From canalside eateries to natural wine specialists, here’s your rundown of Copenhagen’s best spots to unwind at the end of a busy day
After-work drinks are a Danish institution. So much so that Danes have even coined a word to refer to the popular afternoon ritual: fyraftensøl, which means beer at the end of a workday. Though it might not have achieved the international popularity of, say, hygge, the prevalence of the term in Denmark says a lot about the local appreciation for a glass of anything once the clock strikes three on a Friday afternoon.
The popularity of fyraftensøl also means there's a wealth of well-designed bars to choose from in Copenhagen. Below, we’ve hand-picked some of our favourites.
Pompette
Whether you’re here on holiday or call Copenhagen home, Pompette is a must-visit. Priding itself on having one of the city’s widest selection of natural wines, this bottle shop and bar located on a quiet street in the vibrant Nørrebro district boasts a great ambiance and is frequented by a friendly, creative crowd. Trust us: you don’t have to be a natural wine expert to enjoy what Pompette has to offer.
Møllegade 3, 2200 Copenhagen
Pop to Pompette for their peerless selection of natural wines.
Rosforth & Rosforth
This wine cellar and bar nestled under one of Copenhagen’s busiest bridges, connecting the inner city with the island of Amager, is the ideal after-work spot in the warmer months. The expert staff will guide you through their vast choice of reds and whites and everything in between, while the location means you can take a quick dip in the harbour before you unwind with a glass of excellent wine.
Knippelsbrogade 10, 1409 Copenhagen
Vinhanen
Wine on tap? Vinhanen is the place for you. This cosy bar located just walking distance from the city’s lakes imports a wide variety of barrels from a curated selection of partners from wine-producing countries. Our tip: pair your glass with the in-house choice of cheeses and a delicious charcuterie board.
Baggesensgade 13, 2200 Copenhagen
Vinhanen provides vino on tap.
Ved Stranden 10
Whether you’re lucky to find a table in its well-designed interiors or a spot in the sunny canal-side seating area, this bar is a true gem in the heart of Copenhagen. Don’t be fooled by its location just a stone’s throw from the busy touristy sites: Ved Stranden 10 is equipped with an incredible selection of self-produced and imported natural wines that will make your post-work drinks truly unforgettable.
Ved Stranden 10, 1061 Copenhagen
The striking canal-side Ved Stranden 10.
Den Vandrette
If you’re in the mood for seasonal decadent snacks to go with your after-work glass of natural wine, Den Vandrette is the bar (and restaurant) for you. The location’s candlelit interiors and outdoor seating overlooking the Copenhagen harbour and Nyhavn’s candy-coloured buildings make this place a perfect spot for a drink whatever the weather.
Havnegade 53A, 1058 Copenhagen K
Fasansgården
The expert bakers and chefs behind Copenhagen’s popular Meyers bakery (known for their lavish cinnamon buns) recently opened this bar and restaurant in the heart of Frederiksberg’s leafy park. Housed in a former hunting lodge from the late 17th century, the restaurant’s outdoor area is surrounded by towering trees and makes for the ideal tucked-away spot for a relaxing drink.
Fasangården Søndre Fasanvej 73, 2000 Frederiksberg, Copenhagen
You'll find Fasangården within Frederiksberg’s leafy park.
Duck and cover
Nestled off a tiny side-street in Copenhagen's Vesterbro, sits the hidden gem Duck and Cover – an immaculate mid-century-style designed cocktail bar. With unique (and award-winning) formulations on the changing drinks menu, including the Jettison with myrtle snaps and coffee husk vermouth, and an intimate, dimly-lit setting – this spot is a great go-to if you're after something a little more intimate.
Dannebrogsgade 6 Basement, 1660 Copenhagen
Photo: Duck and Cover