Circle Bridge (Cirkelbroen), Copenhagen
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Circle Bridge, or Cirkelbroen, is a striking pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning the mouth of Christianshavn Canal in central Copenhagen. Designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and opened in 2015, it consists of five circular platforms with slender masts and rigging that evoke a cluster of moored sailing ships. More than a shortcut, it is a sculptural pause point on the harbourfront, inviting you to slow down, admire the water and skyline, and experience Copenhagen’s maritime heritage in a playful, contemporary way.
A brief summary to Circle Bridge
- Johan Semps Gade, Cirkelbroen, København K, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit around sunrise or late evening for softer light and beautiful reflections of the circles and masts in the canal, ideal for photos.
- Walk the harbourfront boardwalk on both sides of the canal to appreciate how Circle Bridge links a longer pedestrian and cycling route.
- If you see the bridge opening for a larger vessel, pause to watch the circular platforms swing aside—it is a brief but elegant sequence.
- On windy days, bring an extra layer; the exposed position over the water can feel noticeably cooler than nearby streets.
- Combine your stop here with a slow wander through Christianshavn’s canals and side streets to explore the historic harbour setting.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and walking from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro to Christianshavn Station, which usually takes 3–5 minutes from Kongens Nytorv. Services run every few minutes throughout the day. From Christianshavn, allow about 10–15 minutes on foot along the canal and harbourfront; the route is flat and suitable for most visitors but can be uneven in places due to cobblestones. A standard single metro ticket within the city typically costs around DKK 20–30.
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City bike from the inner city
Using Copenhagen’s public bike-share or a rented bicycle, expect a 5–15 minute ride from most inner-city locations to Circle Bridge, depending on your starting point. Cycle routes are largely on dedicated bike lanes and are generally flat, making the journey accessible to casual cyclists. Bike-share schemes typically charge either a small unlock fee plus a per-minute rate or a fixed day price; budget roughly DKK 30–80 for short urban usage. Be aware that the bridge itself can be busy at commuter times, so ride slowly and give way to pedestrians.
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Harbour bus and short walk
Copenhagen’s harbour buses run along the inner harbour and offer a scenic way to approach the Christianshavn waterfront in about 10–20 minutes from stops near the city centre. Standard public-transport tickets and passes are valid, with single fares generally in the DKK 20–30 range. Services are less frequent than the metro, especially in late evenings and on some winter days, so check timings in advance. From the nearest harbour bus stop, plan on a flat 5–10 minute walk along the quay to reach the bridge.
Circle Bridge location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Circle Bridge
A sculptural crossing on Christianshavn Canal
Circle Bridge (Cirkelbroen) is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that glides across the southern mouth of Christianshavn Canal, linking Christiansbro on one side with Applebys Plads on the other. Completed in 2015, it closes an important gap in Copenhagen’s inner harbourfront, allowing people to move along the water’s edge rather than disappearing into back streets and traffic. At roughly 40 metres in length, it is modest in scale yet instantly eye-catching, a piece of infrastructure that behaves more like public art. Rather than a straight line, the bridge bends in a gentle zigzag formed by overlapping circles. This unusual geometry subtly slows your pace and encourages you to linger, turning a simple crossing into a small urban event. From its deck, the low canal craft and taller harbour buildings are framed in constantly shifting perspectives as you walk.Olafur Eliasson’s ship-inspired design
The bridge was designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, known for works that play with light, perception, and landscape. Here he took the sailing boat as his starting point, drawing on Christianshavn’s long maritime history. Each of the five circular platforms has its own tall mast, braced with a web of taut steel cables that recall rigging on a ship. By day, the pale decks, slim masts and fine lines of cable read almost like a drawing against the sky. After dark, discreet lighting turns the bridge into a glowing chain of circles hovering above the water, with reflections rippling across the canal. One section functions as a swing bridge, rotating to open a navigation channel so that larger boats can still reach the inner basin.A contemporary harbourfront meeting place
Eliasson conceived Circle Bridge not only as a route but as a place to meet. The circular platforms widen the deck into informal plazas where commuters pause, runners stretch, and people sit on the railings to watch boat traffic slide underneath. The slight detour of the zigzag plan invites conversation as paths cross and people naturally slow down. The bridge’s low clearance height is enough for harbour tours, kayaks and small working boats to glide beneath. When the rotating discs swing aside, the movement feels almost theatrical, like a stage set rearranging itself. In this way the bridge negotiates between the working harbour, the residents who live on the water in houseboats, and the many pedestrians and cyclists who rely on it each day.Christianshavn’s canals and urban story
The setting is central to the experience. Christianshavn was laid out in the early 17th century on reclaimed land as a fortified merchant town criss-crossed by canals. Today its mix of warehouses, modern offices, moored ships and residential blocks gives Circle Bridge a rich architectural backdrop. From the deck you can trace this layering of history in the brick gables, glass facades and surviving ramparts along the water. Because the bridge completes part of a wider loop around the inner harbour, it also changes how you can read Copenhagen as a whole. Walking across, you sense the city as a connected waterfront rather than a series of isolated quays, with cultural landmarks, church towers and the low skyline unfolding in arcs around you.Experiencing the bridge through the senses
A visit here is as much about mood as it is about design. On a calm morning the canal can be mirror-smooth, doubling the circles and masts into a perfect reflection. On breezier days you feel wind funnel along the water, hear cables hum softly, and watch clouds skimming low above the harbour. Cyclists’ bells, gulls, and the thrum of distant engines mix with the clink of rigging from nearby boats. Whether you stay for a quick photograph or linger to watch the light shift over the course of an hour, Circle Bridge offers an intimate, human-scale way to connect with Copenhagen’s waterfront. It is a space where everyday movement, maritime memory and contemporary art quietly meet.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Circle Bridge
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A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
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Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
The Stable Boy's House
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A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
The Danish Parliament
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Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Holmens Bro
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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.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Frederik VII
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Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
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.
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.
Christianshavns Kanal
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Baroque grandeur and natural beauty meet at Denmark's Ledreborg Park, home to stately gardens, forested trails, cultural events, and peaceful countryside escapes.
Church of Our Saviour
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A striking palace on Slotsholmen island, Christiansborg is where Copenhagen’s history, royal splendor, and political power converge in one unforgettable landmark.
Gammel Strand
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Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Magstræde
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Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Black Diamond
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Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Kopenhagen
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A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.2 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Lille Langebro
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A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
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A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
The War Museum
0.3 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.3 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
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Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Slotsholmen
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A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Børsen
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Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Knippelsbro
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Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Christianshavn
0.4 km
Experience the lively heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square near the Northern Harbour.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.4 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
No. 2
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Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Kadeau
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Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Kanal-Caféen
0.5 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Cafe Wilder
0.5 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Restaurant Noi
0.6 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant Karla
0.6 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant 1733
0.7 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Marv & Ben
0.7 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Maven
0.7 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.7 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Rio Bravo
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Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
King Hans Cellar
0.7 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Puk
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Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
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.
Restaurant Tight
0.8 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.7 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Magasin du Nord
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Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Audrey Vintage
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Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
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Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Hygge Original
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A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
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.
Strøget
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Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
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.
& Other Stories
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Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
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.
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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
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Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Marble Bar
0.6 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
K-Bar
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Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ruby
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An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Zefside
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Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Godt Øl
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Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
TATA Cocktail Bar
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A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.7 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Rooftop Bar
0.7 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Pier5 Bar
0.8 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
The Dubliner
0.8 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.
Southern Cross Pub
0.8 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
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.
Chateau Motel
0.9 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lusso
0.9 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.
Hive
1.0 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
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.
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.
Miami Bar
1.0 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
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.
Operaen
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Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Rumors
1.0 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
1.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Mini Bar
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Module
1.1 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Cosy Bar
1.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.2 km
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
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
