Zefside
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Tucked by Frederiksholms Kanal in central Copenhagen, Zefside is an intimate basement bar-nightclub known for creative cocktails and a smooth transition from laid-back early evening drinks to full-on late-night dancing. Open late on weekends, it blends low-lit lounge vibes, DJ-driven beats and a sociable crowd, making it a handy option for a big night out within walking distance of the city’s main sights. Expect well-mixed drinks, a young-leaning crowd and a compact, buzzy space that feels distinctly local.
A brief summary to Zefside
- Frederiksholms Kanal 4, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1220, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Friday 4 pm-5 am
- Saturday 6 pm-5 am
Local tips
- Arrive on the earlier side of the evening if you want a table and time to explore the cocktail menu before the room fills and the lights dim.
- Bring a contactless payment card, as cash is less commonly used in Copenhagen bars and transactions are typically electronic.
- Expect a young, lively crowd and DJ music after midnight; if you prefer a quieter drink, plan your visit for early evening hours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Zefside 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
Discover more about Zefside
Cocktail Hideaway by the Canal
Zefside sits just off Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksholms Kanal, almost hidden at street level before you descend into its basement space. Inside, the atmosphere shifts from the muted calm of the canal to a warm, low-lit room where the bar takes center stage. Seating is scattered around high tables and along the walls, giving it the feel of a lounge that just happens to know how to party late. The room is compact enough that you are always close to the action at the bar, yet it rarely feels cramped early in the evening. Lighting is kept deliberately dim, with flickers from the backlit bottles and occasional colored washes from the DJ area giving the interior a cozy, den-like character. The setting suits small groups and pairs who want to start the night with conversation before the volume turns up.From Crafted Drinks to Late-Night Club Energy
Zefside is first and foremost a cocktail bar, with a menu that leans into classics and house creations rather than overly experimental drinks. You can expect a solid list of spirit-forward options, fruitier mixes and long drinks served in generous glassware. The bartenders are used to handling busy nights, so the service tends to be brisk even when the bar is several people deep. As the night advances, usually closer to midnight on weekends, the mood changes noticeably. Lights are dialed down, the music rises and the space pivots from sit-down bar to more of a compact club. People drift from tables toward the open floor near the DJ, turning the once-chatty room into a dance-centric environment that can run into the early hours of the morning.Music, Crowd and Nightlife Rhythm
The soundtrack at Zefside typically leans toward accessible party styles: expect a mix of chart tunes, dance, pop and familiar hits designed more for singing along and dancing than for niche music discovery. The DJ booth is close enough to the crowd that the whole bar feels connected to the set, and the sound system is tuned to fill the room without becoming overwhelming at the edges. The crowd trends young adult, with a mix of locals and international visitors drawn by its central location and late opening hours. Early in the evening, it can feel like a chilled neighborhood bar; after midnight it becomes a lively, social dance spot where groups mingle easily. Dress codes are relaxed, but most people make an effort suitable for a night out in the city center.Layout, Comfort and Practical Details
Given its basement setting, Zefside is relatively compact and intimate. Seating consists mainly of stools and small tables, with some standing space around the bar and near the DJ area. This works well for those happy to be on their feet much of the night, but it also means that arriving earlier increases your chances of finding a comfortable corner to settle into before things get busy. Being in the heart of Copenhagen’s Indre By, Zefside is surrounded by other bars, eateries and cultural landmarks, making it easy to fit into a wider evening itinerary. Prices for drinks sit in the moderate range for the city: not bargain-level, but good value by local standards, especially during any happy-hour periods. Expect card payments to be standard, and plan for cloakroom use when nights are crowded and coats become a practical issue.Planning Your Night at Zefside
Zefside operates mainly as a weekend destination, opening on Friday and Saturday evenings and running into the early hours. This focused schedule concentrates the energy, so Friday and Saturday nights are when you experience the bar at its most animated. For a calmer visit with more space to talk, earlier hours in the evening are the best window; for a dance-heavy finish to the night, after midnight is when the club-like atmosphere truly arrives. Because of its central address, mobile reception is generally reliable and arranging onward plans or rides is straightforward once you step back up to street level. Think of Zefside as a versatile stop: it can serve as your warm-up venue, your main event or the spot you drift into after dinner when the idea of cocktails and a small, lively dance floor suddenly sounds perfect.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 km
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.
Lur Blowers
0.3 km
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.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Jorcks Passage
0.3 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.4 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Statue of Andersen
0.4 km
Denmark's beloved storyteller immortalized in bronze, gazing toward Tivoli's magic in Copenhagen's beating heart.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.4 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
The War Museum
0.4 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Bishop Absalon
0.4 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Højbro Plads
0.4 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Frederik VII
0.4 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.4 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Church of Our Lady
0.4 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Unmissable attractions to see
Magstræde
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
National Museum of Denmark
0.2 km
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.
Marmorbroen
0.2 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Nytorv
0.2 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.2 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.2 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.2 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.2 km
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.
Rainbow Square
0.3 km
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.
Nytorv 2
0.3 km
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.
Gammel Strand
0.3 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.3 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.3 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Puk
0.1 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant 1733
0.1 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.2 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.
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Kanal-Caféen
0.2 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Rio Bravo
0.2 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Karla
0.2 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Københavner Cafeen
0.2 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 Tight
0.3 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.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.4 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.4 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Restaurant Noi
0.4 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Krebsegaarden
0.4 km
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.
Wining and Dining
0.4 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.5 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.2 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Audrey Vintage
0.3 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Souvenir Shop
0.3 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Akimbo
0.3 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Duck Haven
0.3 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.3 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Viking Souvenirs
0.3 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Danish Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.3 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
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.
Notre Dame
0.4 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.4 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.4 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Zefside
0.0 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Godt Øl
0.1 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.
Ruby
0.1 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Southern Cross Pub
0.2 km
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 Rooftop Bar
0.2 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Centralhjørnet
0.2 km
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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.2 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
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.
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.
Musen & Elefanten
0.4 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Luke's Bar
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.4 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.2 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.5 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
0.5 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Never Mind
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Zoo
0.7 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.
Mirage
0.7 km
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
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
