We’re waiting all year for summer, and now that it’s finally here, it’s time to enjoy every corner of the city! Copenhagen is full of charming venues from where you can take in a beautiful summer sunset, have a drink after work and chill with friends till the early morning hours. What’s your favorite spot? I hope this list will inspire you to explore Copenhagen during these wonderful months.
(NB! Opening times of the venues mentioned below may vary due to Covid-19. Check the websites for more info)
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Apollo Bar & Kantine
Located in one of the most picturesque location just a stone’s throw from buzzing Nyhavn, Apollo Bar is the ideal spot to enjoy your outdoor breakfast, morning coffee, lunch with friends or a deliciously healthy dinner.
Apollo is nestling inside the historical Kunsthal Charlottenborg, where you can find interesting art installations and exhibitions, so one could call it an updated version of a museum café. The owner (who’s also a cook), Frederik Bille Brahe, created this space in 2007 for people to drop by throughout the day and socialize with each other. Every Friday evening, there’s a DJ behind the counter.
Apollo Bar & Kantine, Charlottenborg Slot, Nyhavn 2, 1051 Copenhagen K
Web: www.apollobar.dk
Kyros & Co.
If you’re craving a craft cocktail, look no further than this place! Kyros & Co. is an ode to quality, good company, art and craftmanship, and the bar has already won over many hearts! Labelled a so-called ‘speak-easy-bar’ (you know, one of these places that are deliberately hard to find!), it’s an experience just getting in! If the two lamps on each side of the main door are lit, the place is open. Once you’re sitting comfortably inside, the show can begin. Don’t expect a party crowd though, as Kyros & Co. allow groups of max. 4 people inside. In total, the bar holds space for max. 34 people. The cocktails here are probably like nothing you’ve ever had before.
Fun fact; ‘Kyros’ means ‘prestige’ in old Persian.
Kyros & Co., Teglgårdsstræde 13, 1452 Copenhagen K
Web: www.kyrosand.co
Café Slusen
Completely informal and laid-back, this small café by the waterfront is nothing short of ideal for a glass of rosé with friends!
Open from Tuesday-Sunday from 10-22, there’s always a good reason to pop by for a drink or a snack, but don’t be fooled by its rather modest location. Located inside a tin shed of 40 m2, there’s not much room for guests inside; you’d want to opt for a seat on the big wooden terrace facing the sea. And when you’re done here, jump into a kayak and explore Copenhagen from the water side! What’s on the menu? Sicilian beer, wine, coffee and a modest selection of snacks/light dishes.
Café Slusen, Ved Slusen 34, 2300 Copenhagen S
La Banchina
I couldn’t think of a neater place to enjoy breakfast or coffee in the summer than at La Banchina! A 16-seat restaurant and wine bar (with a sauna!), this laid-back venue is passionately focused on fresh veggies and everything the sea can provide. It has one of the nicest sea views, which also makes it the perfect spot for a little morning meditation, but you’d want to arrive early for this. Table reservation isn’t possible, but once you’ve found a good spot here, you can stay for hours. Sustainable and cosy – what’s not to like?!
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, La Banchina offers a delicious, locally-sourced tasting menu with table reservation.
Psst! If it’s too crowded here, try out neighboring Reffen Street Food.
La Banchina, Refshalevej 141, 1432 Copenhagen S
Web: www.labanchina.dk
Kayak Bar
Another laid-back café/restaurant located directly on the waterfront is Kayak Bar. Loved for its tasty food and cosy summer vibes, the place takes its name after (you guessed it!) the kayaks, which guests can rent on an hourly or daily basis. After enjoying a drink here, you can even embark on a kayak course.
There’s a lot going on at Kayak Bar, e.g. jazz concerts on Tuesdays, DJ’s on the weekends and of course, brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the website for their popular meditation- and yoga morning events as well.
Kayak Bar, Børskaj 12, 1221 Copenhagen K.
Web: kayakbar.dk
Ofelia Plads
You’ve probably heard of Ofelia Plads next to the Royal Danish Playhouse – if not, it’s about time! This public outdoor space exudes summery vibes and feel good ambience where both locals and tourists mingle to enjoy life. With a wide array of events such as concerts, dance classes and pop-up shops, there’s always something going on here. Grab an ice cream or an iced coffee and get comfortable in the sun. Due to its breezy location at the waterfront, it’s wonderful to hang out here when the temperatures are rising!
Ofelia Plads, Kvæsthusbroen, 1250 Copenhagen K
Green Island
Very hyped, but righteously so! A true oasis in the heart of Copenhagen, this floating island provides good vibes, a happy crowd, delicious cocktails and tasty food. Basically, the island provides the perfect settings for hanging out with friends in summer; ocean views all over, a nice sea breeze and lots of lush greens to rest the eyes. Make sure to check the website for upcoming events.
Green Island, Kalvebod Brygge 9, 1560 Copenhagen V
Web: www.green-island.dk/
The rooftop of Hotel Denmark
An urban oasis with views of Copenhagen from above, the cosy rooftop terrace of Hotel Denmark is a wonderful place to enjoy a chilled glass of wine and a snack during the warmer months. Grab a lounge chair and a drink and mingle with the locals, cause the rooftop is open for everyone! On some weekends, you’ll find a DJ behind the counter.
Hotel Danmark, Vester Voldgade 89, 1552 Copenhagen K
Web: www.brochner-hotels.dk/hotel-danmark
El Cava Bar
A beloved venue amongst locals, El Cava Bar in the heart of the city, offers a wide assortment of wine and cava as well as tasty snacks and tapas plates. The bar has a big, sunny terrace facing the canal, where you can easily kill a few hours or more.
El Cava Bar, Ved Stranden 16, 1061 Copenhagen K
The Royal Library Garden
A small “hidden” garden between the Royal Library and Chistiansborg Palace, this garden serves as the ideal place for calm moments. Bring a book, a blanket and a drink and enjoy the tranquility of the Royal Library Garden, which opened to the public in 1920. The ambience here is meditative, especially early in the day.
The Royal Library Garden, Proviantpassagen 1, 1218 Copenhagen K
Sandkaj Havnebad, Nordhavn
A brand new neighborhood with lots of sunlight and sea breeze; you’ve got to love Nordhavn! The ambience here feels both international yet very Copenhagen-ish with its bright beautiful flats, coffee bars and green areas. Just a few years ago, this area wasn’t accessible to the public, but today it’s buzzing with life. My favorite part about this place is the fact that you have constant views to the sea. To me, this is the good life embodied!
Sandkaj Havnebad is open for swimmers all year around, and it’s ideal for sunbathing as well.
Sandkaj Havnebad, Sandkaj 27, 2150 Copenhagen
Nimb Roof
If you’re up for a more exclusive setting, then the 5-star boutique hotel Nimb offers the perfect frames. Head to their luxurious rooftop terrace on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays (all other days are reserved for hotel guests) and enjoy the beautiful city views. The heated pool will undoubtedly allure you in for a swim!
Nimb, Bernstorffsgade 5, 1577 Copenhagen
Web: www.nimb.dk
Kalvebod Wave
A true summer hangout for water lovers of all ages! This is an urban space providing interesting architecture and countless activities during summer, e.g. water sports, yoga and meditation. It’s also possible to rent kayaks.
Kalvebod Wave is a popular venue when the weather’s nice, so make sure to come here early in the day, grab your spot and stay until the sun sets. The best way to enjoy Copenhagen in summer, is on or by the water!
Kalvebod Wave, Copenhagen S
Kahyt & Kaffe
If you’re fond of quirky – or shall we say unusual – cafés, this will definitely hit the spot for you! Kahyt & Kaffe is a privately owned café located on an old sail boat. It’s a beloved place amongst locals, and if you feel like dropping by on a regular basis, you can become a crew member for only 48DKK a month! Get onboard and enjoy the sea views!
Kahyt & Kaffe, Skibbroen 2, 2450 Copenhagen SV
web: www.kahytogkaffe.dk
Toldboden
We’re rounding off with an oldie but goodie! Nestling in the historical ‘Toldboden’, the restaurant by the same name serves up a mouth-watering brunch, grill and seafood buffets, fish & chips and other delicacies all throughout the week. Drop by for an after-work cocktail on Fridays and stay until the wee hours of the morning. If you’re lucky, there’s a good party going on!
Toldboden, Nordre Toldbod 18-24, 1259 Copenhagen K
Web: toldboden.com
Something’s missing? Write a comment if we didn’t include your favorite venue and we’ll add it to the list!
