Things to do at night in Copenhagen to experience the city like a local

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard that Copenhagen is “the coolest city in Europe.” While this is hard to actually quantify, the Danish capital’s place at the forefront of culture and aesthetics is undeniable. Its nightlife is a vital piece of its appeal, with some of the world’s best restaurants, moody cocktail bars, live music, and revered craft breweries. 

The city center remains lively even after museums and famous landmarks like the Little Mermaid Statue or Kastellet are closed, but the neighborhoods are where it’s at. Trendy travelers have made Copenhagen a mecca, and the welcoming locals (and transplants) help keep the vibe positive but composed. Getting around is easy, especially if you rent a bike for your stay. The metro and trams patch together neighborhoods like Nyhaven, Vesterbro, or Norrebro. 

You'll have plenty of things to do come nightfall, and if you need to get around easier (or are foregoing a hotel room for your last night) and need a place to keep your bags, Bounce has convenient luggage storage locations throughout the city. 

What to do in Copenhagen at night if you’re looking for… 

A buzzing night out

Saturday night in the Danish capital can mean many things. A low-key dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Cozying up by the fire. Rocking out at a music venue like Vega. For many locals, having a tipple with friends is the perfect way to cap off a hard day's work. And with so many incredible options for where to imbibe, you're in for a treat. 

Copenhagen is home to Europe’s top craft brewery

Danish beer has been defined by the Mikkeller Brewery for the last decade-plus, and there are over half a dozen establishments operated by Mikkeller in Copenhagen alone. The original Mikkeller Bar in the uber-hip Vesterbro district should first stop if you're into happy IPAs and other creative beers. 

Hit up a trendy cocktail bar

Like coffee, beer, and everything else, Copenhagen does cocktails better than most. Almost any bar aside from the traditional hytte (the Danish version of the classic dive bar) will offer upscale and specialty cocktails, but there are a few establishments serving particularly excellent concoctions. Ruby and the Standard in Central Copenhagen along with Vesterbro’s Lidkoeb and Duck and Cover (for fans of Mad Men) are the best places to start.

Pro tip: Get here early on weekends because the cocktail bars get crowded. And don't forget to leave your bags with Bounce so that you can bar-hop more easily. 

Grab a bite and a pint in Kødbyen

Copenhagen’s trendy meatpacking district is a top hangout for locals and a cultural destination for in-the-know travelers. Former industrial buildings have been repurposed into bars, restaurants, cafés, and boutiques.

Pro tip: Homesick American visitors will want to stop by the WarPigs for Southern-style smoked meats and craft beer. Jolene Bar is a focal point for Copenhagen’s LGBTQI+ scene. Mesteren & Lærlingen is great for a late-night DJ or a pre-evening cocktail.

You can do a lot of damage in Kødbyen, so do yourself a favor and drop your bags off at a nearby Bounce luggage storage location. 

An adventurous night out 

Night owls can actually see many of the top sights in Copenhagen without having to contend with the scores of tourists that flock here during the day. Here are a few:  

Take a nighttime canal tour

It’s no secret that canal tours are a go-to for first-time visitors who want to take in the labyrinth of waterways lining the Danish capital, but an evening cruise is perfect as you’ll see the picturesque waterfront neighborhoods and architecture with a sunset backdrop or lit up under the night sky. Boats can be cramped, so leaving your bags with Bounce helps make your cruise (and your neighbors) more comfortable. 

Pro tip: Nordhavn is the ideal neighborhood to explore, and you can look into boats departing from the area around Copenhagen Central Station.

Beat the crowds by visiting Tivoli Gardens at night

These beautifully manicured gardens are worth a visit even after the sun goes down. Tivoli Gardens is the city’s oldest operating amusement park (one could argue city gardens were the original Six Flags) and frequently hosts nightly events for Halloween or Christmas. You’ll find the gardens illuminated with gorgeous lights and they will guide you through the pathways lined with beautiful greenery.  

Hit Copenhagen’s Bakken Park

Copenhagen’s other amusement park is a delight to visit on summer nights when they hold free live concerts on their open-air stage. This park is free to enter and is only a 10-minute tram ride from central Copenhagen in the Dyrehaven Woods, and you'll get to ride old and new roller coasters and other rides.

Pro tip: There are strict bag policies and limited lockers, so leaving your bags with Bounce back in the city center is advisable, especially on concert nights when the park fills up. 

A restorative night out 

If you’re into cozy Sunday evenings, you should be able to put together the ideal Copenhagen itinerary. The concept of ‘hygge’ is intrinsic to Danish culture, which is a mindset that puts an emphasis on rest and relaxation. This might explain why so many bars and restaurants have a relaxed atmosphere. Here are a few ideas for a restorative evening in Copenhagen after a day of sightseeing.

Spa night

If you’ve been on your feet all day, indulging in a night at a spa is the perfect way to treat your legs and rest up for another day. Scandinavian folks love a sauna, and relaxing in all that steam will set you right if you're visiting during the winter. One of the best spots is AIRE Ancient Baths, which boasts saunas, massage treatments, and an indoor pool setting.

Pro tip: Make a reservation in advance at one of the oldest in Copenhagen, Sofiebadet, which dates back to 1909 and provides excellent saunas and thermal baths. 

Take in a show at the Royal Danish Opera

The Copenhagen Opera House is framed for its cutting-edge 20th-century architecture that rivals the (albeit more famous) Sydney Opera House. Taking in a performance by the Copenhagen Symphony Orchestra or one of the many concerts held there throughout the year is a great way to enjoy a show in a more relaxed setting.

Pro tip: If you're heading in for a show, skip the line at the cloakroom by stopping by a Bounce location in the city center to drop your extra belongings off. 

Whether you want a lively evening at the bars or a low-key spa night for some hygge, Copenhagen has so much to offer after the sun sets. Stuck with your bags? Download the Bounce mobile app to find convenient luggage storage locations throughout Copenhagen's many amazing neighborhoods and near popular sites like the oldest amusement park - Tivoli Gardens, the Danish Parliament, and the David Collection Museum.