In this guide · 5 sections
Copenhagen's gay bars aren't all in one spot. Unlike cities with a dedicated gay district, these places are spread out. The scene has been part of the city for so long that it doesn't need to cluster.
Centralhjornet is the anchor
Centralhjornet, on Kattesundet near the city center, is Denmark's oldest gay bar. It's been there since 1917. This small, unpretentious place feels like a real neighborhood spot, not a tourist trap. The fact it's run for over a century in the same location is what matters. If you go to one gay bar in Copenhagen, make it this one. Not because it's flashy, but because it shows something real about the city's history.
You can easily find it from Stroget, the main pedestrian shopping street, and from the city's central metro stations. It gets a mixed crowd, age-wise, with regulars who've been coming for years alongside visitors here for the history.
They're spread across the city
Beyond Centralhjornet, the gay bars are in different parts of town. Several are in the center. Norrebro, the alternative neighborhood to the northwest, has gay-friendly venues mixed into its broader bar scene. Norrebro itself is worth checking out: it's young, politically engaged, has good food, and a general vibe that suits people who find purely touristy areas dull.
This spread is a good thing. Copenhagen is compact, and the metro makes getting around easy. You don't have to stay in one neighborhood all night. People move.
The crowd
Copenhagen's gay bars feel local. The city gets far less gay tourism than Amsterdam or Berlin, so most venues are full of Danes, and the atmosphere is relaxed and neighborhood-focused. During Copenhagen Pride in August, that changes, with more visitors from elsewhere in Scandinavia and Europe.
Locals describe the scene as casual and unpretentious. You won't find a strong circuit-bar culture or commercial entertainment like in larger gay scenes. They're just bars.
The bars
- Bearserk — Parties and cruising for bears, friends, and admirers. Bearserk started in 2012 and hosts regular events at various gay venues like Never Mind, Jailhouse CPH, and Cosy Bar. Check Bearserk’s Facebook page or website for upcoming parties.
- — A small, dark basement cruise club. It welcomes all genders but mostly attracts gay and bisexual men. Body Bio has cabins, a maze, a dark room, a play area, and free internet. Sauna facilities cost extra. Entry is cheaper for 40 minutes before 1am. It's a 10-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station.
- — This is Copenhagen's oldest gay bar, possibly Europe's. An easygoing spot with outdoor seating, it hosts drag shows, live music, and Sunday jazz sessions. Centralhjørnet's décor is over-the-top, but that's part of the fun. On this homo-owned corner, you never know what's happening. You'll find a mixed crowd in terms of age and sexuality. Excellent shows happen every Thursday and Sunday (October to April). Outdoor seating is available.
- Cosy Bar — A gay bar in the heart of gay Copenhagen. It stays open late and functions as a dance club, with a live DJ and a small dance floor. The bar attracts a 20-30-something crowd. Open every night from 10pm.
- G-A-Y Copenhagen — Popular gay nightclub and bar in the city center. G-A-Y Copenhagen has a live DJ and a dance floor that gets busy on weekends. Drink specials are good. The local LGBT community voted GAY Copenhagen the winner of the Axgil Gay Galla "Best place to Party" award in February 2015, after just one year in business.
- Jailhouse CPH — A jail-themed basement gay bar and restaurant with uniformed bartenders and prison cell seating. This theme bar is for gays and lesbians and anyone else looking for a different experience. Jailhouse CPH often has special events on weekends, like Eurovision, Sailor Night, Construction, Prison Night, Bear, Oktoberfest, Army, Halloween, and more.
- Kiss Kiss — A bear bar on two floors, with friendly service and a good atmosphere downtown. Kiss Kiss serves spirits, champagne, beer, coffee, soft drinks, and snacks. Open every evening from 6pm, with later hours on weekends. The bar staff are multilingual.
- — Masken Bar is a Copenhagen LGBT institution. This lively, friendly music bar and café hosts regular shows and events, attracting men of all ages. It gets busy after midnight. It's a 5-minute walk from Town Hall Square.
- Men's Bar — Copenhagen’s classic gay leather bar, but without strict dress codes. Popular with leather, bears, and mature guys. Men's Bar has a mixed clientele of young and old, vanilla and fetish guys. Come as you are, anything goes. Happy hour daily from 3pm to 9pm.
- — A late-night gay bar and nightclub in the center of Copenhagen’s gay scene. Never Mind serves a large choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Smoking is allowed, and all attires are welcome. Staff are friendly and multilingual. Open 7 days a week, with a live DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Oscar — One of Copenhagen's most popular gay hangouts. Oscar bar & cafe has modern interiors, cute staff, and a non-smoking policy. Live DJs on Fridays. An outdoor terrace is open in good weather. It's right next to City Hall, close to many recommended hotels.
- Scandinavian Leather Men (SLM) Copenhagen — One of Europe's biggest gay SM and fetish clubs. SLM Copenhagen has been around for over 40 years. It has two bars, a large play area, a wet room, and a dark room. This club hosts themed nights with dress codes, including leather, rubber, uniform, army, sportswear, denim, and construction. Pay attention to footwear requirements or you might be denied entry. Open on Fridays and Saturdays (sometimes Thursdays and Sundays). Check the website for current events.
- THROWback @ Jolene — A quirky, offbeat gay dance party in Copenhagen. THROWback is a monthly event at the effortlessly cool bar Jolene (named after the Dolly Parton song, one can assume). Entry is always free, and the music covers everything from funk, disco, and R&B.
Practical notes
Danish bars can serve until 5am with the right license, though most close earlier. The scene doesn't peak as late as in Stockholm or Copenhagen, but it runs longer than in many northern European cities.
Prices are high. A beer costs around 70-100 DKK (9-13 EUR); cocktails are much more. Copenhagen isn't a cheap night out.
For the full Copenhagen picture, see the Gay Copenhagen Guide.