Copenhagen Nightlife
Nightlife in Copenhagen is largely fast-paced and exciting. It is a perfect city for night owls as things rarely get started until after midnight and continue until the sun comes up the next day.
Copenhagen is constantly changing and there are always new clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants springing up all over the city. Clubs and bars in the capital will suit all tastes from those who are into cutting-edge dance music to more laid-back classic jazz or pop. Although there are no designated nightlife areas, the Nyhavn and Boltens Gaard areas of the city are always popular with young people.
However, nights out in Copenhagen are not just for the younger crowd. Traditional beer houses, wine cellars and jazz clubs are always packed out with visitors from all age groups. The city also has a more high-brow cultural side too and is famous for its operas, theatres and ballets, as well as playing host to one of the best circuses in Europe.
This takes place in the Tivoli Gardens, which is Denmark's largest theme park and visitor attraction. The large open-air stage regularly books acts such as acrobats, tumbling clowns and aerialists. They give performances on every night of the week. Jazz and folklore groups are also known to perform here and admission is free.
To hear a number of top artists and orchestras play, the Tivolis Koncertshal should not be missed. The concert hall was opened in 1956 and houses over 2,000 people. Performances of everything from opera to symphony are presented here at 7.30 pm on Monday to Saturday. Good seats are available at cheap rates.
There are hundreds of decent bars in Copenhagen and it is hard to know where to start. From bars such as Barstarten which offers cheap, strong cocktails and well-priced food to the trendier bars such as Bar Rouge which is aimed at the Danish cocktail set who have cash to flash.
With so much choice it may be best to do as the Danes do and take a walk under the stars to enjoy the city at night and pass by some of the squares in the city to soak up the ambience, seeing where the mood takes you. A number of the old buildings in Copenhagen are lit up at night and offer a beautiful scene.
One of the best places to take a walk at night is the Nyhavn, or the New Harbour, which has been regenerated in the last 25 years and is now the site of a number of lovely bars and restaurants. During the summer months, visitors can sit out at the café tables and watch the world go by. Another popular neighbourhood for this relaxed sort of night is Christianshavn, where the cobbled streets offer an array of vibrant bars and restaurants.
The music in Copenhagen is predominantly 80s dance so don't be surprised if the Danes haven't quite caught up with the English when it comes to the clubbing scene. An interesting bar to visit before you hit the clubs is Stereo Bar which is located around Israels Plads and offers 70s retro décor, lava lamps and easy listening. Other clubs offer anything from hip hop, drum and bass and Latin and jazz.
Vega is one of the city's venues that should not be missed. It features names from the rock and dance world, as well as underground acts. It is based in a 1950s trade union building and the interior has maintained giving it a unique feel. Other popular clubs can be found in the Norrebro area of the city and a number of popular Danish acts often appear here.
Although Copenhagen has managed to shake off its stereotype of the capital of sex, the city is still renowned for the number of prostitutes that are on the streets. The streets of Istedgade and Helgolandsgade are jam packed with sex shops selling X-rated magazines and films.
From the sombre bars on the outskirts of the city to the avant-garde clubs in the centre of town, Copenhagen certainly has something to offer all travellers and a trip here will not break the bank.
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Nightlife
