I Am Queen Mary Sculpture, Copenhagen
Powerful harbourfront monument honouring Queen Mary of St. Croix and confronting Denmark’s colonial past outside Copenhagen’s former West Indian Warehouse.
In front of the historic Vestindisk Pakhus warehouse on Copenhagen’s harbourfront, the powerful "I Am Queen Mary" sculpture confronts Denmark’s colonial past. The monumental seated figure of Mary Thomas – a leader of the 1878 St. Croix rebellion in the former Danish West Indies – fuses Caribbean and Danish references, turning a quiet quay into a stark memorial to slavery, resistance, and Black presence in Danish history. This is a contemplative, visually striking stop for thoughtful travellers.
A brief summary to I am Queen Mary
- Vestindisk Pakhus, Toldbodgade 40, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1253, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight or golden hour to better appreciate the sculpture’s details and the contrast with the historic brick warehouse behind it.
- Read up briefly on Denmark’s role in the Danish West Indies and the 1878 St. Croix rebellion before you arrive to deepen the meaning of your visit.
- Combine your stop with a walk along the harbourfront and a visit to nearby historic warehouses and cultural institutions to contextualise the site.
- There is no shelter immediately next to the statue, so bring appropriate clothing for wind, rain, or strong sun on the exposed quay.
- Keep noise low and avoid climbing on the base of the sculpture; treat the area as a memorial as well as an art piece.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and Walk from Central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro to Marmorkirken or Kongens Nytorv; trains usually run every few minutes and a single-zone ticket costs around 20–25 DKK. From either station, expect a 10–20 minute walk along mostly flat pavements and harbourfront paths. The route is suitable for most visitors, but cobblestones near the warehouse can be uneven for wheelchairs or prams, especially in wet or icy conditions.
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City Bus and Short Walk
Several city bus lines serve the area around Amaliegade and Esplanaden within about 5–10 minutes’ walk of Vestindisk Pakhus. Typical travel times from the inner city are 10–20 minutes depending on traffic, and standard bus tickets cost roughly 20–25 DKK for a single journey. Buses run frequently during the day but less often late at night and on Sundays. Expect some cobblestones and occasional kerbs that may pose challenges for travellers with limited mobility.
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Bicycle from Inner Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it practical to reach the sculpture by bike from most central districts in about 10–20 minutes. You can use a shared city bike or rental, with typical costs starting around 15–25 DKK for a short ride. The approach along the harbour is generally flat, but be prepared for strong winds and increased traffic at peak commuting hours. Bicycle parking is informal along the quay, so lock your bike without blocking pedestrian routes.
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Taxi from Central Hotels
A taxi from major central hotels or Copenhagen Central Station typically takes 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic along the harbourfront. Fares usually range from about 120–200 DKK one way, with higher prices late at night and on weekends. Taxis can set passengers down close to the warehouse, but they cannot drive directly onto the quay itself, leaving a short walk over cobblestones to reach the statue.
I am Queen Mary location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
Discover more about I am Queen Mary
A Monument on the Harbourfront
The "I Am Queen Mary" sculpture rises in front of the brick bulk of the Vestindisk Pakhus, the former West Indian Warehouse on Copenhagen’s inner harbour. Here, where colonial goods once arrived from the Caribbean, a seated Black woman now commands the quay, her gaze fixed outward across the water. The contrast between the historic warehouse and the contemporary monument immediately signals that this is not a conventional statue, but a deliberate intervention in the cityscape. Created by artists La Vaughn Belle from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Jeannette Ehlers from Denmark, the work is widely recognised as the first public monument in Denmark dedicated to people who were subjected to Danish colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. Its location in front of a building that managed trade from the Danish West Indies ties the artwork tightly to the history it addresses, transforming the area from a scenic waterfront into a site of memory.Queen Mary and the Fire of Rebellion
The figure represented is Mary Thomas, known as Queen Mary, one of four women who led the 1878 labour uprising on St. Croix, then part of the Danish West Indies. The rebellion, sparked by continued harsh conditions decades after the formal abolition of slavery, saw plantations and parts of Frederiksted burned in protest. The revolt was brutally suppressed, and Mary Thomas and her comrades were imprisoned and eventually transported to Denmark. By placing Queen Mary at monumental scale in Copenhagen, the sculpture connects Caribbean resistance directly to the former imperial centre. Her pose, inspired partly by images of Black female resistance in the Caribbean, conveys strength and defiance rather than submissive commemoration. The work invites reflection on how freedom in the Danish West Indies was fought for from below, rather than simply granted from above.Layers of Colonial Architecture
Behind the sculpture stands Vestindisk Pakhus, built in the early 1780s for the Vestindisk Kompagni, which managed and systemised trade from the West Indies, including goods produced by enslaved labour. The long, austere warehouse is one of several 18th-century brick storehouses lining the harbour, their rhythmic rows of windows and heavy timber structure speaking to an era when maritime commerce underpinned Copenhagen’s wealth. Today, the building also houses the Royal Cast Collection, with thousands of plaster casts of classical sculptures, adding another layer: European artistic ideals preserved inside a structure financed by colonial trade. The juxtaposition of antique white marble forms within, and the dark monumental body of Queen Mary outside, quietly underscores how art, power, and empire have intertwined in European cities.Artistic Collaboration and Symbolism
The sculpture itself is rich in symbolic detail. Queen Mary sits on a base evoking coral stones and sugar cane, referencing both Caribbean landscapes and plantation economies. Her dress and posture draw on Caribbean traditions where the title "queen" was used for formidable women at the centre of social life on plantations. At the same time, her scale and presence echo European monuments to monarchs and generals, but here the honoured figure is an insurgent Black woman. Belle and Ehlers’ collaboration bridges Copenhagen and the Caribbean, linking histories often kept apart. The work grew out of broader artistic and academic conversations about decolonising memory in Denmark, challenging lingering narratives that present the country as a relatively gentle colonial power. Standing before the statue, you sense how it acts as both memorial and critique.A Reflective Stop on the Waterfront
Visiting "I Am Queen Mary" is a compact yet intense experience. The site is open at all hours, with no ticket barriers or fixed visiting times, and the waterfront setting offers space to pause, read about the history in advance, and consider the long view across the harbour. On clear days, the light picks out the textures of the figure and the brickwork behind; in wind and rain the scene feels starker, underscoring the gravity of the story. It is easy to combine a stop here with nearby waterfront walks, museums, and government buildings housed in other converted warehouses. Yet even amid these attractions, the sculpture holds its own, inviting travellers to fold Denmark’s colonial past into their understanding of modern Copenhagen and to recognise the presence of Caribbean histories far from the islands themselves.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
I am Queen Mary
0.0 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Larsens Pl.
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Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Horn mine
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A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Our Fallen
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A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
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A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
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A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
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Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
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Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
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Discover the Monument to Denmark's International Activities in Kastellet: A historical landmark celebrating Denmark's global contributions since 1948.
St. Paul's Church
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Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
The Little Mermaid
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Copenhagen's iconic bronze mermaid, eternally gazing seaward—a symbol of sacrifice and longing inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tragic fairy tale.
Bredgade 18
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Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
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Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
Nyhavn
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Copenhagen's iconic 17th-century harbor where colorful townhouses, maritime history, and vibrant waterfront culture converge.
Maritime Monument
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Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Amaliegade
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A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Designmuseum Danmark
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Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
St Alban's Church
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Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Amaliehaven
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A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
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A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Gefion Fountain
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Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
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Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Medicinsk Museion
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Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Rytterstatuen
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A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Amalienborg
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Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
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A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.4 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.4 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.5 km
UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør, famed as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', with iconic spires, lavish halls, and sweeping views across the Øresund Strait.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
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An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
Essential places to dine
Aoc
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Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
0.7 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Khun Juk
0.8 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Kokkeriet
0.8 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Skipperkroen
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Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Restaurant Vita
0.8 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Cap Horn
0.8 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.8 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Nyhavns Færgekro
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Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Den Lille Fede
0.9 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.
Noma
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Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
La Banchina
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Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Goldfinch
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Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Barr
0.9 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Bistro Royal
1.0 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.2 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
0.7 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Copenhagenglass
0.8 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
0.8 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
The Wilde Shop
0.9 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
1.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.1 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.1 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.1 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Storm - design art fashion
1.1 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.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.2 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
1.3 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.6 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.0 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Brønnum
1.0 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Bar Deco
1.0 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.1 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Balthazar
1.1 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.
1105
1.1 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Trykbar
1.2 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.
The Moose
1.2 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.
Charlie's Bar
1.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
1.4 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Eiffel bar
1.4 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
K-Bar
1.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
1.4 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.9 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.1 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.
The Zoo
1.2 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.
Operaen
1.4 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Chateau Motel
1.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Arch
1.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Hive
1.8 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
2.0 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
2.0 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- 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
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
