The 10 Best Bars In Copenhagen You Need To Visit (2024)
Copenhagen is a wonderful city to visit, especially for those seeking exceptional restaurants and a thriving foodie scene. After dinner however, a visit to the best bars in Copenhagen is a must.
All around the city you’ll find lively spots, perfect for a glass of wine, cocktail, or a local beer.
I recently spent a long weekend in Copenhagen, exploring the Christmas Markets and eating my way through as many delicious brunches as possible! And along the way I happily discovered a heap of fun and beautiful Copenhagen bars.
So, whether you’re looking for a quirky cocktail during a day of exploring, a cold beer on a sunny day, or glass of wine after dinner, this guide has you covered.
Here are, in my opinion, the 10 best bars in Copenhagen.
The best bars in Copenhagen
If you’re looking for bars in Copenhagen, firstly, let me say you have plenty of options!
Cocktail bars, wine bars, champagne bars, traditional bars, scandi-minimalist bars… honestly, there are hundreds of wonderful places to drink across the city. Often, the best way to find them is to simply follow your feet. Or ask someone for recommendations - we found waiting staff always had the best local tips.
However, if you need some inspiration, these are my 10 favourite bars in Copenhagen. With a focus on the city centre, it’s not exhaustive - but it is a very good place to start:
1. Villa Vino
Address: Mikkel Bryggers Gade 11,1460 København
Best for: wine by the glass
There are heaps of exceptional Copenhagen wine bars, scattered throughout the city centre. But my personal favourite is Villa Vino.
Located in a very pretty pedestrian street, close to the city centre, Villa Vino has one of the best wine selections in a very cosy bar.
This bar offers dozens of wines by the glass, and from every wine producing country, like Spain, Italy, France, and New Zealand. But also from countries you might not expect, like Lebanon.
Personally, I recommend their very drinkable Spanish Rioja!
Be aware that prices can vary pretty dramatically between glasses, however, there are both very affordable and more expensive wines to choose from.
The outdoor terrace with its pretty pink canopies is a lovely spot for watching the world go by. Inside, the bar is cosy and bustling. We were lucky and nabbed the last table on a Saturday afternoon but it’s clearly a popular spot - you’ll want to book a table in advance at the weekend.
2. Brønnum
Address: August Bournonvilles Passage 1, 1055 København
Best for: wonderful cocktails and beautiful decor
Undoubtedly one of the best cocktail bars in Copenhagen, Brønnum has earned an excellent reputation thanks to its incredible drinks.
Situated near Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn, Brønnum is a welcome escape from the ever-busy streets of the city.
Inside, the atmosphere is mellow and the bar decor beautiful, with chandeliers and velvet creating a luxe cosy vibe. In fact, it’s probably the prettiest bar we visited in Copenhagen.
There are six rooms, or suites, to choose from - the first is light and bright, but they become steadily darker and more intimate the further into the bar you venture. All in, Brønnum strikes a perfect balance between casual afternoon drinks and upbeat evening cocktails.
The cocktail menu too is wonderful with quirky named drinks like a Fury Frappe and Lime In The Coconut. A must-visit bar in Copenhagen.
3. Kongens Bar
Address: Ny Adelgade 3, 1104 København
Best for: traditional pub
A more traditional Copenhagen bar, full of dark wood and brass fittings, this pub serves up Danish beer and is perfect for casual drinks with friends.
On tap, you’ll find ever-reliable Tuborg and we can confirm that beers in Kongens Bar are poured perfectly. Whilst behind the bar is a range of classic premium spirts.
We visited twice on our trip and the atmosphere was most definitely a lively one! Get in early at the weekend if you want a table, because it gets busy here with locals and seating is limited. Most people happily stand and chat - its a super friendly spot for both city dwellers and visitors alike.
We also found Kongens Bar to be one of the best Copenhagen bars for festive decor and it’s a must visit in December. Plus, their traditional sweet and spicy gløgg is some of the best in the city; mulled wine packed with raisins and orange peel.
A word of warning for non-smokers however: you will likely find people smoking in this bar, so avoid if that’s an issue. On our second visit we left quicker than anticipated due to the smoky air.
4. Ruby
Address: Nybrogade 10, 1203 København
Best for: casual & stylish cocktails
If you’re looking for a unique Copenhagen bar, then check out Ruby.
One of the city’s best-known spots for cocktails, the drinks and decor really set Ruby apart. Often described as “walking into friend’s living room”, it’s a cosy bar full of colourful art, chandeliers, vintage rugs, and leather back chairs.
The vibe at Ruby is somewhere between stylish and chilled, and it absolutely works.
The friendly mixologists are on-hand to help you navigate the quirky cocktail menu. Plus, there’re delicious bar snacks on offer, all of which will most definitely keep you here for a while!
One of the best bars in Copenhagen, trust me, you’ll visit more than once on your trip.
5. The Union Local
Address: Lille Strandstræde 16, 1254 København
Best for: speakeasy style cocktails
This dimly lit and intimate speakeasy is a bit of a hidden gem near colourful Nyhavn.
The wonderful cocktails and friendly mixologists have established The Union Local as one of the best bars in Copenhagen.
We ate brunch in the the Unions sister cafe (the Union Kitchen) and loved the buzzy atmosphere. Their cocktail bar is something of an extension of the cafe, with the same cool aesthetic and friendly approach.
It’s a popular spot with those in the know and the cocktail menu is one of the best we’ve seen. Choose from classics like a Negroni or Old Fashioned. Or dare to try something new and equally delicious, like a Danish Courage (vodka, grapes, and salty raspberry) or a Hey Honey (citrus gin and honey).
6. Kjær & Sommerfeldt Wine Bar
Address: Gammel Mønt 4, 1117 København
Best for: wine connoisseurs
Another of my favourite Copenhagen wine bars, the cosy spot is hidden inside Kjær & Sommerfeldt wine shop.
Either buy wine by the glass at the tiny bar. Or buy your favourite bottle in the wine shop and pay 155DKK (around £17) in corkage to enjoy the bottle at a table.
The bar itself is small and cosy, with a relaxed thrum of chatter and clinking glasses. This is a low-key spot with an older audience, so anyone looking for buzz should probably head elsewhere. However, we loved the chilled atmosphere.
Nab a stool by the bar or a smaller table in the back.
We ordered a glass of Bordeaux and found the prices to be very reasonable. Though the selection by the glass is limited, its also very good and clearly mindfully selected.
Though if you’re looking to enjoy a bottle you’ve a vast selection to choose from. Wine connoisseurs should be prepared to spend hours scouring the hundreds of bottles here!
Because it’s part of the shop, this Copenhagen wine bar closes at 6pm during the week and 8pm at the weekend. All in, the perfect place to relax with a glass of something in the afternoon or before dinner.
7. Cocks and Cows
Address: various locations
Best for: casual cocktails & beers
“Cocks is for cocktails, cows is for burgers” …
The food at Cocks and Cows is undoubtedly the biggest reason to visit this Copenhagen institution (highly recommend the Mr Cheddy Eddy burger and crispy twister fries btw).
But the drinks menu is equally incredible and easily makes this one of Copenhagen’s best bars.
There are various Cocks and Cows dotted around the city, including Tivoli Gardens, but what they all have in common is a fantastic cocktail menu. Choose from a range of classics, like a margarita, espresso martini, or whisky sour.
Beer lovers needn’t worry, as there’s also a decent range of lagers.
There’re usually gorgeous outdoor terraces in each venue, plus funky interiors, and a buzzy atmosphere. And unlike many of Copenhagen’s more hipster bars, the vibe here is laidback and happily casual.
8. Taphouse
Address: Lavendelstræde 15, 1462 København
Best for: serious beer drinkers
If you’re a fan of all things beer, definitely don’t miss Taphouse.
Situated close to the city centre, this is one of the best bars in Copenhagen for casual, low-key beers. Inside is rustic and relaxed, with knowledgeable staff serving up the best selection of beer we found in the city.
On the menu are lagers, ales, stouts, fruity numbers, blondes, and even smoked beers. Choose your favourite or sample a range with a beer tasting.
The perfect Copenhagen bar for beer lovers, or those curious about all things brewing.
9. Balthazar
Address: Hotel d’Angleterre, Ny Østergade 6, 1101 København
Best for: luxe cocktails and champagne
Cocktails bars in Copenhagen don’t come more luxurious than Balthazar.
Tucked away inside the Hotel d’Angleterre, Balthazar is first and foremast a champagne bar. However, they create some of the best cocktails in Copenhagen and it’s a must-visit if you’re seeking wonderfully made, and fun, drinks.
Choose a signature cocktail like the Downtown Abbey or Ice Queen. Or go classic, with a moreish Espresso Martini.
The setting is stylish and decor beautiful, plus you’ll frequently find DJ’s playing mellow music. All in, it’s a sophisticated Copenhagen bar and a gorgeous spot to spend an afternoon or evening.
10. Kayak Bar
Address: Børskaj 12, 1221 København
Best for: outdoor drinks in summer
Let me caveat this entry on our list by saying I appreciate that the drinks list is rather limited. However, it’s still one of the best bars in Copenhagen - for both its canal side position (and utterly delicious food).
During the summer months Kayak Bar is a fun spot and the outdoor tables are often packed; this is a great spot to enjoy beers and soak up the sun. It’s also one of the most chilled and casual bars on our list.
For drinks, the selection is small but excellent, with Danish beers on offer and a handful of good wines to choose from.
The biggest reason to visit however are the views over the canal. In the sun, this is laidback place with good vibes. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, hire a kayak from the bar and explore Copenhagen from the water!
Copenhagen bars: what to expect
Many Copenhagen bars encourage table bookings. If you have a must-visit bar in mind but are worried it’ll be busy, then check online for reservations.
Copenhagen bars are possibly the friendliest of any place we’ve visited. Every waiter, bar staff, and mixologist we spoke to were so lovely to chat with.
Everyone speaks English and the menus are generally written in English.
Outside, even in winter, you’ll find tables with little fires for warmth. Fairy lights adorn most canopies. And cosy blankets pile on the seats. Pull on your warmest jacket and do as the locals do, and embrace the cold!
Finally, a note on cost. Yes, Copenhagen is one of the more expensive European cities and drink prices tend to reflect that. If you’re on a budget then I recommend keeping a close eye on drink prices before settling down. Getting your head around the conversion rate from DKK to your currency will also massively help.
In my experience, beer tends to be the least expensive option. Whilst wine bars always offer wine by the glass and tend to have at least one or two affordable choices. Cocktails tend to cost around the 130DKK / £15 / $20 price.
Enjoy the best bars in Copenhagen
In my opinion, visiting the best bars in Copenhagen is a must when you’re exploring this beautiful city.
There’s so much atmosphere to soak up, plus heaps of choice when it comes to independent bars serving truly incredible drinks. Whether you love cocktails, wine, or beer - you’re guaranteed to find a bar (or two!) you love in Copenhagen.
If you’re planning a trip to the Danish capital this festive season, have a read of my Copenhagen Christmas Market guide.
You may also like where to go for brunch in Copenhagen and Copenhagen’s best restaurants (coming soon).
Photo credits and thanks to Brønnum, Cocks and Cows, and Ruby.
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