Copenhagen Bars Guide: Craft Beer, Wine & Cocktails Worth Seeking Out

Move over, Mallorca and Berlin. There’s a new up-and-coming city in Europe with one of the most underrated nightlife scenes, and that’s Copenhagen. 

Copenhagen is one of the few cities I’ve been to where the bars reflect the same quality-first ethos as its eateries. It has an interesting drinking culture defined by quirky cocktail lounges, neighborhood locals, craft breweries, and natural wine bars, making for an exciting time out.

Copenhagen After Dark: What Kind of Drinking City Is It?

From the clink of natural wine glasses and the amber glow of taprooms to the ice-cold Danish beer on a warm evening, adding a few of Copenhagen’s bars to your itinerary should be an absolute non-negotiable. Evenings here begin with late dinners and a few cold ones between each round, followed by visits to low-lit bars, with no particular rush.

After taking one of our Copenhagen food tours, you’ll likely want to head out for a drink or two. We’ve gathered a list of the best bars in Copenhagen to do just that, with locally loved haunts far removed from the typical touristy boozers.

Danish Beer: What to Know Before You Order

Denmark’s relationship with beer hasn’t just developed by chance over the past few years. The country has a long brewing history, with evidence of fermentation practices dating back to the Bronze Age. That said, it wasn’t until the launch of the major pilsner brand Carlsberg in 1847 that Denmark’s brewing identity was truly put on the map.

Like many cities, Copenhagen’s brewing scene has evolved with time. In recent decades, there has been a major shift toward craft beer, with more than 100 microbreweries now operating across all of Denmark.

Breweries like Mikkeller have become hugely popular for their wide range of recipes with different ingredients and have helped cement Denmark’s reputation as a craft beer destination.

If you don’t speak Danish, some tap lists can be difficult to understand, so it’s often easier to chat with the bartender. Tell them what you usually drink, and they’ll have an ice-cold brew suited to your tastes in no time.

Craft Beer Bars in Copenhagen 

Photo credit: Ølsnedkeren

Unsure where to start your craft beer exploration in Copenhagen? Focus on neighborhood taprooms pouring local and Scandinavian craft beer on rotation, like Ølsnedkeren, or bottle shops with bar seating and standing space, such as Mikkeller & Friends Bottleshop. 

Taphouse is an ideal spot for some no-fuss drinking and eating, with an extensive menu featuring everything from crisp lagers to flavorful IPAs, plus juicy burgers. 

Wine Bars Copenhagen: Natural, Nordic & Worth Lingering In 

Photo credit: Den Vandrette

It’s not just beer that Copenhagen does well. It’s wine, too. The city is one of Europe’s most exciting destinations for natural wine. Many quaint lounges offer rotating by-the-glass lists and have knowledgeable sommeliers who are always happy to share recommendations.

For those who are unaware, natural wine is a type made with minimal intervention during production. Its popularity in Copenhagen makes sense, as it aligns closely with the city’s New Nordic food philosophy, which emphasizes seasonal ingredients and sustainability.

Some of the best bars in Copenhagen for natural wine are Pompette and Den Vandrette. Both places offer exceptional by-the-glass selections and a laid-back atmosphere that’s ideal for sipping and chatting.

Cocktail Bars in Copenhagen

Photo credit: Duck and Cover

Cocktails, anyone? Nothing beats a well-made mix, and you’ll find plenty of them across the best cocktail bars in Copenhagen.

The New Nordic Movement has also had a major influence on cocktail-making in the Danish capital. One clear example of this is how certain bars now use local and foraged ingredients in their drinks, including aquavit, sea buckthorn, dill, and other Nordic botanicals.

Broadly speaking, Copenhagen’s cocktail bars fall into two camps. First, there are the high-concept cocktail lounges, where speakeasy-style interiors, creative menus, and story-driven drinks take center stage. 

On the other hand, you have chill neighborhood spots that are more stripped-back and low-key, with the focus firmly on quality drinks rather than aesthetics.

You’ll encounter all kinds of signature serves in Copenhagen, including the Nordic Negroni, a local twist on the classic Italian cocktail. Many bars also offer seasonal menus featuring ingredients that are fresh during that particular period, so don’t be surprised to see some unique recipes.

When unsure about the menu, ask the staff what to order and check whether they have any specials. Copenhagen’s bartenders are generally friendly and very knowledgeable. This is especially true at spots like Duck and Cover and 1656 Cocktail Bar, both of which have been praised for their welcoming staff.

Copenhagen Bars by Neighborhood 

Each of Copenhagen’s districts has its own character when it comes to bars, so try to check out a few of them if you have time.

Vesterbro and the Meatpacking District have the highest concentration of bars in the city. If you’re planning on having a late night out, this is where to focus your attention, as many bars here stay open well into the early hours of the morning.

For something more independent, I like to visit Nørrebro, as it has much more of a local crowd, and things generally move at a relaxed pace and are less rowdy. Indre By is great for a central drink near all the main sights, but watch out for bars that cater more to tourists, as they can be expensive.

If you get lucky with the weather and the sun is shining, Refshaleøen and the waterfront are excellent for a few cold ones by the water.

Where to Drink Like a Local in Copenhagen 

Photo credit: Ørsted Ølbar

Stay clear of the popular places on Instagram and drink like a local at these select spots.

Bodega culture is absolutely a thing in Copenhagen, representing the unpretentious side of the city, and it’s best enjoyed at corner bars like Ørsted Ølbar. There are also quite a few pubs attached to restaurants, bakeries, and concept spaces that offer evening service, which I’m a big fan of, especially Hviids Vinstue.

The drinking culture in Copenhagen is very much dependent on the day of the week. For example, on a typical Tuesday night, people tend to stay local and visit a dive bar near where they live. But on Saturdays, they may hop between a few spots, starting in one district and ending in another.

To blend in, follow the young hipsters to craft beer bars for a microbrew, though many enjoy a classic pilsner as well. Natural wine is also popular with some people.

Practical Tips for Navigating Copenhagen’s Bar Scene 

• Average spend: The average price of a beer is around DKK 55 (approx. €7 / $8), a glass of wine is DKK 80 (approx. €11 / $12), and a cocktail is DKK 100 (approx. €13 / $14).
• Bookings: Reservations are mostly required at cocktail bars, particularly the more upmarket ones. For other typical boozers, however, it’s usually first-come, first-served.
• Opening hours: Many of Copenhagen’s bars close around midnight, but some stay open later, until around 2:00 am. The districts with the latest opening bars are usually Vesterbro and the Meatpacking District, which have many late-night venues.
• Photos: To snap some shots of some of the best bars in Copenhagen, focus on the low-lit bar atmosphere and glassware, which capture the evening mood.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (2026). Copenhagen food tours. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/copenhagen/

Mikkeller. (2026). Mikkeller. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from https://www.mikkeller.com/

Ølsnedkeren. (2026). Ølsnedkeren. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from http://www.olsnedkeren.dk/

Mikkeller. (2026). Mikkeller & Friends Bottleshop. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from https://www.mikkeller.com/locations/mikkeller-and-friends-bottleshop

Taphouse. (2026). Taphouse Copenhagen. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from https://taphouse.dk/

Pompette. (2026). Pompette. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from http://etteetteette.dk/pompette

Den Vandrette. (2026). Den Vandrette. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from https://www.denvandrette.dk/

Duck and Cover. (2026). Duck and Cover. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from http://duckandcoverbar.dk/

1656 Cocktail Bar. (2026). 1656 Cocktail Bar. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from http://1656.dk/

Ørsted Ølbar. (2026). Ørsted Ølbar. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from https://www.facebook.com/p/%C3%98rsted-%C3%98lbar-100064110938320/?locale=da_DK

Hviids Vinstue. (2026). Hviids Vinstue. Retrieved May 31, 2026, from http://hviidsvinstue.dk/