RUST

A favourite on Copenhagen's main gay nightlife street, Masken is the kind of bar where you can easily drop in for one drink and end up staying for several hours. Spread across two floors on Studiestræde, this longstanding institution mixes traditional Danish pub culture with a lively, friendly LGBTQ+ atmosphere. The upstairs bar has a particularly cosy feel, while downstairs tends to attract a younger crowd looking for music, drinks and a little more energy. Expect a good mix of locals and visitors, with the atmosphere becoming considerably livelier as the weekend gets going. Masken is open throughout the week and makes an excellent starting point for exploring Copenhagen's gay scene, particularly if you enjoy informal bars where conversation comes easily.

If your perfect night out involves excellent electronic music, cold beers and absolutely no pretension, Jolene could be your kind of place. This much-loved institution in Copenhagen's Meatpacking District has built a loyal following with its underground DJs, energetic dance floor and wonderfully relaxed attitude towards nightlife. Expect house, techno, dub and other independent electronic sounds rather than mainstream chart hits, with a diverse, creative crowd that has always been strongly LGBTQ+-friendly. The deliberately rough-around-the-edges interior and industrial surroundings are part of the appeal, making Jolene feel more like a proper local club than a polished tourist destination. It's particularly lively at weekends, when the music gets louder and the dancing continues late into the night. Come for the tunes, not the fancy cocktails.

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.

One of Copenhagen's most unusual LGBTQ+ destinations can be found in the heart of Christiania. Bøssehuset is a wonderfully independent queer cultural house that has long provided a creative meeting place for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans communities, with a programme that reflects Christiania's famously unconventional spirit. Rather than operating as a regular bar, Bøssehuset opens for performances, parties, theatrical productions, concerts, singalong evenings and community gatherings. The atmosphere is informal, inclusive and often delightfully eccentric, making it a fascinating place to experience Copenhagen's queer culture beyond the usual nightlife circuit. Check the programme carefully before visiting, as events take place on selected dates rather than every evening.

Step into Café Intime and you could almost be transported back to another era. This wonderfully atmospheric Frederiksberg institution first opened in 1922 and has long been known for its colourful, bohemian clientele and welcoming attitude towards Copenhagen's LGBTQ+ community. The intimate interior, vintage furnishings and soft lighting create a lovely setting for an evening of music and conversation. Pianists and singers regularly entertain guests, while Sunday jazz sessions are a longstanding tradition. It's particularly appealing for a date or a relaxed evening away from the louder gay bars in the city centre, although the atmosphere can become quite spirited when everyone starts singing along. Be aware that smoking is permitted, so it isn't ideal if you prefer smoke-free venues.

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.