Circle Bridge
A poetic five-masted bridge celebrating Copenhagen's maritime heritage and inviting visitors to pause and linger.
Cirkelbroen is a striking pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning Christianshavn Canal in Copenhagen, designed by renowned Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. Opened in 2015, the 40-meter bridge features five circular platforms of varying sizes, each supported by steel masts resembling a fleet of sailing yachts. The innovative design references Copenhagen's maritime heritage while encouraging visitors to slow down and linger rather than rush across, creating a contemplative meeting place that connects Christiansbro to Applebys Plads.
A brief summary to Circle Bridge
- Johan Semps Gade, Cirkelbroen, København K, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit at dusk or night to experience the bridge's atmospheric illumination, which transforms the circular platforms into luminous orbs reflected in the water below.
- Allow time to pause on each circular platform rather than rushing across; the bridge is designed as a meeting place and vantage point, not a direct transit route.
- Combine your visit with exploration of Christianshavn's historic canal district, houseboats, and waterfront cafes to fully appreciate the neighborhood's maritime character.
- If visiting with a camera, position yourself on the platforms at different times to capture the bridge's changing appearance as light and weather conditions shift throughout the day.
- Watch for the bridge's rotating section opening to allow larger boats passage; the 20-second opening mechanism is a fascinating display of engineering and maritime tradition.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Metro and Walking
Take the Copenhagen Metro Line M1 or M2 toward Vestamager or Vanløse and exit at Christianshavn Station. From the station, walk approximately 8-10 minutes northwest along Torvegade and Strandgade toward the waterfront. The bridge is clearly visible from the canal-side promenade. Journey time from central Copenhagen is approximately 15-20 minutes total.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive bicycle infrastructure makes cycling the most popular approach. From the city center, follow designated cycle routes toward Christianshavn along the harbor-side paths. The bridge is accessible via the waterfront cycle path that runs through the neighborhood. Journey time is approximately 10-15 minutes depending on starting point. Bicycle parking is available at multiple locations near the bridge.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the Christianshavn area, including routes 2A, 9A, and 40. Exit at stops near Christianshavn Torv or along Strandgade and walk toward the waterfront. Journey time from central Copenhagen is approximately 15-25 minutes depending on traffic and starting location. Bus fares are included in the Copenhagen transport card system.
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Walking from Nearby Attractions
The bridge is within walking distance of several major Copenhagen attractions. From the Black Diamond library (approximately 400 meters), walk along the waterfront promenade. From Christianshavn Torv (approximately 600 meters), follow Strandgade toward the water. Walking from central Copenhagen takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on route and pace.
Circle Bridge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Circle Bridge
A Contemporary Sculpture Celebrating Maritime Heritage
Circle Bridge stands as one of Copenhagen's most distinctive modern landmarks, a gift from the Nordea Foundation to the city. Designed by internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson and completed in August 2015, the bridge transcends its functional purpose to become a poetic architectural statement. The structure comprises five circular concrete platforms of graduated sizes, each anchored by a central steel mast held aloft by 118 precisely arranged metal cables. This arrangement creates a visual metaphor for a fleet of elegant sailing vessels, a deliberate reference to Christianshavn's rich maritime history as a fortified merchant town established in the early 1600s by King Christian IV. The bridge's 40-meter span crosses the southern mouth of Christianshavn Canal, connecting the Christiansbro area to the north with Applebys Plads to the south. Its distinctive wooden railings, crafted from Brazilian guariuba timber, add warmth to the steel structure while the bridge's nocturnal illumination transforms it into a luminous sculptural presence reflecting across the water. One section of the bridge functions as a rotating swing bridge, capable of opening in approximately 20 seconds to allow larger vessels to pass through the canal system, a mechanism operated by local bridge keepers using a key card system.Design Philosophy and Urban Integration
Eliasson's design philosophy for Circle Bridge prioritizes pedestrian experience over rapid transit. Rather than providing the most direct route across the canal, the bridge's zigzag arrangement of circular platforms deliberately encourages visitors to reduce their speed and pause at various points along the journey. This intentional design creates what Eliasson describes as a "meeting place"—a destination in itself rather than merely a passage. The overlapping circles reference multiple layers of meaning: they evoke the compass and cartography, suggest orientation and navigation, and at the macro scale, contribute to a larger circular pedestrian route envisioned around Copenhagen's inner harbor. The bridge's integration into the urban fabric represents the culmination of a long-standing goal by the City of Copenhagen to establish a continuous harborfront boardwalk. By connecting Christiansbro with Applebys Plads, Circle Bridge completes an essential link in the waterfront promenade that extends from Islands Brygge through the inner harbor. The structure accommodates an estimated 5,000 daily crossings by cyclists and pedestrians, making it a vital piece of Copenhagen's sustainable transportation infrastructure while simultaneously functioning as a major cultural landmark.Architectural Innovation and Technical Precision
The bridge's engineering represents a sophisticated balance between artistic vision and practical functionality. The five circular platforms vary in size and height, creating a dynamic visual rhythm that guides movement across the span. The steel mast structure, supported by 118 metal cables, distributes weight efficiently while maintaining the delicate appearance of sailing rigging. The rotating section spans approximately 25 meters and maintains a water clearance height of 2.25 meters when closed, expanding to 9 meters when opened to permit boat passage. The choice of materials reflects careful consideration of both durability and aesthetic impact. The concrete platforms provide stable pedestrian surfaces, while the guariuba wood railings introduce organic warmth and reference Brazil's connection to Copenhagen's historical trade networks. The nighttime lighting design transforms the bridge into an ethereal presence, creating what observers describe as "misty white orbs of illumination" that dance across the water's surface, fundamentally altering the visual character of the canal at different times of day.Historical Context Within Christianshavn
Circle Bridge's location within Christianshavn carries significant historical weight. The neighborhood itself represents a masterpiece of Renaissance urban planning, designed by Dutch engineer Johan Semp in 1617 according to geometric principles that emphasized fortification and merchant commerce. The district's network of canals, straight streets, and strategic positioning made it a crucial component of Copenhagen's expansion and defense. By the 21st century, Christianshavn had evolved into a vibrant residential and cultural neighborhood, yet the canal that once bustled with merchant vessels had become underutilized. Eliasson's bridge acknowledges this history while creating a contemporary response. His childhood memories of Icelandic fishing boats moored side by side inspired the bridge's form, creating a poignant dialogue between past maritime activity and present urban life. The bridge celebrates the houseboats, sailing vessels, and unique waterfront character that define modern Christianshavn while honoring the district's foundational role in Copenhagen's development as a major European port city.Experience and Public Engagement
The bridge functions as both infrastructure and social space, encouraging what Eliasson terms "bodily thought"—the introspection that comes from hesitating in one's journey. The circular platforms provide natural gathering points where visitors can pause, observe the surrounding waterfront, and engage with the city from a novel perspective. The bridge's design acknowledges that vibrant urban life depends not only on efficient movement but also on moments of contemplation and connection. The varying platform sizes and heights create intimate spaces at different scales, accommodating solitary reflection as well as social gathering. Visitors experience the bridge differently depending on their mode of transit and time of day. Cyclists navigate the gentle curves at reduced speed, pedestrians discover unexpected vantage points, and evening visitors encounter the sculptural quality of the illuminated structure. The bridge's role in Copenhagen's larger harbor circle means that crossing it becomes part of a broader journey around the city's waterfront, offering cyclists and walkers a continuously evolving perspective on Copenhagen's urban landscape and maritime heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Circle Bridge
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A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
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Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
The Stable Boy's House
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A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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The Danish Parliament
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Holmens Bro
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Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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Frederik VII
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Højbro
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A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Bishop Absalon
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Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Christianshavns Kanal
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Baroque grandeur and natural beauty meet at Denmark's Ledreborg Park, home to stately gardens, forested trails, cultural events, and peaceful countryside escapes.
Church of Our Saviour
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A striking palace on Slotsholmen island, Christiansborg is where Copenhagen’s history, royal splendor, and political power converge in one unforgettable landmark.
Gammel Strand
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Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Magstræde
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Højbro Plads
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Unmissable attractions to see
Black Diamond
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Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Kopenhagen
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A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
Danish Jewish Museum
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An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Lille Langebro
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A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
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A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
The War Museum
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Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Garden of the Royal Library
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A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
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Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Slotsholmen
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A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Børsen
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Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Knippelsbro
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Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Christianshavn
0.4 km
Experience the lively heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square near the Northern Harbour.
Frederiksholms Kanal
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Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
No. 2
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Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Kadeau
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Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Kanal-Caféen
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Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Cafe Wilder
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A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Restaurant Noi
0.6 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant Karla
0.6 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
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.
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 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.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.7 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Rio Bravo
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Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
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.
Restaurant Puk
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Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
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.
Restaurant Tight
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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
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.
Læderstræde
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Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
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.
Audrey Vintage
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Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
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.
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.
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.
Akimbo
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A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Strøget
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Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
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.
& Other Stories
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Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
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Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Marble Bar
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An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
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.
Ruby
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An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Zefside
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Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Godt Øl
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Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
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.
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.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
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Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
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Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
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.
Pier5 Bar
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Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
The Dubliner
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Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Southern Cross Pub
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Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
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.
Chateau Motel
0.9 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
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.
Hive
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Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
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.
Dorsia
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Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Miami Bar
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Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
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.
Operaen
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Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Rumors
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Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
1.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
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.
Module
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Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Cosy Bar
1.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.2 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Contemplative
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
