The best bars in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has built a strong reputation for design, food and – lately – fashion, but it’s also punching above its weight when it comes to bars. In Denmark, beer is integral to its culinary repertoire, and multiple craft breweries and taprooms can be found across the city, interspersed with traditional bodegas – the Danish equivalent to a corner pub that’s usually wood panelled, smoker-friendly, and open late. But most notable of all is its stellar wine scene. Spurred by the philosophy of the New Nordic Cuisine and spearheaded by Noma’s head sommelier, restaurants began to match natural wines to their menus, giving rise to a growing number of importers and dedicated wine bars.

Where to drink in Copenhagen

Like most capital cities, Copenhagen has a strong neighbourhood culture with locals spending much of their leisure time close to home. As a result, you’ll find great spots to grab a drink in most parts of town but there are some areas that stand out for good reason: Copenhagen K allures with cosy cobblestone streets, the former industrial area Holmen offers front row seats to catch the sunset at Copenhagen’s waterfront, while the meatpacking district in Vesterbro is home to a buzzing nightlife scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail, natural wine or beer, Copenhagen has something for you up its sleeve.

Copenhagen K

Rosforth & Rosforth

Best for: A sunset drink by the water
Location: Knippelsbrogade 10, 1409 Copenhagen K
Price: By the glass from 75 DKK, by the bottle from 200 DKK

Rosforth & Rosforth wine merchant supplies some of Copenhagen’s best restaurants, and is said to have been the first in the city to import natural wine. In a small room under Knippelsbro bridge, which connects the city centre with neighbouring Christianshavn, the team runs a small natural wine bar. On sunny days, you’ll spot people lining the waterfront, populating the communal tables and sitting on the floor while enjoying chilled natural wines bought over the counter. The atmosphere is lively and low-key, punctuated with evening sun and dips in the harbour – all the ingredients you need for a classic Copenhagen summer evening.

Ved Stranden 10

Best for: Afternoon alfresco sipping
Location: Ved Stranden 10, 1061 Copenhagen K
Price: By the glass from 90 DKK, bottles from 300 DKK

With a lovely terrace just next to the canal that gets plenty of evening sun, Ved Stranden 10 is the perfect spot for a sunny day. Combining an original glass ceiling and wooden counter with simple, chic furniture, the small but spacious bar makes feels like stepping into a fancy old lady’s Copenhagen apartment. The wine selection is plentiful, predominantly natural and European with expressions ranging from easy to drink to complex and rare wines. Letting the team suggest something to match your taste is the way to go here. There’s also a short but elevated bar menu, making this the kind of spot you seek out for a glass but end up having a light dinner at. If you’re in need of a full dinner, head down the road to their sister restaurant Admiralgade 26.

Ruby

Best for: An indulgent cocktail night
Location: Nybrogade 10, 1203 Copenhagen K
Price: Cocktails from 120 DKK

Hidden behind the unassuming door of a little townhouse by the canal in the historic centre of Copenhagen you’ll find Ruby, one of the city’s most celebrated cocktail bars. Although there is a lounge and backyard to choose from, the bar area is the place to sit if you’re keen to observe the skilled team create top-notch cocktails. This is the kind of place to try new things, but should you fancy something more familiar, start with a purple Mojjito, made with Pampero rum, purple shiso, tarragon, grapefruit, and sour blackcurrant . Ruby champions a welcoming, unpretentious approach and the team will be happy to guide you.

Palae Bar

Best for: Mingling with the locals
Location: Ny Adelgade 5, 1104 Copenhagen K
Price: Beer from 34 DKK

Palae Bar is an institution of Copenhagen city life. Located on an upscale street in the city centre, it’s closely tied to the Danish capital’s jazz scene, with a Sunday jazz session held every three weeks, and is well frequented by the creative class. Despite the at times well-heeled clientele, Palae Bar has the characteristic down-to-earth charm of Copenhagen’s bodegas. As indicated by the neon Tuborg sign with the little mermaid out front, this is a welcoming haven for each and everyone keen on a cold beer or traditional Danish smørrebrød lunch. Consequently, these are the options to favour here: keep it simple and do as the Danes do. Tables are limited and it tends to get busy so come early or prepare yourself to have your drink standing.

Holmen

La Banchina

Best for: Sunbathing with a drink in hand
Location: Refshalevej 141, 1432 Copenhagen K
Price: Wine by the glass from 90 DKK, bottles from 300 DKK

La Banchina is probably Copenhagen’s most popular summer spot for enjoying natural wine, coffee, and light snacks in a waterside location in the former industrial harbour area of Refshaleøen. What started as no more than a wooden shack with a pier out front has, over the years, expanded its capacity with additional piers without losing any of its buzz. This is the ideal spot for summer dips and sunbathing with a glass of wine in hand, stunning sunset views included. Hungry? Get one of their amazing grilled fish burgers.

Mikkeller Baghaven

Best for: Sunsets and beer
Location: Refshalevej 169B, 1432 Copenhagen K
Price: Beer from 47 DKK

On the fringes of street-food market Reffen and overlooking the water towards Copenhagen’s city centre, a former harbour building houses local brewery Mikkeller. A poster child of the Danish craft beer scene, Mikkeller can now be found in several locations in Copenhagen as well as London and Paris. Its Baghaven location is home to 12 large oak foeders, ranging in size from 3,000 to 7,000 litres, and more than 50 225-litre oak barrels, as well as a bar. Grab one of its rotating brews on tap and settle into a chair right by the water to enjoy supreme sunset views. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the long Scandinavian summer evenings.

Vesterbro

Ancestrale

Best for: A midweek glass of natural wine and nibbles
Location: Oehlenschlægersgade 12, 1663 Copenhagen V
Price: By the glass from 100 DKK, bottles from 300 DKK

As the name Ancestrale indicates (a reference to the méthode ancestrale used for making natural sparkling wine) this intimate wine bar focuses primarily on natural wine, but also offers cocktails and a seasonal food menu. Found down a quiet side street, the space is small and cosy, featuring white wood panelling with bottles on display and natural wood floors, while large windows let in plenty of daylight. The changing wine menu is primarily European and the majority of the cocktail ingredients are sourced locally. When it comes to food, Ancestrale’s offering is more refined than the typical bar snack, emphasising fish and vegetables, usually organic and locally sourced. This makes it a great spot for a spontaneous dinner should you be in the mood for more than a drink – try the brown crab toast.

Åben

Best for: Kickstarting a night out
Location: Slagtehusgade 15, 1715 Copenhagen V
Price: Beer from 50 DKK

Åben is housed in an industrial brick building on the fringes of the former meatpacking district. The high ceilings and beer tanks give the space a raw edge while the minimal interior adds refinement, giving this bar a big-city energy that’s seldom found in cosy Copenhagen. Originally a brewery, Åben sells its own beer on tap as well as a small selection of wine by the bottle at the large steel counter at the front. In the back part, there’s an open kitchen. Here, the team hosts changing food pop-ups in collaboration with local restaurants. Plus there’s usually DJ gigs on the weekend.

Warpigs

Best for: Beers with a (carnivore) crowd
Location: Flæsketorvet 25-37, 1711 Copenhagen V
Price: Beer from 43 DKK

Brewpub Warpigs sits at the heart of Copenhagen’s meatpacking district in one of its typical white-tiled buildings, surrounded by bars, restaurants, galleries, and clubs. Besides a selection of its own beer on tap, Warpigs makes an excellent Texas barbecue. Bring some friends, order some spare ribs or a burger, and drink through its brews. The bar is open seven days a week, so if you’re looking for a laid-back Sunday outing, this is one to note down.

Frederiksberg

Bird

Best for: A cocktail-fuelled date night
Location: Gammel Kongevej 102, 1850 Frederiksberg
Price: Cocktails from 120 DKK

Cocktail bar Bird is located on a quiet corner of Frederiksberg. But this isn’t your average neighbourhood bar. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by the sound of jazz or synth pop tunes spinning on the decks, via hand built speakers and custom made hardware. Settle into one of the booths or take a seat at the bar and order one of its well made cocktails. Bird has a short changing menu of cocktails driven by local suppliers and vendors, and the team will be happy to guide you through your experience. If you need help to get started, ask for their take on the classic martini. Fancy a nightcap? Take one of their bottled creations home.

Bootleggers

Best for: A craft beer pub outing
Location: Falkoner Alle 17, 2000 Frederiksberg
Price: Beer from 50 DKK

Craft beer pub Bootleggers has its own selection of beers on tap, the IPAs being particularly popular. Another much-loved feature: its interpretation of the classic pub includes bottomless popcorn. Situated in leafy Frederiksberg, this location features a cosy courtyard that’s perfectly suited for a laid-back evening catching up with friends if you aren’t too captivated by the ongoing sports shown on screen. This bar is open seven days a week, making sure you don’t miss out on any sporting events. Plus there’s occasional live music – find the current programme on the website.

Nørrebro

Vivant

Best for: A wine-heavy night with friends
Location: Elmegade 4, 2200 Copenhagen N
Price: By the glass from 75 DKK, by the bottle from 300 DKK

Natural wines, a low-key yet chic interior and a vibe that fluctuates between relaxed and ready-to-party – this is neighbourhood hangout Vivant. Located in popular Elmegade, the two-room bar with outside seating draws a local, wine- and fun-loving crowd. Led by two Norwegians, Vivant strikes the balance of great quality and affordable prices. So grab a glass at the marbled bar or make it a bottle, order some sourdough bread and olives if you’re in the mood for it, and settle in for a good time.

Pompette

Best for: Wine-fuelled sidewalk lounging
Location: Møllegade 3, 2200 Copenhagen N
Price: By the glass from 60 DKK, by the bottle from 250 DKK

Pompette is located in cosy Møllegade adjacent to popular sister sandwich spot Poulette. One of the few bars that’s open on Sundays, this is a great place for a post-Sunday-stroll glass of wine. Thanks to a fully stocked wine room in the back and a corkage fee concept, there’s plenty to choose from if you’re staying for a bottle. Prefer to keep it by the glass? There’s usually at least one option for red, white, orange and bubbles available. If the weather allows, grab one of the round bistro tables on the street and watch Copenhagen life go by. Pompette also sells bottles to go if you’re en route to a dinner party or a picnic in one of the parks close by.

Kølsters Tolv Haner

Best for: Afternoon beer in the sun
Location: Rantzausgade 56, 2200 Copenhagen N
Price: Beer from 35 DKK

In Copenhagen, a sunny terrace is prime real estate, and Kølsters Tolv Haner boasts plenty of outside seating and evening sun. The Nørrebro bar serves a selection of beer on tap from its own organic production in a laid-back atmosphere. Grab a sunny spot on the square out front and taste your way through the assortment as written on the large mirror behind the bar. Not into beer? Try the homemade cider instead. On rainy days, the bright, high-ceilinged bar provides cosy refuge.

Amager

Josephine

Best for: A cosy evening with friends; natural wine bar
Location: Frankrigsgade 15, 2300 Copenhagen S
Price: By the glass from 75 DKK, by the bottle from 300 DKK

One of the few natural wine bars in former working-class neighbourhood Amager in south Copenhagen, Josephine has quickly garnered a loyal local customer base. Located in what was previously a classic Danish bodega, the team kept some of the original features during their renovation, including the sign outside and the apron curtains in the window. Today, the bar offers a great selection of European natural wines by the glass and bottle as well as a short food menu, a highlight being the croque monsieur. Into billiards? There’s a table in the back to play with old and new friends.