Ruby Cocktail Bar, Copenhagen
Hidden in an 18th‑century canal‑side townhouse, Ruby pairs quietly glamorous, apartment‑style interiors with some of Copenhagen’s most considered cocktails.
Ruby is a celebrated cocktail bar set in an 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, overlooking Copenhagen’s inner canals. Behind an almost anonymous door, you step into a plush, apartment‑style space of leather sofas, vintage wallpaper and softly lit rooms. Known for its “forward‑thinking, classic drinking” ethos, Ruby mixes seasonal, inventive cocktails with faultless classics in a quietly glamorous, speakeasy‑style atmosphere that feels both exclusive and warmly relaxed.
A brief summary to Ruby
- Nybrogade 10, Copenhagen, København K, 1203, DK
- +4533931203
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 4 pm-2 am
- Tuesday 4 pm-2 am
- Wednesday 4 pm-2 am
- Thursday 4 pm-2 am
- Friday 4 pm-2 am
- Saturday 4 pm-2 am
- Sunday 5 pm-1 am
Local tips
- Reserve in advance for weekend evenings or if you want a quieter corner room; walk‑ins are possible but can face waits at peak times.
- Start at the bar counter at least for your first round – watching the bartenders work adds a lot to the experience and can inspire your choice.
- If you are unsure what to order, share your flavour preferences and let the staff guide you; they are happy to suggest off‑menu twists.
- Expect premium pricing for cocktails; consider making a longer night of it by pacing yourself with water and a couple of bar snacks.
- Arrive earlier in the evening for a more relaxed, lounge‑like atmosphere; later hours are livelier but still focused on conversation over loud music.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Restrooms
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Ruby 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 Ruby
An unmarked door on Nybrogade
Hidden in plain sight on Nybrogade 10, Ruby occupies an old townhouse dating back to the 1740s, right by the canal in Copenhagen’s historic inner city. From the street, the building looks more like a dignified private residence than a bar, adding to the sense that you are about to be let in on a local secret. Once you ring the bell and step inside, a narrow entrance hallway leads you away from the cobblestones and into an interior that feels more like a lived‑in apartment than a commercial venue. The bar’s layout unfolds as a sequence of rooms: a front space anchored by the main counter, a series of lounges and smaller side rooms, and in season a compact terrace that peers across to the water. Low, warm lighting, flickering candles and the murmur of conversation replace any sense of street bustle outside.Vintage townhouse, living‑room glamour
Ruby’s design leans heavily into its historic shell. High ceilings, creaking wooden floors and tall windows are layered with vintage wallpaper, framed artwork and well‑worn leather sofas. The main bar forms the visual centrepiece: a long polished counter backed by illuminated shelves lined with bottles, from familiar labels to obscure spirits and house infusions. Perching at the bar gives a front‑row view of the careful, almost theatrical way drinks are built. Further back, more intimate rooms offer deep armchairs, nooks for two, and the feel of a refined yet relaxed drawing room. The overall effect sits somewhere between Victorian parlour and contemporary Nordic lounge, with just enough patina to feel timeless rather than themed.Cocktails that balance innovation and tradition
Ruby is best known for its serious approach to mixology. The menu changes seasonally, weaving Nordic ingredients and modern techniques into both signature serves and reworked classics. You might find clarified punches, playful takes on margaritas using roots and botanicals, or elegant gin‑ and citrus‑forward highballs alongside an impeccably stirred Negroni. Drinks are typically assembled with precision rather than showmanship, with a focus on balance and texture. Alongside the cocktails, there is usually a short list of bar snacks – think charcuterie, cheeses or small savoury bites – designed to complement, not upstage, the glass in front of you. The emphasis throughout is that this is a place for considered drinking rather than hurried rounds.A bar that helped define Copenhagen’s cocktail scene
Since opening in 2007, Ruby has become something of a fixture in Copenhagen’s cocktail landscape. Housed in the same building as the Georgian embassy and frequently mentioned in international bar rankings, it has helped put the city on the map for serious cocktail enthusiasts. Its influence lies as much in its understated confidence as in any single signature drink: the sense that you are in a place that treats cocktails as a craft, but never as a lecture. Over the years, Ruby’s team has refined an approach they describe as forward‑thinking yet rooted in classic technique. This philosophy runs through everything from the glassware and ice to the pacing of service and the way staff guide you through the menu, whether you arrive with a firm idea of your favourite spirit or no idea at all.Atmosphere, rhythm and when to visit
Evenings at Ruby tend to follow a gentle arc. Early on, the bar feels almost like a lounge; guests chat quietly at the bar or settle into corners with a first drink after work. As the night progresses, the mood shifts from hushed to lively, though never raucous, with a low soundtrack and conversation providing the background hum. Lighting stays low, and there is a noticeable absence of flashing screens or distractions. It is a space that works as well for a date night as for a small group of friends, and it rewards those who take their time – perhaps starting with a lighter, aperitif‑style drink before exploring bolder, spirit‑forward options. While you can sometimes walk in, planning ahead is wise if you want a specific time or quieter seating area.Practical details for planning your evening
Ruby operates in the late‑afternoon‑to‑late‑night bracket, opening around late afternoon and running into the early hours. Being a cocktail‑focused bar in central Copenhagen, prices are on the higher side by local standards, reflecting both the craftsmanship and the location. The dress code is informal but neat; you are just as likely to see guests in office wear as in smart casual outfits, and the overall tone is polished without feeling exclusive. The bar’s inner‑city address means you are steps from many of Copenhagen’s other cultural and culinary highlights, making Ruby an easy stop to fold into an evening itinerary. Whether you stay for one carefully chosen drink or settle in for a longer session exploring the menu, the combination of canal‑side setting, historic surrounds and quietly confident cocktails makes it a memorable place to end – or even anchor – a night in the Danish capital.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 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.
Højbro
0.2 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Jorcks Passage
0.3 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Frederik VII
0.3 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
0.4 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.
The War Museum
0.4 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.4 km
Explore Copenhagen's captivating history at the Museum of Copenhagen, from Viking settlements to modern marvels, through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
Church of Our Lady
0.4 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.4 km
A gilded astronomical masterpiece with 15,448 parts, calculating time and cosmos for the next 2,500 years.
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.
Church of Holmen
0.4 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 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.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.4 km
Denmark's civic masterpiece: National Romantic architecture, astronomical engineering, and the heartbeat of Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.1 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Gammel Strand
0.1 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.2 km
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.
Læderstræde
0.2 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.
Marmorbroen
0.2 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Strøget
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Nytorv
0.2 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
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.
Christiansborg Palace
0.2 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.2 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Bishop Absalon
0.2 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.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.3 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.3 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
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.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant 1733
0.0 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Marv & Ben
0.1 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Tight
0.1 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.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.2 km
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 Puk
0.2 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Københavner Cafeen
0.2 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.4 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.
Wining and Dining
0.4 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Restaurant Maven
0.4 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.
Rio Bravo
0.4 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Karla
0.4 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
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.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.4 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Krebsegaarden
0.5 km
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Audrey Vintage
0.1 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.2 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.2 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
& Other Stories
0.2 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Hygge Original
0.2 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.
Duck Haven
0.3 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.3 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.3 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.3 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 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.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Souvenir Shop
0.3 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Magnolias
0.3 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.
Notre Dame
0.4 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Viking Souvenirs
0.4 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ruby
0.0 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Godt Øl
0.0 km
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.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Zefside
0.1 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
The Dubliner
0.3 km
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.
Centralhjørnet
0.3 km
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.
K-Bar
0.3 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Luke's Bar
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Southern Cross Pub
0.3 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.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.3 km
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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.3 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
The Rooftop Bar
0.3 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Chateau Motel
0.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Club Mambo
0.3 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Mirror
0.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Rumors
0.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Dorsia
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
0.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.5 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.5 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.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.6 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
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.
Module
0.6 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
