גאה בCopenhagen

Denmark's record: first and consistent

Denmark was the first country in the world to legalise registered same-sex partnerships, in 1989. This was not a tentative civil union with caveats; it was a full partnership framework that preceded similar legislation everywhere else by years. Denmark moved to full marriage equality in 2012. The country has been at the leading edge of LGBT rights for longer than most others have seriously engaged with the question.

What this means in Copenhagen is a city where the LGBTQ+ scene has had decades of open operation, and where the level of social integration is high. Gay bars and venues are spread across the city rather than confined to one district. This is partly a function of the scene being well-established enough that geography became less important over time, and partly a reflection of Copenhagen's general character as a compact, walkable, bike-friendly city where nothing is very far from anything else.

Centralhjornet: the oldest gay bar in Denmark

Centralhjornet, on Kattesundet in the city centre, has been operating as a gay bar since 1917. This makes it one of the oldest continuously operating gay bars in the world, and certainly the anchor of Copenhagen's scene. It is a small, unpretentious place with a regular clientele and a history that goes back through most of the twentieth century. Worth visiting on those grounds alone, and it remains a functioning, busy bar rather than a museum piece.

The bar is close to Stroget, the main pedestrian shopping street, and easy to find from the centre. It operates as a neighbourhood bar in character rather than a destination club.

The scene: spread out and welcoming

Copenhagen does not have a Soho or a Village in the way that London or New York do. The bars are distributed across different neighbourhoods, with concentrations in the city centre and in Norrebro, the edgy and alternative district to the northwest. Norrebro has a young, politically engaged character and some gay-friendly bars and cafes in the mix, though not an explicitly gay strip.

The spread of the scene reflects how integrated LGBTQ+ life is in the city. There is no particular need for a protected enclave. People go to whatever neighbourhood has what they want, and the level of comfort in most parts of the city is high.

Copenhagen Pride

Copenhagen Pride happens in August and is well-attended. It is not on the same scale as Stockholm Pride or Amsterdam Pride, but it is a genuine event with a parade and associated programming. The city takes it seriously. Book accommodation in advance if you are travelling specifically for Pride.

When to go

June through September is the main window. Copenhagen is pleasant in summer without the intense heat of southern European cities. Cycling is practical in good weather and the city is set up for it. Winters are cold and dark but the indoor scene continues and the city does not empty out.

May is a good option for lower crowds and reasonable prices. The shoulder months of May and September give you good weather and a more local-feeling city than July and August.

Bars

• Bearserk — Party and cruising for bears, friends and admirers in Copenhagen. Started in 2012, Bearserk hosts regular events at various gay venues including Never Mind, Jailhouse CPH and Cosy Bar. Check Bearserk’s Facebook page or website for upcoming parties and just go Bearserk!
• Body Bio — Small, dark basement cruise club that welcomes all genders but mostly attracts gay and bisexual men.Body Bio has cabins, maze, dark room, play area and free internet café. Sauna facilities are available (extra fees apply). Cheaper entry for 40 minutes before 1am. Located a 10-minute walk from the Copenhagen Central Station.
• Centralhjørnet — This is the oldest gay bar in Copenhagen and even in Europe. It is an easygoing gay bar with outdoor seating staging drag shows, live music & Sunday jazz sessions. Centralhjørnet has over-the-top décor, but that’s all part of the experience. On the central corner, which is homo-owned, you never know what's happening. Here you meet a mixed audience in terms of age and sexuality. Excellent shows are held every Thursday and Sunday (between October and April). Outdoor seating is available during
• Cosy Bar — Gay bar in the heart of gay Copenhagen. With late opening hours, Cosy Bar also serves as a dance club, with live DJ and a small dance floor. The bar attracts 20-30-something crowd. Open every night from 10pm.
• G-A-Y Copenhagen — Popular gay nightclub & bar in the heart of the city. G-A-Y Copenhagen features live DJ and a dance floor that gets busy on the weekends. Excellent drink specials. GAY Copenhagen was by the local LGBT community voted as the winner of Axgil Gay Galla "Best place to Party" award in February 2015 - after just 1 year in business!
• Jailhouse CPH — A jail-themed basement gay bar & restaurant with uniformed bartenders and prison cell seating. It is a theme bar for gays and lesbians and others who want to get a different experience from the city tour. Jailhouse CPH often has special events on weekends, eg. Eurovision - Sailor Night - Construction - Prison Night - Bear - Oktoberfest - Army - Halloween and more ...
• Kiss Kiss — Bear bar on two floors, with a friendly service and great atmosphere in downtown Copenhagen. Kiss Kiss serves a selection of spirits, champagne, beer, coffee, soft drinks and snacks. Open every evening from 6pm, with late opening hours at the weekend. Multilingual bar staff.
• Masken Bar — Masken Bar is very much a Copenhagen LGBT institution. This lively, friendly music bar & café hosts regular shows and events, attracting men of all ages. Gets busy after midnight. Located 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 sports a mixed clientele of young and old, vanilla as well as fetish guys. Come as you are, anything goes. Happy hour daily from 3pm to 9pm.
• Never Mind — Late-night gay bar & nightclub in the centre 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. Friendly, multi-lingual staff. Open 7 days a week, with live DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Oscar — One of the most popular gay hangouts in Copenhagen. Oscar bar & cafe features modern interiors, along with cute staff and a non-smoking policy. Live DJ’s on Fridays. Outdoor terrace in good weather. Located right next to City Hall, close to many of our recommended hotels in Copenhagen.
• Scandinavian Leather Men (SLM) Copenhagen — One of the biggest gay SM & fetish clubs in Europe. SLM Copenhagen has been in business for over 40 years! It features two bars, a large play area, wet room and 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 expect to be declined entry. Open on Fridays and Saturdays (sometimes Thursdays and Sundays). Check the website for details of current events. You will need

For the full breakdown, see the Copenhagen gay bars guide.

Saunas

• Amigo Sauna — Copenhagen’s only gay sauna (although Body Bio has sauna facilities, it’s more of a cruise club). Amigo Sauna provides a place for gay Danes and visitors to sweat for more than 25 years. Spread out on 3 floors, features include a dry sauna, steam room, dark room, maze, cabins, video room and shop. The sauna is busiest on Friday and Saturday evening. Conveniently located, close to all the gay bars. <span style="color: #010101; font-family: OpenSans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-s

See the Copenhagen gay saunas guide for details.

Hotels

Copenhagen is compact enough that location matters less than in larger cities. The centre is walkable from most neighbourhoods, and the metro and cycling infrastructure covers the rest. Staying in or near the city centre puts you close to Centralhjornet and the main shopping areas. Norrebro is a good option if you prefer a more local neighbourhood feel.

• Absalon — The Absalon has a great location, close to the train station, Tivoli Gardens, City Hall Square and just a 10-15 minute walk from most of Copenhagen’s gay nightlife. There is a great choice of stylish accommodation from compact, affordable guest rooms to expansive luxury suites, all with free WiFi. The hotel has a nice cocktail bar and serves an extensive breakfast buffet each morning.
• Andersen Boutique Hotel — Stylish boutique hotel near the gay bar scene in Copenhagen, a 5-minute walk from the popular Kødbyen (Meatpacking district), with its choice of galleries, restaurants and cafés. The Andersen offers tastefully furnished guest rooms with bright colours, soundproof windows, safe, minibar, Molton Brown toiletries and free WiFi. The hotel’s lobby lounge offers specialty coffee and tea from the famous Østerlandsk Thehus tea shop.
• Axel Hotel Guldsmeden — Located in the trendy Vesterbro district, the very gay-popular Axel Hotel Guldsmeden features Balinese-inspired furnishings, Persian rugs and genuine artworks in individually designed rooms. The hotel is known for its organic breakfast, and the unique spa offers some luxury pampering. Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station are within a 5-minute walk. Men’s Shop and other gay-popular venues are just steps away from the Axel. Highly recommended.
• CABINN City — This large (352-room), modern hotel is a great budget option to consider. The room rates for this standard, especially in such a central location, will certainly take some beating. CABINN City offers a friendly service, good-quality and well-designed rooms throughout, and an excellent breakfast buffet to get your day started right. All within a 10-minute walk of the city centre, the Central Station, Tivoli Gardens and the main gay area.
• Comfort Hotel Vesterbro — The Comfort Hotel Vesterbro offers great value, convenient location and contemporary styling. Each uniquely styled, colourful guest room features comfortable bed, cable TV, air conditioning and free WiFi. The hotel is located in the heart of trendy Vesterbro area, a 5-minute walk from Central Station and the famous Tivoli Gardens. Many of the best gay bars and clubs are all within an easy walk away.
• Copenhagen Marriott Hotel — The Copenhagen Marriott delivers all the sophisticated luxury you would expect from a 5-star hotel. It features a 24-hour gym, spa, sauna, a tempting array of restaurant choices. Guest rooms have picture-perfect Sydhavnen harbour or city views. All rooms feature satellite TV’s, tea/coffee facilities and minibars. WiFi is free in public areas. The Marriott is in a great waterfront location, within walking distance to Copenhagen Central Station, Tivoli Gardens and well as the Strøget shopping stre
• First Hotel Mayfair — The great-value stylish First Hotel Mayfair is within easy walking distance of everything. It features a library bar, a lounge with fireplace and public computer stations. All rooms have a flat screen TV, DVD player and free WiFi. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station. A range of restaurants, bars and shops are nearby. Gay Men’s Shop is a short walk away.
• Generator Hostel Copenhagen — The trendy Generator Copenhagen is located near the city centre, metro station, Oscar gay bar, SLM Copenhagen cruise club and other gay venues. Expect fun, bright interiors and staff to match in this anything-but-standard hostel. Features include free WiFi, cool bar & lounge, room options, private lockers and power showers. There is also a travel shop and large outdoor terrace. Generator has several branches throughout Europe and is building a strong reputation – well worth checking out if trave

Events

• Copenhagen Pride — Date TBA

Copenhagen Pride is in August. There are also regular club nights and smaller events through the year, advertised by venues on their own channels.

Practical notes

• Getting around: The metro is excellent and expanding. Cycling is practical and cheap — rental bikes are available through various services and the city has a comprehensive cycle lane network.
• Costs: Comparable to Stockholm. Budget 100-150 DKK per beer (around 13-20 EUR), more for cocktails. Dining out is expensive by most international comparisons.
• Best months: June to September. The city is at its best in summer and the scene is most active during Pride in August.
• Norrebro: Worth knowing as an alternative neighbourhood with a young, alternative character and some gay-friendly venues in the mix.
• Language: English is spoken virtually universally. Danes switch without hesitation and the city is easy to navigate for English speakers.

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