Holmens Bro
A modest granite arch linking Slotsholmen and Indre By, Holmens Bro offers understated views into Copenhagen’s political heart and canal-side cityscape.
Holmens Bro is a low granite arch bridge in the historic heart of Copenhagen, linking the island of Slotsholmen with the inner city at Indre By. Completed in 1954 as a single-span closed-spandrel arch, it replaced an earlier 19th‑century bridge designed by Vilhelm Dahlerup and today carries a constant flow of cyclists, buses, and pedestrians. Framed by views of Christiansborg Palace and the old financial district, it is a subtle but strategic vantage point on the city’s political and maritime core.
A brief summary to Holmens Bro
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan a short stop on Holmens Bro when walking between Christiansborg Palace and central shopping streets; it is one of the best quick viewpoints over Slotsholmen Canal.
- For photos, aim for early morning or late evening when light falls along the canal, softening traffic and highlighting nearby towers and the old stock exchange.
- Be mindful of cyclists and buses when pausing on the bridge; use the pedestrian zone along the railing rather than lingering near the curb.
- Combine a pause on Holmens Bro with a canal tour from nearby departure points to appreciate the bridge from both above and below.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Metro and walking
From most central areas, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Gammel Strand or Kongens Nytorv; both stations are roughly a 10–15 minute walk from Holmens Bro along well-paved, mostly level streets. A single zone ticket within the city typically costs around 20–25 DKK and metros run every few minutes throughout the day.
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City bus
Several city bus routes serve the streets immediately around Slotsholmen and Indre By, with typical journey times of 10–25 minutes from inner districts depending on traffic. Standard bus tickets within the central zones are usually 20–25 DKK, and buses run frequently from early morning until late evening, though intervals can be longer at night and on weekends.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle network makes reaching Holmens Bro straightforward by bike from most neighborhoods in 10–30 minutes. Expect mostly flat terrain with dedicated bike lanes leading into the center, but be prepared for busy intersections near Slotsholmen and follow local cycling rules, including lights after dark.
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Walking from inner city hotels
Many hotels in the historic center lie within a 15–25 minute walk of Holmens Bro. Routes typically follow cobbled or smooth pavements with occasional mild gradients and can be busy at peak times, but they offer continuous views of canals, church spires and historic facades along the way.
Holmens Bro 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
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Holmens Bro
A modest bridge at the center of power
Holmens Bro may look understated at first glance, but it occupies one of Copenhagen’s most symbolically loaded junctions. Spanning the Slotsholmen Canal at the edge of Indre By, it connects the administrative island of Slotsholmen with the commercial streets of the old town. Stand at the middle of the bridge and you are surrounded by the institutions that have shaped Denmark for centuries: Christiansborg Palace rising on Slotsholmen, the old stock exchange along the waterfront, and the dense grid of cobbled lanes leading towards Strøget. The bridge itself is a single granite arch with closed spandrels, designed to feel robust rather than flashy. Traffic glides over its gently cambered deck, while sightseeing boats slide beneath, tracing loops around the Slotsholmen and Frederiksholm canals. From the balustrade you can watch the play of light on the water and follow the constant choreography of bikes, buses and harbour craft in motion.From ornate ironwork to solid granite
The present structure dates from 1954, but Holmens Bro’s story begins in the late 19th century. An earlier bridge was built in 1878 to designs by prominent architect Vilhelm Dahlerup, also responsible for some of the city’s most theatrical facades. His version matched the era’s taste for ornament, with more decorative ironwork and details that echoed nearby buildings. By the mid‑20th century, growing traffic demands and changing engineering standards led to the decision to replace it. The current granite arch is simpler and sturdier, reflecting post‑war priorities of efficiency and durability over decoration. Although the loss of Dahlerup’s bridge is sometimes lamented by historians, the 1954 span still frames the canal gracefully and integrates well with the heavy masonry of the surrounding quays and palace blocks.Gateway between city, canal and Slotsholmen
Holmens Bro functions as a hinge between several distinct urban worlds. On the Indre By side, narrow streets fan out toward shopping districts, church spires, and lively squares. On the Slotsholmen side, broad avenues lead to ministries, parliament, and the royal reception rooms housed within Christiansborg Palace. Look along the canal and you pick out the profile of Børsen with its famous dragon spire, the tower of Christiansborg, and the flat water surface opening towards the inner harbour. Because of this position, the bridge has become a favored crossing point on many walking and cycling routes through central Copenhagen. It offers one of the most compact panoramas of the city’s political, financial, and religious architecture, all within a quick turn of the head. At the same time, the low parapets and wide views keep it feeling airy rather than congested, even when the traffic light cycles are busy.Everyday rhythms on the canal
Spend a little time here and the bridge reveals its quieter charms. Commuters pause briefly at the railings with takeaway coffee, tourists queue for canal-boat departures nearby, and office workers cut across en route to meetings on Slotsholmen. The canal itself is in constant flux: classic blue‑and‑white tour boats, private sailboats, and working craft sharing the waterway beneath the arch. The sounds are distinctly urban but tempered by the canal—bicycle bells, muffled bus engines, gulls wheeling overhead and the slap of small waves against the quay. In winter, pale light reflects off the water onto the stone; in summer, late evening sun stretches golden reflections down the canal. For photographers and urban sketchers, Holmens Bro offers clean sightlines and a sense of depth, with layers of facades receding along the waterfront.A subtle stop on a historic circuit
Holmens Bro is rarely a destination in itself; instead it works as a quiet highlight on a broader circuit linking Christiansborg, the former stock exchange, Holmen’s former naval installations across the harbour, and the shopping streets of Indre By. Yet that is part of its appeal. The bridge feels thoroughly woven into everyday life rather than singled out as a showpiece. For travelers, it is a practical reference point: a place to orient yourself between city hall, palace island and waterfront, and a natural pause between museums or meetings. Take a moment to lean on the stone railing, trace the curve of the arch down to the water, and imagine the earlier iron bridge that once stood here. In a city famous for its relationship with the sea, Holmens Bro is one of those modest structures that quietly keeps the whole composition connected.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Holmens Bro
0.0 km
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.
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.
The Danish Parliament
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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.
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.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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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.
Kongens Nytorv
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Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
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.
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.
Havnegade Promenaden
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Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Vandkunsten Springvand
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A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Danish Architecture Centre
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Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Christianshavn
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Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Gråbrødretorv
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Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Garden of the Royal Library
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A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
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Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 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.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.3 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Maven
0.2 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.
King Hans Cellar
0.3 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Marv & Ben
0.4 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Llama
0.4 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.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
à terre
0.4 km
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
0.4 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.
Kanal-Caféen
0.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
l’Alsace
0.5 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Marchal
0.5 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Københavner Cafeen
0.5 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.5 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Frank
0.5 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.
Restaurant Puk
0.5 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Magasin du Nord
0.3 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.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
ILLUM
0.3 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Hygge Original
0.4 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.
Magnolias
0.4 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.4 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
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.
& Other Stories
0.4 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Viking Souvenirs
0.4 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Norse Store
0.5 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.2 km
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
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
The Dubliner
0.3 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.
Ruby
0.4 km
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
0.4 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Godt Øl
0.4 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.
Brønnum
0.4 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
1105
0.4 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Balthazar
0.4 km
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.
Zefside
0.5 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Balderdash
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Charlie's Bar
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
The Moose
0.5 km
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.5 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.
The Zoo
0.5 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
0.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mini Bar
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Hive
0.6 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Club Mambo
0.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Mirror
0.7 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.7 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
0.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
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.
La Terraza
0.8 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.9 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Arch
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.9 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.9 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
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- 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
- Business Friendly
