Things to Do for the Party Animal
If your travel dreams revolve around vibrant nights spent dancing and laughing with friends, Copenhagen deserves a spot on your itinerary. Beneath its seemingly serene surface, this city boasts an electrifying nightlife that’s begging to be explored. Among its most iconic neighborhoods is Christiania, often referred to as Freetown. This unique, semi-independent commune nestled within the Christianshavn area has captured the hearts of night owls for years. As Elvira, my server at Granola—an excellent pre-dinner drink spot—shared, Christiania is famous for its impromptu concerts and pulsating live music on weekends, laying the perfect groundwork for a memorable night out.
While it has historically drawn both locals and tourists with its more lenient drug regulations, particularly concerning cannabis, a word of caution: this year saw the closure of open cannabis markets, making it trickier to procure that elusive green. Remember, possession remains illegal in Denmark.
On the opposite end of the spectrum lies the Meatpacking District, a full-fledged party haven. Come the weekend, this neighborhood pulses with life, inviting revelers to embark on bar-hopping adventures before hitting one of the numerous clubs that span a diverse array of music genres—think techno, electronic, and mainstream hits.
However, navigating the nightlife landscape does require a bit of insider knowledge. For fans of pop music, Søpavillonen is a must-visit, though having local friends to accompany you can be crucial for entry. “You need to know people to get in,” shares Robert August Hansen, a true Copenhagen native. Alternatively, for those without established connections, Hansen recommends Hangaren—just be sure to secure tickets in advance. Techno enthusiasts will find their haven at either Den Anden Side or Module. Pro tip? “Dress and act like Berlin locals,” Hansen advises. And if you’re in town during the summer, don’t miss the city’s two standout festivals: Distortion Ø, which kicks off the summer festival season, and Karrusel, a celebratory event taking place in late summer.
Come morning, if the party left you craving a refreshing recharge, head to the water. For the adventurous souls willing to brave a brisk winter swim, Copenhagen’s winter sea and canal swimming scene, championed by the local club Glaecier, is a thrilling experience. Prefer a more leisurely float? The city is dotted with harbor swimming areas, and don’t forget—floating saunas are a delightful bonus you won’t want to miss!
