The Round Tower (Rundetaarn), Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s 17th‑century Round Tower pairs a graceful spiral climb with centuries of science, stories and one of the city’s most atmospheric rooftop views.
Rising above the narrow streets of Copenhagen’s old town, the Round Tower is a 17th‑century observatory and one of Denmark’s most distinctive landmarks. Built by King Christian IV in 1642, it is famous for its wide spiral ramp that winds gently up through the brick interior, leading past the vaulted Library Hall to a rooftop platform with sweeping 360‑degree views over the city’s rooftops and spires. Part science monument, part cultural venue, it remains a living symbol of Copenhagen’s golden age.
A brief summary to The Round Tower
- Købmagergade 52A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1150, DK
- +4533730373
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-8 pm
- Saturday 10 am-8 pm
- Sunday 10 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Aim for clear weather if you want the best 360‑degree views; on fine days you can see far beyond the old town rooftops.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the 200‑metre spiral ramp and final staircases, which can feel surprisingly demanding for tired legs.
- Pause in the Library Hall on the way up to explore current exhibitions and give yourself a mid‑climb breather.
- If visiting in the colder months, check in advance for evening observatory openings to combine the climb with stargazing.
- The interior ramp can be cool and draughty outside high summer; bringing a light extra layer makes lingering more comfortable.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and walk from Nørreport
From Nørreport Station, Copenhagen’s central metro and S‑train hub, it typically takes 5–8 minutes on foot to reach the Round Tower along level, paved pedestrian streets. The metro and S‑trains run frequently throughout the day, and a standard single ticket within the city centre costs roughly 20–30 DKK depending on zone and purchase method. This is the most convenient option if you are staying anywhere along the M1, M2, M3 or M4 metro lines and offers easy access in most weather conditions.
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City bus to the old town
Several inner‑city bus routes stop near Nørreport and along routes parallel to Købmagergade, from where you walk 5–10 minutes through largely pedestrianised streets to the tower. Travel times within central Copenhagen are usually 10–20 minutes, depending on origin and traffic. A bus ticket within the central zones costs about 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines, apps or contactless payment. Buses offer sheltered travel in rain or cold, but note that services can be less frequent late at night and on some holidays.
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Bicycle in the city centre
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach the Round Tower by bike from most central neighbourhoods in 5–20 minutes. You ride on dedicated lanes for most of the way, then dismount close to the pedestrianised section around Købmagergade and use public bike racks nearby. Many hotels offer bike rental, and city bikes or shop rentals typically cost around 100–150 DKK for a full day. This option is weather‑dependent and best suited to confident cyclists comfortable with busy but well‑organised urban traffic.
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Taxi within central Copenhagen
Taxis can drop you close to the tower on adjacent streets just outside the fully pedestrianised area. From central districts such as Vesterbro, Østerbro or Christianshavn, journeys usually take 10–20 minutes, longer at peak times. Fares vary with distance and traffic, but a typical ride within the inner city often falls in the 120–220 DKK range. Taxis provide a comfortable option in bad weather or for those with limited mobility, though the final short walk is along uneven cobblestones that may require extra care.
The Round Tower 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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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Round Tower
A royal tower in the heart of the old city
The Round Tower rises from busy Købmagergade, its warm yellow and red brick drum embedded in the dense fabric of Copenhagen’s historic centre. Commissioned by King Christian IV and completed in 1642, it formed part of the Trinitatis complex, which combined an astronomical observatory, a university library and the adjacent church in a single ambitious project. The tower’s sturdy masonry and round profile give it a fortress-like presence, yet the gilded monogram and ornate rebus on the façade reveal a more refined message of learning, piety and royal power. From street level, the entrance feels almost modest for such an emblematic monument. Once inside, the sound of the city softens, replaced by the echo of footsteps on brick and the occasional murmur from the ramp above. Narrow windows pierce the thick walls, offering brief, framed glimpses of gabled roofs and church towers as you begin the slow ascent.Climbing the famous spiral ramp
Instead of stairs, most of the way up is a 209‑metre helical ramp, paved with pale bricks set on edge and spiralling 7½ times around the hollow core of the tower. The slope is gentle but constant, so you feel the height accumulating almost imperceptibly as the inner wall curves in and the outer wall opens to ever higher views. Historically, this design made it possible to haul heavy instruments and books to the observatory and library by cart; stories even tell of horses and carriages being driven to the top in centuries past. Today, the ramp creates a distinctive rhythm for the visit. Light and shadow shift as you pass tall arched windows and alcoves. Small side rooms occasionally open off the spiral, some housing small displays that shed light on the tower’s history, construction and astronomical legacy. Near the top, the ramp gives way to a broad wooden stair and a tighter stone staircase, underlining that this is still very much a building from another era.The Library Hall and a living cultural space
Roughly halfway up, the passage opens into the former university library, a long, bright hall perched above the nave of Trinitatis Church. From the mid‑17th century until the 19th, this space held thousands of scholarly volumes, symbolising Copenhagen’s role as an intellectual centre. After a careful restoration in the late 20th century, the hall was reborn as a flexible cultural venue. Today, the Library Hall is used for changing exhibitions, concerts, talks and other events that draw on the tower’s blend of science, history and art. High whitewashed vaults, timber floors and tall windows create a calm, almost monastic atmosphere, while modern lighting and exhibition structures keep the space adaptable. Even when no event is taking place, it offers a serene pause in the climb, inviting you to linger a little among artworks, models and historical objects before continuing upwards.A historic observatory above the rooftops
At the very top sits one of Europe’s oldest functioning observatory buildings, still used for public stargazing on selected evenings in the colder months. The current observatory interior dates from the early 20th century, with classic instruments and a dome that can be opened to the night sky. In an age of light pollution and powerful satellite telescopes, it serves as both a scientific relic and a gateway to basic astronomy, helping visitors connect the tower’s past role with today’s understanding of the cosmos. Outside, the circular viewing platform offers a 360‑degree panorama over Copenhagen’s old Latin Quarter, the spires of churches and City Hall, and, on clear days, all the way towards the harbour districts. A simple metal balustrade, compass points and information panels help you orient yourself. The wind can be brisk, but that only sharpens the sensation of being poised above a compact, low‑rise cityscape.Stories, symbols and architectural quirks
Beyond its striking form, the Round Tower is thick with stories. The Latin and Hebrew rebus band that encircles the upper façade combines royal initials, religious invocations and the year of completion, turning the building itself into a kind of stone inscription. Inside the hollow core of the tower, tales survive of curious youngsters exploring, and of the daring feats of riders and early motorists who attempted to conquer the spiral ramp. Architecturally, the structure is a study in purposeful simplicity: massive brick walls, regularly spaced windows, a single great ramp winding through a cylindrical shell. Yet within this clarity lies ingenuity. The tower successfully combined practical access, symbolic decoration and the precise needs of early modern astronomy, and it continues to serve as observatory, viewpoint and cultural stage. Standing on its roof or tracing the curve of its interior, you feel both the weight of 400 years of history and the ongoing life of Copenhagen unfolding around it.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Varehuset Messen
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A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Fiolstræde 42
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Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
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Jorcks Passage
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Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
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.
The King's Garden
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Experience the tranquil beauty of The King's Garden, a historical park in Copenhagen surrounding the majestic Rosenborg Castle, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
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Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
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.
Thorvaldsens Museum
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Explore the world of neoclassical sculpture at Thorvaldsens Museum in Copenhagen, home to the works of Bertel Thorvaldsen and a treasure trove of art and architectural inspiration.
Vandkunsten Springvand
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A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Indre By
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Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Christiansborg Palace
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Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
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.
Kongens Nytorv
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Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.7 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Københavns Synagoge
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A discreet 1833 synagogue in Krystalgade whose neoclassical facade hides an Egyptian‑inspired interior and centuries of Danish Jewish history, faith and resilience.
Kultorvet
0.2 km
Historic coal market turned buzzing pedestrian square, where colourful façades, cafés and a modern fountain stage capture everyday Copenhagen life.
Skaal
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A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
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.
Balderdash
0.2 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
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Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Strøget
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Church of Our Lady
0.3 km
Lively, colourful canal harbour in central Copenhagen known for vibrant houses, historic ships, waterside cafés, and rich maritime heritage.
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.
Stork Fountain
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Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.4 km
Heritage 19th‑century walls meet modern apartment comfort in a buzzing, hyper‑central corner of Copenhagen’s historic inner city.
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.
Gammeltorv
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Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Nytorv 2
0.4 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.
Botanical Garden
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
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.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.2 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Wining and Dining
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French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.2 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.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.3 km
Warm brick-and-wood dining room in central Copenhagen serving polished Mediterranean-inspired classics, a four-course menu and easygoing evening cocktails.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 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
0.4 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.
Alouette
0.4 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 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
0.5 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
l’Alsace
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Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Krebsegaarden
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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.
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.
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.
ferment, ramen izakaya
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Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Time's Up Vintage
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Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
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A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
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.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.1 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Fjällräven
0.2 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Norse Store
0.2 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Norse Projects
0.2 km
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 World of Memories
0.3 km
Denmark's largest souvenir destination with 2,000+ authentic gifts celebrating Danish design, heritage, and iconic landmarks.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
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
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Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
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.
& Other Stories
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Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
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.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar'Vin
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Gejser Bar
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Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
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.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Bæst Cocktailbar
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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.
Luke's Bar
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Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
No Stress Bar
0.3 km
Basement cocktail pub in Copenhagen’s historic center mixing dessert-inspired drinks, games, comedy and drag shows into one laid-back, late-night hangout.
Charlie's Bar
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.3 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
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.
Trykbar
0.3 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
The Dubliner
0.4 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.
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.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
