Editorial
Copenhagen has the most design-led drinking scene in Europe. Ruby pioneered the Scandinavian cocktail bar format. Mikkeller exported Danish craft beer to the world. The 10 below cover Indre By, Vesterbro and Nørrebro — Copenhagen's three drinking neighbourhoods. Most are within a 20-minute bike ride of each other.
Kayak Bar floats on pontoons under Knippelsbro at Borskaj, with waterfront tables sitting right on the harbor. It opens from late morning and runs to 1 am on weekends, kayak rental and harbor views the draw.
Copenhagen drinks early by Mediterranean standards — bars peak between 9 and 11 PM. Ruby and Lidkoeb are the technical references; Mikkeller is essential for the beer side. Don't miss the natural-wine bars (Manfred's, Barr) — Copenhagen's natural-wine programme is one of Europe's deepest. Most bars close by 2 AM weekdays, 3 AM weekends.
European Editor — based in London. Twelve years across Soho, Marais and Mitte. Strong opinions about ice.