Folkehuset Absalon

A colourful former church on Sønder Boulevard turned all-day community house, where café, canteen, bar and cultural venue come together under one sociable roof.

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Folkehuset Absalon

Folkehuset Absalon is a former church turned colourful community house on Sønder Boulevard in Vesterbro, blending café, canteen, bar, and cultural venue under one high vaulted roof. From early breakfast and quiet laptop corners to lively communal dinners, yoga, bingo, ping-pong, markets, talks and late-night drinks, it feels like a shared living room for locals and visitors alike, with long tables, simple affordable food, and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

A brief summary to Folkehuset Absalon

Sønder Blvd. 73, Copenhagen, København V, 1720, DK
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Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Budget
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 7:30 am-12 am
Tuesday 7:30 am-12 am
Wednesday 7:30 am-12 am
Thursday 7:30 am-12 am
Friday 7:30 am-2 am
Saturday 7:30 am-2 am
Sunday 7:30 am-12 am

Local tips

Book communal dinner in advance on busy nights, especially weekends, as seats at the long tables can fill quickly.
Arrive a little early for dinner to settle in, buy drinks at the bar and get comfortable before the shared meal begins.
Check the daily programme for yoga, bingo, workshops or markets and combine an event with breakfast, lunch or dinner.
If you plan to work on a laptop, aim for daytime hours when the atmosphere is calmer and sockets and table space are easier to find.
Bring cashless payment options, as the bar and food counter primarily operate as a modern café-bar rather than a full-service restaurant.

Folkehuset Absalon location weather suitability

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Discover more about Folkehuset Absalon

From church nave to neighbourhood living room

Folkehuset Absalon occupies a deconsecrated church on Sønder Boulevard, its tall brick exterior and tower giving little hint of the playful interior waiting inside. Step through the doors and you enter a vast hall lined with long tables, mismatched chairs and bold splashes of colour that soften the ecclesiastical bones of the building. High ceilings, arched windows and wooden floors create a sense of space and light that makes it easy to linger. The idea behind Absalon is simple but ambitious: to turn a former place of worship into a secular community house where people meet over everyday activities. Instead of pews there are board games, instead of altars there are coffee machines and cake stands, and the focal point is conversation rather than ceremony. It feels informal and unpolished by design, more like a friend’s loft than a conventional restaurant or bar.

Coffee, laptops and daytime calm

From early morning, Absalon works as a casual café. Locals read the news over filter coffee, parents arrive with prams, and freelancers open laptops at the long communal tables. The menu is straightforward and inexpensive, with breakfast plates, pastries and simple lunch options that suit a few hours of relaxed work or study. Despite the size of the hall, the atmosphere is gentle during the day. Natural light pours in from the tall windows, music plays softly in the background, and there is space to spread out. Side rooms and balconies sometimes host quieter activities like workshops or small meetings, while the main floor remains an easygoing hub for coffee, conversation and unhurried meals.

Communal dining at long tables

Absalon is best known for its evening communal dinners, when the tables fill and strangers sit shoulder to shoulder over a single fixed menu. A bell or call announces that it is time to eat, large bowls and dishes arrive to be shared, and the room quickly takes on the cheerful buzz of a giant dinner party. Portions are generous, the food is homely rather than fussy, and the price is kept low to encourage everyone to join. Vegetarian evenings are woven into the weekly rhythm, reflecting a flexible, inclusive approach to dining. Water is freely available, extra drinks and desserts can be bought at the bar, and there is no rush to leave once plates are cleared. Many guests stay to talk, play cards or move on to the next activity of the night.

Games, culture and everyday celebrations

Beyond food and drink, the building hosts a full calendar of events that make it feel like a civic clubhouse. On different days you might find yoga sessions beneath the old church ceiling, lively bingo nights with prizes and music, table tennis tournaments, flea markets, record fairs, art workshops or talks. Some activities are ticketed, others are drop-in, but all share a focus on participation rather than performance. The layout encourages mingling: board games stacked along walls invite you to sit down with friends or meet new ones, and the open-plan bar keeps staff close to the action. In the evenings, the lights dim, drinks flow more freely and Absalon edges toward a laid-back nightlife spot, especially on weekends when opening hours extend into the small hours.

Vesterbro backdrop and who it suits

Set on the leafy central strip of Sønder Boulevard in Vesterbro, Absalon fits naturally into a neighbourhood known for its blend of families, creatives and students. Its informal style makes it accessible to solo travellers, couples and groups alike, whether you come for a quiet morning coffee or a sociable dinner. It is not a fine-dining destination or a conventional nightclub; rather, it is a versatile community house that happens to serve food, coffee and drinks from early until late. For visitors wanting to experience everyday Copenhagen life in a single building, with the chance to sit beside locals at long tables, Folkehuset Absalon offers one of the city’s most distinctive indoor hangouts.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Enghaveparken

0.5 km

Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.

Cykelslangen

0.8 km

An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.

Havneholmen 33

1.0 km

Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.

Elefantporten

1.2 km

Four monumental granite elephants carry a historic brewery tower on their backs, blending whimsy, symbolism and industrial heritage in the heart of Carlsberg Byen.

Copenhagen Central Station

1.2 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 Central Post Building

1.3 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.

Frihedsstøtten

1.3 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 Visitor Service

1.4 km

Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.

Storm P. Museum

1.5 km

Delve into the world of Danish humor and satirical art at the Storm P. Museum, where whimsical cartoons, eccentric inventions, and cultural history come alive in Frederiksberg.

CWGC Krigsgrave, CWGC Graves

1.6 km

Scandinavia's largest cemetery: a 54-hectare landscape of history, architecture, and remembrance in Copenhagen.

H. C. Andersens Blvd.

1.6 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.

Søndermarken

1.7 km

Historic parklands in Frederiksberg with grand avenues, romantic woodlands, royal pavilions, and subterranean secrets—an urban oasis blending nature and history.

Museum of Copenhagen

1.7 km

Explore Copenhagen's captivating history at the Museum of Copenhagen, from Viking settlements to modern marvels, through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.

Lur Blowers

1.7 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.

Frederiksberg Palace

1.7 km

Frederiksberg Palace: majestic Baroque castle on Frederiksberg Hill, surrounded by elegant gardens, royal history, and panoramic views in the heart of Copenhagen.

Step into the original 1847 Carlsberg brewery for immersive beer history, interactive exhibits, courtyard drinks and encounters with the brewery’s iconic draught horses.

Discover Smagsløget in Copenhagen: where traditional Danish flavors meet innovative culinary experiences in an inviting atmosphere.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Funky Junky

0.5 km

Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.

Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall

0.8 km

Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

0.8 km

Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.

Artikel København

0.9 km

Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.

C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts

1.3 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

1.4 km

A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.

Souvenir Gift Shop

1.4 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.

Wonderful Souvenirs

1.7 km

Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.

Danish Souvenirs

1.8 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

1.8 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

1.8 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

1.9 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

1.9 km

Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.

Wasteland

1.9 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

1.9 km

Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Riesen Bar

0.4 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.

The House of Machines Copenhagen

0.6 km

Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.

Mesteren & Lærlingen

0.6 km

Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.

1656 Cocktail Bar

0.7 km

Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.

JOJO

0.7 km

Colourful neighbourhood cocktail bar in Vesterbro, serving freshly crafted drinks on tap in a relaxed, sociable setting that suits pre-drinks, dates and casual nights.

Jolene Bar

0.7 km

Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.

Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar

0.7 km

Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Märkbar

0.8 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.

Lidkoeb

0.8 km

Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.

Spunk

0.9 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.

Curfew

1.0 km

Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.

Amigo Bar

1.0 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.

CUBE bar

1.1 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.

Jernbanecafeen

1.1 km

Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.

bird

1.2 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.

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Folkehuset Absalon

A brief summary to Folkehuset Absalon

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Discover more about Folkehuset Absalon

From church nave to neighbourhood living room

Coffee, laptops and daytime calm

Communal dining at long tables

Games, culture and everyday celebrations

Vesterbro backdrop and who it suits

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Enghaveparken

Cykelslangen

Havneholmen 33

Elefantporten

Copenhagen Central Station

Copenhagen Central Post Building

Frihedsstøtten

Copenhagen Visitor Service

Storm P. Museum

CWGC Krigsgrave, CWGC Graves

H. C. Andersens Blvd.

Søndermarken

Museum of Copenhagen

Lur Blowers

Frederiksberg Palace

Unmissable attractions to see

Fermentoren

Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven

Istedgade

Freddys Bar

Mikkeller Bar

Øksnehallen

Værnedamsvej

Det Ny Teater

Falkonerbrønden

Frederiksberg Allé

Planetarium

Frederiksberg Walk of Fame

The Hill House Museum

Model train display

Carlsberg Brewery Tours

Essential places to dine

Bevi Bevi

Je t'aime

Kødbyens Fiskebar

Fleisch

Paté Paté

Restaurant Spuntino

Madklubben Vesterbro

Delphine

Cofoco

The Harbour

Ristorante Buono

MASH Penthouse

Maple Casual Dining

Frederik the VI

Smagsløget

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Funky Junky

Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Artikel København

C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts

Tivoli Gift Shop

Souvenir Gift Shop

Wonderful Souvenirs

Danish Souvenirs

Viking Souvenirs

København K

Carmen Copenhagen

Souvenir Shop

Wasteland

Quirky Lane

Essential bars & hidden hideouts