Bæst Cocktailbar
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.
Tucked into Klosterstræde in Copenhagen’s historic centre, Bæst Cocktailbar is an intimate basement bar known for creative drinks, low lighting and a laid-back, late-night vibe. Expect a compact, brick-walled space, candlelit tables and a small but focused cocktail list mixed with care. Music leans upbeat without overwhelming conversation, making this a convivial spot to start – or end – a night out in Indre By. Open mainly on weekends, it’s popular with groups of friends and couples.
A brief summary to Bæst Cocktailbar
- Klosterstræde 23, Copenhagen, København K, 1157, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Friday 6 pm-2 am
- Saturday 6 pm-2 am
Local tips
- Arrive close to opening time on Fridays and Saturdays if you prefer a seat and a calmer atmosphere before the late-night rush.
- Ask the bartender for a custom drink based on your favourite spirit; the menu is flexible and staff are used to tailoring cocktails.
- Have dinner nearby in Indre By and plan Bæst as your post-meal cocktail stop, as the bar focuses on drinks rather than food.
- The bar is down a short staircase into a basement; factor this in if anyone in your group has limited mobility.
- Card payments are widely accepted in Copenhagen; carrying a contactless card makes settling your tab quick and easy.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Bæst Cocktailbar 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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Hot Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Bæst Cocktailbar
Basement Hideaway in the Heart of Old Copenhagen
Bæst Cocktailbar sits just off one of Copenhagen’s central shopping streets, down a short flight of stairs that leads into a cosy basement room. The low ceiling, exposed brick and warm, amber lighting immediately set a relaxed tone, in contrast to the busier streets at ground level. It feels intentionally intimate: a single room with a compact bar and a mix of small tables, bar stools and a few nooks for pairs or small groups. Because it is slightly tucked away, the bar has a speakeasy feel without being difficult to find. Once inside, your focus is drawn to the backlit shelves of bottles behind the counter, a quiet promise of the cocktails to come. The overall impression is of a neighbourhood hideout in the middle of the city centre, casual rather than formal, social rather than stiff.Cocktails with a Touch of Theatre
The drinks menu at Bæst is built around classic cocktails with contemporary twists, alongside a handful of house signatures that change over time. Spirits are front and centre, from gin and rum to Scandinavian favourites, and bartenders are usually happy to improvise based on a preferred base or flavour profile. Presentation matters here: garnishes, glassware and small flourishes are used to give each drink its own character. From the bar stools you can often watch shakers flying, citrus being flamed, or herbs being clapped to release their aroma before they hit the glass. That sense of theatre is part of the experience, but it stops short of feeling like a show; drinks are still served quickly and the focus stays on taste. Prices are moderate by Copenhagen standards, making it easier to explore the menu over the course of an evening.Atmosphere from Aperitif to Late Night
Early in the evening, especially just after opening, Bæst tends to feel mellow and conversational. The lighting is low but not dark, the soundtrack leans towards familiar tunes at a comfortable volume, and the room often fills with quiet chatter. It is a pleasant time to come for a first drink before dinner elsewhere in the city centre, or for a relaxed date in a setting that feels informal but still special. Later at night, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays, the energy ramps up. As more people arrive, the bar becomes louder and livelier, with guests gathering around the counter and near the entrance. Music picks up pace and volume, and it is not unusual to see people singing along at their tables. Despite the increase in energy, the space remains small enough to feel personal rather than overwhelming.Design Details and Seating Choices
The interior design is simple and effective: dark tones on walls and furniture contrast with the glow from candles and the bar backlighting. This creates pockets of semi-privacy where you can talk without feeling on display. Most seating is informal high stools and small tables, so the bar suits able-bodied guests comfortable with climbing stairs and sitting upright; space is limited for those needing extensive legroom or very quiet corners. There is no elaborate décor or themed props; the aesthetic is more about mood than about statement pieces. The minimalist approach keeps attention on the drinks and the people, while subtle details such as the arrangement of bottles, glassware and lighting give the space a considered, polished feel. It is the kind of bar where you can dress up for a night out, but casual attire never feels out of place.Planning Your Evening at Bæst
Bæst Cocktailbar generally opens in the evening on weekends, staying open into the early hours, which makes it a natural fit for night owls and those exploring Copenhagen’s bar scene. The small size means it can feel quite full at peak times; arriving earlier in the evening increases the chances of finding a table without a wait. Drinks are ordered at the bar, and payments are typically handled directly with the bartender. There is no kitchen attached, so the focus stays on liquid refreshment rather than meals; many guests pair a visit here with dinner at nearby restaurants in Indre By. Mobile reception is usually reliable at street level and indoors, and the central location makes it easy to combine with other nightlife spots. For visitors who enjoy well-made cocktails in a relaxed, sociable setting, Bæst offers a compact but characterful slice of Copenhagen after dark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Roadtrip Stop
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
