Copenhagen/Indre By
Indre By (literally the inner city) is the central area and the historical heart of Copenhagen, bounded by the lakes circling the inner city and the harbour, it reflects the entire city’s extent during the reign of King Christian IV, when the town was fortified. All the neighboring districts were only founded when the king allowed construction outside the fortification in the 1850s. Referred to by locals simply as City, it is the home of most of Copenhagen's attractions, nightlife options, and hotels.
Understand
The heart of the district is the medieval city, shaped like a square with Rådhuspladsen, Kongens Nytorv and Nørreport as its corners. It is dotted with historic buildings, church spires and narrow streets. Many of them has been pedestrianized and is commonly known as Strøget, Copenhagen's main shopping area. But it gets much more interesting if you venture into the narrow streets and squares, since it hides some interesting shops, restaurants and old traditional bars hidden away for the curious traveler.
South of the medieval district is Slotsholmen, an artificial island, the name translates to the castle islet at the site where Copenhagen's founder, the archbishop Absalon's built first
fortification in the city. The ruins thereof are visible under the present day parliament, housed in the massive Christiansborg palace. Slotsholmen is also home to a cluster of museums and the national archives. Børsen, the former stock exchange from 1640, is another striking Renaissance building located here, with its signature dragon spire.
Get in
Being the center of the capital, the majority of bus, train and Metro lines run through Indre By. From the airport you can opt for either the regional Öresundstog to the Central Station or Nørreport, the Metro with stops at Kongens Nytorv and Nørreport or, if you want to take it slow and enjoy the views, the buses 2A or 5A. All of the options cost the same in terms of ticket fares - you need a three-zone ticket, as the Indre By is Zone 1, the Airport is in Zone 4 and you have to cross Zone 3 on your way.
From the DFDS and Polferries terminals take bus 26 or 20E to Kongens Nytorv.
(Hovedbanegården) lies on the border between the inner city and Vesterbro, and acts as a central hub, with all S-train, regional and intercity lines stopping here, as well as a large number of bus lines at the terminal between the station and the Tivoli Gardens. Served by the following bus lines:
- 1A (stops at the bridge south on the tracks),
- 2A and 5A (for Christianshavn, Amager and the Kastrup Airport)
- 6A,
- 250S,
- 10, 15, 26, 30, 40, 66.
station also has all S-train lines, as well as several regional lines stopping here, and acts as an interchange between these lines, and the Metro. It is also a major bus terminal for many lines going north and northwest from the city center. It lies at the northern end of the pedestrian district Strøget.
- Bus lines: 5A, 6A, 150S, 350S, 174E, 14, 42, 43, 184, 185
is a major square at the eastern end of Strøget and where Nyhavn begins. It has a Metro station and a bus terminal.
- Bus lines: 1A, 350S, 20E, 15, 26, 29 (stops behind the royal theater)
is Copenhagen's central square and features a large bus terminal. It is also the western access point to Strøget, and a short walk from the Central Station.
- Bus lines: 2A, 5A, 6A, 250S, 173E, 10, 12, 14, 26, 29, 33, 67, 68, 69.
For information about where these lines go, please refer to Movia's homepage or the many signboards around the terminals.
Get around
By foot
The Indre By is easily walkable and in fact a large part of it has been pedestrianized and is devoid of both motorized and bicycle traffic.By public transport
Public transportation is not of much use unless you want to travel between the extremities, and both the metro and the railway lines circle the Indre By with only two stations each.By bicycle
Biking may be a good option - in case you do not want to bring your own bike or hire one permanently, you can take advantage of the city's Bycyklen bike-sharing scheme - as of 2014, Bycyklen stands in the Indre By are around the Central Station and by the Amalienborg.See
Key sights
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phone: +45 33 66 25 82address: Rådhuspladsen 1The City Hall is open to the public, so you can stroll through the hallways, stairs, and study all the paintings, frescoes, and other decorations on your own. City Hall guided tours in English M–F at 13:00, Sa 10:00, 50 kr. Visit the tower: M–F 11:00 and 14:00, Sa at 12:00, 30 kr or free with Copenhagen Card. There is a nice little garden that cannot be seen from outside the city hall. The city hall is also home of Jens Olsen's World Clock - this mechanical masterpiece of a complete astronomical clock is in the foyer.
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phone: +45 33 92 64 92address: Prins Jørgens Gård 1This Neo-baroque palace, completed in 1928, after 11 years of construction - is unique in the world, housing both the executive power, the legislative power, and the judicial power of Denmark, in a single building. It is the 5th construction at the site, and the ruins of the original castle dating back to the 12th century - was excavated during the construction of the current palace, is open to the public (adult 50 kr, student 40 kr). Apart from the ruins there are a few other places that can be visited: free guided tours of the parliament building are conducted during summer months; Parliament's tower can be visited free of charge Tu-Su 11:00-21:00; the Royal Reception Rooms (including the Great Hall with the tapestries) 90 kr; the Royal Kitchen 50 Kr, the Royal Stables 50 kr; the Palace Chapel - free admission. Besides, there is a combination ticket which allows entrance to all of the aforementioned sights - 150 kr.
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phone: +45 33 47 47 47address: Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1The library was founded in the 1650s and have an impressive collections of rare books and manuscripts, which includes a Gutenberg Bible, tormented philosopher Soren Kierkegaard's original manuscripts and "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen's diaries, as well as a newer collection that includes most of the original drawings of the controversial Mohammad cartoons. Changing exhibitions of books and art, often from the libraries own collection, are displayed in a new striking building overlooking the harbor, called the black diamond.
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address: Nyhavn 2This classical mansion on Kongens Nytorv, is home of several cultural institutions, like the Royal Danish school of Visual arts, and has an art exhibition space, with changing, often world class, expositions - check the schedule at their website.
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phone: +45 33 12 08 08address: Amalienborg SlotspladsAmalienborg is the Royal residence and consists of four identical classical mansions, each facing an octagonal courtyard. On the Queen's birthday (14th of January) and for other highlights in the lives of the royal family, the square is jam-packed with people waving the Danish flag and greeting the Queen. There is a museum in the Christian VIII Mansion displaying exhibitions of the period 1863-1972, and four generations of the royal family. There is changing of the guards each day at 12:00. (Marches from Rosenborg Castle barracks)
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phone: +45 33 15 01 44address: Frederiksgade 4Officially called Frederikskirken, this impressive church imposes a massive presence on the Copenhagen skyline, with its 31 m. diameter dome. Because of financial turmoil in the country, it took over 100 years to complete. The church takes it name from the original lower part of the structure which is made from Norwegian marble. Guided tours of the dome: adults: 35 kr, children (under 18) 20 kr (cash only); June 15-Aug 31: daily at 13:00; at other times: Sa Su at 13:00. Tickets are sold from 12:50. Visits might be cancelled due to services or concerts. Services in Danish on Sundays and holidays at 10:30.
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address: Østre Voldgade 4AA former royal residence, Rosenborg is not only a beautiful Renaissance proper castle, with a moat and all, today it is also a fascinating museum of cultural history. Rosenborg houses some of Denmark’s greatest cultural treasures, not least the Crown Jewels and the Danish Crown Regalia, and includes exhibits about the Danish monarchy over 300 years.
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The University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden
phone: +45 35 32 22 22address: Øster Farimagsgade 2 BThe Botanical Gardens are one of several parks, dotted along the string of lakes, which used to form part of the old city fortifications. Run by the University of Copenhagen, the garden hosts Denmark's largest collection of living plants, including an impressive collection of orchids. The signature palm house is a huge greenhouse, with large tropical trees, and a sky walk in the canopy. NyhavnNyhavn is a canal leading from the main harbourfront all the way to the Kongens Nytorv square, lined with colourful historic buildings. It was built to originally be what the name says - Copenhagen's new harbour. Over time, it became too small and lost its commercial and transportation importance, and in the 1970s it was designated as the historic port area, where historic boats and their replicas are moored. It is immensely popular with tourists and locals due to its picturesque nature and is full of restaurants, cafes and bars offering waterside gardens.
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address: Købmagergade 52AClimb the spiral, cobbled road up to the observation platform of this tower, for a wonderful view of the city.
Museums and galleries
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phone: +45 33 13 44 11address: Frederiksholms Kanal 12This museum portrays the national history and cultural heritage of Denmark and is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe. The permanent collection is well laid out, an informative collection of national artifacts, perhaps the most impressive being those exploring Danish prehistory from the Bronze Age through to the Vikings. The museum also holds a collection of Classical and Near Eastern artefacts. The children's museum in the basement is a blast for the kids.
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phone: +45 33 41 81 41address: Dantes Plads 7The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek houses over 10,000 works, divided into two principal collections. One is of works from the Mediterranean cradle of Western culture, including classical Egyptian, Roman and Greek antiquities and Romanticist sculptures; the other of Danish and French art from the 19 th and 20 th centuries, including paintings by Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Cézanne and van Gogh, as well as several bronze sculptures by Degas. Completed in 1897, the building is an attraction in its own right, especially the sub-tropical winter garden.
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phone: +45 33 73 49 49address: Kronprinsessegade 30Art from the Islamic world, European 18th-century art, and Danish early modern art. Free guided tours are only in Danish and are given in the spring and autumn.
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phone: +45 35 32 23 45address: Øster Voldgade 5-7Various exhibitions related to geology. Has some impressive samples of minerals, rocks and fossils from all over the world on display. Including stones from the moon were brought back to the earth by Apollo 17, dinosaur fossils, and the kids favorite; glow in the dark minerals.
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The Danish Museum of Art & Design
phone: +45 33 18 56 56address: Bredgade 68Housed in one of Copenhagen’s finest rococo buildings, a former hospital. This museum is home of one of the most important collections of Danish and Scandinavian industrial design, decorative and applied arts., The cafe is a good place for lunch (does not require admission). -
phone: +45 35 32 38 00address: Bredgade 62The museum communicates knowledge about the history of medicine, the study of the preparation of medicines and dentistry, by means of public exhibitions, publications, lectures and other museum-related activities.
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phone: +45 33 93 25 75address: Rømersgade 22Covers Danish daily lives in the last 150 years, with exhibitions that both include artifacts relating to the main theme, and art portraying the life of the industrial worker.
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phone: +45 33 32 15 32address: Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 2Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844) was a Danish/Icelandic sculptor, who lived most of his live in Rome. He is one of the major internationally renowned Danish artists. The museum houses many of Thorvaldsens original models, and several marble casts makes the collection almost complete. It is big and impressive, and the building itself is a striking piece of architecture.
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Krigsmuseet (previously: Tøjhusmuseet)
phone: +45 33 11 60 37address: Tøjhusgade 3The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum covers the history of the Danish Defence, its collection dating back to 1604. It covers the development of weapons from the introduction of firearms to the present day, and is well known for its many activities for kids - especially its medieval knight days, during the schools autumn break in week 42. -
phone: +45 33 11 22 18address: Proviantpassagen 6The museum presents Jewish life in Denmark through 400 years, from the first immigrants in the seventeenth century until today. The exhibition space is designed by famous architect Daniel Liebeskind, and is quite striking - with its old traditional exterior contrasted by a very modern interior.
Do
Tivoli
Event venues
GlassalenA beautiful theater designed by Poul Henningsen in 1946, which hosts plays and varietes
Tivolis KoncertsalTivoli's big concert hall, hosts everything from plays, to classic, jazz and opera concerts.
The Pantomime TheaterA beautiful Chinese style open air stage, where the curtain is designed as feathers of a peacock. Famous pantomime plays of HC Andersen stories, Pjerrot and Harlequin.
Store SceneThe big stage, Rock/pop concerts every Friday night.
Rides
- Balongyngen You will find very few locals who have not kissed a date on this slow-going ferris wheel, with a romantic view of the city after dark.
- Den Flyvende Kuffert Hop on into a suitcase, and run through puppet exhibitions of HC Andersen's tales in a leisurely pace.
- Det gyldne Tårn is a 63 meter tower, where you can have a splendid view over Copenhagen before you are dropped to the ground in free fall, with a speed of 65 km/h and 1.5 G's
- Dragen a flic flac ride, that twirls you around, in irregular moves, at a rather fast pace.
- Dæmonen is a 600m roller coaster, running at 77 km/h, and through 3 loops.
- Himmelskibet is not just a carousel, it is the world's tallest, where you are carried up to the top, 80 meters above Tivoli, and taken for a spin.
- Odin Expressen is a fast roller coaster ride, with a big helix loop, and a peak speed of 60 km/h
- Monsunen A rather big, flying carpet type ride - watch for the first and law row, sometimes you get wet when it is windy.
- Rutchebanen is the worlds oldest running wooden roller coaster, running through an artificial mountain terrain since 1914.
- Snurretoppen break dance, round and round, get's you a bit dizzy at times.
- ... and 15 other rides, mainly for the kids.
Cinema
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phone: +45 70131211address: Ved Vesterport 4On a rainy day, you can go for a movie, in the largest single movie theater hall in Northern Europe, seating a staggering 1102 people. Movies are with original language with Danish subtitles. Good quality regarding projector and sound systems.
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phone: +45 33 74 34 12address: Gothersgade 55Part of the Danish film institute, this is a paradise for any cinephile. There are 3 movie theaters playing classics, cults, documentaries, art movies and exam projects from the film school. The basement houses a Videotheque, with over 3500 titles, that you are free to watch. There is also a book and video store with special movie titles, and books relating to cinematography. Lastly the building also has a restaurant and café.
Theatre
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phone: +45 33 69 69 69address: Kongens Nytorv 1A majestic old building on Kongens Nytorv, houses ballet, for which the theater is world renowned - and drama performances. There is a 65% discount for those under 30 on selected performances, to encourage young people to see the classic arts.
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phone: +45 33 69 69 69address: Sankt Annæ Plads 36A 1000-seat national stage for the dramatic arts, with 3 stages. Opened in 2008, its beautiful piece of modern architecture overlooking the harbour. Even if you are not going for a play, the cafe in the foyer, Ofelia, is a nice place to sit and enjoy the view over the water and Christianshavn.
Parks and recreation
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phone: +45 33 13 47 65address: Øster Voldgade 4 BThis park adjacent to Rosenborg is the most frequented park in the city. It is a place for a stroll, a picnic, drinking beers in the sun, or whatever you feel like doing. The topless sunbathers often inject a shock into foreign visitors. Also the marionette theatre in the eastern corner is doing plays every day at 14:00 and 15:00. Great for kids.
NyhavnOn a sunny day, this is a top spot for oozing in the sun - on the bulwark with a beer from the supermarket, or at the outdoor serving areas of the many (rather expensive) restaurants and cafe's dotted along the "sunny side" of the canal. For any self-respecting Copenhagener, this is a top priority on the first day of spring - while at the height of the tourist season, it is mainly left for the visitors to populate. Often there will be street performances, mostly improvised music concerts, somewhere along the canal - take a seat, and relax.
Museums & educational
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phone: +45 33 12 12 24address: Gammel Kongevej 10Named after the Danish astronomer who formed the basis for the discovery of planetary motion, this planetarium features a small but good free exhibit on astronomy, a 4000-star projector, OmniMax theatre, and a restaurant.
Buy
The best place for shopping in Copenhagen, is without a doubt Strøget. A set of connected pedestrian streets in the heart of the medieval city. It is claimed to be the biggest outdoor pedestrian shopping area in the world, regardless of whether this is true or not, it is a shoppers paradise, and the historic buildings as far as the eye can see, makes it a welcome alternative to any shopping center. The really interesting shopping however, is found in the small shops, in the many narrow side streets to Strøget, colloquially known as pisserenden or the Latin quarter. If you are out for traditional souvenirs, there are several shops on the section if Strøget running between the city hall, and Amager torv.
Department stores
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phone: +45 33 11 44 33address: Kongens Nytorv 13Housed in a former grand hotel on Kongens Nytorv, marking the entrance to Strøget, and with over a 100 years of history on its back, Magasin du Nord is the grand old dame of shopping in Copenhagen. Although not as exclusive as it used to be, it is still the premier department store in the city.
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phone: +45 33 14 40 02address: Østergade 52Illum is an 8-storey department store, smack in the middle of Strøget, founded in 1891 and it has competed with Magasin ever since. Unlike Magasin, it is mostly made up of small independent stores.
- Royal shopping is a group of 3 stores, connected to each other to make it feel somewhat like a department store for exclusive Design products. Royal Copenhagen and Georg Jensen are the top brands of Danish design, with a rich history, while the third store, Illums bolighus, handpicks other design products. The super store takes it name from the fact that all thee are purveyors to the royal Danish court.
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phone: +45 33 13 71 81address: Amagertorv 6The flagship store of the world famous Royal Copenhagen porcelain factory, tracing its history back to 1775. It is really exclusive (and expensive) stuff. On the 2nd floor there is a museum, portraying the history of the company, with exhibitions of its porcelain products.
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phone: +45 33 11 40 80address: Amagertorv 4Georg Jensen was a Danish silversmith (1866-1935), today it is a company producing some exquisite products in silver, like watches, jewelry and interiors.
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phone: +45 33 14 19 41address: Amagertorv 10The best, most expensive and most exclusive of Danish interior, decorative and furniture design.
Danish design
Interiors
Other options are Illums bolighus and the Danish Design Center store, both listed above.
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phone: +45 33 32 38 77address: Store Kongensgade 73Carries furniture, lamps and accessories by both Danish and international designers
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phone: +45 33111415address: Østergade 18A flagship store for Danish electronics producer Bang & Olufsen, who makes exclusive design products of high quality - like TV's, Stereo's, Speakers and home integration products. They are well known, for the high quality of sound in their products.
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phone: +45 33 32 38 37address: Bredgade 32Dansk Møbelkunst is a gallery of first class vintage design. Specialized in Scandinavian furniture design from 1920 to 1975, with particular focus on Danish design classics.
Fashion
The Danish fashion industry has long been lagging behind the interior and furniture design industries, where Danish design is a recognized brand in itself. But this has all started to change in recent years, and Copenhagen is fast establishing itself as a fashion center. Many of the important names in the industry, runs their own independent stores in central Copenhagen.
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phone: +45 33 11 55 55address: Østergade 38This store has been running since 1869, and is most famous for its exclusive skins and furs, from Scandinavia and Greenland. But they also sell some of the worlds top fashion brands like Hermes and Channel.
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phone: +45 33 32 19 99address: Kronprinsensgade 8Along with Munthe+Simonsen, this design house is front runners in an ongoing Danish fashion revolution. There are two stores here; Number 8 is for the ladies, while number 9 is for the gents.
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phone: +45 33 45 88 80address: Pilestræde 16This design house of 5 national and international designers makes glamorous, yet classical clothing of high quality. This concept store only carries women's fashion, lingerie and home accessories. Their clothing line for men can be found in both the Illums and Magasin department stores.
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phone: +45 33 11 67 00address: Kongens Nytorv 2Known historically as 'Nordic Gold', amber is a quintessential Scandinavian jewelry. And there is no better place to get in than in this store, housed in a 17th-century house, right at the beginning of Nyhavn. The shops also runs a museum with an extensive collection of rare finds.
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phone: +45 35 43 22 33address: Antonigade 10MTV calls her the "Queen of Fashion in Copenhagen", and her store is one of the best woman's fashion stores in Scandinavia.
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phone: +45 33 32 03 12address: Grønnegade 10Another of the new major Danish fashion houses, recently opened this flagship store with dark brown buffalo skin covers on the walls, hand painted - individually made Venetian lamps and water flowing from a huge gold mosaic. Only for the girls, or for a popular present to bring home.
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phone: +45 33 12 24 28address: Amagertorv 13-15Has long been one of the main fixtures of Strøget, these two stores, right next to each other - Nørgaard på strøget for women, and Mads Nørgaard for men. The stores won the AOK Copenhagen award in 2007, for both best woman's and best men's shopping. And the best part is that there is something here to fit anyone's pocket.
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phone: +45 33 32 11 38address: Studiestræde 13This store mainly sells clothing by the designer of the same name, making classic clothes with an edge, but also carries small collections of other designers with the same theme. Both for girls and guys.
Music
Shop for some of Copenhagen's music stars in these stores. Good buys of local bands from Copenhagen with international quality include; Kashmir and Mew for rock music, and Trentemøller is an international electronica superstar,-
phone: +45 33 14 14 95address: Studiestræde 27The country's only specialty store for Rap, Hip Hop and R&B music. And a friendly and knowledgeable owner.
Eat
Bakeries
Denmark, especially Copenhagen, is home to hundreds of traditional bakeries serving 'wienerbrød' (literally, bread from Vienna), the traditional and famous Danish pastries. While many are closing due to competition from 7-Eleven kiosks, a traditional bakery is still good to find and hard to beat. Look for signs with a pretzel on them or shaped like a pretzel, usually with a crown on top. The major department stores listed above also have bakeries, although they can be pricey.-
phone: +45 72 14 47 00While the original "layer cake house" is in Christianshavn, the famous bakery, one of the best in Copenhagen, has expanded all over the city (and Denmark for that matter), with no less than five outlets in Indre By.
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Strøget
phone: +45 72 48 47 77address: Frederiksberggade 21 -
Kultorvet
phone: +45 33 11 29 00address: Frederiksborggade 6 -
Vesterbrogade
phone: +45 33 11 36 07address: Vesterbrogade 4A -
Ny Østergade
phone: +45 72 14 47 37address: Ny Østergade 12
Skt. Peders Bageri
7-Eleven
Royal Warrant holders
When in Copenhagen, you have the opportunity to visit a Royal Warrant holder.The Royal Warrant holder is a predicate dating back to the 19th century, it is only awarded to companies and individuals who have had long-term and regular trade of a certain extent with the royal family and the royal household.
Only a few handpicked companies are appointed this special title. Visiting stores labeled Royal Warrant Holder will give you a sense of the historical heritage of Copenhagen.
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phone: +45 33 15 35 62address: Kronprinsensgade 5, 1.sal, 1114 København KA classic tea room serving more than 150 different tea variants. In the tea room, there is also served different locale cakes and sandwiches. Tea has been served in this location since 1835.
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phone: +45 33 12 60 46address: Nørregade 36B, 1165 København KA historic drop-boiler started in 1891, here former times craftsmanship is celebrated and kept alive. Watch how the professionals cook drops and make colorful lollipops or engage yourself. Good variety of drops, known as bolcher in Danish. Particularly great with kids as they can see the candy being made. Has been owned by the same family since it first opened more than 125 years ago.
Budget
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phone: +45 33 15 19 15address: Krystalgade 8-10Inexpensive Turkish food. The 79-kr all-you-can-eat buffet is a good deal (and it is only 49 kr for lunch between 11:00-16:00).
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phone: +45 35 10 98 98address: Kronprinsessegade 10Excellent sandwich shop across the street from the King's Garden.
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phone: +45 33 32 33 45address: Store Kanikkestræde 19All you can eat mediterranean inspired, vegetarian buffet for 99 kr (and 79 kr for lunch)
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phone: +45 33126323address: Frederiksberggade 36This is the first and probably the best shawarma restaurant in Denmark. This restaurant serves pita breads with shawarma and falafel, but also other Middle-Eastern specialities. A shawarma meal contains a pita bread with shawarma, french fries and a soft drink
Mid-range
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phone: +45 33 32 35 11address: Store Kongensgade 62, 1264 København KCozy basement restaurant with lots of candles, very decent food, and wonderful desserts. And a nice outdoor serving area for good weather
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phone: +45 33 11 99 11address: Gråbrødretorv 13A popular restaurant on Gråbrødre Torv, dishing out French and Danish cuisine. Has a large outdoor serving area on the square.
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phone: +45 33 12 50 16address: Bredgade 76Dates back to the 17th century, and have traditional Danish open faced sandwiches (smørrebrød). The Petersborg Lunch Plate is a good deal at
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address: Havnegade 44Located in an old customs house right at the harbour canal, with great views over Christianshavn and the water. It is actually several restaurants and bars in one building
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phone: +45 33323790address: Larsbjørnsstræde 9La Galette is a French style crèperie situated in the inner city of Copenhagen in a court yard surrounded by plants, and an old fence, friendly staff and an atmosphere that takes you somewhere else! Get a Galette or two in "amoureux" and don't miss the cider plus the dessert crêpe with crème de marrons and a dot of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
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address: Københavns Torvehaller, Hal nr 1, Rømersgade 18, 1362 København KInside the front door of one of Copenhagen's great food markets, Palæo offers what the name suggests: a Paleo food offering for those who are following the Paleo diet.... No gluten, just loads of meat and veg, salads and filled omelette wraps, plus a great juice bar! Very popular with locals who like to eat healthy!
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phone: +45 33 33 00 30address: Jernbanegade 4If it ain't in Australian, it's not on the menu, goes the advertising on this place. And for homesick Aussies or curious guests you can both get Kangaroo, Barramundi, crocodile satay and of course a proper steak, and down it with a VB or a glass of Australian wine - or in the Oz cocktail bar.
Splurge
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phone: +45 3342 6161address: Hammerichsgade 1, 1611 Copenhagen DenmarkA new level of simplicity and lightness. Lead by Head Chef Søren Selin and Restaurant Manager and Sommelier Werner Nymo, Alberto K offers a tailored menu that follows the seasons and fuses Italian influences with Danish ingredients. Alberto K recently won praise from the New York Times' writer Seth Sherwood. Advance reservation recommended.
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phone: +45 33 11 68 68address: Vingaardsstræde 6Michelin starred French restaurant, open since 1976 and located in the oldest building in Copenhagen. The setting is amazing, with Gothic arches and a medieval atmosphere.
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phone: +45 33 15 89 15address: Gammel Strand 38Historical seafood restaurant open since 1920. The restaurant environs are a taste of classical Copenhagen and can make you feel like you stepped back in time. Food is high quality, with fresh fish from Danish waters.
Drink
Brewery pubs
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phone: +45 33 12 33 13address: Vesterbrogade 3This former theatre right next to the Tivoli main entrance, offers some excellent beers from the inhouse brewery, if you combine it with the spareribs, you have a winning combination for a night out with the boys.
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phone: +45 33 32 00 60address: Vestergade 29This place has a really nice outdoor beergarden in a courtyard in one of the historic buildings downtown. The menu is specially designed to go well with the beers, that the brewery produces in their own basement. Also has indoor seating.
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phone: +45 33 75 06 80address: TivoliThis idyllic place set by a lake inside Tivoli has an Austrian brewmaster behind its beers, and serves Danish food both inside the old building, or at a large patio by the lake.
Bars
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phone: +45 33 32 22 89address: Pilestræde 33Great choice of beers, especially British beers and real cask ales. Very popular so you might have to stand on weekends, but lively also on weekdays.
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phone: +45 33 12 74 27address: Studiestræde 24A small late night gay bar/club with a very mixed clientele, extremely busy in the weekends, but the fun usually never starts until 04:00-05:00 when other places are closed. Fun, but can feel a bit like a meat market at times.
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phone: +45 33 32 22 26address: Amagertorv 5Huge and rather touristy, it is still probably the most authentic Irish pub in Copenhagen, usually always something going on, even on weekdays - also serves pub food, and has many big screens for watching sports.
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phone: +45 33 11 54 45address: Nørre Farimagsgade 55Real old-fashioned bar with a good mix of regulars and "poor" student's from the universities. The bar prices are some of the cheapest you get in downtown, and while the place looks pretty run down, the mixed clientele gives it a good atmosphere.
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phone: +45 33 11 91 12address: Krystalgade 11Another old fashioned bar. Its main claim to fame is its adoption of the 10-trip card you use at public transit, known as a klippekort in Danish, to sell alcohol. 13 servings of beer, shots or spirits for 199 Kr.
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address: Vestergade 182 floors of Tyrolean after ski attitude a short walk away from Rådhuspladsen.
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phone: +45 33 11 60 98address: Kompagnistræde 11Oldest jazz bar with live jazz music. Double up on beer and liquor Monday to Saturday between 20:00 and 22:00.
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phone: +45 33914291address: Sværtegade 5A long time favourite for students from the universities, this small cramped bar is famed for its moose head, over tagged walls and most importantly the "double up" Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays - where you get two draft beers for 32 kr.
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phone: +45 33 93 12 03address: Nybrogade 10This is probably the best cocktail bar in town in the moment, although, visitors should keep in mind that this is Scandinavia, and a night out here could easily break a budget. This is, however, a great place to do it, with attentive and qualified bartenders, and a well designed interior.
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Tango y Vinos Argentinean wine bar
phone: +45 2293 9800address: Herluf Trolles Gade 9Argentinian run place, that is part wine bar, part concert venue. This place imports its own Argentinian wines, arranges Tango lessons on Tuesdays (20:00-21:30, 100 kr) and has frequent Tango,Jazz and classical concerts. -
phone: +45 33 12 21 26address: St. Kirkestræde 3If you are interested in politics, this oddity of low key bar near the parliament, is frequented by many parliamentarians, and always have a heated debate going on - feel free to join in as mostly everyone has some command of English. Speciality is the Von Oosten bitter - tastes terrible, but don't be surprised if someone forces it in you.
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phone: +45 33 32 09 82address: Dronningens Tværgade 6A wine bar with good a good selections of bottles and 5-6 both red and whites by the glass. Also has champagne, cocktails and a few beers. A good place to relax in soft soft leather chairs, watch the aquariums, and listen to the quiet music.
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phone: +45 33 15 68 69address: Kronprinsensgade 7Small but hip place, which also serves good food. Always crowded on weekends. Interesting decoration with colorful artsy graffitis on the wall. Always crowded in the weekends, where quality local DJ's takes to the decks.
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address: Nørre Farimagsgade 13Relaxed bar with a wide range of beers on draft and several good beers on bottle, soft chairs, a pool table, and a fussball table.
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phone: +45 33 15 92 43address: Rådhuspladsen 16It hosts a backpackers night, which is sometimes quite lively.
Clubs & venues
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address: Jernbanegade 9The city's biggest dance venue for the younger gay/lesbian crowd. Mainstream hits on Fridays and more experimental music Saturdays.
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phone: +45 33 15 47 00address: Niels Hemmingsens Gade 10This place, was along with the now closed Montmartre, institutions in the hey-days of Danish Jazz. There is concerts daily on evenings, and on weekends there is a nightclub for the 30+ crowd in the basement.
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phone: +45 33 32 50 50address: Vester Voldgade 85Copenhagen's main Latin venue, with a large dance floor for salsa dancing, and a lounge bar with a wider variety of music. Free Salsa lessons every Thursday from 20:00-21:00. It is totally random whether the place is jam packed or really quiet.
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phone: +45 26 43 94 00address: Kronprinsessegade 54ACulture Box is the flagship of the electronic music scene in Copenhagen, and is immensely important for the local development of the genre. Mixes superstar DJs with local talent. Usually a friendly, open crowd, and non commercial music blasting out the speakers.
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phone: +45 33 11 74 78address: Nørregade 1This is the place to go if you enjoy dance and light house music. But be forewarned, has a reputation among locals, for its mostly very young crowd, heavy drug use and frequent shows of testosterone. That being said, it can be fun if you take it as an experience.
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phone: +45 33 32 20 90address: Gothersgade 8FA hit-or-miss sorta place, with nice colorful interiors, chill corners, and occasional artistic performances in the midst of the partying crowd. The entrance fee includes free beers from 22:00 to 01:00, Minimum age is 18 on Thursdays, and 21 on weekends.
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phone: +45 33 91 39 13address: Skindergade 45-47This is a large club, playing rock music, heavy metal etc. People here mainly wear black, has died their hair black, and uses black eyeliner - but the crowd is open and friendly to everyone. Also has a stage where live music of the same genre is played mostly every weekend.
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phone: +45 35 32 38 60address: Købmagergade 52Studenterhuset or the Student house in English is a lively cafe, bar and live venue run by the student association on the University of Copenhagen, right next to Rundetårn. There are certain regular weekly events here; Tuesdays (12:00-13:00) it is gay day, Wednesdays (12:00-13:00) it is international night where many exchange students come to party, a good option for a night out on Wednesdays which can be pretty quite elsewhere, Thursdays & Fridays (12:00-late) are nights for various live acts. The rest of the week has no set schedule.
Coffee
If you are in dire need of some caffeine the following morning, here are some places that should (could?) sharpen you up.-
phone: +45 33 91 00 45address: Studiestræde 36This place at the end of Studiestræde roasts coffee freshly on the premises every day. And you are offered both to drink some in the cafe or bring it home from the store.
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The Living Room
phone: +45 33 32 66 10address: Larsbjørnsstræde 17The Living Room is a nice place in the Latin quarter, with a clean and lean 1st floor, and a more anarchistic but very cosy basement with a fireplace, candlelight, bare massive stone walls and an interesting decoration - Perfect for a cold day. The many coffee's are mostly organic, and they also sells beers and cakes. Sometimes there are random, intimate concerts going on the basement.
Sleep
Budget
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phone: +45 70 23 21 10address: Vandkunsten 5Prime location, right next to Slotsholmen and the Parliament near the canal—short walking distance to the main shopping area and with the National Museum and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek just around the corner. This clean and friendly hostel has its own bar and student-style lounge. Happy hour (2 for 1) from 20:00-21:00. It can get a bit noisy, but entertains and accommodates a mixed group of ages. Groups welcome. 24-hour reception.
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phone: +45 33 13 03 70address: Nyhavn 22A very good budget option with a prime location on Nyhavn and great views over the canal. Used to be a Sømandshjem or Seamans' Home, and it still shows in the atmosphere of the place - so don't expect anything fancy!
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phone: +45 33 46 16 16address: Mitchellsgade 14Part of a chain, this hotel has good small rooms at an affordable price, just behind Tivoli and Glyptoteket. 24 hour reception.
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phone: +45 33 18 83 32address: H.C. Andersens Boulevard 50Rooms are clean and minimal, if not to say Spartan, although the hostel prides itself on having rooms designed by renowned design house Gubi. It looks more like a room by Ikea - not that this is necessarily a bad thing, considering it is a hostel, and the view are great! Everything extra comes with a cost, but the lobby is super nice.
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phone: +45 33 13 81 86address: Rømersgade 11Central location just north of Nørreport station, with both dorm beds and private rooms available, and both include a full Scandinavian breakfast buffet.
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phone: +45 33 11 08 30address: Frederiksborggade 30A central and cheap hotel, only catering to gays and lesbians. Some rooms with private showers, the rest have shared facilities in the corridors. The staff is very knowledgeable about the local gay scene.
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phone: +45 6142 6146address: Nyhavn 63Nice hostel in an old builiding with friendly staff. Breakfast is optional and costs 55 kr. There is a bar with reasonable prices and an happy hour.
Mid-range
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phone: +45 33 11 48 06address: Vester Voldgade 89A medium-priced, very friendly and cosy hotel in the middle of Copenhagen. Very good location, close to Tivoli. Free wireless and a great breakfast.
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phone: +45 33 38 12 00address: Rådhuspladsen 14Stylish minimalist design hotel, smack in the busiest part of the city center, with a view over Rådhuspladsen. Both wireless internet and a terminal available in the lobby.
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phone: +45 33 95 77 55address: Jarmers Plads 3Easily the coolest hotel in town, this place has 61 rooms, each individually made into a piece of art by 21 young designers. A nice bar in the lobby, and speaking of the lobby, the staff is good and friendly, and they have iPods for rent. Check the website for pictures of the rooms.
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phone: +45 70 27 56 27address: Løngangstræde 27This cool designer hotel is a few meters from Rådhuspladsen. The rooms are small but have a very stylish minimalist feel. Prices are in the mid-range, The Absolut Ice Bar is next door where the walls and seats are made of ice, and the Absolut cocktails are served in ice glasses, is operated by the same guys. The walls, bar and seats are also all made of ice.
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phone: +45 33 95 77 55address: Vendersgade 23Nice and classical hotel, in a good area between Nansensgade and the lakes, and very close to shopping. Free wireless.
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phone: +45 3347 8300address: Tordenskjoldsgade 15Smaller hotel located on a quiet street between Kgs Nytorv and Nyhavn.
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phone: +45 3395 9500address: Bredgade 37Small, if well appointed rooms. Handy central location.
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phone: +45 33 13 34 00address: 21 Sankt Annæ PladsNew stylish hotel. Spacious rooms with great views. Trendy bar.
Splurge
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phone: +45 33 43 62 00address: Nyhavn 71This place is a top notch, historic, waterfront hotel - right at Nyhavn. With wireless internet, satellite TV and all other amenities you would expect from a four star hotel
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phone: +45 33 74 14 14address: Toldbodgade 24-28Charming hotel on the waterfront, in an old harbor warehouse from 1781. 10-minute walk from the little mermaid.
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phone: +45 33 12 00 95address: Kongens Nytorv 34This is easily Copenhagen's most exclusive hotel. Set in a classical building overlooking Kongens Nytorv and the royal theater, it can trace its roots back to 1755. The service is impeccable, and the historic interiors are down right amazing.
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phone: +45 33 11 12 12address: Nørre Søgade 11A very classic and stylish hotel with a nice and friendly atmosphere. Good location near the lakes and ecofriendly too as it is CO2-neutral. The hotel is right next door to the amazing Avalon spa, and in the summertime you can have the (really good) breakfast outside in the courtyard.
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phone: +45 33 14 40 50address: Rådhuspladsen 57Landmark hotel affiliated with the Scandic chain, immediately next to the City Hall at the west end of Strøget. Standard rooms are available with two beds or a queen-sized bed, and include a kettle, wireless internet, and in some cases a bathtub. Normal rates do not include breakfast, which is an additional 165 kr. Note that musical events are sometimes held in the City Hall square, so light sleepers may prefer a back room.
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phone: +45 33 42 60 00address: Hammerichsgade 1Five-star hotel opposite the Central station and the Tivoli. The entire hotel from the exterior facade through to the swan and egg chairs gracing the lobby have been designed by famous Danish architect, Arne Jacobsen. Free broadband, fitness centre, gourmet restaurant "Alberto K" on the 18th floor.
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phone: +45 33 45 91 00address: Krystalgade 22The modern designer hotel is in the heart of the Copenhagen Latin Quarter, close to prime pedestrianized shopping areas and the Round Tower, and looks nothing like any other hotel in Copenhagen. The bar in the lobby area is good, but posh, as the rest of the Hotel.
Connect
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phone: +45 33 73 60 60address: Krystalgade 15The central library is not far from Rundetårn, and has internet terminals, as well as Wi-Fi available.
Cope
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Møntvask
address: Nansensgade 84Coin laundry.