Circle Bridge (Cirkelbroen), Christianshavn
A sculptural circle of decks and masts where Copenhagen’s harbour history meets contemporary design and everyday life on foot and two wheels.
Circle Bridge (Cirkelbroen) is a striking pedestrian and bicycle bridge at the mouth of Christianshavn Canal in central Copenhagen. Designed by Danish‑Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and opened in 2015, it links Christiansbro and Applebys Plads with five circular decks and slender masts evoking moored sailing ships. More than just a shortcut, it invites you to pause, enjoy harbour views, and experience the city’s maritime past through contemporary design.
A brief summary to Circle Bridge
- Johan Semps Gade, Cirkelbroen, København K, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Time your visit for early morning or late evening to enjoy softer light on the canal and fewer commuters crossing the bridge.
- Walk the full length slowly, stopping on each circular platform to appreciate how the views of Christianshavn and the inner harbour shift.
- Come after dark to see the bridge’s subtle lighting and reflections in the water, especially atmospheric on calm nights.
- Combine your stop here with a stroll along the harbourfront boardwalk to experience how Cirkelbroen links different parts of central Copenhagen.
- If you are cycling, slow your pace on the curved platforms; the layout encourages sharing the space comfortably with pedestrians.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Metro and short walk
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Christianshavn Station; trains run every few minutes and a single-zone ticket typically costs around 20–30 DKK. From the station, allow 10–15 minutes on foot along generally flat pavements and canal-side paths. The route is suitable for most visitors, though cobblestones in parts of Christianshavn can be uneven for wheelchairs and strollers.
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City bike
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle network makes reaching Circle Bridge by bike straightforward from districts such as Indre By, Vesterbro or Nørrebro in about 10–25 minutes, depending on distance. You can use personal bikes or shared city bikes, which usually cost from 15–25 DKK per short ride or 80–150 DKK for a day pass. Expect dedicated bike lanes on main roads, but be prepared for busy commuter traffic at peak hours and always dismount if the bridge feels crowded.
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Bus and walk
Several city bus routes serve stops near Christianshavn and the inner harbour, with typical journeys from the city centre taking 10–20 minutes and standard fares in the 20–30 DKK range. From the nearest bus stops, plan for a 5–10 minute walk on level city streets to reach the bridge. Buses can be less frequent late at night and on weekends, so check timings in advance if returning after dark.
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Harbour ferry
In good weather, the public harbour ferries offer a scenic way to travel along the inner harbour, with stops near key waterfront areas and Circle Bridge a short walk away. Journeys within the central harbour typically take 10–25 minutes and use the same ticket system as buses and metro, at roughly 20–30 DKK per trip. Services may run less often in the evening and in winter, and boarding involves short ramps that can be affected by waves and wind.
Circle Bridge location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Circle Bridge
A poetic crossing at Christianshavn Canal
Circle Bridge, known locally as Cirkelbroen, is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning the southern mouth of Christianshavn Canal where it meets Copenhagen’s inner harbour. Completed in 2015, it stitches together the waterfront between Christiansbro and Applebys Plads, filling a long-missing gap in the harbourfront promenade. Instead of a straight line from bank to bank, the bridge bends gently in a zigzag, immediately signalling that this is a place to linger, not just pass through. Standing here, you are at a junction of old and new Copenhagen. Historic warehouses, canalside townhouses and moored boats frame the view on one side, while contemporary offices and the dark glass volume of the nearby national library anchor the other. The bridge acts as a hinge between these eras, echoing the city’s maritime past while embracing its current role as a cycling and walking capital.Olafur Eliasson’s sculptural design
Circle Bridge was designed by Danish‑Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson as an artwork you can walk across every day. Its most distinctive feature is the sequence of five overlapping circular decks, each a different size, set slightly off‑axis so that the route gently curves as you cross. Rising from the centre of each circle is a tall mast, braced by a web of steel cables that recall the rigging of sailing vessels once common in this harbour. From deck level, the details reveal themselves: warm-toned timber decking underfoot, fine railings following the circles’ arcs, and taut cables fanning out against the sky. At night, discreet lighting along the edges and masts turns the bridge into a glowing installation reflected in the water. Though compact at around 40 metres long, the structure feels surprisingly generous, with each circular platform creating a pocket of space where people naturally slow down and gather.Harbour history woven into the structure
The design of Cirkelbroen is rooted in Christianshavn’s maritime history. The circular platforms are inspired by boats moored side by side, close enough that you could almost cross the harbour by stepping from deck to deck. The masts and rigging reference the forest of spars that once filled Copenhagen’s working port, when shipyards, warehouses and merchant vessels defined this district. Today, only a few historic ships still navigate this stretch of canal, but the bridge literally makes room for them. Two of the circular sections form a rotating span that can swing open, creating a navigable channel for taller boats. When closed, the bridge sits low above the water, emphasising its close relationship with the canal surface and the quays on either side.A meeting place in motion
Eliasson conceived Circle Bridge not just as infrastructure but as a social space. The curves interrupt the direct line of travel, gently encouraging cyclists and pedestrians to reduce their speed. Each circular platform functions like a small plaza, with natural stopping points where people pause to talk, check a map, or watch boats sliding beneath the arches of nearby bridges. From the centre circles you gain changing perspectives with every few steps: out towards the harbour basin, up the canal lined with houseboats, or across to brick gables and copper spires. Joggers, commuters and families share the narrow decks, yet the rhythm of circles breaks movement into smaller flows so it rarely feels rushed. In good weather, the bridge becomes an impromptu lookout, photo stop and meeting point in one.Everyday life on a contemporary landmark
Although it is an internationally recognised piece of contemporary design, Circle Bridge is firmly woven into daily Copenhagen life. Thousands of people cross here on foot or by bike as they move between offices, homes and cultural institutions along the inner harbour. The structure’s modest height and intimate scale keep it closely tied to the human body; you are never far from the water, the sound of bicycles, and the clink of rigging from nearby boats. Because it is open at all hours and free to use, the bridge offers different atmospheres throughout the day. Early mornings bring soft light down the canal, while evenings often glow with reflections from the city’s illuminated facades. In wind and rain, the cables hum slightly and the harbour feels raw and exposed; on still summer days, the circles fill with people resting on their bikes, chatting and watching the sun slide behind the skyline. It is this blend of sculpture, movement and ordinary routines that makes Cirkelbroen such a memorable stop in Christianshavn.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Circle Bridge
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A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
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Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Christianshavns Kanal
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Baroque grandeur and natural beauty meet at Denmark's Ledreborg Park, home to stately gardens, forested trails, cultural events, and peaceful countryside escapes.
Church of Our Saviour
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A striking palace on Slotsholmen island, Christiansborg is where Copenhagen’s history, royal splendor, and political power converge in one unforgettable landmark.
Gammel Strand
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Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
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.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Black Diamond
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Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Kopenhagen
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A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.2 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Lille Langebro
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A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
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A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
The War Museum
0.3 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.3 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.3 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Slotsholmen
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A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Børsen
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Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Knippelsbro
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Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Christianshavn
0.4 km
Experience the lively heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square near the Northern Harbour.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.4 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
No. 2
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Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Kadeau
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Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Kanal-Caféen
0.5 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Cafe Wilder
0.5 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Restaurant Noi
0.6 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant Karla
0.6 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant 1733
0.7 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Marv & Ben
0.7 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Maven
0.7 km
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.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.7 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Rio Bravo
0.7 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
King Hans Cellar
0.7 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 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.
à terre
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à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Restaurant Tight
0.8 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.7 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Magasin du Nord
0.8 km
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.
Audrey Vintage
0.8 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
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.
Hygge Original
0.8 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
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.
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.
Strøget
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Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
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Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Marble Bar
0.6 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
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.
Ruby
0.7 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Zefside
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Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Godt Øl
0.7 km
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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.7 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
0.7 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Pier5 Bar
0.8 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
The Dubliner
0.8 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.
Southern Cross Pub
0.8 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Brønnum
0.8 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.8 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.9 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lusso
0.9 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.
Hive
1.0 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
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.
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.
Miami Bar
1.0 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
1.0 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Operaen
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Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Rumors
1.0 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
1.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Mini Bar
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Module
1.1 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Cosy Bar
1.2 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
1.2 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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
