Bishop Absalon Statue, Højbro Plads
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Rising above Copenhagen’s central Højbro Plads, the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon honors the warrior-bishop traditionally regarded as the city’s founder. Unveiled in 1902 on the 700th anniversary of his death, the bronze figure shows Absalon in armor on a rearing horse, facing Christiansborg where his medieval fortress once stood. Its richly detailed brick-and-granite plinth weaves in symbols of herring, the Øresund, and ecclesiastical heraldry, making this compact monument a vivid lesson in how a fishing hamlet grew into Denmark’s capital.
A brief summary to Bishop Absalon
- Højbro Pl., Copenhagen, Indre By, 1200, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Walk all the way around the plinth to spot the herring and wave friezes, heraldic shield, and Danish inscription praising Absalon’s character and achievements.
- Visit early morning or around sunset for softer light that brings out the bronze patina and makes it easier to photograph the statue without strong glare.
- Use the seating ledges at the base as a short rest stop while you orient yourself between Christiansborg, the canal, and the nearby shopping streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From Nørreport Station, take the M1 or M2 metro one stop to Kongens Nytorv, then walk about 10–15 minutes through the pedestrian center to Højbro Plads. The metro ride is around 2 minutes and runs every few minutes most of the day, with standard city fares typically in the range of 20–30 DKK for a single journey using tickets or a travel card.
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Bus
Several city buses serve stops near Højbro Plads, including routes running along Holmens Kanal and Gammel Strand. From the central station area, the journey usually takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect standard inner-city bus fares similar to the metro, roughly 20–30 DKK per ride, with services operating frequently throughout the day and evening.
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Bicycle
Cycling to Højbro Plads is a popular option thanks to Copenhagen’s extensive bike lanes. From the Central Station or Vesterbro area, the ride generally takes 10–20 minutes at an easy pace on mostly flat terrain. You can use city bikes or rentals priced approximately 20–40 DKK per half hour, bearing in mind that the square itself can be busy and requires careful riding among pedestrians.
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Walking
From Copenhagen City Hall Square, Højbro Plads is within a comfortable 15–25 minute walk through the historic center along pedestrian streets and cobblestones. The route is generally level but can be uneven underfoot, so comfortable footwear is recommended. This option is free and allows you to enjoy shopfronts, side streets, and canal views on the way.
Bishop Absalon location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Bishop Absalon
Absalon and the birth of Copenhagen
Bishop Absalon looms large in Danish history as both archbishop and statesman, and here in Højbro Plads he is immortalized in bronze as the symbolic founder of Copenhagen. In the 12th century, when this area was still a modest fishing settlement on the Øresund, Absalon backed the construction of a fortified castle on nearby Slotsholmen. That stronghold protected trade routes and the lucrative herring fisheries, laying the groundwork for the city that would become Denmark’s capital. The statue marks the 700th anniversary of Absalon’s death. It was unveiled in 1902, when national interest in medieval history and Copenhagen’s origins was especially strong. Standing before it, you are looking at a sculpted story about power, faith, and maritime commerce, captured at the very place where land, water, and city life meet.A warrior-bishop on a rearing horse
The monument’s most striking feature is the dynamic equestrian figure. Absalon sits astride a rearing horse, clad in mail and helmet, gripping a battle-axe rather than a pastoral staff. This martial pose emphasizes his dual role as church leader and military commander at a time when defending Christian kingdoms and expanding influence around the Baltic were central to his mission. The horse’s raised forelegs and the flowing cloak lend the bronze a sense of motion that contrasts with the orderly façades around the square. The sculptor, Vilhelm Bissen, chose a neo-romantic style, evoking chivalric energy while still anchoring the work firmly in Denmark’s own saga-like past. From different angles you see how the figure balances strict armor detail with expressive gesture.A plinth rich with maritime symbolism
Beneath the rider, the pedestal is almost a second artwork. The lower section is carved from sturdy granite, while the upper part is built from red brick, echoing Copenhagen’s historic architecture. Along the brickwork runs a frieze featuring stylized fish and wavy lines. These refer to the herring shoals that once filled the Øresund and generated enormous wealth through salted exports. Those fisheries transformed a small hamlet into an important market town, and the monument quietly reminds you that the city’s story begins with sea journeys, salting barrels, and busy wooden wharves. Other carved elements include Viking-inspired ornament and ecclesiastical symbols, tying together pagan heritage, Christian authority, and mercantile success on the water.Heraldry, inscriptions and hidden texts
On the front of the plinth you will notice a shield bearing a rosy cross flanked by intersecting keys. This is a reference to Absalon’s role as Bishop of Roskilde, whose diocese once controlled much of the surrounding region. The date inscription “1128 ABSALON 1201” bookends his life and links the bronze figure to a precise historical person, not just a legendary founder. A band of lettering runs around the upper edge of the pedestal in Danish, praising Absalon as brave, clever, visionary, devoted to learning, and a loyal son of Denmark. These words reflect the values admired when the monument was raised: courage in war, commitment to education, and a sense of national duty embedded in religious office.Framing the city’s political heart
The statue’s orientation is deliberate. Absalon faces Christiansborg, today home to the Danish Parliament, on the site where his original fortress once stood. His head, however, turns slightly toward the direction of Copenhagen City Hall, bridging the city’s medieval origins with its modern civic institutions. Set in the middle of Højbro Plads, between the shopping streets of the old town and the Slotsholmen canal, the monument becomes a natural focal point. Locals cross the square on their daily routines, while groups pause at the pedestal steps, which double as informal seating. Around you rise the neoclassical buildings that were constructed after an 18th-century fire, so the bronze horseman appears framed by the rebuilt city whose beginnings he helped secure.Experiencing the statue within the square
Spending time here is less about ticking off a single landmark and more about absorbing how it interacts with its surroundings. From close up you can trace the sculpted scales of the fish frieze or the precise line of the axe blade; step back and the silhouette of horse and rider stands out against church towers, copper roofs, and canal barges. Because the statue is freely accessible at all hours, you can encounter it under many moods: morning light catching the bronze, midday bustle of pedestrians circling the base, or evening when the square’s lamps cast soft shadows across the brick plinth. In each case, Bishop Absalon still presides over the city he helped to found, a compact monument tying together water, trade, faith, and the evolving urban landscape of Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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.
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.
Holmens Bro
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A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
The Danish Parliament
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Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
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.
Varehuset Messen
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A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Jorcks Passage
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Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
The War Museum
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Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Nytorv 2
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Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Kongens Nytorv
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Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
The Round Tower
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Explore The Round Tower, Copenhagen's historic observatory offering stunning city views and engaging cultural exhibitions.
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.
Gammeltorv
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Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Unmissable attractions to see
Højbro Plads
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A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
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A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Højbro Pl.
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Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Ved Stranden
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Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Stromma Canal Tours
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Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
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Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
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.
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.
Gammel Strand
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A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
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Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
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.
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.
Christiansborg Palace
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Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Thorvaldsens Museum
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Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
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.
Essential places to dine
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.
Marv & Ben
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Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Tight
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Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
King Hans Cellar
0.3 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Københavner Cafeen
0.3 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 Sole D’Italia - København
0.3 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.
Llama
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Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Kronborg
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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.
l’Alsace
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Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Wining and Dining
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French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Marchal
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Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Puk
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Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Frank
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A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
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Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
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.
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.
ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
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Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
& Other Stories
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Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Audrey Vintage
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Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
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A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Magasin du Nord
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Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Norse Store
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Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
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.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
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A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
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Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Dubliner
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Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
The Bird and The Churchkey
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
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.
Ruby
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An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Godt Øl
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Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Charlie's Bar
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Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
1105
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Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
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Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
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.
Balthazar
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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.
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 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.
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
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.
Chateau Motel
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Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lusso
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A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Hive
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Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mini Bar
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Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Rumors
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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.
Miami Bar
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Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Club Mambo
0.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
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.
Dorsia
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Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Cosy Bar
0.7 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
0.8 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
