Copenhagen
The 13 best bars that locals actually drink in, from Nørrebro basement bars to Vesterbro speakeasies.
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Hidden in a quiet courtyard on Blågårdsgade, this tiny natural wine bar stocks Nordic and European small-batch bottles. The owner hand-selects every bottle, and the staff actually knows what they are pouring. Pair wines with charcuterie and fermented snacks that arrive on small wooden boards.
The sister bar to To Øl brewery runs a hidden back room with 50+ taps rotating constantly. Grab a stool at the bar and let the bartenders guide you through rare Danish farmhouse ales and obscure IPAs. The retail shop up front lets you take bottles home, but most people stay for hours trying flights.
A 1920s speakeasy aesthetic with dim amber lighting and Art Deco touches fills this Vesterbro institution. Order the house gin sour or let the bartenders build you a Prohibition-era cocktail from seasonal spirits. The vibe rewards slow drinking and conversation, not quick shots.
Looking beyond Copenhagen? See our guide to the best hidden gem bars worldwide, or compare hidden gem bars city by city.