The Round Tower (Rundetaarn), Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s 17th‑century spiral‑ramped tower, where royal astronomy, city‑wide views and a historic library hall meet in one compelling old‑town landmark.
Rising above the cobbled lanes of Copenhagen’s old town, the Round Tower is a 17th‑century astronomical observatory turned cultural landmark. Commissioned by King Christian IV and completed in 1642, it’s famed for its wide spiral ramp leading to a 360° rooftop platform with views over the city’s spires and rooftops. Inside, the former university Library Hall now hosts changing art, science and cultural exhibitions, making this a compact blend of history, architecture, skyline vistas and contemporary creativity in the very heart of Copenhagen.
A brief summary to The Round Tower
- Købmagergade 52A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1150, DK
- +4533730373
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-9 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Aim for clear weather or late afternoon light to make the most of the 360° rooftop views and the silhouettes of Copenhagen’s many spires.
- Wear comfortable footwear; the 200‑metre spiral ramp is gentle but long, and the final climb to the viewing platform involves stairs.
- Check current opening hours and any restoration‑related closures in advance, especially if you hope to visit the observatory in winter.
- Allow extra time to explore the Library Hall exhibitions, which are included in admission when the hall is not closed for installation.
- If you prefer a quieter visit, come close to opening time on weekdays to avoid queues and enjoy a more spacious ascent up the ramp.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and walk from Nørreport Station
From anywhere on Copenhagen’s M1, M2, M3 or M4 metro lines, ride to Nørreport Station, the closest major hub to the Round Tower. Trains run every few minutes most of the day, and a single zone ticket within the city typically costs around 20–25 DKK. From Nørreport, expect a 5–10 minute walk along level, busy streets through the old town to reach Købmagergade 52A. The route is fully urban and well lit, but note that the final visit inside the tower involves a sloping ramp and stairs, which may not suit all mobility needs.
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City bus to Købmagergade area
Several central bus routes stop close to the Round Tower, near Nørreport Station and the pedestrian streets of Indre By. Journey times from inner districts are usually 10–20 minutes depending on traffic, with standard city bus tickets costing roughly 20–25 DKK for a single ride. Buses run frequently during the day and early evening, though services thin out later at night. From nearby stops, allow 5–10 minutes on foot along cobbled or paved streets to reach the tower’s entrance.
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Cycling in central Copenhagen
For those comfortable on two wheels, cycling is an easy way to reach the Round Tower from most central neighbourhoods in 10–20 minutes. You can use Copenhagen’s bike‑share schemes or rental bikes, which typically cost from about 50–100 DKK for a few hours depending on the provider. Bike lanes lead close to Indre By, but the final stretch on Købmagergade is a pedestrian shopping street where you may need to dismount and walk. Secure bike parking is scattered around the surrounding streets rather than directly at the entrance.
The Round Tower location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about The Round Tower
A royal tower in the heart of old Copenhagen
Completed in 1642 for the architecture‑loving King Christian IV, the Round Tower was conceived as the astronomical crown jewel of the Trinitatis Complex, which combined church, library and observatory in one ambitious project. From the outside its simple brick cylinder looks almost modest, rising above the rooftops of the Latin Quarter just off busy Købmagergade. Yet this was once one of Europe’s most advanced scientific buildings, designed to bring Danish astronomy to the forefront and to signal royal power in brick and copper. Standing at the base, you are literally in the historic centre of Copenhagen. The surrounding streets bustle with shoppers and cyclists, but the tower’s thick walls and arched doorway mark a transition from commercial energy to contemplative space. The building’s compact footprint belies the vertical journey inside, where science, faith and learning were once stacked atop one another in carefully planned layers.Climbing the famous spiral ramp
Instead of a staircase, the Round Tower is known for its broad spiral ramp, which winds seven and a half times around a hollow core before reaching the upper levels. The ramp is roughly 200 metres long, gently sloping so that horses and carts could once carry heavy instruments and books to the observatory and library above. As you circle upward, light pours through tall, arched windows, revealing glimpses of red roofs, church towers and the life of the streets below. The ramp’s niches serve as quiet resting spots, and the changing angle of the floor is a subtle reminder of the tower’s unusual engineering. About two‑thirds of the way up, a glass platform spans the hollow shaft, allowing you to peer down into the tower’s interior void. It is an arresting moment that combines vertigo, architectural ingenuity and a sense of how much brick and effort went into this seemingly simple round form.Skyline views and an historic observatory
At the top, a short run of wooden steps and a tighter stone stair bring you to the open‑air viewing platform encircling the observatory dome. From here Copenhagen spreads out in a ring of copper roofs, church spires and courtyards, with sights such as the Marble Church, Copenhagen Cathedral and Rosenborg Castle easily picked out on clear days. On very clear horizons, the line of the Øresund and the coast of Sweden appear in the distance, placing the city in its wider maritime landscape. The observatory itself is among the oldest functioning observatories in Europe. Although its role in cutting‑edge research has long passed, it still serves as a public gateway to the night sky, with seasonal stargazing evenings when the telescope is staffed by astronomers. Even when closed for restoration or daytime visits, the structure tells a story of centuries of sky‑watching, from early planetary observations to later educational use for curious city dwellers.The Library Hall and the tower’s cultural life
Roughly halfway up the tower lies the expansive Library Hall, an 800‑square‑metre space that once housed the University of Copenhagen’s book collection until the 19th century. Restored and reopened in the late 20th century, it now serves as a bright, atmospheric venue for rotating exhibitions, concerts, talks and cultural events. Its long wooden floor, whitewashed vaults and rows of windows create a refined but welcoming room that feels both historic and surprisingly contemporary. Alongside exhibitions, the hall often contains a small shop with books, posters and design items linked to the tower’s themes of astronomy, architecture and Danish culture. A modest café corner provides refreshments, so you can pause between the steady climb of the ramp and the final ascent to the viewing platform. This mix of culture space and lookout makes the Round Tower more than a single‑purpose monument; it is a living institution that Copenhageners regularly return to for new experiences.Experiencing the tower today
Today the Round Tower operates 362 days a year, balancing its role as a major visitor attraction with ongoing restoration of the dome and observatory to safeguard the structure for future generations. Admission includes access to the ramp, Library Hall exhibitions when open, the glass floor over the core and the rooftop platform, with occasional partial closures when conservation work requires it. Capacity limits and brief queues at busy times help preserve a calm atmosphere inside. The ascent is manageable for most visitors, but there is no elevator and the final sections involve stairs, so access to the very top is limited for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. Even so, the lower parts of the ramp and the Library Hall still offer a strong sense of the building’s character. Whether you are drawn by the skyline views, the history of astronomy or the quiet drama of walking inside a 17th‑century brick cylinder, the Round Tower offers a compact yet layered portrait of Copenhagen’s past and present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Varehuset Messen
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Fiolstræde 42
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Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
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Jorcks Passage
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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.
The King's Garden
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Experience the tranquil beauty of The King's Garden, a historical park in Copenhagen surrounding the majestic Rosenborg Castle, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
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Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
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.
Thorvaldsens Museum
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Explore the world of neoclassical sculpture at Thorvaldsens Museum in Copenhagen, home to the works of Bertel Thorvaldsen and a treasure trove of art and architectural inspiration.
Vandkunsten Springvand
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A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Indre By
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Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Christiansborg Palace
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Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Frederik VII
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Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Kongens Nytorv
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Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Unmissable attractions to see
Københavns Synagoge
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A discreet 1833 synagogue in Krystalgade whose neoclassical facade hides an Egyptian‑inspired interior and centuries of Danish Jewish history, faith and resilience.
Kultorvet
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Historic coal market turned buzzing pedestrian square, where colourful façades, cafés and a modern fountain stage capture everyday Copenhagen life.
Skaal
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A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Gråbrødretorv
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Mythic grandeur meets urban tranquility at Copenhagen’s spectacular Gefion Fountain, a must-see bronze sculpture and water feature rooted in Norse legend.
Balderdash
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Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
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Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Strøget
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Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Church of Our Lady
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Lively, colourful canal harbour in central Copenhagen known for vibrant houses, historic ships, waterside cafés, and rich maritime heritage.
Amagertorv
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Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Stork Fountain
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Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Nørre Voldgade 11
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Heritage 19th‑century walls meet modern apartment comfort in a buzzing, hyper‑central corner of Copenhagen’s historic inner city.
Læderstræde
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A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Gammeltorv
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Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Nytorv 2
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An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Botanical Garden
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
Det Lille Apotek
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Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.2 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Wining and Dining
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French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.2 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.3 km
Warm brick-and-wood dining room in central Copenhagen serving polished Mediterranean-inspired classics, a four-course menu and easygoing evening cocktails.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Alouette
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One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Marv & Ben
0.5 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
l’Alsace
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Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Krebsegaarden
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An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Restaurant Grønnegade
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Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
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.
ferment, ramen izakaya
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Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Time's Up Vintage
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Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
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A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Studio Arhoj
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A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Souvenir Gifts shop
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Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Fjällräven
0.2 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Norse Store
0.2 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Norse Projects
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Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
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Denmark's largest souvenir destination with 2,000+ authentic gifts celebrating Danish design, heritage, and iconic landmarks.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Duck Haven
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A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
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Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
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.
& 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.
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.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar'Vin
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Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Gejser Bar
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Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Strøm
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Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
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Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Bo-Bi Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Bæst Cocktailbar
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Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Luke's Bar
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Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
No Stress Bar
0.3 km
Basement cocktail pub in Copenhagen’s historic center mixing dessert-inspired drinks, games, comedy and drag shows into one laid-back, late-night hangout.
Charlie's Bar
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.3 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
The Moose
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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.
Trykbar
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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 Dubliner
0.4 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
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.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
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Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Arch
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Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
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.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Rumors
0.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
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.
La Terraza
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Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Mini Bar
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Miami Bar
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lusso
0.5 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.
Dorsia
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.7 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Club Mambo
0.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- 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
- Business Friendly
