Den Anden Side

An underground world beneath Palads cinema

Tucked into the basement of one of Copenhagen’s most recognizable cinemas by Axeltorv, Den Anden Side feels a little like stepping through a portal. From the colorful exterior of Palads you descend into a darker, rawer space where concrete, shadows and minimal signage hint at the club’s underground roots. There is nothing flashy at street level; the focus is what happens once you are inside, immersed in sound and light rather than the city outside. The layout typically unfolds as a sequence of low-lit rooms, bars and dancefloors, punctuated by corridors where you can briefly catch your breath. It is intimate enough that you never feel lost, but spacious enough to host a full-scale rave. Lighting tends toward saturated colors, strobes and lasers that carve shapes through the haze, designed to amplify the hypnotic pull of the music rather than steal the spotlight.

Soundtrack of fast, alternative nightlife

Den Anden Side is first and foremost a niche music venue for underground and alternative genres. Line-ups lean heavily into faster strains of electronic music: house, techno, trance and related sounds set the pace for long, late nights on the floor. On some evenings you may also encounter performance art, experimental electronics or contemporary cross-over shows that blur the line between club and art space. A robust sound system fills the rooms with detailed, chest-thumping bass and crisp highs, carefully tuned for dancing rather than casual background listening. Sets often stretch deep into the morning, with DJs and live acts shaping an evolving journey rather than short headline slots. This is a place where you commit to staying a while, letting the rhythms build and transform as the night unfolds.

A safer space built on consent and respect

The club’s identity is rooted in being a safer space, particularly for queer and other minoritised communities. Its door policy, signage and staff are all geared toward creating an atmosphere where self-expression is encouraged but boundaries are respected. You are expected to be aware of how you take up space, to read the room and to contribute to the collective mood with care. Photography is deliberately discouraged so that guests can relax without feeling on display. Inside, awareness staff circulate discreetly, ready to step in if someone’s comfort or safety is compromised. A dedicated darkroom operates under clear rules focused on consent, intimacy and discretion, with the option to close it if those conditions cannot be maintained. The result is a clubbing environment that puts emotional and physical wellbeing at the center of the experience.

Life on the dancefloor

On a typical night, the dancefloor is treated almost as a shared ritual. Conversation is kept low or moved to the side rooms to keep the focus on music and movement. Mobile phones are used sparingly; instead of a sea of raised screens, you are more likely to see closed eyes, fluid silhouettes and people truly present in the moment. Breaks are encouraged. Bars serve water alongside drinks, earplugs are available, and staff can point you toward first aid supplies if needed. There are multiple steps throughout the venue and flashing lights, so it is worth considering mobility and sensory needs in advance. When energy peaks during a carefully built techno set or a euphoric trance breakdown, you feel the room move almost as one, held together by the shared understanding of why everyone is there.

Practical details for a long night out

Den Anden Side generally opens late and runs into the morning, with weekends as its main window. Entrance prices vary by event and can be relatively high compared with smaller bars, but this is offset by curated line-ups and occasional early drink deals. Cards and contactless payments are standard; you do not need cash at the bar. Facilities include cloakroom space when events require it, restrooms and bar counters serving beer, long drinks and non-alcoholic options. There is no outdoor terrace, so most socialising happens indoors. Accessibility is limited by stairs and split levels, and the sound and lighting environment can be intense. Plan to stay at least a few hours; the club is designed for nights that stretch well past midnight, rather than quick drop-ins between other venues.

Who this club suits best

Den Anden Side appeals most to those who prioritise music, community and atmosphere over mainstream pop anthems or table service. It is a natural fit if you enjoy queer-friendly spaces, underground aesthetics and the idea of leaving your phone in your pocket for the night. Solo visitors can feel at ease thanks to the clear code of conduct and attentive staff, while couples and groups will find plenty of room to dance together. If you are curious about Copenhagen’s alternative nightlife, this is one of the key addresses to understand how the city does club culture: serious about sound, intentional about inclusion and unafraid to push beyond the commercial surface of the scene.