Copenhagen is northern Europe's most cosmopolitan and gayest city, celebrating gay life like very few other cities do, with a major gay film festival in October and the Gay Parade in August.
This shouldn't be a surprise, as Denmark is one of the world's most tolerant and gay-friendly nations. Its national gay and lesbian organization was founded all the way back in 1948, and in 1989 it became the first country in the world to introduce gay partnership laws.
The capital has a lively, relaxed gay scene, where almost everything is within walking distance.
Gay Bars
Centralhjørnet
There are many well-established gay bars in the city, but this one is the oldest. It also stands out for the fact that the bartenders seem to love to talk to the mixed clientele, both young and old.
Website: www.centralhjornet.dk
Jailhouse
Staff dressed in cop uniforms welcomes you to this "concept bar." Even if that's not your fetish, this is a great place to be, for drinks in a friendly atmosphere.
Website: jailhousecph.dk
Masken Bar
Both levels of this bar are filled with young gay men drinking and engaged in conversation. It's just the welcoming place you're looking for to meet a local.
Facebook Page: maskenbarcopenhagen
Men's Bar
The name says it all. However, it now attracts a mixed crowd, not just the macho guys in leather, as it originally did. Pass by on weekdays for the daily happy hours, which seem to last all afternoon long.
Facebook Page: mensbarcph
Oscar
Here's one of the best options in the city for coffee during the day. It also offers light meals and some cool cocktails, as well as happy hours in late afternoon. When it's sunny, this is a great place to sit outside. If you choose to have dinner elsewhere, return after that for more drinks and perhaps some moves on the tiny dancefloor.
Facebook Page: oscarbarcafe
Cruising Clubs
SLM Copenhagen
Said to be one of Europe’s biggest gay fetish clubs, it’s been in business for over four decades. It still attracts locals and tourists who enjoy uniforms, leather and sportswear, and who get together at the two bars and dark room.
Website: www.slm-cph.dk
Saunas
Amigo Sauna
Nearly half-a-century old, this sauna has 800m2 spread over three floors, with cabins, dark room, steam baths, a small gym, a bar and a shop.
Website: amigosauna.dk
Lesbian Copenhagen
Vela
Previously a strip club, this is now a lesbian club, although the vintage furniture and red colors have remained. Men are welcome too, who will also enjoy the reasonably-priced cocktails and "pussytails."
Website: velagayclub.dk
Gay Hotels
Anderson Boutique Hotel
With its convenient central location, by some of the city’s trendiest spots, this gay-friendly hotel is one of the most recommended places to stay in Copenhagen. In addition to well-designed rooms, it features a relaxing lounge with art exhibitions, and offers an excellent organic breakfast.
Axel Guldsmeden
This romantic hotel welcomes straight and gay couples to its Balinese-inspired interior decorated with unique pieces of art. It serves an organic breakfast, and has a good spa with a sauna, a hot tub and a variety of skin treatments.
Hotel SP34
Just a short walk from all of the city’s main attractions, this boutique hotel features designer wooden furnishings and quality Ren Clean Skincare toiletries. It’s a gay-friendly and relaxing property, with a rooftop bar and a Nordic-style restaurant in an urban garden setting.
Hotel Skt Petri
For contemporary luxury, choose this 5-star hotel which attracts gay travelers with its designer rooms (some of them with a balcony or terrace), large terrace and buzzing bar and restaurant.
Copenhagen Accommodation
Look for the hotel or apartment that best matches your budget, type of trip or personality. You may guarantee your reservation but do NOT pay anything at the time of booking. Payments are only made at the property, and there are no booking fees. Most hotels and apartments allow cancellations with no penalty if done up to 24 or 48 hours in advance. You'll see that information at the time of booking and again in the confirmation email:
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