The Moose Bar, Copenhagen
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.
The Moose is Copenhagen’s classic no-frills dive bar, tucked into a narrow old-town building on Sværtegade in Indre By. Inside, you step into a low-lit warren of rooms plastered with graffiti, stickers and infamous moose-themed murals, where cheap draft beer, a long, crowded bar and late-opening hours set the tone. It is smoky, loud, unpretentious and sociable – a place to squeeze onto a barstool, chat with locals and night owls, and experience Copenhagen’s grittier, old-school pub culture at street level.
A brief summary to The Moose
- Sværtegade 5, København K, København K, 1118, DK
- +4581813307
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 4 pm-7 am
- Tuesday 4 pm-7 am
- Wednesday 4 pm-7 am
- Thursday 4 pm-8 am
- Friday 3 pm-8 am
- Saturday 3 pm-8 am
- Sunday 4 pm-7 am
Local tips
- Expect heavy indoor smoking; the air can be thick at peak times, so this bar best suits those comfortable with a classic smoke-filled pub.
- Arrive earlier in the evening if you want a seat at the main bar; the narrow rooms fill quickly late at night and on weekends.
- Bring cash or a widely accepted card and keep orders simple—beer and classic spirits are the focus rather than complex cocktails.
- Be prepared for explicit murals and edgy décor; the bar’s irreverent artwork is part of its identity and not particularly family-oriented.
- If you prefer a quieter corner, explore the back and side rooms where there is foosball and slightly more breathing space.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
The Moose 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 The Moose
A Copenhagen dive bar with real patina
The Moose is an archetypal Copenhagen dive bar, wedged into a narrow townhouse on Sværtegade in the heart of the old city. Push open the door and you walk straight into a dim first room dominated by a U-shaped bar, lined with taps pouring affordable lagers and a back wall stacked with spirits. There is just enough space for a row of stools and a couple of small tables by the front window, creating an instant sense of compression and bustle as soon as you enter. Unlike polished cocktail lounges elsewhere in the city, this place wears its age and late nights openly. Floors are scuffed, wood is worn smooth by elbows, and the soundtrack leans toward rock and alternative tunes played at a conversationally loud volume. It feels less designed than accumulated, as if layers of décor and memories have been allowed to pile up over the years.Murals, graffiti and the legend of the moose
Walk deeper into the bar and the walls become a riot of color. Every inch seems covered with signatures, band stickers and spray-can scrawls, giving the space a raw, improvised look. In the longer, slightly elevated second room, the eye is drawn to the notorious moose murals: large, cartoonish scenes that spin an offbeat, adult-themed love story between a woman and a moose. They are irreverent, provocative and entirely part of the bar’s identity. Further back, a low-ceilinged side room hides near the restrooms, almost like a secret annex discovered by accident. Here foosball, mismatched furniture and yet more layers of graffiti create a scruffy hangout that feels half-party den, half-clubhouse. Taken together, the rooms form a small maze of corners where regulars and newcomers mingle over inexpensive pints.Cheap beers and late-night sessions
The Moose is built for lingering over drinks rather than elaborate mixology. Expect basic Danish lagers on tap, familiar bottled beers and straightforward spirits at prices that undercut many of the city’s trendier venues. This budget-friendly focus makes it a natural base for long evenings that stretch well past midnight; the official closing time is in the early morning hours most nights, and the bar only opens mid- to late afternoon. Service is brisk and informal, matching the surroundings. You order at the bar, stake out a stool if you can find one, and settle into the ebb and flow of conversation, music and the occasional clack of foosball from the back room. There is no dress code and little ceremony: it is the sort of place where you arrive for one beer and end up staying for several.Atmosphere: smoky, social and unapologetic
The Moose still allows indoor smoking, which is immediately noticeable when you step inside. The air can be hazy on busy nights, and clothes carry the smell of tobacco when you leave, so it suits those who are comfortable with an old-school bar environment. In return, you get an atmosphere that feels lived-in and communal, where strangers often end up sharing bar space and conversation. Crowds build later in the evening, especially toward the weekend, when night-shift workers, students and visitors share the same cramped floor space. The narrow rooms and low lighting add to the intensity: clinking glasses, bursts of laughter and a constant shuffle of people squeezing past each other between the bar, the murals and the back room.In the heart of Indre By’s nightlife grid
Set just off the pedestrian bustle of central Copenhagen, The Moose serves as both a starting point and a final stop on a night out. Its late hours make it a natural after-hours refuge, while its central location means you are never far from other bars, live music venues and late-night eateries. Yet once you are inside, the outside world drops away; the windows are few, the light is dim, and the visual chaos of stickers and graffiti turns the bar into its own small universe. For travelers looking beyond polished Nordic minimalism, The Moose offers a different side of the city: gritty, humorous and happy to stay up until dawn, fuelled by cheap beer, dense cigarette smoke and the watchful gaze of painted antlers on the wall.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Varehuset Messen
0.2 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.2 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
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.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.5 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Bredgade 18
0.5 km
Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Frederik VII
0.5 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.5 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.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.5 km
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.
Church of Holmen
0.5 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Christiansborg Palace
0.5 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Fiolstræde 42
0.5 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
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Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Rosenborg Castle
0.6 km
Discover the charm of Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, a historic gem showcasing royal treasures and serene gardens.
Church of Our Lady
0.6 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Unmissable attractions to see
Guinness World Records Museum
0.2 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
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.
Stork Fountain
0.3 km
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.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.3 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Indre By
0.3 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
The Round Tower
0.3 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Højbro Pl.
0.3 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Amagertorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Gråbrødretorv
0.3 km
Mythic grandeur meets urban tranquility at Copenhagen’s spectacular Gefion Fountain, a must-see bronze sculpture and water feature rooted in Norse legend.
Højbro Plads
0.3 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.3 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Strøget
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Kongens Nytorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s historic showpiece square, where baroque façades, royal monuments and everyday city life meet above a busy modern metro hub.
Læderstræde
0.3 km
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.
Bishop Absalon
0.4 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
l’Alsace
0.2 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.2 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Frank
0.2 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.
Alouette
0.2 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.
Marchal
0.3 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Llama
0.3 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.
Bistro Royal
0.3 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.3 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.
Restaurant Maven
0.3 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.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.3 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Den Lille Fede
0.3 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
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.
Goldfinch
0.4 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Wining and Dining
0.4 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Restaurant Koefoed
0.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Storm - design art fashion
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A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Norse Projects
0.1 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.1 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Norse Store
0.1 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.2 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
ILLUM
0.2 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Magnolias
0.2 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
0.2 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.2 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
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.
Viking Souvenirs
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Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Studio Arhoj
0.3 km
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Moose
0.0 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.
Charlie's Bar
0.1 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
1105
0.1 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Trykbar
0.1 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.
Balthazar
0.2 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.
Gejser Bar
0.2 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Bar Deco
0.2 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.2 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar'Vin
0.3 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
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.
Strøm
0.3 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
0.3 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
K-Bar
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Casual
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Viral Moments
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
