Top 10 Bars in Copenhagen

Last updated: October 2026

The best bars in Copenhagen cover almost every taste: a pioneering cocktail bar in a historic townhouse, a Vesterbro speakeasy behind a bookshelf, craft beer cellars that made the city famous among brewers, and a wine tavern that has poured drinks for around 300 years. The city is compact and walkable, so you can taste several styles in one evening.

This guide covers 10 of the best bars in Copenhagen, with a practical box for each one: how to get there, how long to allow, the best time to go and one tip. Further down you will find a short glossary of what to drink, bar routes for one to three nights, where to stay, how to get home late and a budget guide. Opening hours and booking rules change, so use the links to official tourism pages and check before you go. If you are also planning where to eat, our guide to the best places to eat in Copenhagen pairs well with this one.

Quick answer: What are the best bars in Copenhagen? For cocktails, start with Ruby, Lidkoeb and Curfew. For craft beer, go to Mikkeller Bar, Fermentoren, WarPigs or BRUS. For something old and atmospheric, try Hviids Vinstue, and for natural wine, head to Pompette in Nørrebro.

Quick comparison: the best bars in Copenhagen

1. Ruby

Ruby is the cocktail bar that put Copenhagen on the international bar map, and it is still one of the best. It opened in a historic townhouse on Nybrogade, close to Christiansborg Palace and the canal, and it was among the first serious cocktail bars in the city.

The setting is part of the appeal. You enter through an ordinary-looking door into a series of rooms that feel like a private home, with a cellar bar below and a courtyard for warmer evenings. The look is intimate and a little theatrical, with dark wood, soft light and sofas rather than stools. Service is friendly rather than stiff, which is typical of Danish bars.

The cocktail list mixes well-made classics with the bar’s own creations, and the bartenders are happy to build a drink around your tastes. If you are unsure, describe what you normally drink, whether that is bitter, sour, smoky or fruity, and let them choose. It is a good first stop of the evening or a calm place to finish, because the music stays low enough for conversation.

Ruby is popular, and the small rooms fill up at weekends. Guides recommend checking the booking page before you go, especially for groups. Walk-ins are often possible earlier in the evening, but you may wait for a seat later on. It sits within a short walk of Strøget, Slotsholmen and the Round Tower, so it works well at the end of a sightseeing day in the old centre.

• How to get there: A 10 minute walk from Rådhuspladsen or Kongens Nytorv, or a short walk from Christiansborg.
• How long to spend: About 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening for a seat, or later for the buzz.
• Tip: Check the bar’s own website for booking and current opening days, and ask for a drink to suit your taste.

2. Lidkoeb

Lidkoeb is a three-floor cocktail and whisky bar in a listed building on Vesterbrogade, set back in a courtyard off the main street. It features on The World’s 50 Best Bars discovery pages, and it remains one of the most popular places in Vesterbro.

Each floor has its own mood. The ground floor is the main cocktail bar, with a relaxed feel, a fireplace and a garden in the courtyard that fills up on summer evenings. Upstairs there is a small bar in an assembly-room style space, and the top floor is described as a cosy living room with a small fireplace, where the focus is on whisky. In winter that top floor is the one to aim for.

The cocktail list reworks classics with careful touches and adds house creations, so you can order a familiar Old Fashioned or something more unusual. If whisky interests you, ask the staff about tastings or flights, which have been offered on some evenings. The staff are good at guiding newcomers through a long spirits list without making them feel out of their depth.

Because it spreads over three floors, Lidkoeb works well for groups, and it is a good place to start a Vesterbro night out before heading to the beer bars nearby. It can be busy on Friday and Saturday nights, so arrive early for a seat in the garden or on the upper floors.

• How to get there: A 10 minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station along Vesterbrogade, or take a bus along the same street.
• How long to spend: About 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening, before the weekend crowds.
• Tip: Look for the entrance through the passage off Vesterbrogade, and see the Visit Copenhagen listing for current information.

3. Curfew

Curfew is a Prohibition-style speakeasy in Vesterbro, close to Copenhagen Central Station, and it is one of the most atmospheric places for a cocktail in the city. Guides describe a hidden entrance, including a door behind a bookshelf, and a room filled with eclectic memorabilia that matches the era it imitates.

This is a bar that plays the theme with care. The lighting is low and the cocktail list leans towards classic recipes, made with attention to balance rather than showmanship. If you prefer something lighter, the bartenders can steer you towards a sour or a highball.

It is an easy bar to combine with others in the area. Central Station, Tivoli Gardens and the nightlife of Vesterbro are all close, and you can walk between several cocktail and beer bars in a few minutes. That also makes it a handy first or last stop for visitors who arrive or leave by train.

Reservations are strongly recommended, because the room is small and the format means staff may limit numbers. A recent bar guide advises checking the booking page first, especially for Ruby and Curfew. Treat it as a place for one or two carefully made drinks, not a bar to spend the whole night in.

• How to get there: A short walk from Copenhagen Central Station, or from the Tivoli Gardens entrance.
• How long to spend: About 1 to 2 hours.
• Best time to go: Evening, on a booked table.
• Tip: Confirm the exact address and booking rules on the bar’s website before you go.

4. Balderdash

Balderdash is a lively cocktail bar in the inner city that shows world-class drinks and an energetic atmosphere can go together. It sits on Valkendorfsgade in the old centre, near the Round Tower, and it draws a mixed crowd of locals, visitors and people from the city’s hospitality scene.

Where Ruby feels hushed and Curfew feels theatrical, Balderdash is social. The room is busy, the music is louder and the bartenders keep the pace up. The drinks are still carefully made, with a menu of modern cocktails, some inventive and some familiar.

It is a sensible choice for a group or for the middle of a bar crawl, when you want energy rather than quiet. Visitors who arrive without a booking can usually find a place at the bar earlier in the evening, though weekends fill up. If you are a solo traveller, the bar counter is the best spot because the bartenders will talk through the menu and recommend something.

The area around it has plenty of food options, so Balderdash works well after dinner or as a pre-dinner drink. Check a map or the bar’s own page before you set out to confirm the address and opening days.

• How to get there: A short walk from Kongens Nytorv or Rådhuspladsen.
• How long to spend: About 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Best time to go: Evening, for the busy atmosphere.
• Tip: Sit at the bar and ask for a recommendation, and check opening days before you go.

5. Mikkeller Bar

Mikkeller Bar is the original craft beer bar of the Mikkeller brewery, in a small cellar on Viktoriagade in Vesterbro. Mikkeller is one of the best-known craft brewers in the world, and this is where its bar story began. The brewery’s own site describes it as the first Mikkeller Bar, and Visit Copenhagen describes a bar with taps from Mikkeller and other top breweries, plus cheese, snacks, meats and a bottle list.

The room is small and plain, with a long bar and a modest number of taps, so it feels more like a neighbourhood pub than a theme venue. The beers are the point: hoppy IPAs, sours, stouts and seasonal specials, many brewed by Mikkeller itself and some by guest breweries. Staff are used to beer newcomers and will give you small tasters before you commit to a glass.

If you are new to craft beer, say what you usually drink, and ask for something similar. Fans of strong or experimental beers will find plenty to try as well. The bar also serves simple food such as cheese and charcuterie, which is a good match for a few rounds.

Mikkeller has other bars in the city, including Mikkeller & Friends in Nørrebro, and a taproom on Refshaleøen focused on wild and barrel-aged beers, so you can build a beer route across the city. A third-party guide suggests arriving earlier in the day on Saturdays to get a counter seat, so plan accordingly if you want to sit.

• How to get there: A 10 to 15 minute walk from Central Station, or a short walk from Vesterbro’s main streets.
• How long to spend: About 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening, or Saturday afternoon for a seat.
• Tip: Ask for a taster of two or three beers before you pick a full glass.

6. Hviids Vinstue

Hviids Vinstue is a historic wine tavern on Kongens Nytorv, dating to 1723 according to commonly cited sources, and it is often described as the oldest wine bar or beer tavern in Copenhagen. VisitDenmark says it has been in the same location for almost 300 years. That is a long time to survive the city’s fires, wars and occupation.

Inside, it is dark and cosy, with wood panelling, candlelight and walls of portraits showing actors and writers connected to the nearby Royal Theatre. It feels like a place where conversations go on late, and where nothing has been redesigned for Instagram. The crowd is a mix of older regulars, theatre-goers and curious visitors.

The classic drink here is gløgg, a Danish spiced mulled wine, which VisitDenmark says is served from 11 November each year. If you are visiting in December, our guide to the best Christmas markets in Europe helps you plan a festive city break around that glass. Outside the Christmas season, wine, beer and simple Danish food are the better choices, and reviewers often mention smørrebrød, the traditional open sandwiches. It is a good place to sample old Copenhagen without paying the prices of a tourist restaurant.

Because of its position, Hviids is easy to add to a walk. Nyhavn, the Royal Theatre and the shopping street Strøget are all close, so you can stop here for a drink between sights. The room is small, so it may be full in the evening around the holiday season, and you might need to wait or come at a quieter time.

• How to get there: Metro to Kongens Nytorv (several lines stop there), then a short walk across the square.
• How long to spend: About 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Best time to go: Late afternoon, or in the weeks before Christmas for gløgg.
• Tip: Try a smørrebrød with your drink, and check current opening days on the official tourism page.

7. WarPigs

WarPigs is a brewpub and barbecue kitchen in Kødbyen, the former meatpacking district in Vesterbro. It was created in the mid-2010s as a partnership between Mikkeller and the American brewery 3 Floyds, and it combines on-site brewing with Texas-style smoked meat. The big, industrial space suits groups.

The beer list is long, with around two dozen beers on tap according to one guide, and a mix of house brews and favourites from both breweries. The mood is loud and casual, with long tables and a relaxed approach to service. If you are hungry, the barbecue is the draw, and sharing platters are the easiest way to try a bit of everything. Vegetarians should check the current menu in advance.

Kødbyen is one of the liveliest parts of Copenhagen after dark, with restaurants, bars and small clubs set in the old meat-market buildings. That makes WarPigs a good first stop, followed by a walk around the district. Songkick listings show the venue hosting events in 2026 and 2027, which suggests it is still active, but no official statement confirmed current opening times, so check its website or social media.

Come hungry and with a group if you can. The food and beer are designed for sharing, and it can feel too big for a quiet date.

• How to get there: A 10 minute walk from Central Station, or by bus or S-train to Dybbølsbro and then a short walk.
• How long to spend: About 1.5 to 2 hours, longer if you eat.
• Best time to go: Early evening, before it fills with groups.
• Tip: Share a barbecue platter, and confirm that it is open on the day you plan to go.

8. Fermentoren

Fermentoren is a candlelit basement beer bar on Halmtorvet in Vesterbro, close to the Kødbyen district and Central Station. Listings describe a cellar bar with about two dozen rotating taps, rock music on the stereo and a beer garden in summer. The atmosphere is relaxed and local, with a crowd that is more regular than tourist.

The beer list changes often, with a focus on craft beers from Denmark and abroad. Staff are knowledgeable and will help you choose if the board looks overwhelming. You can expect a range from light, easy-drinking lagers to hoppy IPAs and strong barrel-aged beers, so there is something for most tastes. A few snacks are available, but people come mainly for the beer and the setting.

The cellar is small and low-ceilinged, which gives it a warm, cosy feel in winter and makes it crowded on busy nights. In summer the terrace becomes the main attraction, with tables on the square outside. It is a good place to meet friends, because the music is loud enough to set a mood but not so loud that you cannot talk.

Fermentoren is a sensible alternative to the more famous Mikkeller bars if you want a quieter, more everyday craft beer experience. It is close to WarPigs and Mikkeller Bar, so you can combine all three in one evening. See Visit Copenhagen for details.

• How to get there: A 5 to 10 minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station.
• How long to spend: About 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Best time to go: Evening, or a summer afternoon for the terrace.
• Tip: Ask the bar staff for a taster of an unfamiliar beer before ordering a full glass.

9. Pompette

Pompette is a natural wine bar in a basement in Nørrebro, on Møllegade, and it is a favourite of the neighbourhood’s wine drinkers. Guides say it opened in 2018 and was founded by two owners with French wine backgrounds, which shows in its relaxed, bistro-style approach. Visit Copenhagen lists it among the city’s wine bars.

Natural wine is the focus. The list is made up of small producers who work with minimal intervention, and it includes whites, reds, oranges and sparkling wines. Glasses are available, and bottles are available too. Visit Copenhagen describes simple cheese, charcuterie and small cold dishes to go with the wine.

If natural wine is new to you, tell the staff what you usually drink and ask for something close. Natural wines can taste cloudy, funky or tart, and a good bar will help you find a gentler way in. The food is simple and made for sharing, so it works as a light supper as well as a place for a drink.

Nørrebro is Copenhagen’s most multicultural and youthful neighbourhood, so a visit here also gives you a different side of the city than the old centre. The streets around Møllegade and Jægersborggade are good for walking, with small shops, cafes and galleries nearby. Because the room is small, booking is wise at weekends.

• How to get there: Metro to Nørrebro or Forum, then bus or walk, or cycle from the centre in about 15 minutes.
• How long to spend: About 1 to 2 hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening, before the dinner rush.
• Tip: Say what you normally like and ask for a similar natural wine.

10. BRUS

BRUS is a brewpub in a former factory in Nørrebro, run by the Danish brewery To Øl, and it combines a brewery, a bar, a restaurant and a bottle shop under one roof. VisitDenmark describes a space of around 750 square metres with fermentation tanks and oak barrels visible as you walk in.

The beer is brewed on site, which means unusually fresh beer. Expect a long list of draught beers, with styles ranging from light lagers and pale ales to sours and strong stouts, plus some kegged cocktails. Tap counts vary between sources, from more than 20 to more than 30, so treat any exact number with caution. The ambitious restaurant is run by its own chef and offers food that goes beyond pub snacks, though you can also just drink at the bar.

VisitDenmark also describes a basement bodega with DJs on some nights and quiz evenings, so the programme changes through the week. That makes BRUS a good choice if you want somewhere with a lively, social mood and a variety of rooms, rather than a single pub.

If you want to take a few bottles or cans home, ask at the bar whether the bottle shop is open, as its days and times may differ from the bar’s. Guldbergsgade is a short ride from the lakes and Nørrebro’s main streets, so you can pair BRUS with a walk along the water or a visit to Pompette.

• How to get there: Bus or bike from the centre to Guldbergsgade in Nørrebro, about 15 minutes.
• How long to spend: About 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Best time to go: Evening, or a weekend afternoon for a relaxed visit.
• Tip: Check the Visit Copenhagen listing for current details.

How to choose the right bar in Copenhagen

Pick by mood first. For serious cocktails, choose Ruby, Lidkoeb or Curfew. For beer, Mikkeller Bar, Fermentoren, WarPigs and BRUS cover very different moods, from tiny cellar to big brewpub. For wine, Pompette is the natural pick, and for history, Hviids Vinstue.

Then think about the neighbourhood. Vesterbro has the highest concentration of bars within walking distance, the old centre has the classics, and Nørrebro is the best choice for a more local evening. A recent cocktail guide notes that Vesterbro suits discreet entrances and late energy, while Nørrebro and Frederiksberg suit a quieter, more local pace.

What to drink in Copenhagen

• Craft beer (håndværksøl): Copenhagen’s signature drink, from light lagers to sours and imperial stouts.
• Gløgg: Danish mulled wine with spices, traditionally served in the weeks before Christmas.
• Akvavit: a caraway-flavoured spirit, often served ice cold with food.
• Natural wine: low-intervention wine from small producers, common in Nørrebro and Vesterbro.
• Smørrebrød: open sandwiches that pair well with beer or akvavit.
• Classic cocktails: Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Negroni, made well at the city’s cocktail bars.

Suggested routes for 1, 2 or 3 nights

One night: Start with a drink at Ruby, walk to Vesterbro for a cocktail at Lidkoeb, and finish with a beer at Mikkeller Bar.

Two nights: Add an evening in Vesterbro’s beer district: Fermentoren, then WarPigs for barbecue, then Curfew for a final cocktail (book ahead).

Three nights: Spend your third evening in Nørrebro with natural wine at Pompette and dinner or beer at BRUS. Add a daytime or early-evening stop at Hviids Vinstue on another night for a taste of old Copenhagen.

Where to stay for a bar-hopping trip

• Vesterbro: the best base for bars, close to Central Station and the beer and cocktail scene, though it can be noisy.
• Indre By (the old centre): walkable to Ruby, Hviids Vinstue and the main sights, with a wide range of hotels.
• Nørrebro: local, youthful and good value, with natural wine and brewpubs on the doorstep.
• Near Central Station: practical for trains and the airport, and close to Curfew and Tivoli.

Getting around Copenhagen at night

Central Copenhagen is compact, and many bars here are within a 15 to 20 minute walk of each other. Cycling is popular, but do not ride after drinking. The Metro is useful for longer hops: according to Visit Copenhagen, the Metro runs around the clock, and frequency drops overnight, so check the journey planner for the latest information. S-trains also run through the night at weekends. Night buses exist as well, but check the official journey planner for routes. Taxis are available but relatively expensive.

Etiquette and timing

Danes tend to eat dinner early and drink afterwards, so bars fill up from the late evening. Service is relaxed, and you usually order and pay at the bar in casual places. Tipping is not expected, as service is included in the price, though rounding up is fine. Many bars take cards only, but it is worth checking small places. Craft beer and cocktail bars can be strict about reservations, so book Ruby and Curfew in advance.

Budget guidance

• Budget: Hviids Vinstue, Fermentoren and a beer at Mikkeller Bar. Supermarket beer is the cheapest option of all.
• Mid-range: Lidkoeb, Balderdash, WarPigs, Pompette and BRUS.
• Splurge: Ruby and Curfew, particularly if you order several cocktails.

Copenhagen is an expensive city for drinking, so plan your budget before you go. To save money, drink early, choose beer over cocktails, and mix one or two splurge bars with cheaper stops. Check each venue’s own page for current menus.

Discover More Great Bars and Beer Halls

If Copenhagen’s bar scene has you hooked, take the same approach to another city: read our guide to the best bars in Madrid for tapas-fuelled late nights, or see our pick of the best beer halls and beer gardens in Munich for a very different beer culture. Before you book dinner, our guide to the best places to eat in Copenhagen covers the food side of the trip.

Featured image: Photo by Jahanzeb Ahsan on Unsplash