Stork Fountain, Amagertorv
An elegant bronze fountain of three storks poised for flight, Stork Fountain anchors historic Amagertorv as Copenhagen’s classic meeting point on bustling Strøget.
Set at the heart of Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on Strøget, the Stork Fountain is a delicate bronze landmark where three storks appear ready to take flight above a basin ringed with water-spouting frogs. Inaugurated in 1894 as a gift for the silver wedding of Crown Prince Frederik (later Frederik VIII) and Crown Princess Louise, it has grown from civic ornament into a classic meeting point and open-air living room framed by elegant historic façades and busy shopping streets.
A brief summary to Stork Fountain
- Amagertorv 6, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1160, DK
- +4570222442
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in the early morning or late evening if you want clearer photos of the fountain without dense pedestrian traffic along Strøget.
- Take a moment to walk all around the basin—the best details are the frogs and the fine feather work on the storks, best seen up close.
- Combine a stop at the fountain with browsing nearby Danish design and porcelain stores to appreciate how historic and modern aesthetics meet here.
- If you visit around midwife graduation periods in late spring or early summer, watch for the traditional celebratory dances around the fountain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from central stations
From Copenhagen Central Station, take the M3 or M4 metro one stop to Gammel Strand or two stops to Kongens Nytorv; both journeys take about 3–5 minutes, with trains running every few minutes. A single zone ticket typically costs around 20–25 DKK. From either station, expect a 5–10 minute walk along level pedestrian streets to reach Amagertorv and the Stork Fountain. The metro and the main walking approaches are step‑free, though cobblestones can be uneven for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Bus within the inner city
Several city bus routes stop within a 5–10 minute walk of Amagertorv, near Rådhuspladsen or along Holmens Kanal. Inner‑city bus journeys usually take 5–15 minutes depending on traffic and cost roughly 20–25 DKK for a single ticket. Services operate frequently throughout the day, but note that the streets around Strøget are pedestrianised, so you will always finish on foot over cobbled surfaces.
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Bicycle from nearby districts
From nearby central districts such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro, cycling to the Stork Fountain generally takes 10–20 minutes on Copenhagen’s extensive bike lanes. City bikes and shared bicycles can be rented for roughly 15–30 DKK per short ride or via day passes. Bicycles are not allowed on Strøget itself, so you will need to dismount and walk the final few hundred metres. The area is flat, but be prepared to wheel your bike across busy pedestrian flows.
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Walking within the old town
If you are already staying in the inner city, expect a pleasant 5–20 minute walk to Amagertorv depending on your starting point. Routes typically follow car‑free, level streets but include stretches of historic cobblestones that can be uneven underfoot. The area is well‑lit and lively for most of the day and evening, and there is no admission fee or time restriction for viewing the fountain.
Stork Fountain 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
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Stork Fountain
A graceful bronze centerpiece on Copenhagen’s main promenade
The Stork Fountain stands at the very heart of Amagertorv, the elegant square that forms a natural pause along Strøget, Copenhagen’s celebrated pedestrian shopping street. Here the narrow paving suddenly opens into a broad cobbled space, and in the middle of it all three bronze storks stretch their wings, poised as if they are about to lift into the Danish sky. At their feet, a circle of frogs spits thin arcs of water into the basin, adding a soft splash to the hum of voices and footsteps around you. Designed as a decorative focal point for the square rather than a grand monument, the fountain is modest in scale yet surprisingly intricate up close. The birds’ feathers are carefully textured, their long legs delicately balanced, while the darkened bronze contrasts with the pale stone paving and colourful gabled roofs that frame the square. Whether you encounter it in bright morning light or under the glow of shop windows at dusk, it lends the square a quietly theatrical air.Royal gift and symbol of a changing city
The fountain was inaugurated in 1894 as a tribute to the silver wedding anniversary of Crown Prince Frederik, who would later become King Frederik VIII, and Crown Princess Louise. It emerged from a design competition organised by a civic beautification society keen to add artful details to the rapidly modernising city. The winning design, created by architect Edvard Petersen and sculptor Vilhelm Bissen, captured the judges’ imagination with its sense of graceful motion and the use of storks, long associated in Europe with family life, fidelity and good fortune. Amagertorv itself has deep roots as a trading place, once a bustling market where farmers from the nearby island of Amager brought produce to sell in town. By the late 19th century, Copenhagen was transforming into a modern capital, and the new fountain signalled both civic pride and a desire to soften the urban landscape with decorative public art. Over time, it has become as much a symbol of everyday city life as of royal celebration.Traditions, midwives and local rituals
One of the fountain’s most charming associations is a tradition that began in 1950: newly graduated midwives celebrate by dancing around it. On graduation days, groups in white uniforms may be seen circling the basin, singing, laughing and posing for photographs. The choice of the stork—long linked in popular imagination with the arrival of babies—makes the ritual especially fitting and anchors the sculpture in the city’s living social fabric. Stories and pranks have also formed part of the fountain’s history, from coloured water dye to playful decorations during festivals. While such episodes come and go, they reinforce the fountain’s role as a familiar backdrop to local life, woven into student rituals, street performances and seasonal celebrations that unfold in the square.Amagertorv’s architecture and urban stage
Around the fountain, Amagertorv is lined with some of Copenhagen’s most handsome façades, including richly ornamented townhouses and flagship design stores. Historic buildings such as Højbrohus, along with the premises of renowned Danish brands, create an almost theatrical wall around the open space. Many of these structures were rebuilt or reshaped after catastrophic fires in the 18th century, and they now showcase a mix of historicist detail and restrained Nordic elegance. Because Amagertorv sits roughly midway along Strøget, the fountain naturally acts as a meeting point. People agree to rendezvous “by the storks” before disappearing into nearby boutiques or heading onwards to other landmarks. Street musicians often set up nearby, their music mingling with the sound of the water. In winter, festive decorations thread overhead; in summer, the square fills with outdoor tables and relaxed clusters of people lingering in the long northern light.Experiencing the fountain in different moods
The Stork Fountain rewards more than a quick glance. Early in the day you might find the square gently waking, with delivery bicycles rattling over the stones and a few commuters cutting across the empty space. By midday, the area is at its liveliest, the fountain surrounded by shoppers, guided groups and friends sharing a coffee perched on the low rim. After dark, reflected shopfront lights ripple in the basin, and the bronze figures take on a more dramatic silhouette against the night. Because it is free and always accessible, the fountain invites repeated encounters at different times of year. On a crisp winter afternoon you may see the spray catching in the cold air; in spring and summer, the water offers a momentary coolness on warm days. Whether you simply pass through or pause to study the sculpture details, the Stork Fountain offers a small but distinctive glimpse into Copenhagen’s blend of history, design and everyday life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
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Varehuset Messen
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Frederik VII
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Holmens Bro
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Jorcks Passage
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Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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The Danish Parliament
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Wilhelm Hansens Hus
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Vandkunsten Springvand
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Indre By
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Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Børsen
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Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Gammeltorv
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Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Church of Our Lady
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Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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Frederiksholms Kanal
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Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
Unmissable attractions to see
Højbro Pl.
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Højbro Plads
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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.
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.
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.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
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Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
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Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
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.
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.
Ved Stranden
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Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Stromma Canal Tours
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Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
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.
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.
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.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
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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.
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 Sole D’Italia - København
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Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
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.
King Hans Cellar
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Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
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Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Wining and Dining
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French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
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.
l’Alsace
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Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
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.
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.
Det Lille Apotek
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Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Marchal
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Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Frank
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A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
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Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
& Other Stories
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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.
Norse Store
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Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Audrey Vintage
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Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Magasin du Nord
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Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Norse Projects
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Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
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.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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.
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 Bird and The Churchkey
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Lord Nelson Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Charlie's Bar
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Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
1105
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Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
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.
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.
Strøm
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Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
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Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
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.
Bæst Cocktailbar
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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.
Luke's Bar
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Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Bar'Vin
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Zoo
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Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Arch
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Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Club Mambo
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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
0.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
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
