Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Copenhagen.
Restaurants
Kong Hans
A decidedly refined dining experience, this restaurant is set in the romantic, vaulted surroundings of the former Royal Mint.
Vingaardsstræde 6
(+45 3311 6868)
Umami
This place is a super-stylish Japanese restaurant at the forefront of Copenhagen’s love affair with sushi; there's also a swish cocktail bar.
Kongensgade 59
(+45 3338 7500)
Els
For rich, tasty, seasonal Danish dishes, this is the ideal place to go.
Store Strandstræde 3
(+45 3314 1341)
Noma
For wonderful views of the harbour and innovative Nordic gourmet cuisine in a suitably sleek setting, you can't do much better than this.
Strandgade 93
(+45 3296 3297)
Les Trois Cochons
A good value brasserie-style French eaterie, set in an old butcher's shop.
Værnedamsvej 10
(+45 3331 7055)
Bistro Boheme
This quirkily furnished split-level restaurant and bar does exceedingly good French cuisine. It has WiFi too.
Esplanaden 8
(+45 7022 0870)
Cafés
Nyhavns Faergekro
Nyhavn is certainly popular with the tourists but there’s no denying the appeal of this picturesque waterfront cafe area. Hans Christian Andersen liked it so much he lived in three different houses here. This cafe is a nice spot for a beer and light snacks in the sunshine.
Nyhavn 5
(+45 33 15 15 88)
Café Victor
Well-placed for the main shopping area, this cafe has a beautiful art deco interior and a fine brasserie menu, including delicious oysters.
Ny Østergade 8
(+45 3313 3613)
Kong Petit
A pretty little kiosk café, serving coffee and drinks to the tables laid out in the square.
Kongens Nytorv
Le Petit Tortus
Tucked away in Gråbrødretorv, off Skindergade, is a peaceful and cosy place for a coffee. There is also an excellent choice of tapas.
Skindergade
Det Elektriske Hjorne
Another groovy place, filled with retro leather sofas and chandeliers.
Store Regnegade 12
(+45 33 13 91 92)
Bars and clubs
Tivoli Gardens
Start the evening with a drink next to an ornamental lake - but very much within ear-shot of the roller coasters.
Vesterbrogade, 3
(+45) 3315 1001)
Grill Bar
Many of Copenhagen’s cafés slowly morph into bars and clubs as the evening progresses. Grill Bar becomes a stylish hangout in the evening, serving cocktails and fusion food and attracting a cool crowd.
Ny Ostergade, 14
(+45 33 14 34 54)
Olsen
This eaterie transforms from a popular restaurant into a hip DJ bar and cocktail lounge in the evenings.
Ved Stranden 18
(+45 3314 6400)
Hotel Front
One of the hippest places to eat drink and sleep in town. It has a trendy bar, a gym and even a library with a fireplace – how very civilised.
Skt. Annæ Plads
(+45 3313 3400)
Bar Rouge
One of the hippest cocktail lounges in town, non-residents should get themselves on the guestlist for this place at weekends.
Skt. Petri Hotel, Krystalgade 22
(+45 3345 9100)
Oak Room
One of Nørrebro's hippest hangouts, this great bar serves a fantastic selection of potent, flavoursome cocktails.
Birkegarde 10
(+45 3860 3860)
Ruby
Tricky to locate, but well worth the trouble, Ruby is unassuming, refined, and home to perfect classic cocktails.
Nybrogade 10
(+45 3393 1203)