Balderdash
Inventive, seasonal cocktails in a cosy speakeasy-style bar hidden on a cobbled Inner City street, where playful experimentation meets warm Copenhagen charm.
Tucked into a historic building on Valkendorfsgade in Copenhagen’s Inner City, Balderdash is a creative cocktail bar where playful experimentation meets serious craftsmanship. By night, the low-lit rooms, old wooden beams and flicker of a fireplace set the stage for inventive drinks built around seasonal Danish produce, house infusions and even ice cream. Expect an intimate speakeasy feel, a quietly buzzing atmosphere, and bartenders who mix bespoke cocktails as readily as they pour modern twists on the classics.
A brief summary to Balderdash
- 1151 k, Valkendorfsgade 11, København K, København K, 1151, DK
- +4553107885
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 5 pm-1 am
- Thursday 5 pm-1 am
- Friday 5 pm-3 am
- Saturday 5 pm-3 am
Local tips
- Arrive close to opening time on busy nights if you want a seat at the bar, where you can chat with the bartenders and ask for bespoke creations based on your flavour preferences.
- Use the printed menu as inspiration but do not hesitate to describe what you like—Balderdash is known for off-menu cocktails tailored to each guest.
- If you enjoy dessert-style drinks, try one of the ice cream or milkshake cocktails, which often feature seasonal Danish produce and unusual flavour combinations.
- The bar is dimly lit and cosy, ideal for dates or small groups; larger parties should consider visiting early in the evening when there is more seating flexibility.
- Check current opening days before planning a visit, as Balderdash typically opens from mid-week through Saturday evenings rather than every night.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Balderdash 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 Balderdash
Inventive Cocktails in a Historic Heart
Balderdash sits on a cobbled side street in Copenhagen’s old town, yet inside it feels more like an experimental cocktail lab than a traditional bar. The address may be centuries old, but the drinks are anything but. Here, cocktails are approached with the precision of a kitchen brigade: spirits are layered with seasonal Danish fruit, house-made syrups and unusual distillates. Menus change regularly, reflecting what is fresh and at its peak, so a visit in early summer can feel very different to an autumn night. Rather than relying on flashy garnish alone, many drinks explore unexpected combinations. You might encounter a reimagined Old Fashioned infused with local berries, or a silky concoction that blurs the line between dessert and nightcap. The focus on seasonality also extends to playful ice cream cocktails and floats, making Balderdash a rare spot where you can legitimately order both a serious drink and something that feels like grown-up candy.Atmosphere of an Urban Speakeasy
The entrance is discreet and the interior intentionally low-key, echoing the spirit of a speakeasy. Stepping through the door, your eyes adjust from streetlight to warm, amber glow. Exposed beams, old wooden floors and mismatched furniture give the rooms a lived-in charm, more like a favourite living room than a polished lounge. A fireplace adds to the cosiness on chilly Copenhagen evenings, drawing people towards its warmth with a drink in hand. Music hums in the background at a volume that keeps the energy high without overpowering conversation. It is the sort of place where you can sink into a sofa with close friends or claim a stool at the bar and let the evening slowly unfold. The pace is unhurried; cocktails are carefully built to order, which encourages guests to relax into the experience rather than rush through it.The Bar Team and Their Craft
Behind the counter, the bartenders treat their station like an open-stage kitchen, working with shakers, beakers and a surprising array of ingredients. Many have international backgrounds and professional experience that spans both classic cocktail culture and more avant-garde bars. They are as comfortable stirring a textbook Negroni as they are crafting a completely new drink based on a few flavours you mention. Conversation is part of the craft here. Guests often describe their preferred taste profile—citrusy, smoky, bitter, or spirit-forward—and watch as the team builds something tailored to that mood. This bespoke approach, combined with deep knowledge of spirits, makes Balderdash particularly appealing for those who like to explore beyond a printed menu and discover new favourites along the way.From Art Space by Day to Nighttime Hideaway
Balderdash has a flexible character that shifts throughout the day and week. Earlier hours and off-nights sometimes see the venue used as an art-leaning space, with the historic rooms acting as a backdrop for creative projects or intimate gatherings. Once cocktail service begins on its core evenings, the lights dim, candles are lit and the focus turns fully to the bar. Seating is spread across a main bar area and smaller nooks that can feel almost private. There is also a semi-hidden room that is occasionally used for small groups, tastings or special events, making the venue adaptable for anything from a quiet date to a celebratory night out. Despite its central location in the Inner City, Balderdash maintains a tucked-away feel that rewards those who seek it out.Planning Your Visit
Balderdash generally operates in the evenings from mid-week into the weekend, with closing hours stretching past midnight, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. It is very much a night-time destination; arriving early in the evening can be a good strategy if you prefer a calmer atmosphere and easier access to seats at the bar. As the night progresses, the rooms fill with a lively but still intimate crowd. Cocktails are typically priced in the mid-range for Copenhagen, reflecting the quality of the ingredients and the level of craft involved. There is table service as well as bar service, and the space is compact, so it is worth allowing time for a leisurely visit rather than dropping in for a quick drink. With its combination of creative mixology, warm surroundings and personal interaction, Balderdash is designed for evenings that you remember in detail the next day.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Varehuset Messen
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Jorcks Passage
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Højbro
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Wilhelm Hansens Hus
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Vandkunsten Springvand
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Holmens Bro
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Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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The Danish Parliament
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Indre By
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Church of Holmen
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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.
Nørre Voldgade 11
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Unmissable attractions to see
Gråbrødretorv
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Amagertorv
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Strøget
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Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Stork Fountain
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Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Læderstræde
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A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
The Round Tower
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Pub Crawl Copenhagen
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Højbro Pl.
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Højbro Plads
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Gammel Strand
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Bishop Absalon
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Nikolaj Art Gallery
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Københavns Synagoge
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Segway Tours Copenhagen
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Essential places to dine
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Wining and Dining
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Det Lille Apotek
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Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Restaurant Tight
0.2 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Københavner Cafeen
0.3 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 Maven
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Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Marv & Ben
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Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Kronborg
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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.
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.
l’Alsace
0.3 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Restaurant 1733
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Llama
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Restaurant Grønnegade
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Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
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.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Norse Store
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Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Magnolias
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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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.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
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Hygge Original
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& Other Stories
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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.
ILLUM
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Akimbo
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Audrey Vintage
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Another nué
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Urban Outfitters
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Time's Up Vintage
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Duck Haven
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Strøm
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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'Vin
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Bo-Bi Bar
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The Dubliner
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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.
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.
Bæst Cocktailbar
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Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Luke's Bar
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Gejser Bar
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The Moose
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Lord Nelson Bar
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The Bird and The Churchkey
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K-Bar
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1105
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Aloë Cocktail Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Zoo
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Chateau Motel
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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.
Lusso
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Mini Bar
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Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
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.
Miami Bar
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Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
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Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Arch
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Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
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.
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.
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.
Club Mambo
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Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
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Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
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
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
