The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
Copenhagen’s royal theatre world in two acts: a gilded 19th‑century stage on Kongens Nytorv and a bold, glass-fronted playhouse floating above the Inner Harbour.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage form the twin hearts of Denmark’s national theatre in central Copenhagen. On Kongens Nytorv, the 19th‑century Old Stage dazzles with chandeliers, gilded boxes and baroque flourishes, traditionally hosting ballet and grand performances. Down on the harborfront, the Royal Danish Playhouse is a striking modern counterpart, its long brick facade, glass foyer and oak-boarded pier jutting out over the water to frame views of the Inner Harbour and the Opera House.
A brief summary to The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
- August Bournonvilles Passage 8, København K, København K, 1055, DK
- +4533696969
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book performance tickets well in advance, especially for ballet at the Old Stage and premiere runs at the Royal Danish Playhouse, as the most popular dates often sell out early.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain time to explore the foyers or stroll the Playhouse’s wooden harbour promenade and enjoy the views across to the Opera House.
- Dress is generally smart casual; you do not need formal attire, but many locals use a theatre night as an excuse to dress up a little.
- Check the programme in advance for performances with English surtitles or minimal dialogue if you are not familiar with Danish.
- Allow time for a post-show drink in the Playhouse foyer or on the outdoor decks to watch the harbour lights before making your way back into the city.
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 central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro to Kongens Nytorv station, which usually takes 3–6 minutes from Nørreport or around 10 minutes from Frederiksberg. Trains run every few minutes throughout most of the day. From the station, it is an easy 5–10 minute level walk through the historic centre to both the Old Stage on the square and the Royal Danish Playhouse by the harbour. A standard single metro ticket within the central zones typically costs around 20–30 DKK.
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Harbour bus to the Playhouse waterfront
For a scenic arrival, use Copenhagen’s harbour bus services that stop near the Royal Danish Playhouse, with journeys from central piers often taking 10–20 minutes depending on the route. Boats run at regular intervals during the day but are less frequent late in the evening and in winter. The fare structure matches regular public transport, so expect to pay roughly 20–30 DKK for a single trip within the central zones. Access from the pier to the promenade is step-free but may involve slightly uneven wooden decking.
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City bus from inner neighbourhoods
Several city bus lines connect inner districts to Kongens Nytorv, with travel times of 10–25 minutes from areas such as Vesterbro, Østerbro or Nørrebro depending on traffic. Buses generally run every 5–15 minutes during the day and early evening, with reduced frequency late at night. A standard bus ticket within the central zones costs about 20–30 DKK and is valid across metro, bus and harbour bus. Stops around Kongens Nytorv offer a short, mostly flat walk to both theatre buildings.
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Cycling through the city centre
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach the theatres by bike from most central neighbourhoods in 10–20 minutes. The terrain is flat and routes are generally suitable for less experienced cyclists, though the area around Kongens Nytorv and the harbourfront can be busy at peak hours. Public bike-share schemes and rental shops are widely available, with typical rental prices starting around 100–150 DKK per day. Bicycle parking is provided near the theatres but may be crowded on major performance evenings.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
A national stage in two contrasting houses
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage together embody the Royal Danish Theatre, Denmark’s leading performing arts institution and a cornerstone of national culture since the 18th century. The Old Stage on Kongens Nytorv traces its current building to 1874, when a grand new theatre was raised on the square to serve the royal court and, increasingly, the public. Inside, opera, ballet and drama helped shape modern Danish identity, turning this corner of the city into a cultural salon for writers, thinkers and statesmen. Today, the institution operates across several venues, but these two remain its most emblematic. The Old Stage preserves the aura of a 19th‑century European theatre, while the Royal Danish Playhouse, completed in 2008 on the Inner Harbour waterfront, was created specifically for spoken drama. Together they show how Danish theatre has evolved from courtly spectacle to contemporary, experimental storytelling without losing its sense of ceremony.Gilded history at the Old Stage
Step through the doors of the Old Stage and you move into a richly decorated world of red velvet, gilded ornament and painted ceilings. Horseshoe-shaped tiers of boxes, glittering chandeliers and ornate stuccowork reflect the fashion of historicist architecture that dominated late‑19th‑century Copenhagen. This stage became the primary home of the Royal Danish Ballet, hosting classical works and signature Danish productions under a canopy of gold and light. The building stands on Kongens Nytorv, one of Copenhagen’s grandest squares, and has long been woven into the city’s intellectual life. Philosophers and writers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Hans Christian Andersen were regular attendees here in the 19th century, drawn by opera and ballet as much as by the social theatre of the audience itself. Traditions survive in small details, from the royal box to the custom of rising when the monarch enters for a performance.Modern drama on the harbour at the Playhouse
Down by the Inner Harbour, the Royal Danish Playhouse offers a completely different architectural language. Designed by Danish architects Lundgaard & Tranberg, its long, low volume of specially developed deep‑brown brick is capped by a glass‑wrapped upper floor and a dark copper‑clad stage tower. Around 40 percent of the building projects out over the water, supported on crooked, Venetian‑style columns that give the structure a subtly floating character. The glass foyer runs the full length of the harbour-facing facade, framing sweeping views across to the Copenhagen Opera House and along the waterfront. Inside, three stages of varying sizes allow for intimate spoken‑word productions as well as larger dramas. The design has earned international awards for its careful balance of bold forms and human scale, and for the way it extends the city’s public realm right out over the harbour.A waterfront promenade that invites lingering
One of the Playhouse’s most distinctive features is the oak‑planked promenade that folds around the building. Pedestrians are gently guided onto a raised boardwalk laid in rustic timber, with the water lapping just below. At any hour, people wander, sit on the steps, watch harbor buses and tour boats glide past, or simply enjoy the changing Nordic light on the copper and glass. Even without a theatre ticket, this is a place to pause. Cafés and a restaurant in the foyer spill activity out toward the harbour, while the wide decks act as an informal public square. On bright days, it feels almost like a wooden pier, with views back toward historic Frederiksstaden and forward to the sharp lines of the Opera House, making the spot as much an urban lookout as a cultural venue.Experiencing performances and behind-the-scenes life
A visit for a performance reveals another layer of both buildings. In the Old Stage, ballet and larger productions make full use of the historic auditorium’s depth and verticality, while the Playhouse’s stages are tailored to spoken theatre, with acoustics and sightlines designed for subtle acting and naturalistic dialogue. Together they showcase the range of the Royal Danish Theatre’s repertoire, from classical works to new Danish drama. Behind the scenes, workshops, rehearsal rooms and technical spaces keep an entire ecosystem of crafts and skills alive, from costume making and set construction to lighting design. Guided tours, when available, offer a glimpse of this hidden world, tracing the journey from script to stage and highlighting how tradition and innovation continue to coexist within these two very different, yet closely connected, homes of Danish theatre.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
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A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.3 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.4 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Holmens Bro
0.4 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.
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.
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.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.5 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.5 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Amagertorv
0.5 km
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.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Ofelia Plads
0.6 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
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.
Gammel Strand
0.6 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Strøget
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Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
The Danish Parliament
0.6 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kongens Nytorv
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Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.1 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Memorial Anchor
0.1 km
Explore one of Europe’s oldest zoos, home to over 3,000 animals, award-winning architecture, immersive habitats, conservation programs, and engaging family activities.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.2 km
A tiny 17th‑century townhouse on Kongens Nytorv where Baltic amber, ancient insects and Scandinavian craft turn deep time into a warm, golden museum experience.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.2 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
Indre By
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A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Bredgade 18
0.3 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
Nyhavn
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s classic harbour postcard: colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés where maritime history meets modern hygge.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.3 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.3 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.4 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.
Church of Holmen
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.4 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
Havnepromenade
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Essential places to dine
à terre
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à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Marchal
0.1 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Llama
0.2 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.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.2 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
King Hans Cellar
0.2 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
0.2 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Bistro Royal
0.2 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Cap Horn
0.2 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
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.
Skipperkroen
0.2 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
l’Alsace
0.2 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
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.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.3 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Restaurant Vita
0.3 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Magasin du Nord
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Viking Souvenirs
0.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
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.
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.
Zane
0.2 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
The Wilde Shop
0.3 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Urban Outfitters
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Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Copenhagenglass
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Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
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Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
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.
Danish Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
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.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.5 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brønnum
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An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Balthazar
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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.
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
0.3 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
1105
0.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Moose
0.4 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
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
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.
Trykbar
0.5 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
0.5 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.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Balderdash
0.5 km
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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Gejser Bar
0.6 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.2 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
0.4 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mini Bar
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
0.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Chateau Motel
0.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.8 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
0.9 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.9 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
0.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.0 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Arch
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.0 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Dorsia
1.0 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
1.0 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Operaen
1.0 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
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
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
