Skibsklarerergaarden – Ship Broker’s House Museum
Step inside Helsingør’s ship broker’s house, where original rooms, a historic shop and vivid stories recreate the everyday world of Denmark’s Sound Toll era.
Skibsklarerergaarden in Helsingør is an atmospheric historic house museum that plunges you straight into Denmark’s Sound Toll era. Set in a late 18th‑century merchant and ship broker’s home, it preserves original interiors, a chandlery-style shop, skipper’s quarters and elegant living rooms that reveal how trade, customs and daily life unfolded in this bustling Øresund port. Costumed interpreters, stories of maritime commerce and intimate rooms make this one of the city’s most evocative glimpses of its seafaring past.
A brief summary to Skibsklarerergaarden
- Strandgade 91, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- +4549281800
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan at least one hour to explore slowly; much of the charm lies in lingering in each room and reading the small interpretive details.
- If possible, time your visit for a guided tour or costumed storytelling session, which adds rich context to the Sound Toll and the house’s residents.
- Wear shoes suitable for old, uneven floors and narrow, steep stairs; this is an authentic historic building rather than a modern museum space.
- Visitors with limited mobility can focus on the accessible ground floor, where the historic shop and displays already offer a strong experience of the period.
- Combine Skibsklarerergaarden with nearby Kronborg Castle or the maritime museum to build a fuller picture of Helsingør’s role in seafaring history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take a regional train toward Helsingør; services run several times per hour and the journey typically takes 45–50 minutes. A standard adult ticket usually costs around 80–110 DKK one way, depending on ticket type and discounts. Trains are comfortable, have level boarding at most stations and run year-round, but can be busy during rush hours and summer weekends.
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Walk from Helsingør Station
From Helsingør Station, allow around 10–15 minutes on foot to reach the historic center where Skibsklarerergaarden is located. The route passes through largely flat, paved streets in the old town. Surfaces are generally smooth but may include some cobblestones, which can be less comfortable for wheelchairs or strollers. Walking is suitable in all seasons; in winter, be prepared for wet or occasionally icy pavements.
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Local bus within Helsingør
Several local bus lines connect the station area with stops near the old town; typical journey times within the city are 5–10 minutes. Single tickets on local buses usually range from about 20–30 DKK and can be bought from machines, apps or drivers depending on the line. Buses run more frequently on weekdays than evenings and weekends, and services may be reduced on public holidays.
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Car arrival from North Zealand
Arriving by car from elsewhere in North Zealand, expect journey times of roughly 30–60 minutes depending on your starting point and traffic. Public parking is available in and around Helsingør’s center, normally with time limits or paid zones; typical hourly rates are in the range of 12–25 DKK. Streets in the old town can be narrow and busy, so allowing extra time for finding a suitable parking space is wise, especially in summer.
Skibsklarerergaarden 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 Skibsklarerergaarden
A preserved house from the age of the Sound Toll
Skibsklarerergaarden sits in Helsingør’s old town, a quietly handsome townhouse whose modest exterior hides one of Denmark’s best-preserved merchant and ship broker’s homes. The core of the building dates back to the 16th century, but its current form reflects the late 1700s, when Øresund shipping and the lucrative Sound Toll were at their peak. Inside, floors creak, ceilings are low and rooms are furnished as if the inhabitants have just stepped out for a moment. This was the workplace and residence of the ship broker, the official who handled customs paperwork and practicalities for the constant stream of vessels passing through the strait. Contracts were agreed, duties calculated and cargoes documented here, making the house a nerve centre of maritime bureaucracy and local commerce.Life and trade within the wooden walls
On the ground floor, you step into a historic provisioning shop, laid out around 1820. Shelves are stacked with tins, bottles, dry goods and curiosities that would have tempted sailors and townsfolk alike. The counter, ledgers and simple fittings recreate the practical world of everyday trade, where imported luxuries met local needs and gossip travelled as quickly as goods. Beyond the shop lies the skipper’s room, a more informal gathering space where captains could rest, talk business and hear the latest news about winds, wars and tariffs. Here, the house’s dual role comes into focus: part commercial hub, part social club, all closely tied to the rhythms of the harbor just a short stroll away.Domestic elegance upstairs
Climbing the narrow, fairly steep staircase, you move from public life to the private world of the ship broker’s family. The main floor is arranged as an affluent 18th–19th century home, with parlors, dining rooms and bedrooms furnished in period style. Tables are laid, card games appear mid-play and teacups stand ready, suggesting that the residents may return at any moment. These interiors were carefully restored in the 1990s and today offer an intimate portrait of urban domestic life in a prosperous trading town. Wallpapers, stoves, textiles and decorative objects all help tell a story of comfort and status built on the flow of ships and customs dues outside.Stories, costumes and living history
Skibsklarerergaarden is more than a static house: it is often animated by guides and staff in historical costume. Their role-play and storytelling bring the era of the Sound Toll vividly to life, from the logistics of collecting duties to tales of long voyages, risky cargoes and international crews. In school holidays and at certain times of year, extra activities and tastings evoke the smells and flavors of the past. Because the house is preserved in its original form, accessibility is limited; the staircase between the three levels is narrow and steep. Visitors using wheelchairs can access the ground floor, including the evocative provisioning shop, which still gives a strong sense of the period atmosphere.Part of Helsingør’s maritime story
Today Skibsklarerergaarden forms part of Helsingør’s network of museums, complementing grander sites such as Kronborg Castle and the maritime museum at the harbor. Where those institutions offer sweeping narratives and bold architecture, this modest building focuses on the human scale: clerks at their desks, servants at work, sailors relaxing between voyages. A visit here fits easily into a few hours of exploring Helsingør’s cobbled streets and historic houses, yet it often leaves a lasting impression. Within these compact rooms, the abstract idea of customs and trade becomes tangible, making Skibsklarerergaarden a quietly compelling stop for anyone interested in seafaring history, urban heritage or the everyday lives that once powered Denmark’s maritime power.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
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'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
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Helsingor
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Heracles and the Hydra
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Helsingør harbour
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Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
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A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Kronborg Castle Church
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Elsinore Cemetery
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Helsingborg City Hall
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Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
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Hornbæk Batteri
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Hornbaek beach
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Observationsvärn nr 741
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Falkonergården
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Ven
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Unmissable attractions to see
Gl.Færgestræde
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Iconic bronze sculpture of Heracles battling the Hydra, set beside Kronborg Castle, connecting ancient mythology with Helsingør’s dramatic seaside history.
Memorial stone for fallen Helsingorans
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A modest harbor-side monument in Helsingør honoring local lives lost in World War II, quietly linking the busy waterfront to the town’s stories of resistance and sacrifice.
Wibroe Plads
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A modest harbourfront square where merchant mansions, cobbled edges and Øresund views quietly reveal Helsingør’s long maritime story.
Saint Olai Church
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Discover Saint Olai Church, Helsingør's majestic cathedral, where centuries of Danish history and Gothic elegance meet amid soaring vaults and maritime heritage.
Helsingør harbor promenade
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A breezy waterfront ribbon along the Øresund, linking Helsingør’s working harbor, cultural quarter and Kronborg Castle with open sea views and everyday local life.
Helsingor Statshavn
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A compact working harbor at the narrowest point of the Øresund, where everyday port life unfolds against big-sky views toward the Swedish coast.
History of the churches
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A storytelling gable in Helsingør’s old town, this mural compresses centuries of church history into a single vivid scene between two medieval sanctuaries.
SOUL OF THE WALLS
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Immersive bronze sculpture depicting Greek mythology at the gates of Kronborg Castle, offering a unique photo spot and cultural layer to Helsingør’s historic landscape.
St. Mary's Church
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Historic public square at the heart of Roskilde, home to markets, festivals, and community life, framed by centuries-old buildings and vibrant Danish tradition.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
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A 19th-century Danish lightship turned floating monument, Fyrskibet nr. XVII “Gedser Rev” brings Helsingør’s maritime and Cold War history vividly to life on the harbor.
i Helsingør
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Compact tourist information hub on historic Stjernegade, perfectly placed to plan your exploration of Helsingør’s old town, harbour culture sites and North Zealand.
Elsinore Public Museums
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Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
Erik af Pommerns Mindebrønd
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Compact yet grand, this memorial fountain on Axeltorv turns a busy Helsingør square into a vivid snapshot of royal power, maritime trade and urban ambition.
The Culture Yard
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'The maritime history' mural
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A harbour gable transformed into a sweeping, collage-like tribute to 300 years of Danish seafaring, anchoring Helsingør’s shipyard era in vivid colour and form.
Essential places to dine
Borgerkroen
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Historic Danish bodega where centuries of harbor culture meet smørrebrød and live music.
Bistro Francophile
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Cozy French-inspired bistro by Helsingør’s harborfront, pairing classic Gallic comfort dishes with a focused wine list and intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
Ofelia Bar
0.1 km
Stylish tapas bar and cocktail lounge offering inventive bites, curated drinks, and lively atmosphere—an essential stop for food and nightlife lovers in central Helsingør.
Cafe Karisma
0.1 km
Casual coffee and juice bar on Helsingør’s Stengade, serving Illy coffee, fresh-pressed juices, sandwiches and baked potatoes in a relaxed, everyday setting.
Ramen world
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Handcrafted Japanese ramen in the heart of Helsingør—authentic flavors, warm hospitality, exceptional value.
Strejf
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Seasonal Nordic cooking and harbour views in Helsingør’s old station building, where seafood, steaks, wine and cocktails meet the maritime buzz of Øresund.
Sundkroen
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Cozy Danish brasserie-style dining in the historic Madam Sprunck building, steps from Helsingør Station and the Øresund waterfront.
Jellyfish
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Intimate Nordic seafood restaurant in Helsingør’s old town, pairing fresh Danish ingredients with modern, minimalist design and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
San Remo
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Authentic Danish comfort food in a historic old-town cafeteria where tradition meets genuine hospitality.
Rådmand Davids Hus
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Historic 1694 café serving authentic Danish smørrebrød in cozy, timeless surroundings.
The Copenhagener
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Hearty smørrebrød, local Wiibroe beer and down‑to‑earth hygge in a tucked‑away Helsingør pub with a summery courtyard beer garden.
San Rock Restaurant & Grillbar
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Casual central Helsingør grill bar serving unfussy comfort food and generous plates just steps from the old town streets and harbourfront sights.
Blue Sky Sushi
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Cozy Japanese all‑you‑can‑eat sushi in Helsingør’s historic center, blending fresh fish, low‑waste principles and a relaxed, modern atmosphere near the harbor.
Zilleri
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Compact Italian trattoria and deli in Helsingør’s old town, serving homemade pasta and classic specialties among shelves of wines and pantry staples.
Appetit
0.3 km
Modern French fine dining with seasonal flair and passionate craftsmanship in charming Helsingør.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
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A cosy, Nordic-style boutique on Helsingør’s main street, blending women’s fashion, skincare and homewares in a warm, living-room-like setting.
Helsingør Vinhandel
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Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
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A cosy Helsingør specialty shop where the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, fine tea and Nordic delicacies fills a historic cobbled lane in the heart of the old town.
Ide Nyt
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A contemporary women’s fashion boutique on lively Bjergegade, Ide Nyt blends Scandinavian style, quality brands and a calm atmosphere in Helsingør’s historic heart.
Jørgensen & Co.
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Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Levende Lys
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A cosy, colour-filled fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Helsingør, blending contemporary women’s clothing with playful home décor and gift ideas.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
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Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
Østens Perle
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Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
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Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
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Compact, cheerful and central, Happy Gifts & Souvenirs is Helsingør’s easy stop for Danish-themed keepsakes and Kronborg-inspired mementos after a day of exploring.
HL Mode A/S
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Krystallen
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Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Butik Chaplin
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A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Ophelia
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Imerco
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Compact Scandinavian home store on Helsingør’s main street, packed with kitchenware, tableware and cosy design gifts for practical living and stylish souvenirs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Holger
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Cozy cellar bodega on Helsingør’s Stengade, pouring inexpensive beers and spirits, with live music nights and a laid-back local crowd deep into the night.
Strandborg
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Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Banana joe
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Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Pitten Sport Bar
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Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Axelhus
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Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Hold-An
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Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Helsingør Musikteater
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Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Axelhus Udeservering
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Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Head/Foam
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Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
Joker Bar
1.4 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
12`er Pubben
1.8 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Gefion Bodega
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Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Kardusen
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Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.4 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Jernstangen
22.4 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Retro
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High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Rustik
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Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
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Socialz
22.8 km
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SIGURD CPH
37.0 km
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Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
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RUST Natklub
38.4 km
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Temple Bar
38.6 km
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Culture Box
38.8 km
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Falafelberg
39.1 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
39.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Mirage
39.4 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
39.4 km
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The Zoo
39.4 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.
Moon Club
39.4 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
