Copenhagen Gay Travel Guide 2025
Upcoming Events in Copenhagen
17:00 – 22:00 @ Amager Strand
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Copenhagen 1605
About Copenhagen and its gay life
Denmark has a population of 5.6 million people, of whom 0.6 million live in the capital Copenhagen (København) and about 1.3 million in the Greater Copenhagen area. Copenhagen is considered to be one of the most livable cities in the world – and therefore unfortunately also one of the most expensive by now –, not least because of its numerous green areas, an unpolluted harbor, where you can even go for a swim, and the lovely architecture. Among the most interesting sights in addition to Andersen's Little Mermaid are the Tivoli, one of the oldest still operating amusement parks in the world with numerous nostalgic rides, Christiansborg Palace (nowadays the seat of the Danish Parliament) and the Renaissance building of the former Copenhagen stock exchange with its aptly named dragon spire that resembles the tails of four dragons twined together.
Essential for the preservation of the green areas was the so-called Finger Plan, which regulated the urban growth along five major traffic arteries (the five fingers) that extend into the surroundings of Copenhagen, with the city center as ›palm‹. Thus, there remained enough space for green areas and local recreation areas between the fingers.
Most Danes speak English very well, so usually it is very easy to get along in Copenhagen. And the laid-back mentality of the Danes and their commitment to human rights have made the country and its capital Copenhagen a relaxed place for gays to live and visit.
Thus, it's not surprising that the official tourism site of Copenhagen promotes the gay life in Copenhagen, too. From one of their press releases: ›The National Association for Gays and Lesbians (LBL) was founded in 1948 as first of its kind. And in 1989, Denmark was the first country in the world to recognise marriage between two persons of the same sex. In 1999, it became possible for married gays to adopt the children of their partners. Copenhagen has long been a tolerant and relaxed capital for both gay Danes and tourists. Centralhjørnet, the first gay bar in Copenhagen, opened over hundred years ago, and is still going strong – along with a wealth of other newer gay bars and cafes.‹
As our Copenhagen Gay Map shows, almost all of the gay bars and clubs are located in the city center around the famous Strøget shopping street. They are all within walking distance of each other.
Annual queer highlight in Copenhagen is the Pride weekend in August. After the Eurogames in 2003, Copenhagen also hosted the 2nd World Outgames in summer 2009, the largest sports event Copenhagen has ever seen.