When we talk about perfect matches, few come close to Copenhagen and beer. The Danish capital is pretty small size-wise on a global scale, but its legacy in bars, restaurants, and nightclubs is unprecedented.
Not that this is too surprising, though. Beer is a crucial part of Denmark’s culture; it acts as a social lubricant, and you’ll find cans of Carlsberg and everything whenever you’re invited to dinner or a Christmas gathering.
Although the centuries-old Danish brands retain strong loyalty amongst locals and tourists alike, Copenhagen has seen beer innovators take things to new heights in recent years. The end result is a captivating boozy experience involving every flavor and type of bar you could think of.
So, what kinds of beer will you find in Copenhagen, and where can you go to have one? And most importantly, how much will everything cost? Keep reading to discover the answers to all of these questions.
What beer is made in Copenhagen?
Before we look at Copenhagen and its beer bars in more depth, it’s worth first delving into the brewers that call this city their home. You’ll almost certainly have heard of Tuborg, better-known to Simpsons fans as “the beer of Danish kings”.
The company originates from Hellerup, a coastal suburb not far north of Copenhagen’s city center.
However, Tuborg stopped brewing in Hellerup a long time ago. Nowadays, the home-brewed versions of its beer come from Fredericia — a small town in Jutland. And since 1973, Tuborg has been a part of Carlsberg Group.
Tuborg’s legacy in Hellerup is still clear to see. Beyond the modern harbor named after it, you’ll see a giant bottle if you cycle north of the city.
What is the most famous Danish beer?
If you were to ask anyone what they associate with Denmark, most people would mention “Probably the best beer in the world”. That’s right — we’re talking about Carlsberg.
Carlsberg is a little older than Tuborg and has been around since 1847. Unlike its counterpart, the company’s main brewery is still in the Copenhagen area.
The Carlsberg brewery in Copenhagen is on the edges of the Valby district, and it also borders Vesterbro and Frederiksberg.
At the time of writing, the area around the brewery is undergoing significant development, and a new district of fancy apartments and offices will be fully completed in 2024.
And since the Carlsberg Visitor Center is also being renovated, you’ll need to look elsewhere for Copenhagen brewery tours until further notice.
Modern brewing pursuits
If you feel like your hopes of finding brewery tours in Copenhagen are dying, don’t worry. If you’re looking for an authentic Danish beer experience, Amager Bryghus is a place you might want to add to your list.
The microbrewery is one of several newer establishments throughout the capital — and offers tours for groups of 10-70 people.
Another famous beer brand with Copenhagen breweries is Mikkeller. The company has taken the world by storm with its experimental craft beers and fun branding, and you’ll spot several of its microbreweries and craft beer bars throughout the city.
Mikkeller has over 2,000—yes, you read that right—2,000 different types of beer across its global locations.
How much is a beer in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is notorious for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, and it’s easy to run up a high bill if you’re not careful. However, drinking doesn’t have to be expensive — and you’ll often pay less than if you went on a night out in Oslo or Stockholm.
Beer prices in Copenhagen vary a lot more than in some of the other Nordic capitals. Generally speaking, you’ll pay less if you opt for Carlsberg or Tuborg; both cost roughly the same in bars, and the price difference isn’t massive in supermarkets either.
The price of beer in Copenhagen also depends on whether you get it on draft or not. In most bars, you’ll pay less for a bottle.
At the other end of the scale, prices get steeper if you go for craft beers. Of course, the percentage of alcohol and how much you purchase will both dictate how expensive your night out is.
So, just how expensive is beer in Copenhagen? The table below contains average prices for a broad selection:
| Type of Beer | Cost |
| Standard beer in a bar | 45-65 DKK |
| Craft beer/IPA | 60-70 DKK |
| 33cl bottle in a nightclub | 50-60 DKK |
| 33cl bottle of non-Danish beer in a supermarket | 15 DKK |
| 50cl bottle of beer in a supermarket | 12-15 DKK |
| 6-pack of standard beer cans in a supermarket | 45-60 DKK |
The different types of beer bars in Copenhagen
As you’ve probably gathered by now, your only problem with Copenhagen and beer is going to be narrowing down your choices. The city has several places for you to grab a drink, and you’re guaranteed to find something that matches your tastes.
We’ll identify the best beer bars in Copenhagen later on, but it’s worth first looking at what you can expect to find. To make your research easier, we’ve broken each of these down below.
Bodegas
Copenhagen, like the rest of Denmark, places a strong emphasis on “hygge”. Nowhere is this more evident than in bodegas, which are often compact and designed to encourage socializing. You’ll find plenty of these dotted throughout almost every neighborhood in the city.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly night out in the Danish capital, you’ll most likely end up in a bodega. These establishments often cater to students, and they’re great places if you’re looking to meet and chat with some of the locals.
You’ll find several bodegas in the inner city, while Vesterbro, Nørrebro, and Christianshavn are also hotspots. Remember that many will allow you to smoke inside, so you might need to step outside a few times if you’re a non-smoker.
Rooftop bars
Copenhagen’s skyline is ever-evolving, and one of the best places to enjoy this liveable and loveable place is from above. So, why not do it with a drink in your hand at the same time?
You’ll find plenty of rooftop bars throughout the city, many of which also have restaurants for you to enjoy some food. Many of Copenhagen’s top hotels have places to grab a beer from above, and you’ll also find that some of the major department stores offer this.
Rooftop bar beer prices are higher than most of their counterparts on the ground, but they’re still worth checking out if you fancy treating yourself or don’t mind splashing the cash.
Craft beer bars
Copenhagen hasn’t shied away from embracing craft beer, and if there’s one thing you’re not, it’s short of places to get a drink. Copenhagen craft beer is a must-try if you visit; you’ll find roughly 50 specialized bars in Greater Copenhagen.
Although craft beer bars in Copenhagen are more expensive than bodegas and pubs, their cozy atmospheres and diverse selection of flavors make them well worth the money.
You’ll find something to meet your needs, regardless of whether you enjoy darker beers or something more sour.
If you’re in the city itself, you’ll find several options in close proximity if you head over to Nørrebro and Vesterbro. Kødbyen (the Meatpacking District) is a trendy choice among Copenhageners.
Pubs
Like in most European cities, you’ll find several English-style pubs in Copenhagen. These venues usually have older interiors and tend to attract an older crowd than most of the other places on this list.
Many pubs offer outdoor seating, making them a great place to stop and people-watch during the few days of summer each year. Locals often sit outdoors in the colder months, too, aided by heaters, free blankets, and Viking spirit.
If you want to visit a Copenhagen beer pub, expect to pay somewhere in the middle of bodegas and craft beer bars for your pint. You’ll find a couple of places near the main train station, along with less touristy spots in Frederiksberg and Christianshavn.
Street food stands and outdoor bars
Copenhagen has become a poster child for urban regeneration done correctly, and the city has turned several of its old industrial areas into fascinating architecture and liveable neighborhoods.
Many of these areas have also become popular with street food vendors, and you’ll often find a selection of stands serving beer.
Street food stands will serve a range of craft beers, and flavors will vary depending on the brand they choose.
Denmark’s largest city feels like a never-ending party during the summer, and you won’t need to go far to find an outdoor bar along the waterfront. These places normally sell the standard beer brands you can expect to find everywhere else, though the price tag is often a little higher too.
Nightclubs
If you’re invited on a night out with the Danes, you’ll notice that many often follow the same rhythm. Your evening will usually begin with either food and a few drinks at one of Copenhagen’s eateries, or you’ll go to a friend’s apartment for some pre-drinks.
Once you’ve all had enough to drink (or the neighbors have complained), you might stop at a few bars before finishing off the night on a sticky dancefloor in a club.
Copenhagen has a wide selection of nightclubs; if you find that you want a few more beers at some point, you’ll be able to grab a bottle from the bar inside. You can expect Carlsberg, Tuborg, and the standard imported brands like Heineken.
If you buy beer in a nightclub, you’ll often pay a lot more than in a pub or bodega. Keep that in mind, and don’t be too shocked when you see what the cost on the card reader says.
Can I buy beer in Copenhagen supermarkets?
If you look at its neighbors’ approach to alcohol, you’ll notice that Denmark has much more in common with Germany than its Nordic relatives.
Danes have a relaxed approach to drinking in public. In Copenhagen, your beer can come with you on the street — as long as you’re not being a nuisance or harming others.
Unlike Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, you don’t need to go to a state-run monopoly store to buy beer above a certain percentage in Denmark. Instead, it’s readily available in supermarkets — and you’ll find something for all budgets.
The discount stores in Copenhagen have a fantastic selection of beers available. Besides Carlsberg and Tuborg, you can find local brands from other parts of the country.
Netto is particularly supportive of Danish produce; besides having one of the broader choices for local beers, the prices tend to be some of the lowest.
Lidl is also widespread throughout the city. You can buy the standard Danish brands, but you’ll also find a bigger variety of international brands than Netto — so you might want to go here instead if that’s what you’re looking for.
REMA 1000 is another of the primary discount stores in Copenhagen and is a better choice if you want wine instead of beer. Having said that, you’ll still find Tuborg and whatnot.
Co-op isn’t as widespread as the other supermarkets we’ve mentioned so far, but still has a good selection. You’ll find a broader range of IPAs here, plus bottles from some of Copenhagen’s local breweries.
Irma is also good for special beers, though you’ll need to remember that this is Denmark’s most expensive store chain. For lower prices without compromising quality, consider heading into a Føtex first.
Most of Denmark’s supermarkets will offer discounts on specific beers each week. For example, Christmas beers come down in price significantly once the festive period has ended. If you find yourself in Copenhagen, it’s worth seeing what’s for sale at that time of year.
Besides the major supermarket chains, you can also find a smaller choice of beers in most of the city’s convenience stores. And for something quick to keep you ticking over until the next bar, 7-Eleven sells cans of beer.
What are the best beer bars in Copenhagen?
Okay, so we’ve covered almost everything you need to know about buying a beer in Denmark’s capital. All that’s left is to look at the best beer bars in Copenhagen! You know which brands brew in the city, along with where you can buy your booze.
Below, you’ll find our four favorite places to have a drink in the city.
Warpigs Brewpub
Warpigs is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic joints. Located in the middle of the Meatpacking District, you’ll find over 20 craft beers to try alongside a superb menu of Texas-themed food.
The beer menu changes regularly, so you’ll always have the chance to try something new. Prices are average for craft beer in Copenhagen, and you can expect to pay between 45 and 70 DKK.
Warpigs is open from 11am-midnight from Monday-Wednesday, along with Sundays, and extends its opening hours to 2am between Thursday and Saturday.
Eiffel Bar
If you’re looking for one of Copenhagen’s most authentic beer bars, Eiffel Bar needs to be near the top of your list. This Christianshavn pub is a great place to shield yourself from the city’s perpetual wind and rain.
In Eiffel Bar, you’ll find a selection of standard beers – in addition to its own branded versions. Prices are very affordable; you’ll pay roughly 22 DKK.
Eiffel Bar is open from midday until 2am every day. It’s worth mentioning that it’s always busy here on the weekend, and you might find the cigarette smoke overwhelming at times if you’re a non-smoker — so remember to step outside for some fresh air.
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
Mentioning a hostel on a list of the best beer bars in Copenhagen might seem a little weird, but hear us out. The Copenhagen Downtown Hostel’s bar is just as popular with locals as travelers and is just a stone’s throw away from the main square.
The Copenhagen Downtown Hostel attracts a younger crowd and offers several events throughout the week, including beer pong and live music.
You can get a 1-liter jug of Carlsberg for 50 DKK during Happy Hour and get 10% off your drinks if you book to stay directly on their website.
The bar is open until late and offers a superb springboard to meet people and continue your night at another pub further downtown.
Mikkeller Baghaven
Mikkeller Baghaven is part of Reffen, a former industrial space-turned-street food establishment far north of Christianshavn. You’ll find dozens of beers available and have a great view of the greatest disappointment to many tourists — the Little Mermaid.
Like Mikkeller’s other craft beer bars in Copenhagen, you’ll find beers that range in price depending on alcohol percentage and whatnot. You can also participate in beer-tasting events throughout the year, which costs 300 DKK plus a 22.50kr booking fee.
Mikkeller Baghaven’s opening times are as follows:
- Monday-Thursday: 14:00-22:00;
- Friday: 13:00-23:00;
- Saturday: 12:00-23:00;
- Sunday: 12:00-22:00.
Copenhagen and beer go hand-in-hand
Copenhagen should be on the bucket list of every beer enthusiast, and spending a weekend here would only scrape the surface of what’s on offer.
Some of the world’s most exciting brands initially found their inspiration here, and their influences continue to rub off on the countless bars that dot the city’s streets.
Regardless of your budget, you’ll find something that fits your needs and tastes. Supermarkets stock up plenty of options, and you don’t need to break the bank to have an enjoyable night out either.
Copenhagen is by far Scandinavia’s king of beer, but the city has so much more to offer. If you’re looking for something to sit alongside that beer, why not check our guide to the best Danish cheeses?
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
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—What is Denmark famous for?
