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Jailhouse CPH
Studiestraede 12, 1455 Copenhagen, Denmark
Ever fancied having a drink behind bars? Jailhouse CPH offers exactly that, although the only sentence you'll be serving is a fun evening with Copenhagen's gay crowd. This popular basement bar on Studiestræde has embraced its prison theme with iron bars, handcuffs, cell-style decorations and bartenders dressed in police uniforms.
Despite the slightly intimidating theme, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, attracting a predominantly male crowd that includes plenty of mature gay men and bears. It's a great place for drinks, conversation and a little flirting, especially during its popular happy hour. Food is also available on selected evenings. Don't confuse Jailhouse with a dedicated cruising club, however: the prison theme is part of the fun rather than an indication of what goes on downstairs.
Bear, Older Crowd, Pub Vibes
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Popular Bars in Copenhagen
Kafé Knud
For a quieter and more meaningful side of LGBTQ+ Copenhagen, Kafé Knud is a welcoming community café with a history stretching back to 1992. Founded as a meeting place for people living with HIV and those close to them, it has grown into a friendly space for conversation, support and social gatherings.
Run by Hiv-Danmark, this small basement café offers food and drinks in an informal, inclusive setting, with regular community meals and activities bringing people together. It's quite different from the city's gay nightlife venues, but an interesting destination for visitors who appreciate discovering the community organisations that have helped shape LGBTQ+ life. Open on selected weekday afternoons and evenings, so check the current programme before dropping in.
Den Anden Side
For something a world away from Copenhagen's traditional gay bars, Den Anden Side is an essential stop for fans of underground electronic music. Hidden beneath a cinema at Axeltorv, this queer-centred nightclub brings together techno, trance, house and experimental sounds in an atmosphere that celebrates individuality, self-expression and freedom.
The club has two dance floors, an impressive sound system and a changing programme curated by local collectives, with many parties continuing well into the morning. There's a strong emphasis on consent and creating a safer space for queer and marginalised communities, making it particularly appealing to visitors looking beyond mainstream gay nightlife. Check the event programme before visiting, as each party has its own musical direction and atmosphere.
Jailhouse CPH
Ever fancied having a drink behind bars? Jailhouse CPH offers exactly that, although the only sentence you'll be serving is a fun evening with Copenhagen's gay crowd. This popular basement bar on Studiestræde has embraced its prison theme with iron bars, handcuffs, cell-style decorations and bartenders dressed in police uniforms.
Despite the slightly intimidating theme, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, attracting a predominantly male crowd that includes plenty of mature gay men and bears. It's a great place for drinks, conversation and a little flirting, especially during its popular happy hour. Food is also available on selected evenings. Don't confuse Jailhouse with a dedicated cruising club, however: the prison theme is part of the fun rather than an indication of what goes on downstairs.
Oscar Bar Cafe
For one of Copenhagen's most enjoyable gay meeting places, head to Oscar Bar & Café on Regnbuepladsen, the city's Rainbow Square. With a prime location beside City Hall and a large outdoor terrace, it's a favourite with locals and visitors who want somewhere relaxed to enjoy a drink, a meal or simply watch the world go by.
Oscar is equally appealing during the day and in the evening, serving everything from coffee and homemade cakes to Danish open sandwiches, burgers and cocktails. The crowd is wonderfully mixed, spanning different ages, genders and identities, while the atmosphere gets livelier as the evening progresses. On warm days, the outdoor tables are particularly popular and make an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby gay bars.
Never Mind
When the other gay bars start winding down, Never Mind is where Copenhagen's party crowd heads to keep the night going. This hugely popular LGBTQ+ nightclub at Axeltorv has a large dance floor, energetic atmosphere and a soundtrack packed with pop favourites, Eurovision anthems and familiar dance classics.
The crowd is wonderfully diverse, attracting gay men, lesbians, trans and non-binary visitors, and plenty of friends who simply love a good party. DJs keep the music going well into the morning, particularly at weekends, and there's a separate smoking area. It can get very busy later in the night, but that's all part of the fun. An excellent choice if you prefer dancing until sunrise rather than calling it a night after a few cocktails.
Tap 21 Craft Beer
If you appreciate an interesting beer more than another sugary cocktail, Tap 21 is a great little find in Frederiksberg. This welcoming, gay-owned craft beer bar offers a changing selection of Danish and international brews, with ten taps and an extensive collection of bottled and canned beers to explore.
The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, making it a lovely place to settle in with friends or chat with fellow beer enthusiasts. Regular pub quizzes, beer tastings and special events provide plenty of excuses to return, while board games and cards are available for those who enjoy a little friendly competition. There's also a good choice of alcohol-free drinks, and you can bring your own food or order takeaway. An excellent alternative to the busy central gay nightlife scene.
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