The Library Bar, Copenhagen

Books, Leather and Old-World Atmosphere

The Library Bar occupies a cosy salon within the Copenhagen Plaza hotel, just off bustling Bernstorffsgade, yet it feels a world apart. Step inside and you are greeted by dark wood, soft lamplight and walls lined with leather-bound books and first editions. Oil portraits of stern-looking gentlemen gaze down from the panels, adding a club-like formality that contrasts pleasantly with the relaxed hum of conversation. The room is compact and intimate, centred around deep Chesterfield armchairs and low tables that invite you to sink in and stay a while. Heavy drapes, patterned carpets and polished details give the space an old-European glamour that feels almost cinematic, like a drawing room set from a period film. Despite its classic looks, the bar remains welcoming rather than stuffy, a place designed for quiet conversation rather than a rushed drink.

Cocktails Crafted with Care

At the heart of The Library Bar’s appeal is its focus on serious drinks. The menu leans heavily on classic cocktails, fine Champagne and an extensive selection of single malt whisky and cognac. Bartenders work from a compact station behind the wooden bar, shaking and stirring with measured, unhurried precision. Drinks are presented in elegant glassware, often with thoughtful garnishes that echo the bar’s refined tone. The cocktail list typically balances beloved standards with house creations that draw inspiration from literature and the bar’s setting. While prices reflect the setting inside a central hotel and can feel high by casual bar standards, the emphasis is on quality ingredients and polished execution. This is the sort of place where you come for one or two perfectly made drinks rather than a long night of rounds.

Jazz Notes and Literary Evenings

Music plays a distinctive role in the bar’s identity. On Friday and Saturday evenings, live jazz fills the room, usually in the form of a small ensemble playing standards and mellow improvisations that complement rather than overpower conversation. These sets transform the space into something reminiscent of a mid-century lounge, with the clink of glassware and the soft rustle of pages turning beneath the music. The connection to jazz runs deeper than the weekly performances. A Danish trio once recorded an album of live sessions here, released on a renowned international jazz label, turning the bar itself into a kind of informal studio. This musical heritage reinforces the Library Bar’s reputation as a place where time slows, drinks are savoured and the evening unfolds at an unhurried, almost analog pace.

From Cigar Lounge to Cocktail Institution

The Library Bar dates back to the 1970s, when it quickly became known as a refined hideaway for Champagne, cognac, whisky and cigars. Before indoor smoking bans reshaped bar culture, it was regarded as one of Copenhagen’s prime cigar lounges, its air once scented with tobacco and wood polish. Today, cigars are no longer part of the experience, yet the sense of tradition remains very much intact. Over the decades the room has been used as a backdrop for music videos, interviews and photo shoots, drawn by its distinctive character. Private events are occasionally hosted here outside regular opening times, making use of the bar’s theatrical yet intimate atmosphere. For the casual visitor, however, it functions foremost as a classic hotel bar: a comfortable retreat from the city outside, with a strong sense of continuity and place.

Planning Your Visit and Ideal Moments

The Library Bar usually opens in the late afternoon and continues into the night, with slightly later closing on Friday and Saturday. Its small size means seats can fill quickly, especially during weekend jazz sessions, so arriving earlier in the evening often provides the best chance of securing a comfortable armchair. Larger groups may find it useful to arrange a booking in advance, as the room is primarily designed for couples and small parties. Given its refined setting and central location close to Copenhagen’s main transport hub, the bar suits a variety of occasions: a pre-dinner aperitif, a nightcap after an evening out, or a lingering conversation over cocktails on a rainy night. It is not aimed at those seeking loud music or dancing; instead, it rewards visitors looking for atmosphere, craftsmanship and a touch of old-world charm in the heart of the city.