Church of Our Lady (Copenhagen Cathedral)
Serene neoclassical cathedral in Copenhagen’s old town, crowned with Thorvaldsen’s marble Christ and apostles and steeped in centuries of Danish royal and civic history.
Rising over Copenhagen’s old town, the Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke) is Denmark’s national cathedral and a calm neoclassical counterpoint to the city’s busy streets. Rebuilt after the 1807 bombardment and consecrated in 1829, it is renowned for its serene white interior and the marble Christ and apostles by sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. This is a place to linger, admire the architecture, and sense centuries of Danish history and royal ceremony.
A brief summary to Church of Our Lady
- Nørregade 8, Copenhagen, København K, 1165, DK
- +4533151078
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Step right up to Thorvaldsen’s Christ and apostles to appreciate their scale, then move back toward the nave entrance to see how the sculptures align in a powerful processional perspective.
- If possible, time your visit for a quiet weekday morning when the cathedral is open but services are not in progress, so you can experience the calm space with fewer people.
- Look up and take in the restrained interior details—the smooth walls, clean lines and soft daylight are intentional features of the neoclassical design, not signs of emptiness.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, use the M1 or M2 metro lines to Nørreport Station, then walk about 10–15 minutes through the old town to the cathedral. Metro trains run every few minutes throughout the day, and a single zone ticket typically costs around 20–30 DKK depending on the ticket type. The walk is on paved, mostly level streets but includes cobblestones, which can be less comfortable for some wheelchairs and strollers.
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Bus
Several city bus lines stop within a 5–10 minute walk of Nørregade, including routes that serve Nørreport and other nearby central stops. Travel from other central districts usually takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. A standard bus ticket within the city zones generally costs in the range of 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or transport apps. Buses are low-floor and suitable for most wheelchairs and prams, though they can become crowded at rush hour.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen is highly cycle-friendly and many visitors reach the cathedral by bike from districts such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro in around 10–20 minutes. The route uses dedicated cycle lanes for most of the way, with the final approach on slower cobbled streets in the old town. Bike rental prices vary but commonly range from about 100–200 DKK per day. Bicycle parking is generally available on nearby streets, though spaces can fill up at busy times.
Church of Our Lady location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Church of Our Lady
A national cathedral on Copenhagen’s high ground
The Church of Our Lady stands on one of the oldest and highest sites in Copenhagen, where a church has existed since the early 13th century. For medieval Copenhagen, this hilltop limestone church dedicated to Holy Mary was both a spiritual focus and a statement of growing power. Over time, the original structure gave way to larger brick churches as the town expanded, mirroring the city’s rise from small harbor settlement to capital of a kingdom. Repeated fires and conflicts repeatedly damaged or destroyed the church, but its position at the heart of religious life never really shifted. The building you see today is the fourth major incarnation on this site, yet beneath the tranquil surface lies more than 800 years of rebuilding, reform, and royal ritual that shaped both church and nation.From bombardment ruins to neoclassical calm
The immediate predecessor of the present cathedral was a tall-towered baroque church that dominated the skyline until 1807, when British shells hit the spire during the bombardment of Copenhagen. The tower collapsed through the roof, and the church burned beyond repair, leaving a symbolic void at the center of the city. Post-war Denmark was financially weakened, so reconstruction proceeded slowly, but there was a clear determination to restore a principal church worthy of the capital. Architect Christian Frederik Hansen was eventually commissioned to design a new building in the modern neoclassical style. Construction began in 1817, reusing parts of the old walls and tower foundations, and the new church was consecrated in 1829. Hansen’s design drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman temples, favoring strong, simple volumes, smooth plastered façades and a disciplined, almost austere geometry that still feels strikingly contemporary.Architecture shaped by ancient temples
From the outside, the cathedral’s long body and columned portico evoke a classical basilica rather than a Gothic cathedral. The broad gable and colonnade on Nørregade form an almost civic façade, emphasizing the building’s role in public life as much as its sacred function. Originally Hansen did not plan a tower at all, in keeping with classical models, but public insistence led to the square tower you see today, capped with a low roof and simple gilded cross. Inside, the effect is one of luminous restraint. High, whitewashed walls and a clear, rhythmic sequence of columns lead your eye down the nave toward the choir. The proportions are carefully judged to create a sense of spaciousness without grandeur for its own sake. Natural light filters softly into the interior, reinforcing the impression of calm and making the space feel like an airy hall rather than a dark, enclosed shrine.Thorvaldsen’s Christ and the apostles
The cathedral’s most celebrated feature is the cycle of sculptures by Danish neoclassical master Bertel Thorvaldsen. Commissioned to decorate the new interior, he designed a monumental figure of Christ with open arms and twelve apostles, intended to embody the union of faith and classical beauty. Rather than sit modestly in wall niches, the statues stand freely in the nave and along the sides, their larger-than-expected scale giving them an almost living presence. The marble Christ at the far end of the church, approached along a line of apostles, has become one of Denmark’s most reproduced religious images, copied in churches around the world. At the font, a kneeling angel cradling a shell-shaped basin forms a deeply personal work by Thorvaldsen, its fine carving and tender pose contrasting with the otherwise strict architecture. Together, these sculptures anchor the space, focusing attention on figures and expressions rather than lavish decoration.Coronations, royal weddings and living parish life
Long before it formally became Copenhagen’s cathedral and Denmark’s national cathedral in the 20th century, the Church of Our Lady had a special relationship with the monarchy. For centuries it hosted coronations and other state ceremonies, embedding the building in the story of Danish kings and queens. In recent times it has framed modern royal events, including the 2004 wedding of Crown Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson, watched closely across the country. Despite this ceremonial role, the cathedral is also a working parish church. Regular services, concerts and organ recitals fill the neoclassical nave with sound, while side aisles display portraits of bishops and a bronze bust of Thorvaldsen that gently remind you of the personalities who shaped this place. Visitors can drift quietly along the aisles, sit in contemplation beneath the high ceiling, or simply enjoy the cool, echoing interior as a moment of stillness amid the city.Experiencing the cathedral today
Today the Church of Our Lady feels both intimate and monumental, depending on where you stand. From the street, its pale façade and tower rise modestly above the surrounding quarter; step inside and the space seems to open up, with long perspectives and carefully ordered light. The absence of heavy ornamentation makes small details stand out: the pattern of wooden pews, the gleam of the organ pipes, the play of daylight across smooth plaster. Set amid the narrow streets of central Copenhagen, the cathedral works well as a pause on a wider walk through the old town. It rewards unhurried exploration, whether you are drawn by architecture, sculpture, sacred history or simple curiosity. Stay long enough to watch the light shift across Thorvaldsen’s marble figures and you begin to sense why this restrained interior still occupies such a central place in Denmark’s cultural and spiritual landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
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Fiolstræde 42
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Lur Blowers
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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.
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.
Statue of Andersen
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Iconic bronze statue of Hans Christian Andersen in busy Rådhuspladsen, a literary landmark celebrating Denmark’s cherished fairy-tale author in central Copenhagen.
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.
Højbro Plads
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Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
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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 Pl.
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Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Bishop Absalon
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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.
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.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
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Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Museum of Copenhagen
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Explore Copenhagen's captivating history at the Museum of Copenhagen, from Viking settlements to modern marvels, through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
National Museum of Denmark
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Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gammeltorv
0.1 km
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
0.2 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.
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.
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.
Københavns Synagoge
0.2 km
A discreet 1833 synagogue in Krystalgade whose neoclassical facade hides an Egyptian‑inspired interior and centuries of Danish Jewish history, faith and resilience.
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.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.3 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.
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.
Strøget
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.4 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Kultorvet
0.4 km
Historic coal market turned lively pedestrian square, Kultorvet blends layered architecture, fountain-side cafés and everyday city life in the heart of Copenhagen.
Balderdash
0.4 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Skaal
0.4 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.4 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Amagertorv
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Essential places to dine
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.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.2 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Det Lille Apotek
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Wining and Dining
0.2 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.2 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
0.2 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 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.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.3 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
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 Tight
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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.
Vækst
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Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.3 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Restaurant Puk
0.4 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Marv & Ben
0.4 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Notre Dame
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A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Quirky Lane
0.1 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.1 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.2 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.
Wasteland
0.2 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
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A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Carmen Copenhagen
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Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Another nué
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A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
København K
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Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Viking Souvenirs
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Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
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.
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.
Akimbo
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A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar7
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Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Luke's Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.2 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.
Floss Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Musen & Elefanten
0.2 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
No Stress Bar
0.2 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.
The Jane
0.2 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.
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.
Centralhjørnet
0.3 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.
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.
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.
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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.3 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rumors
0.1 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.1 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
0.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Hive
0.1 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
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
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
0.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Arch
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Club Mambo
0.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
The Zoo
0.6 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.
Never Mind
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
