Natural History Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen
Denmark’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals, fossils and living plants meet in a leafy corner of central Copenhagen.
Set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, the Natural History Museum of Denmark invites you into a world of meteorites, minerals and global biodiversity. Explore atmospheric mineral halls, changing exhibitions on nature and science, and an annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year show. A café and shop overlook the gardens, making this a relaxed, family-friendly stop where you can dive into 400 years of collecting and discover how Denmark studies and protects the natural world.
A brief summary to Museum of Natural History
- Øster Voldgade 5, 7, Indre By, Indre By, 1350, DK
- +4535322222
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-9 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 2–3 hours if you want to see both the main exhibitions and spend time in the Mineral Hall and temporary shows such as Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
- Combine your ticket with a stroll through the Botanical Garden and a visit to the Palm House and seasonal Butterfly House for a fuller nature‑focused day.
- Arrive close to opening time on weekends and school holidays to enjoy quieter galleries before groups and families fill the museum.
- Bring a light layer: some galleries can feel cool due to the strict climate control needed to protect specimens.
- Check current exhibitions in advance if you are particularly interested in photography, climate or specific animal groups, as the museum hosts rotating thematic shows.
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 short walk from Nørreport Station
From anywhere in central Copenhagen, take an M1, M2, M3 or M4 metro line to Nørreport Station, one of the city’s main hubs, which typically takes 5–15 minutes from other inner‑city stops. From Nørreport it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on mostly level pavements through the university and garden area, suitable for wheelchairs and prams. Standard single metro tickets within the central zones cost around 20–30 DKK, and trains run every few minutes throughout the day.
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City bus to Øster Voldgade area
Several Copenhagen city bus routes run along streets close to the museum, with journey times of about 10–25 minutes from central districts depending on traffic. Buses generally stop within a few hundred metres of the Botanical Garden and campus entrances, leaving a short, straightforward walk on paved surfaces. A regular bus ticket within the central zones costs roughly 20–30 DKK, and services usually operate at least every 10–15 minutes during daytime.
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Cycling through central Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s dense network of cycle lanes makes biking to the museum a practical option from most inner neighbourhoods, typically taking 10–20 minutes. Public bike‑share schemes and rental shops offer city bikes from around 100–150 DKK per day, with helmets and lights available on request. Cycle lanes are generally flat and separated from traffic, though the area around major junctions can feel busy at rush hour, so less confident cyclists may prefer off‑peak times.
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Taxi or rideshare within the city
Taxis in central Copenhagen can bring you directly to the streets surrounding Øster Voldgade in about 5–15 minutes from most downtown locations, depending on traffic. Fares within the central area commonly range between 100 and 200 DKK, with higher prices in heavy traffic or evenings. Drop‑off is on regular city streets; there is no dedicated private car park at the museum, so taxis typically stop briefly at the kerb for boarding and alighting.
Museum of Natural History 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
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Museum of Natural History
Nature and science in the heart of Copenhagen
Housed in stately buildings on Øster Voldgade and framed by the leafy Botanical Garden, the Natural History Museum of Denmark is the country’s national museum for nature. Inside, you step into a calm, academic atmosphere where glass cases, specimen drawers and carefully lit displays tell the story of life on Earth, from microscopic plankton to giant whales. The museum brings together geology, zoology and botany under one institutional roof. Exhibitions focus on how the planet formed, how species evolved and how ecosystems are changing today. Text is clear and thoughtfully pitched, so you can wander at your own pace, pausing where a topic really catches your curiosity.Collections built over four centuries
Behind the scenes lie one of Europe’s major natural history collections, with millions of specimens gathered over some 400 years. The public galleries give a curated glimpse into this vast archive: fossils, taxidermied animals, pinned insects, pressed plants, minerals, meteorites and more, many collected on expeditions to far‑flung corners of the globe. Displays highlight the museum’s role in documenting biodiversity over time. Time-series of animals and plants, some spanning centuries, show how species ranges have shifted with industrialisation, pollution and climate change. For visitors, this turns glass‑case specimens into evidence: a physical record of how the environment has evolved and why conservation now matters so urgently.Highlights from meteorites to minerals
Among the museum’s most striking experiences is the chance to see and touch a huge meteorite, a reminder that some of the material beneath your hands once travelled through deep space before landing in Scandinavia. Nearby, the Mineral Hall glows with crystals, gemstones and rocks arranged by colour, form and chemical structure. Exhibitions such as “Wild Wonderful World” draw directly from the collections to tell the stories behind particular specimens: how they were collected, what they reveal to scientists, and what they say about our relationship with nature. The blend of dramatic objects and clear narrative makes complex science feel tangible and human.Linked with the Botanical Garden next door
The museum is closely tied to the adjacent Botanical Garden, which holds Denmark’s scientific plant collection. Many visitors combine a couple of hours indoors with a stroll outside among themed beds and historic glasshouses. The Palm House, with its humid, tropical air and iron-and-glass architecture, and the seasonal Butterfly House give living context to the dried specimens and fossilised plants inside the museum. From the upper levels and the café, windows frame views over tree canopies, lawns and glass domes. This constant glimpse of greenery reinforces the museum’s message: that the specimens on display are part of a broader, living landscape just beyond the walls.Experiences for families, students and curious minds
The museum’s layout and interpretation work well for mixed‑age groups. Children tend to gravitate to dramatic skeletons, large mammals and hands‑on elements, while older visitors linger over detailed labels, climate graphics and maps. Temporary exhibitions often explore themes such as evolution, extinction or polar environments in accessible, visually rich ways. Every year the museum hosts the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, bringing one hundred award‑winning images of animals and landscapes from around the globe. Paired with the permanent displays, it offers a powerful contrast between the beauty of nature and the pressures it faces.Practical visit and evolving future
A museum shop offers nature‑themed books, gifts and educational toys, and the on‑site café serves snacks, light meals and drinks with views into the Botanical Garden. Seating is available in and around the galleries, allowing you to break up a longer visit. The institution is in the midst of a long‑term transformation that will eventually bring its vast collections together in new galleries within the garden precinct. For now, the Øster Voldgade site remains the public gateway to Denmark’s natural history heritage: a place to slow down, look closely and come away with a deeper sense of how interconnected the natural world really is.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. Paul's Church
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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.
Gråbrødretorv
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Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Indre By
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Frederik's Church
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Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
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Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Church of Our Lady
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Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Bredgade 18
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Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
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.
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.
Stork Fountain
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A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Amagertorv
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Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Unmissable attractions to see
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
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Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Rosenborg castle
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The Danish Natural History Museum
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University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
The King's Garden
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Frederiksholms Kanal: An evocative canal-side promenade at the heart of Copenhagen, blending royal history, stately architecture, and peaceful city scenes.
Botanical Garden
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Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
The David Collection
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Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Workers Museum
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Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
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Explore Denmark's labor history at The Workers Museum in Copenhagen's historic Workers' Assembly Hall.
Kultorvet
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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.
TorvehallerneKBH
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Nørre Voldgade 11
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Heritage 19th‑century walls meet modern apartment comfort in a buzzing, hyper‑central corner of Copenhagen’s historic inner city.
The Lakes
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The Round Tower
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Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Nyboder
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Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Essential places to dine
Kokkeriet
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Restaurant Schønnemann
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Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Selma
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Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
Alouette
0.6 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.
ARK
0.6 km
Michelin Green Star vegan fine dining in central Copenhagen, where seasonal Nordic produce, foraging and low-waste philosophy shape an intimate tasting-menu experience.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.7 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.8 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
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Warm brick-and-wood dining room in central Copenhagen serving polished Mediterranean-inspired classics, a four-course menu and easygoing evening cocktails.
Restaurant Rebel
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Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Restaurant Vita
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Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
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.
Høst
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Experience exceptional Scandinavian fine dining at Høst in Copenhagen, where seasonal ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
Den Lille Fede
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Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
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Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Frank
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A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
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Denmark's largest souvenir destination with 2,000+ authentic gifts celebrating Danish design, heritage, and iconic landmarks.
Exotic Mix
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Gourmet nuts, dried fruits and chocolate dragées from around the world, served from a colourful family‑run stall inside Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market.
Fjällräven
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A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
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.
Souvenir Gifts shop
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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.
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.
Norse Projects
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Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Storm - design art fashion
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Studio Arhoj
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Norse Store
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The Wilde Shop
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Royal Souvenir Shop
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Magnolias
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Butik Bungalow
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bootleggers
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Trykbar
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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.
Gejser Bar
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Black Swan
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Bo-Bi Bar
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The Globe Irish Pub
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Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
Bar'Vin
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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.
No Stress Bar
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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
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Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Aloha Beach Bar
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Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
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.
Bar Deco
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Balderdash
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Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
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Mini Bar
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Mirage
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Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
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The Zoo
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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.
Lusso
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Hive
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Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
La Terraza
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Rumors
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Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
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Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Chateau Motel
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Miami Bar
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Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
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Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
RUST Natklub
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Dorsia
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Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
