Riesen Bar, Vesterbro

Smoky, late-night Vesterbro bar with strong drinks, lived-in charm, and a distinctly local buzz that stretches long past midnight.

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Riesen Bar

Riesen Bar is a smoky, old-school neighborhood bar on Oehlenschlægersgade in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district, known for late-night hours, strong drinks, and an unpolished, lived-in charm. Inside, low lighting, worn wooden furniture, and music from changing playlists create an intimate, slightly rowdy atmosphere that feels more like a local living room than a polished cocktail lounge. It’s a place for long conversations, jukebox-style vibes, and people‑watching until well past midnight.

A brief summary to Riesen Bar

Oehlenschlægersgade 36, Copenhagen, København V, 1663, DK
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Wednesday 8 pm-3:30 am
Thursday 8 pm-3:30 am
Friday 8 pm-3:30 am
Saturday 8 pm-3:30 am

Local tips

Expect a smoky interior; if you are sensitive, aim for earlier in the evening when the room is a little less dense.
Come with a small group and share a ‘kande’ pitcher for a budget-friendly way to settle in for a longer night.
Weekends can be very crowded; if you prefer a seat and quieter atmosphere, try arriving close to opening time.
Do not rely on substantial food options here; treat Riesen as a drinks bar and eat before or after your visit.
Bring cashless payment methods commonly used in Denmark, as many Copenhagen bars operate primarily with card or mobile payments.

Riesen Bar location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Riesen Bar

A Vesterbro Local’s Living Room After Dark

Riesen Bar sits on a residential street in Vesterbro, one of Copenhagen’s most characterful inner-city districts, and feels immediately like a local secret. Step inside and you leave the orderly streets behind for a dim, tobacco-hued room where the bar counter is the natural focal point. Furniture is mismatched in a deliberate, effortless way; tables and chairs look like they’ve lived many nights already and are more about comfort than design. The crowd is a mix of Vesterbro regulars, students, night-shift workers winding down, and visitors who have wandered a little off the main drag. The result is a come-as-you-are atmosphere: no dress code, no need to impress, just a steady murmur of conversation under the music. It is the kind of place where time easily slips from late evening into early morning.

Drinks, ‘Kander’ and Late-Night Rituals

The bar menu leans into the classics: well-poured beer, straightforward mixed drinks, and plenty of shots for spontaneous toasts. This is not a craft-cocktail laboratory but a spot where your drink arrives fast, cold, and generously measured. Pitchers – the Danish-style ‘kande’ – are a social staple here, ideal for sharing at crowded tables when a single round will not quite do. The late opening hours turn Riesen into a reliable final stop on a night out. It works equally well as a place to start slowly with a beer and a chat, or to end the evening when most other doors have closed. As the night progresses, the volume climbs, and the bar shifts from low-key to lively, sometimes bordering on raucous at weekends.

Music, Smoke and Old-School Edge

Music is a big part of Riesen’s character. Playlists lean on rock, indie, classics from the 80s and 90s, and whatever the staff is in the mood for. On some nights the soundtrack feels almost curated; on others it is more eclectic, matching the bar’s slightly anarchic personality. The sound fills the compact room without drowning conversations, giving the bar its warm, enveloping buzz. One thing that defines the space is the presence of indoor smoke. This lends the room a dense, old-bar patina that regulars accept as part of the charm, but it can be intense if you are sensitive to it. The lighting is low, corners are shadowy, and the overall impression is of a bar that has chosen mood over minimalism.

Nooks, Tables and Social Energy

The layout encourages socializing: a stretch of bar stools for solo visitors or pairs who like to chat with the bartender, and smaller tables that quickly fill with groups. On busy weekend nights, it can feel almost standing-room only, with people perched wherever they can find space. That fullness is part of the experience, adding to the sense of being folded into the neighborhood’s nightlife. If you prefer to watch rather than participate, there is usually a corner chair or wall-side seat where you can settle in with a drink and observe the ebb and flow. Conversation overlaps languages and backgrounds, from Danish to English and beyond, reflecting Copenhagen’s cosmopolitan side in a compact room.

Who Will Enjoy Riesen Bar

Riesen suits travelers who enjoy unpolished, genuine bars more than curated design spots. It is ideal for small groups of friends, couples who like people-watching and late-night talk, and solo visitors who are comfortable striking up conversation at the bar. The mood is casual rather than romantic, but the dim lighting and music can make it an atmospheric place for a low-key date. Because of the indoor smoke, noise level, and late hours, it is less suited to young children or those seeking a quiet evening. There is no strong emphasis on food; this is a drinks-first venue. For many, though, that singular focus is exactly what makes Riesen an essential piece of the Vesterbro bar puzzle.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Enghaveparken

0.5 km

Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.

Frihedsstøtten

1.0 km

Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.

Copenhagen Central Station

1.0 km

Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.

Cykelslangen

1.0 km

An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.

Copenhagen Visitor Service

1.1 km

Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.

Elefantporten

1.1 km

Four monumental granite elephants carry a historic brewery tower on their backs, blending whimsy, symbolism and industrial heritage in the heart of Carlsberg Byen.

Copenhagen Central Post Building

1.1 km

A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.

Havneholmen 33

1.2 km

Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.

Storm P. Museum

1.3 km

Delve into the world of Danish humor and satirical art at the Storm P. Museum, where whimsical cartoons, eccentric inventions, and cultural history come alive in Frederiksberg.

H. C. Andersens Blvd.

1.4 km

A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.

Lur Blowers

1.5 km

Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.

Frederiksberg Town Hall

1.5 km

Brick-clad beacon of Frederiksberg’s independence, this 1950s functionalist town hall blends civic power, mid‑century Danish design and views across leafy Copenhagen.

Museum of Copenhagen

1.5 km

Explore Copenhagen's captivating history at the Museum of Copenhagen, from Viking settlements to modern marvels, through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.

Frederiksberg Palace

1.6 km

Frederiksberg Palace: majestic Baroque castle on Frederiksberg Hill, surrounded by elegant gardens, royal history, and panoramic views in the heart of Copenhagen.

Søndermarken

1.6 km

Historic parklands in Frederiksberg with grand avenues, romantic woodlands, royal pavilions, and subterranean secrets—an urban oasis blending nature and history.

Unmissable attractions to see

Istedgade

0.4 km

Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.

Folkehuset Absalon

0.4 km

Copenhagen's beloved community gathering space where strangers share meals, create art, and build genuine connections.

Fermentoren

0.4 km

Discover Denmark’s maritime legacy at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør, where innovative architecture meets interactive storytelling and rich seafaring history.

Værnedamsvej

0.5 km

Copenhagen’s “Little Paris”: a short, atmospheric street where historic food shops, French-inflected cafés and design boutiques create an intimate, everyday city buzz.

Falkonerbrønden

0.5 km

A star-studded stroll in Copenhagen: the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame celebrates Danish legends along one of the city’s most iconic boulevards.

Freddys Bar

0.5 km

Discover Denmark’s maritime heritage and cutting-edge architecture at Helsingør’s award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, set in a stunning subterranean dry dock near Kronborg Castle.

Det Ny Teater

0.5 km

Historic Belle Époque playhouse turned musical powerhouse, Det Ny Teater blends gilded grandeur, modern stagecraft and big‑scale productions in the heart of Copenhagen.

Mikkeller Bar

0.6 km

Stændertorvet is Roskilde’s historic central square, bustling with markets, events, and iconic views of the UNESCO-listed cathedral at the city’s vibrant core.

Frederiksberg Allé

0.7 km

Copenhagen’s historic royal boulevard, where linden trees, theatres and elegant facades lead from city bustle to the green calm of Frederiksberg Gardens.

Øksnehallen

0.8 km

Vast former cattle hall turned cultural venue, Øksnehallen blends industrial heritage, daylight-filled architecture and flexible space for major fairs, art shows and events.

Planetarium

0.8 km

Immerse yourself in razor‑sharp journeys through the cosmos beneath Europe’s largest tilted dome at Copenhagen’s lakeside Planetarium, a family‑friendly hub of space science.

Frederiksberg Walk of Fame

0.8 km

Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.

Model train display

1.0 km

Discover the enchanting Model Train Display in Copenhagen, showcasing intricate landscapes and charming miniature railways for all ages.

Red Sightseeing Copenhagen

1.1 km

Hands-on science, vintage vehicles, and maritime history come together in this interactive, family-friendly branch of Malmö Museum, housed in an iconic industrial building.

The Tube

1.1 km

Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.

Andalusian-inspired tasting menus, serious wine and cocktails, and a warm candlelit atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Funky Junky

0.2 km

Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

0.4 km

Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.

Artikel København

0.5 km

Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.

C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts

1.0 km

A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.

Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall

1.1 km

Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.

Souvenir Gift Shop

1.1 km

Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.

Tivoli Gift Shop

1.2 km

A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.

Wonderful Souvenirs

1.5 km

Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.

Danish Souvenirs

1.5 km

Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.

København K

1.5 km

Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.

Viking Souvenirs

1.6 km

Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.

Carmen Copenhagen

1.6 km

Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.

Wasteland

1.6 km

A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.

Quirky Lane

1.6 km

Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.

Souvenir Shop

1.7 km

Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Riesen Bar

0.0 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.

The House of Machines Copenhagen

0.3 km

Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.

Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar

0.3 km

Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Märkbar

0.4 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.

Lidkoeb

0.4 km

Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.

JOJO

0.4 km

Colourful neighbourhood cocktail bar in Vesterbro, serving freshly crafted drinks on tap in a relaxed, sociable setting that suits pre-drinks, dates and casual nights.

1656 Cocktail Bar

0.5 km

Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.

Amigo Bar

0.6 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.

Mesteren & Lærlingen

0.6 km

Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.

Spunk

0.7 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.

Curfew

0.7 km

Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.

Jolene Bar

0.7 km

Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.

bird

0.8 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.

La Fée Verte

0.8 km

Discover La Fée Verte, a charming bar in Frederiksberg, offering exquisite cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.

CUBE bar

0.8 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

The Union

0.4 km

Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.

Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub

0.5 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.

Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub

0.6 km

Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.

KB3

0.6 km

Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.

Baggen

0.6 km

Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.

CristalClubCopenhagen

0.6 km

Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.

Den Anden Side

1.1 km

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.

Never Mind

1.1 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.

Module

1.3 km

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.

Haven - Events

1.4 km

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.

GAY Copenhagen Nightclub

1.4 km

Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.

Moon Club

1.5 km

Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.

Club Mambo

1.5 km

Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.

Cosy Bar

1.6 km

Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.

Dorsia

1.6 km

Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.

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Riesen Bar, Vesterbro

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Discover more about Riesen Bar

A Vesterbro Local’s Living Room After Dark

Drinks, ‘Kander’ and Late-Night Rituals

Music, Smoke and Old-School Edge

Nooks, Tables and Social Energy

Who Will Enjoy Riesen Bar

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Enghaveparken

Frihedsstøtten

Copenhagen Central Station

Cykelslangen

Copenhagen Visitor Service

Elefantporten

Copenhagen Central Post Building

Havneholmen 33

Storm P. Museum

H. C. Andersens Blvd.

Lur Blowers

Frederiksberg Town Hall

Museum of Copenhagen

Frederiksberg Palace

Søndermarken

Unmissable attractions to see

Istedgade

Folkehuset Absalon

Fermentoren

Værnedamsvej

Falkonerbrønden

Freddys Bar

Det Ny Teater

Mikkeller Bar

Frederiksberg Allé

Øksnehallen

Planetarium

Frederiksberg Walk of Fame

Model train display

Red Sightseeing Copenhagen

The Tube

Essential places to dine

Bevi Bevi

Restaurant Spuntino

Madklubben Vesterbro

Delphine

Paté Paté

Fleisch

Cofoco

Kødbyens Fiskebar

Frederik the VI

Ristorante Buono

Je t'aime

Maple Casual Dining

Restaurant Polly København

Smagsløget

LUN restaurant & winebar

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Funky Junky

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Artikel København

C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts

Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall

Souvenir Gift Shop

Tivoli Gift Shop

Wonderful Souvenirs

Danish Souvenirs

København K

Viking Souvenirs

Carmen Copenhagen

Wasteland

GAY Copenhagen Nightclub