LGTB Guide to Copenhagen 2019
Copenhagen Pride swept through the city this summer with a riot of rainbows, awesome music concerts and a Pride Parade that was fun for all the family. This is the face of diversity and LGTB tolerance that locals know and love, and a show to the world of the celebration of respect and rights for the LGTBQ community.
Not only is Copenhagen Pride an annual event in the city, but we have also been chosen to host WorldPride in 2021! The winning bid was put together by Happy Copenhagen which ensured that Copenhagen was put firmly on the LGTB map, and has promoted an event that will combine World Pride with the EuroGames in 2021, to create one combined event: Copenhagen 2021. This will include a huge parade, a conference on human rights and the sports event. As Copenhagen opens its arms to embrace all things LGTB; it has also been named by Lonely Planet as the most LGTB friendly place to visit in the world.
Denmark was the first country to legalise same-sex marriage, almost 30 years ago, and the LGTBQ community has been supported by legislation to ensure a tolerant and open diverse society. The city is also home to some vibrant bars and clubs that celebrate the gay scene, along with events that promote LGTB rights. The city has a variety of cultural spots that are gay friendly along with the awesome nightlife scene. We've got gay saunas to keep it steamy and gay karaoke to do your very own Mariah impression. Take a look at what's fun to do in this LGTB friendly city for visitors!
Image courtesy of Copenhagen Pride
Copenhagen Pride Week
Each August the LGTB community organises Copenhagen Pride Week which celebrates the city's diversity with workshops, events, talks, concerts, club nights, and of course the famously outrageous Pride Parade. The event is not all rainbows and glitter (although there is plenty of that!) but also addresses human rights and legislation, with over 80 campaigning groups taking place to assert and support LGTB rights and BSP - Body and Sex-Positivity. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy Pride, and there are plenty of events that are fun for all the family. The late night parties are also riotous fun, with plenty of Drag Queen acts, colourful concerts and steamy club nights.
Copenhagen Pride is a week that celebrates and informs about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights, along with discussions and workshops aimed to support these communities. You can show your support by volunteering for the event or buying one of the wristbands, however the events are all free to take part in. If you're interested or just curious about LGTB culture then come along to one of the talks or workshops and be informed about this diverse community. There are plenty of artists taking to the stage for you to shake your booty, with over 100 concerts taking place in Pride Square (as the Townhall Square become for the week!). Expect to see some serious discussions and debates along with some eye-popping costumes as a carnival atmosphere takes to the streets!
Best Nightlife for the Gay Scene in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a rocking nightlife, and the gay bar scene is a big part of it. Feel welcome in one of the trendy cocktail spots or dance the night away at some uber cool venues; these are some of our predominately gay-orientated favourites!
Centralhjørnet is Denmark's oldest LGTB bar and serves up drinks every day of the week, with live jazz on Sundays. It's an easygoing bar with a terrace and live music in the centre of town.
Cafe Intime dates back to 1922 and used to have private tables for secret rendez-vous! Now it's more of a smokey bar with classic records and a candle lit intimate atmosphere, check their website for live jazz and open mic nights in their cosy bar.
Oscar is a popular cafe which has outdoor seating on the terrace and live DHs on Fridays in the centre, or newly opened G.A.Y brings its big dance club moves to Copenahagen for more of a club with a serious dance floor.
Vela is the city's only exclusive lesbian bar and nightclub - with a reputation for shots, table football and dancing, this is a lively lesbian scene bar for those who want a good time in Vesterbro! There are live music events also, and it's open until 5am at the weekend.
Located in trendy Vesterbro's Flæsketorvet, Jolene has been a firm favourite since it opened with the famous neon sign attracting Dolly Parton lovers from all over the city! Get your cocktails in from 10pm and enjoy the parties hosted here!
In Frederiksberg you can find Amigo Bar with a mixed crowd and super happy hours, or if you're looking for Karaoke then check out the crowd at My Fair Ladies where they have stage shows also.
Lifestyle
For a well stocked gay lifestyle shop for all kinds of kit, check out Homoware of Ezzo. For something more steamy check out Amigo Sauna which has been run for over 45 years! This is male only and a late night cruising spot.
Book your Stay at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
We hope you enjoy our guide to LGTB Copenhagen and hope to see you here. Don't forget we have the best happy hour in town and an international bar with a friendly vibe. You will find our fabulous bar staff welcoming and our parties are out of this world! What are you waiting for? Book your shared or private room with us at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel - the Famous Hostel in Copenhagen for #GenuineBackpackers.