Nikolaj Kunsthal (Nikolaj Art Gallery)
A soaring former church in central Copenhagen where centuries-old brickwork, a towering spire and intimate galleries meet bold, experimental contemporary art.
Nikolaj Kunsthal is Copenhagen’s contemporary art centre housed in the former St Nicholas Church on Nikolaj Plads, a few steps from the city’s main sights. Inside the soaring whitewashed nave and beneath one of the tallest towers in town, changing exhibitions highlight experimental Danish and international art, often crossing over into performance, sound and video. A café and intimate square outside add a relaxed, urban feel to this fusion of Gothic heritage and cutting-edge creativity.
A brief summary to Nikolaj Art Gallery
- Nikolaj Plads 10, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1067, DK
- +4524227127
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-6 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least an hour to explore all levels, including the more secluded upper and tower spaces, which can host some of the most atmospheric installations.
- Combine your visit with a relaxed break at the on-site café or on Nikolaj Plads in good weather; the contrast between quiet interior and lively square is part of the charm.
- Check current exhibition details and any evening events in advance, as programming changes several times a year and some shows include performances or talks.
- Look up at the tower and windows from outside before going in, then notice how the same architectural elements shape the light and acoustics around the artworks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, the most convenient option is the M1 or M2 metro to Kongens Nytorv station, followed by a level walk of about 8–10 minutes to Nikolaj Plads. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day and evening. A standard two-zone ticket typically costs around 20–25 DKK and is valid across metro, buses and S-trains within the city centre.
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Bus
Several inner-city bus lines stop within a 10–12 minute walk of Nikolaj Kunsthal near Rådhuspladsen, Gammel Strand or Kongens Nytorv. Journey times from other central neighbourhoods usually range from 10–25 minutes depending on traffic. Single bus tickets within the core zones are roughly 20–25 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines or via local transport apps.
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Bicycle
Cycling is a classic way to reach the Inner City. From nearby districts such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro, expect 10–20 minutes by bike on dedicated lanes almost the entire way. Public bike-share schemes and rental shops are widely available, with typical costs from about 75–125 DKK per day. Bike parking stands can usually be found on or around Nikolaj Plads, but they may fill up at busy times.
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On Foot from Strøget area
If you are already in Copenhagen’s pedestrian shopping streets, Nikolaj Kunsthal is an easy walk away. From the central section of Strøget between Rådhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv, most routes take about 5–15 minutes on flat, mostly cobbled surfaces. This option is free and suitable for most visitors, though those using wheelchairs or strollers should allow a little extra time for navigating uneven paving.
Nikolaj Art Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Nikolaj Art Gallery
Medieval tower, modern imagination
Nikolaj Kunsthal occupies the former St Nicholas Church, whose roots reach back to the 1200s in the very heart of Copenhagen’s Inner City. The present church hall was rebuilt in the early 20th century as a monument to the medieval church that once stood here, while the brick tower, later crowned with a copper spire, still commands the skyline between Christiansborg and Kongens Nytorv. Step inside and you enter a soaring late-Gothic inspired space of tall arcades and pale walls, a dramatic backdrop for contemporary installations. The building’s history is anything but static. After the Great Fire of Copenhagen in the late 18th century, only the tower survived. For decades it served as a fire lookout and later as a bustling butchers’ market, giving the surrounding area the nickname “Maven” – the stomach. In the 20th century, it morphed again, successively housing a library, naval museum and, eventually, a pioneering “art library” where visitors could borrow works for a symbolic fee, paving the way for today’s art centre.Contemporary art in a church that never quite was
Although every arch and window suggests a consecrated church interior, the current nave was never used as a place of worship. Instead, it was conceived from the start as a cultural space that would echo the vanished medieval church. This gives Nikolaj Kunsthal a distinctive character: part homage, part reinvention. The restored brickwork, Neo-Baroque windows and reconstructed tower all speak of age and continuity, yet the interior is deliberately stripped back to let exhibitions take over. Today the centre stages a handful of major exhibitions each year, often featuring experimental, cross-disciplinary work. Danish and international artists use the vertical volume of the nave, side chapels and the more intimate Tower Room to present installations, film, sound pieces and performance-based projects. The play between sacred proportions and contemporary themes lends even the most conceptual works a sense of occasion.Spaces, light and atmosphere
Moving through the building, you encounter a series of contrasting spaces: the broad Lower Gallery at ground level, the more secluded Upper Gallery above, and the atmospheric rooms inside the tower. High ceilings filter daylight through tall windows, shifting the mood throughout the day and subtly reshaping each exhibition. Quiet alcoves allow you to pause, while open sightlines draw your eye up toward the rafters and spire. A recent architectural refurbishment has gently woven in new elements without overwhelming the historical shell. Discreet lighting, hidden services and carefully chosen materials for the café and shop echo the masonry and timber of the original structure. The result feels both calming and alive, a place where you can sense centuries of history underfoot while engaging with very current ideas and images.The square, the café and daily life
Outside, Nikolaj Plads is a compact, cobbled square with an unexpectedly intimate feel given its central location. In warmer months the café spreads tables outdoors beneath the tower, turning the church’s base into a lively social hub. Office workers, art students and families drift through, blurring the line between gallery and everyday city life. Inside, the café forms a natural gathering point between exhibition halls. It functions as a quiet retreat on weekdays and a buzzing meeting place during openings, talks or concerts. This social dimension is central to the art centre’s identity: not just a place to look at art, but somewhere to linger over a coffee, browse a book, or discuss an installation framed by centuries-old brick.A flexible hub for culture and ideas
Beyond exhibitions, Nikolaj Kunsthal regularly hosts performances, artist talks, screenings and cross-genre events that make full use of its acoustics and architecture. Video art festivals, sound-based works and site-specific projects often respond directly to the building’s height, reverberation and play of light. Educational activities introduce younger audiences to contemporary art in a setting that feels at once grand and approachable. For many visitors, the real appeal lies in this tension between past and present. The medieval foundations, rebuilt church room and restored tower provide a tangible sense of Copenhagen’s layered history, while the art on display shifts with each season. Whether you are drawn primarily to architecture or to avant-garde creativity, Nikolaj Kunsthal offers a concentrated glimpse of how a historic city continually reinvents its cultural heart.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
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A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Magstræde
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Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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Jorcks Passage
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The Round Tower
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Explore The Round Tower, Copenhagen's historic observatory offering stunning city views and engaging cultural exhibitions.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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The War Museum
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Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Nytorv
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Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Unmissable attractions to see
Segway Tours Copenhagen
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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.
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.
Bishop Absalon
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Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Guinness World Records Museum
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Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
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.
Church of Holmen
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Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
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.
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.
King Hans Cellar
0.2 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
0.2 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
l’Alsace
0.2 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Marchal
0.3 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Frank
0.3 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
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.
Restaurant Grønnegade
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Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.4 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.
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.
Bistro Royal
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Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
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.
Goldfinch
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Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Viking Souvenirs
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Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Norse Store
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& Other Stories
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Norse Projects
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Storm - design art fashion
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bar Deco
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Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Bo-Bi Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Brønnum
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An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Aloha Beach Bar
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Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
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.
TATA Cocktail Bar
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A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
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.
The Zoo
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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.
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.
Hive
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Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
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.
La Terraza
0.7 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
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Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
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.
Cosy Bar
0.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
0.9 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Lively
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
