Den Anden Side, Zealand Travel Guide

Basement beats under a candy-coloured cinema

Hidden beneath the pastel façade of one of Copenhagen’s oldest cinemas at Axeltorv, Den Anden Side lives up to its name as “The Other Side” of the city’s nightlife. Step down into the basement and the outside world quickly fades; ceilings drop lower, light grows darker, and a pulsing sound system takes over. The venue feels compact yet labyrinthine, with bar areas, a focused dancefloor and tucked-away corners that give it the atmosphere of a true underground club rather than a polished mainstream venue.The setting in the heart of Indre By makes it surprisingly central, but the mood inside is deliberately removed from the tourist strip. Once you pass the door, the emphasis shifts from seeing and being seen to losing yourself in sound and movement for hours at a stretch.

A sanctuary for underground electronic sounds

Den Anden Side defines itself as a niche music venue, centring faster and more alternative styles of electronic music. Expect line-ups leaning into house, techno, trance, bass-heavy sounds and occasionally experimental or performance-based sets that blur the boundary between club night and art happening. The programming is curated to attract different sub-scenes across weekends, with events that often carry strong visual identities, dress codes or conceptual themes.The in-house sound system is tuned for impact, delivering the kind of punch and clarity that rewards long sessions on the dancefloor. Lighting is equally integral to the experience, with strobes and color washes used to sculpt the room into a shifting, hypnotic environment. Rather than a place to hover at the bar, this is a club built around dancing as the main act.

Queer-friendly ethos and conscious clubbing

At the core of Den Anden Side is a clearly articulated vision: to create a space where especially minoritised communities can feel safe, respected and free to express themselves. The door policy varies by event, from softer selection nights to more curated evenings where staff actively balance the crowd to protect the club’s culture. The goal is not exclusivity for its own sake, but a careful stewardship of vibe, consent and care.Inside, the focus on mutual respect is visible in everything from signage to staff presence. Guests are encouraged to be aware of the space they take up, to give others room to dance, and to treat flirtation and contact with caution and empathy. A darkroom exists as an intimate zone, governed by its own strict rules and staffed check-ins to ensure boundaries are protected.

Dancefloor rules: phones down, presence up

Den Anden Side treats the dancefloor almost like a temple to rhythm. Talking loudly over the music, blocking circulation or constantly filming are discouraged. Photography is kept to a minimum, reinforcing an atmosphere where people can dress, move and interact without worrying about ending up online. Earplugs are available at the bar, and guests are reminded to hydrate, rest and tune into their own limits as the night stretches toward morning.The physical space includes several steps and changes in level both at the entrance and inside, which can pose challenges for some visitors. Flashing lights and dense sound are integral to the production, so those with sensitivities should plan accordingly. Staff carry basic first aid supplies and are trained to respond to issues related to safety, consent or wellbeing.

Practicalities of a long Copenhagen night

Open mainly from very late evenings into the following morning on weekends, Den Anden Side is engineered for extended stays. The bar serves beer, mixed drinks and soft options, and cashless payment keeps queues moving quickly. There is no outdoor area, so smoking breaks and fresh air moments stay close to the entrance.Cover charges can vary by event, with some nights featuring international guests or special concepts that command higher entrance prices. Once inside, though, the emphasis is on an all-encompassing experience rather than quick turnover. For those who care more about sound quality, community-minded clubbing and an alternative, queer-friendly energy than bottle service or VIP booths, this basement hideout offers one of the most singular nocturnal worlds in central Copenhagen.