Lur Blowers (Lurblæserne), Copenhagen
A soaring brick column crowned by twin Bronze Age horn players, the Lur Blowers fuse Nordic myth, civic pride and Carlsberg history above Copenhagen’s City Hall Square.
Towering above Copenhagen’s busy City Hall Square, the Lur Blowers monument is a 20m-high column crowned by two bronze figures raising ancient horn-like lurs to the sky. Gifted to the city in 1914 by the Carlsberg foundations to honour brewer J.C. Jacobsen, it blends Nordic mythology, Bronze Age symbolism and early 20th‑century craftsmanship. Today it is both a striking meeting point on Rådhuspladsen and a visual emblem of Copenhagen’s civic heart.
A brief summary to Lur Blowers
- Rådhuspladsen 57, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1550, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- For the best photos, stand near the Dragon Fountain or the corner by H.C. Andersens Boulevard to frame the Lur Blowers against the City Hall tower and open sky.
- Visit early morning or late evening for softer light and fewer crowds on Rådhuspladsen; midday sun can make the bronze figures appear flat in photos.
- Combine a stop at the Lur Blowers with a visit inside Copenhagen City Hall and the nearby National Museum to see real Bronze Age lurs on display.
- Use the circular bench at the base as a quick rest spot and vantage point for people‑watching in one of Copenhagen’s busiest squares.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
Take the M3 or M4 metro line to Rådhuspladsen Station, which sits directly beneath City Hall Square. From most central Copenhagen stations the ride takes 3–8 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. A single zone ticket within the city centre typically costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines or via local transport apps. Elevators and escalators make this the most convenient option in bad weather or for those with limited mobility.
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Train and short walk
From Copenhagen Central Station, reach City Hall Square on foot in about 5–10 minutes along well‑paved, mostly level streets. This is a practical route if you arrive by regional or intercity train, as the station is a major rail hub for Zealand and beyond. The walk is step‑free and suitable for wheeled luggage and strollers, but the area is busy with cyclists and traffic, so allow time to cross junctions safely.
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City bus
Multiple city bus lines serve stops around Rådhuspladsen, with typical journey times of 5–20 minutes from inner districts depending on traffic. Standard city bus fares match metro pricing, generally in the 20–30 DKK range for short trips within the central zones. Buses run frequently during the day and evening, though late‑night services are less regular. Expect crowded conditions at peak commuting hours and be prepared to board at front or middle doors as indicated on each bus.
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Bicycle
Cycling to City Hall Square usually takes 5–15 minutes from most central neighbourhoods, using Copenhagen’s extensive network of separated bike lanes. You can rent a city bike or use a private rental for roughly 75–150 DKK per day, depending on the provider. Rådhuspladsen itself is heavily trafficked by cyclists and buses, so ride defensively, watch for pedestrians stepping into cycle lanes, and use nearby bike racks to park rather than leaving cycles on the central square.
Lur Blowers 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 Lur Blowers
Bronze Age echoes above the city
The Lur Blowers monument rises over Rådhuspladsen, the central City Hall Square, its twin bronze figures poised as if about to sound an ancient call across Copenhagen. Each figure wears a cape and helmet and holds a long, curved horn known as a lur, an instrument dating back to the Nordic Bronze Age and associated with ceremonies, battle signals and ritual music. Their stance is compact and almost shoulder to shoulder, a deliberate design choice that reflects how lurs are tuned and traditionally played in pairs. Viewed from the square, the figures appear both martial and ceremonial, bridging the distance between mythic Scandinavia and the modern capital buzzing beneath them. The sculptor captured a sense of arrested motion: muscles taut, capes caught as if in a gust, and the lurs sweeping in graceful arcs above the traffic and trams.A Carlsberg tribute turned city landmark
The monument was commissioned by the Carlsberg Foundation and New Carlsberg Foundation as a gift to Copenhagen, marking the 100th anniversary of brewery founder J.C. Jacobsen’s birth in 1811. It was inaugurated in 1914, at a time when the new City Hall and its vast square were reshaping the city’s civic centre. Architect Anton Rosen designed the tall column, while sculptor Siegfried Wagner created the bronze group that crowns it. This combination of commercial patronage and public art was typical of the era, when industrial fortunes were often channelled into cultural monuments. Here, the tribute is subtle: Jacobsen’s name and dates appear in brickwork on the column, but the overall impression is not of a corporate monument. Instead, the Lur Blowers have become woven into the square’s skyline, as familiar as the City Hall clock tower and the Dragon Fountain nearby.The red-brick column and its subtle details
Beneath the bronzes, the monument’s column is crafted from warm red brick, echoing the National Romantic style of the City Hall itself. The shaft is simple and robust, but at its base you will find a circular bench integrated into the structure. This makes the monument not just a vertical marker but also a small, informal resting place facing the bustle of the square. The inscription around the column records Jacobsen’s name and birth centenary, tying the sculpture into the story of Carlsberg’s role in Danish cultural life. From close up, the brickwork texture and the heavy plinth give the sense of a victory column, yet the figures above are musicians rather than warriors, their power conveyed through sound rather than sword.Myth, music and modern Copenhagen
The choice of lurs taps into both archaeological discovery and romanticised Norse imagery. Original Bronze Age lurs have been unearthed from Danish bogs and can be seen in the National Museum, their looping forms echoed in the monument’s horns. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such motifs were embraced as symbols of national heritage, appearing in everything from political pageantry to butter brands. Here on Rådhuspladsen, the Lur Blowers stand among other symbolic figures: the dragons locked in combat at the fountain, the seated Hans Christian Andersen watching towards Tivoli Gardens, and the gilded Weather Girl on the nearby Richs Building. Together they create an open-air gallery of Copenhagen’s imagination, where folklore, civic pride and commercial modernity intersect.Experiencing the monument in the life of the square
For visitors, the Lur Blowers serve as both orientation point and visual punctuation in one of Copenhagen’s busiest public spaces. Buses, cyclists and pedestrians stream around the base, while demonstrations, concerts and celebrations periodically fill the square below. At different times of day the monument changes character: in soft morning light, the bronzes can appear almost green-grey silhouettes, while at dusk they stand out sharply against illuminated façades and neon signs. Photographers often frame the figures against the City Hall tower or capture them from oblique angles where the lurs cut diagonally across the sky. Even if you only pause briefly, it is worth circling the base to notice how the monument anchors a corner of the square, linking the historic city gates that once stood nearby with the contemporary civic stage that Rådhuspladsen has become.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
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Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
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.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
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Jorcks Passage
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Frihedsstøtten
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Copenhagen Central Station
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Gammel Strand
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Strøget
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Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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Gråbrødretorv
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Copenhagen Central Post Building
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Amagertorv
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The Stable Boy's House
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Christiansborg Palace
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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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
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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.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
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Rainbow Square
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A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
City Hall Square
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Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Copenhagen City Hall
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Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
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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.
Statue of Andersen
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A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
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Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Museum of Copenhagen
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Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Vandkunsten Springvand
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Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Nytorv
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Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
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.
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.
Tivoli Gardens
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Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
National Museum of Denmark
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Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Essential places to dine
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
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Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Husmanns Vinstue
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Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
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.
Spisestedet FEED
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Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
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Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Rio Bravo
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Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
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.
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 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.
Restaurant Karla
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Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
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.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
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Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Københavner Cafeen
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Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant 1733
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Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wonderful Souvenirs
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Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
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Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
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.
Wasteland
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A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
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.
Quirky Lane
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Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
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.
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.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
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Souvenir Gift Shop
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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
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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.
Tivoli Gift Shop
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A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Taphouse
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not your USUAL wine bar
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Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
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.
Musen & Elefanten
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Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Southern Cross Pub
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Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
The Scottish Pub
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Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
Proud Mary Pub
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Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
The Rooftop Bar
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Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Floss Bar
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Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
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Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Shamrock Inn
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Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Zefside
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Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Bar7
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Aloë Cocktail Bar
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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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dorsia
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Club Mambo
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G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
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Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
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Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Miami Bar
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Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
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Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
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.
Rumors
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Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
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.
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.
Never Mind
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
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Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
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
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Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
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
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
