Church of Our Lady (Copenhagen Cathedral)
Copenhagen’s neoclassical cathedral, where Thorvaldsen’s marble Christ and apostles stand in serene light above centuries of royal ceremony and everyday worship.
At the quiet crest of Nørregade, the Church of Our Lady serves as Copenhagen’s cathedral and Denmark’s national church. Rebuilt in 1829 after wartime destruction, its calm neoclassical interior is famed for Bertel Thorvaldsen’s serene marble Christ and apostles, bathed in soft northern light. Long a stage for royal coronations and weddings, it remains an active Lutheran parish, inviting visitors to pause, sit under its high, white vaults, and absorb centuries of Danish religious and cultural history in the very heart of the old city.
A brief summary to Church of Our Lady
- Nørregade 8, Copenhagen, København K, 1165, DK
- +4533151078
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 30–60 minutes inside to appreciate Thorvaldsen’s sculptures and the changing light; sitting quietly in a pew reveals details you miss on a quick walk‑through.
- Check cathedral service and concert times in advance if you want to hear the organ or choir, or to avoid visiting during major ceremonies when access can be restricted.
- Dress modestly, keep voices low and avoid flash photography near the altar area, as this is an active place of worship and often in use for services or private prayer.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Thorvaldsens Museum to better understand the sculptor behind the famous Christ and apostle statues in the cathedral.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
From Nørreport Station, served by metro lines M1–M4 and S‑trains, it typically takes 5–10 minutes on foot to reach Nørregade, where the cathedral stands on slightly rising, paved streets. Trains and metro run every few minutes throughout the day, and standard city tickets or travel cards covering central zones apply, usually costing the same as any inner‑city metro ride. The route is step‑free inside the station, but some nearby streets are cobbled, so allow extra time if using a wheelchair or stroller.
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City bus within central Copenhagen
Several inner‑city bus lines stop within a 5–10 minute walk of the cathedral, including services running along Nørre Voldgade and up towards Gammeltorv and Rådhuspladsen. Journey times from other central districts are typically 10–20 minutes depending on traffic, and fares match standard Copenhagen bus prices, generally in the range of a few tens of Danish kroner per trip. Buses are low‑floor and wheelchair accessible, but they can be crowded at rush hour, so travelling outside peak commuter times offers a more comfortable ride.
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Bicycle through the old town
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it easy to reach the cathedral by bike from most central neighbourhoods in about 10–20 minutes. Numerous bike‑share schemes and rental shops offer bicycles for hourly or daily rates, commonly from around 100–200 DKK per day depending on type and provider. Cycling brings you directly into the historic core, but be prepared for sections of cobblestones near the cathedral and always lock your bike in designated stands along Nørregade to avoid fines or removal.
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Taxi from central districts
A taxi from major central points such as Copenhagen Central Station or the Nyhavn area typically takes 5–15 minutes to reach Nørregade, depending on traffic and one‑way systems in the old town. Fares within the inner city usually fall in the approximate range of 80–180 DKK, with surcharges in the evening or on weekends. Taxis can drop passengers close to the cathedral, but vehicle access directly past the entrance may be limited at busy times or during services and special ceremonies.
Church of Our Lady location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Church of Our Lady
A national cathedral on Copenhagen’s high ground
The Church of Our Lady rises discreetly above the old town, its square tower and columned portico announcing Denmark’s national cathedral without ostentation. A church has stood on this spot since the early 13th century, chosen for being one of the highest points in the medieval town. Over the centuries the building burned, collapsed and was bombarded, most dramatically in 1807 when British shells toppled the Gothic spire and left the church beyond repair. The present cathedral was consecrated in 1829, when Copenhagen was slowly recovering from war and bankruptcy. It became the city’s official cathedral in the 1920s, but its symbolic importance long predates the title. Monarchs have been crowned and blessed here, and royal weddings – most recently that of Crown Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson in 2004 – have turned its nave into a national stage watched around the world.Neoclassical calm by C. F. Hansen
Step back from busy Nørregade and the façade feels almost like an ancient temple, with a strong triangular pediment resting on a row of tall columns. Architect C. F. Hansen, sometimes called the “Danish Palladio”, looked to Greco‑Roman classicism rather than medieval Gothic when he rebuilt the church. The result is a long, spare basilica: 83 metres from end to end, with smooth plastered walls, a simple pitched roof and a tower that was added only after locals insisted a cathedral needed a visible crown on the skyline. Inside, the design is stripped of excess. White walls, rhythmic colonnades and tall round‑arched windows create a luminous space where proportion matters more than ornament. There is little stained glass, little gilding, few distractions. Instead, the architecture leads your eye down the wide central aisle to the chancel, where sculpture and light take over the storytelling. On a bright day the interior feels almost sun‑bleached; on a grey one it becomes a vast, contemplative room of soft shadows.Thorvaldsen’s marble apostles and the famous Christ
The cathedral’s most remarkable feature is its ensemble of sculptures by Bertel Thorvaldsen, the Danish neoclassical sculptor who spent much of his life in Rome. He was commissioned to fill niches along the nave with statues of the apostles, but he deliberately enlarged them so that they project into the space, becoming companions rather than background decoration. Eleven apostles line the sides, while Judas is replaced by Paul, whose journeys and letters helped shape early Christianity. At the end of the nave stands Thorvaldsen’s Christus, arms open in welcome at the top of a few shallow steps. Carved from white Carrara marble, it has become one of the most reproduced images of Christ in the world, copied in churches from Scandinavia to North America. Here you see the original, lit from above so that its features soften and sharpen as clouds pass. In front of it, Thorvaldsen’s own baptismal font shows a kneeling angel holding a shell‑shaped basin, a surprisingly intimate work in such a grand room.Layers of history beneath a working parish
Although the interior feels firmly 19th century, the cathedral holds echoes of much older buildings. Parts of earlier walls and foundations were reused in the reconstruction, and beneath the choir lie traces of previous churches, once built of limestone and later brick as techniques and tastes changed. Fires, religious upheaval and war all left their marks here, yet the site continued to serve as Copenhagen’s principal church through Reformation disputes, absolute monarchy and modern democracy. Today the Church of Our Lady is both national symbol and neighbourhood parish. Regular Lutheran services, organ recitals and major church festivals unfold beneath the high ceiling, and portraits of bishops, deans and a bronze bust of Thorvaldsen line the aisles. The atmosphere remains notably unhurried; visitors drift quietly between the columns, sit in plain wooden pews or pause before the sculptures, sharing the space with locals who slip in for a moment of prayer in the middle of the city’s bustle.Experiencing the cathedral’s light and sound
A visit here is as much about sensation as about history. Take time to notice how footsteps echo off the stone floor, how the scent of wax and old wood lingers under the vaults, how the organ’s low notes can seem to vibrate in your chest when rehearsals are under way. Move from the dimmer aisles into the brighter central space and the change in light is almost physical. Because entrance is usually free, you can explore at your own pace: tracing the line of Thorvaldsen’s drapery, looking up into the tower from the nave, or simply sitting and letting the symmetry sink in. Outside, the tower’s cross and the calm façade anchor this part of the old town; inside, the cathedral offers a distilled version of Danish classicism and a living link between Copenhagen’s medieval origins and its contemporary life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jorcks Passage
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Fiolstræde 42
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Lur Blowers
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Varehuset Messen
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Statue of Andersen
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Iconic bronze statue of Hans Christian Andersen in busy Rådhuspladsen, a literary landmark celebrating Denmark’s cherished fairy-tale author in central Copenhagen.
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.
Højbro Plads
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Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
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A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Højbro Pl.
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Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Bishop Absalon
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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.
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.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
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Museum of Copenhagen
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National Museum of Denmark
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Unmissable attractions to see
Gammeltorv
0.1 km
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
0.2 km
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.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.2 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Nytorv
0.2 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Københavns Synagoge
0.2 km
A discreet 1833 synagogue in Krystalgade whose neoclassical facade hides an Egyptian‑inspired interior and centuries of Danish Jewish history, faith and resilience.
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.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.3 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
The Round Tower
0.3 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Strøget
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.4 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Kultorvet
0.4 km
Historic coal market turned lively pedestrian square, Kultorvet blends layered architecture, fountain-side cafés and everyday city life in the heart of Copenhagen.
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.
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.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.4 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Amagertorv
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Essential places to dine
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.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.2 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Det Lille Apotek
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Wining and Dining
0.2 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.2 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
0.2 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 Kronborg
0.2 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.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.3 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
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.
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.
Vækst
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Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.3 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Restaurant Puk
0.4 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Marv & Ben
0.4 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Notre Dame
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A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Quirky Lane
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Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
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.
Duck Haven
0.2 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Wasteland
0.2 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.
Souvenir Shop
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Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
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.
Carmen Copenhagen
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Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Another nué
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A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
København K
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar7
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Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Luke's Bar
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Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.2 km
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.
Floss Bar
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Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Musen & Elefanten
0.2 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
No Stress Bar
0.2 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.
The Jane
0.2 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Strøm
0.3 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Centralhjørnet
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One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
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.
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.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
not your USUAL wine bar
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Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rumors
0.1 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.
Hive
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Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
0.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.2 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
0.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Arch
0.3 km
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.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Club Mambo
0.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
The Zoo
0.6 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Never Mind
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- LGBT Friendly
