbals and warm saxophone lines. The Library Bar has also left a mark on Denmark’s jazz history. A trio featuring Thomas Blachman recorded an album here that went on to be released by an internationally renowned jazz label, cementing the bar’s standing as more than just a pretty backdrop. Over the years its distinctive interior has been used for film shoots, photo sessions and music videos, drawn by the combination of vintage charm and cinematic atmosphere.From Cigar Lounge to Modern Classic
When the bar opened in the 1970s, it quickly gained a reputation as one of Copenhagen’s premier cigar lounges. Before indoor smoking bans came into force, guests would settle into the leather armchairs with cigars, Champagne and cognac, enveloped in a blue haze of tobacco smoke. Today the cigars are gone and the air is clear, but the legacy lingers in the emphasis on quality spirits, unhurried service and an older, more formal idea of hospitality. Subtle updates have kept the space from feeling like a relic. The drinks list evolves with contemporary cocktail culture, and the jazz program continues to attract both curious visitors and dedicated local aficionados. Yet the core ingredients—books, leather, wood, low light and an almost library‑like hush between songs—remain unchanged, preserving its sense of continuity.Planning an Evening Among the Books
The bar is relatively compact, which contributes to its cozy atmosphere but also means seats can be limited, especially on live music nights. Small groups can usually find a corner during early evening, while larger parties may need advance arrangements to ensure space. The dress code is smart casual by default, and the setting naturally suits dates, quiet celebrations or a refined nightcap after dinner or a concert. Located in central Copenhagen, The Library Bar works well as the focal point of an evening itinerary or as a final stop after exploring the city. Its combination of literary décor, crafted cocktails and live jazz creates a distinctive sense of occasion. For travelers seeking an elegant, intimate bar that feels rooted in local history yet polished enough for modern tastes, it offers one of the city’s most characterful nightspots.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
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social 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 modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Southern Cross Pub
0.5 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
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 wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional 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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
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
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Adults Only
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
