Denmark is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world and throughout the year, special events take place celebrating diversity. Meanwhile, Copenhagen has a vivid nightlife with many bars and nightclubs keeping the party alive until the morning hours, so here are a few of the top LGBTQ bars located in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city center.
G-A-Y Copenhagen is one of the best and most famous gay clubs in the city. Expect to find plenty of alcohol, loud music played by some of the best DJs, and a boisterous crowd that stays on the (non-smoking) dance floor until the morning hours. It’s located in the city center and within walking distance to Nørreport Station.
G-A-Y Copenhagen, Vester Voldgade 10, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 14 13 30
Just like it sounds, Jailhouse CPH is a prison-themed bar. It is elegantly decorated with black and white pillows while the staff—dressed as policemen—are always eager to help. A restaurant with Scandinavian delicacies can be found on the first floor while there is the Jailhouse bar where cold beers and cheap shots are served in low prices on the ground floor.
Jailhouse CPH, Studiestræde 12, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 15 22 55
This cozy smoky bar has been in the city’s nightlife scene for 30 years and is one of Europe’s oldest gay bars. Even though it is gay friendly, everyone is welcome, so there will be a mixed crowd enjoying a drink. From October to April, live shows of all kind—such as Sunday-Jazz concerts or drag shows—take place every Thursday and Sunday. In the summertime, Centralhjørnet’s outdoor tables get packed with locals and tourists who sit back and soak up the sunshine.
Centralhjørnet, Kattesundet 18, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 11 85 49
Men’s Bar is a small-bodega-style bar located in the center of Copenhagen. There may be many men in jeans and leather outfits, but there isn’t a dress code to conform to. It has a loose, friendly atmosphere that makes it ideal for enjoying some beers and strong Danish shots before heading to the city’s nightclubs.
Men’s Bar, Teglgårdstræde 3, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 12 73 03
Vela Gay Club has cozy sofas, football tables, and enough room to dance all night long. It’s a great bar for women—though they do not exclude men or the gender nonconforming—to relax, enjoy a drink, and mingle with locals, but there’s just as much a chance of dancing until the early morning hours.
Never Mind is one of Copenhagen’s best-known gay clubs. Disco balls and chandeliers hang from the ceiling while the pink and red lights create a warm atmosphere. It serves a great variety of drinks and there is a happy hour from 10 pm to 1 am. It’s open every day of the week from 10 pm until 6 am, and smoking is allowed.
Oscar Bar & Café is located right next to Copenhagen’s city hall and is quite known in Copenhagen’s LGBTQ community. On Friday’s, DJs get on stage and the atmosphere spices up. Due to its central location and delicious drinks, it is the ideal place for some early drinks before starting a night on the town.
Oscar Bar & Café, Regnbuepladsen 7, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 12 09 99
Masken Bar is one of the oldest gay clubs in Copenhagen and is located in the city’s ‘gay district’. It attracts a mixed crowd of all ages that leave satisfied with the music and the relatively low prices. It’s open daily until late at night. In 2013, it earned the title of Denmark’s Best Gay Bar Award.
Masken Bar, Studiestræde 33, Copenhagen, Denmark, +45 33 91 09 37
