Øksnehallen
Vast former cattle hall turned cultural venue, Øksnehallen blends industrial heritage, daylight-filled architecture and flexible space for major fairs, art shows and events.
Øksnehallen is a vast, historic exhibition hall in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district, set just off Halmtorvet and on the edge of the former Meatpacking District. Once a cattle market building, this more-than-century-old brick hall has been transformed into one of the city’s largest and most flexible venues for fairs, design and photo shows, conferences and cultural events. Its 5,000-plus square metres of soaring, pillar-lined space and generous daylight make it a striking backdrop for everything from art to trade shows.
A brief summary to Øksnehallen
- Halmtorvet 11, Copenhagen, København V, 1700, DK
- +4533298000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Check the event calendar and ticket details in advance; Øksnehallen is only open when fairs, exhibitions or conferences are scheduled.
- Allow extra time before or after your visit to explore the surrounding Meatpacking District, with its galleries, bars and restaurants in former warehouses.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the hall’s concrete floors and the size of the space mean you may be on your feet for long periods during fairs and trade shows.
- Bring layers, as temperatures can vary slightly in such a large open hall, especially during events with frequent door traffic.
- Have cashless payment options ready; most pop-up stalls and cafés at events operate primarily with cards or mobile payments.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Copenhagen Central Station
Take any regional, InterCity or S-train service that stops at Copenhagen Central Station, a major hub served frequently throughout the day. From the station, expect a 5–10 minute urban walk on level pavements, suitable for most visitors and wheelchairs. Standard single tickets on local trains and S-trains within the city typically cost around 20–30 DKK, and there is no additional charge to reach Øksnehallen once you arrive at the station.
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City bus to Halmtorvet area
Several city bus lines run through Vesterbro and stop within a 5–10 minute walk of Øksnehallen near Copenhagen Central Station and Halmtorvet. Buses usually operate every 5–15 minutes during the day and less frequently in the evening. A single bus ticket within Copenhagen generally costs about 20–30 DKK, valid for a limited time window, and low-floor buses provide step-free access, though they can be crowded at rush hour and during major events at the hall.
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Bicycle from central Copenhagen districts
Cycling to Øksnehallen from inner-city neighbourhoods such as Indre By, Nørrebro or Østerbro typically takes 10–20 minutes, following Copenhagen’s network of segregated bike lanes. Standard city bikes can be rented from numerous shops or bike-share schemes, with typical rental prices ranging from 75–150 DKK per day depending on the provider. The terrain is flat and well-suited to casual cyclists, but extra care is needed around rush hours when bike traffic is dense.
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Taxi or rideshare within Copenhagen
A taxi or licensed rideshare from most central areas of Copenhagen to Øksnehallen usually takes 5–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Daytime fares from the historic centre commonly range between 80 and 160 DKK, increasing at night and on weekends. Vehicles can drop passengers close to the entrance, which is convenient for those with limited mobility or carrying equipment, but availability may be reduced and journey times longer when large events are taking place nearby.
Øksnehallen 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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Hot Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Øksnehallen
From cattle hall to cultural powerhouse
Øksnehallen began life in the late 19th century as a functional backdrop to Copenhagen’s bustling cattle market. Built as part of the brown Meatpacking District, it was designed to stable large numbers of beef cattle before slaughter, with robust brick walls, iron columns and wide aisles that allowed animals and traders to move easily through the space. Its very name alludes to “oxen”, underlining its original purpose. By the 1990s, the industrial era that had shaped this corner of Vesterbro was fading. In connection with Copenhagen’s role as European Capital of Culture in 1996, the former livestock hall was reimagined as a contemporary exhibition venue. Rather than erasing its working past, the conversion preserved the long, basilica-like volume, exposed structure and large skylights, turning a utilitarian shed into one of the city’s most distinctive event spaces.Architecture of light, volume and raw detail
Step inside Øksnehallen and the first impression is sheer scale. The hall stretches out as a single, uninterrupted room of roughly 5,000 to 5,500 square metres, its high roof carried by rhythmic rows of cast-iron columns. Above, bands of skylights flood the interior with soft daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating an even illumination that suits exhibitions and fairs. The architecture leans into a raw, industrial character: brick walls, visible trusses and concrete floors are part of the aesthetic rather than something to be hidden. This simplicity makes the hall highly adaptable. Lightweight partitions, staging and drapery can carve the vast room into more intimate zones, or it can be left open for large-scale installations, fashion shows or congresses. The flexible infrastructure for lighting, sound and rigging allows organisers to transform the atmosphere from bright trade fair to dramatic performance venue overnight.Life on the edge of the Meatpacking District
Øksnehallen sits at Halmtorvet, where the older city meets the creative energy of Vesterbro’s former Meatpacking District. Outside the main entrance, a broad urban square opens up, giving the hall a generous forecourt that acts as spillover space during busy events. On fair days you might see queues forming here, food trucks parked at the edges or small outdoor installations hinting at what waits inside. The neighbourhood around the hall still carries strong traces of its industrial roots, with low brick warehouses, cobbled streets and former cold stores now housing bars, restaurants and galleries. Between events, simply wandering around the surrounding blocks offers a sense of how a working meat market has morphed into a cultural and culinary hub. Øksnehallen acts as a kind of anchor in this transformation, a large, still recognisably historic building that bridges past and present.A stage for exhibitions, trade fairs and ideas
Over the years, Øksnehallen has hosted a remarkably varied programme. International photo exhibitions have used the neutral, high-ceilinged space to present large-format images and immersive installations. Design and lifestyle fairs fill the hall with stands and pop-up shops, while food festivals, wine fairs and specialty markets bring stalls, tasting areas and demonstration kitchens under the same roof. The dimensions and central location also make it suitable for congresses, product launches and large company gatherings. With capacity for several thousand people, it can accommodate plenary sessions, parallel talks and networking areas all within the same envelope. During some events, the hall is subdivided with black-box-style stages at one end and brighter exhibition zones at the other, demonstrating just how versatile the layout can be.Visitor experience inside the hall
For visitors, the experience of Øksnehallen changes dramatically depending on what is on the calendar. On some days, the space may be filled with design booths, music and chatter; on others, it becomes a quiet gallery where photographs or installations dominate. Whatever the event, the constant is the powerful sense of volume and the interplay of daylight and structure overhead. Wayfinding is straightforward thanks to the hall’s single, elongated plan. Facilities such as restrooms and basic seating are typically clustered along the sides, leaving the central nave-like space clear. During larger fairs, temporary cafés and lounge areas are often set up within the hall, allowing you to pause and take in the surroundings while remaining immersed in the event.Planning your time at Øksnehallen
Because Øksnehallen functions as a dedicated event venue, access is almost always tied to specific exhibitions, fairs or conferences taking place inside. Some events are ticketed, others free; opening hours vary from daytime-only to late-evening programmes. It is worth checking the current schedule and any entry fees in advance so you can plan how much time to set aside. Once inside, you will likely spend at least an hour exploring even a modest exhibition, and significantly longer if attending a full trade show or conference. Combined with the lively streets and cultural life of Vesterbro and the nearby Meatpacking District, a visit here often becomes part of a wider day spent discovering this reshaped industrial quarter of Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Copenhagen Central Post Building
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A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.4 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.
Frihedsstøtten
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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
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Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Cykelslangen
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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.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.8 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.
Havneholmen 33
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Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Lur Blowers
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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.
Vandkunsten Springvand
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A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Danish Architecture Centre
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Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Frederiksholms Kanal
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Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
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.
Magstræde
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Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Lille Langebro
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Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
Nytorv
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Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Unmissable attractions to see
Freddys Bar
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Discover Denmark’s maritime heritage and cutting-edge architecture at Helsingør’s award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, set in a stunning subterranean dry dock near Kronborg Castle.
Mikkeller Bar
0.4 km
Stændertorvet is Roskilde’s historic central square, bustling with markets, events, and iconic views of the UNESCO-listed cathedral at the city’s vibrant core.
Istedgade
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Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Fermentoren
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Discover Denmark’s maritime legacy at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør, where innovative architecture meets interactive storytelling and rich seafaring history.
Model train display
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Discover the enchanting Model Train Display in Copenhagen, showcasing intricate landscapes and charming miniature railways for all ages.
The Tube
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Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.
Red Sightseeing Copenhagen
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Hands-on science, vintage vehicles, and maritime history come together in this interactive, family-friendly branch of Malmö Museum, housed in an iconic industrial building.
Rutschebanen
0.5 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Himmelskibet
0.5 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
0.5 km
A colourful staffed playground tucked inside a historic walled park in Vesterbro, where giant parrots, paddling pools and lawns turn old shooting grounds into family fun.
Det Ny Teater
0.6 km
Historic Belle Époque playhouse turned musical powerhouse, Det Ny Teater blends gilded grandeur, modern stagecraft and big‑scale productions in the heart of Copenhagen.
Tivoli Gardens
0.6 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Planetarium
0.6 km
Immerse yourself in razor‑sharp journeys through the cosmos beneath Europe’s largest tilted dome at Copenhagen’s lakeside Planetarium, a family‑friendly hub of space science.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.8 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Statue of Andersen
0.8 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Essential places to dine
Fleisch
0.2 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Paté Paté
0.2 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
0.2 km
Industrial-chic seafood in Copenhagen’s former Meatpacking District, where ultra-fresh Nordic fish, natural wines and a buzzing bar scene meet under one concrete roof.
Ristorante Buono
0.3 km
Cozy Vesterbro Italian with candlelit tables, generous pasta and risotto, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Copenhagen’s evening dining scene.
Cofoco
0.3 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
LUN restaurant & winebar
0.4 km
Andalusian-inspired tasting menus, serious wine and cocktails, and a warm candlelit atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district.
MASH Penthouse
0.4 km
Skyline steakhouse on the 12th floor of Tivoli Hotel, blending premium cuts, crafted cocktails and sweeping Copenhagen views in a chic, velvety penthouse setting.
Smagsløget
0.4 km
Discover Smagsløget in Copenhagen: where traditional Danish flavors meet innovative culinary experiences in an inviting atmosphere.
Maple Casual Dining
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
Retour Vesterbro
0.5 km
Relaxed French-inspired bistro in the heart of Vesterbro, serving generous steaks, classic comfort dishes and cocktails in a warm, urban Copenhagen setting.
Delphine
0.5 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.5 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Je t'aime
0.5 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
Madklubben Vesterbro
0.7 km
A buzzing, design-forward restaurant in the heart of Vesterbro, known for great value fixed-price menus and a welcoming slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Spisestedet FEED
0.7 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.5 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
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.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
0.6 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.6 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.7 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.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
0.8 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Artikel København
0.8 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.9 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
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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
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Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Carmen Copenhagen
1.1 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.
København K
1.1 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.
Souvenir Shop
1.1 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Wasteland
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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
1.1 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Spunk
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
1656 Cocktail Bar
0.2 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.
Jolene Bar
0.2 km
Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
0.3 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
Jernbanecafeen
0.3 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
CUBE bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Curfew
0.5 km
Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.
Library Bar
0.5 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
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.
Pier5 Bar
0.7 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Lidkoeb
0.8 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
The Shamrock Inn
0.8 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Proud Mary Pub
0.8 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
Riesen Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
The Marble Bar
0.8 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Baggen
0.2 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
CristalClubCopenhagen
0.3 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
The Union
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
0.4 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
0.4 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
Never Mind
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
0.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Module
0.7 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Club Mambo
0.9 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Dorsia
1.0 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
1.1 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Zefside
1.1 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Miami Bar
1.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- 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
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
