17 of Best Coffee + Cafés in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has no shortage of aesthetic cafés and manual brew coffee. I’ve rounded up the best cafés in Copenhagen so that you caffeine fanatics can enjoy the most outstanding coffee and baked goods in the city.
If you're a caffeine enthusiast, Copenhagen's best cafes are a must-visit! The Danish capital is overflowing with chic cafés serving exceptional baked goods and aromatic coffee. And, Copenhagen’s dedication to good coffee and pastries makes perfect sense because Denmark is the 4th most coffee-drinking country in the world per capita.
Living in such close proximity to Copenhagen means I’m lucky enough to visit relatively often, but I’m always overwhelmed by the number of beautiful cafés the city has lining its cobblestone streets. From trendy coffee hubs in the city center to rustic bakeries with outdoor terraces in Nørrebro, you'll find cafés on every corner without even intentionally looking for them.
I’ve compiled all of Copenhagen’s best cafés into this guide to the best coffee spots in the city so that you can find your caffeine fix without worry.
coffee culture in Denmark ↴
The history of coffee in Denmark is fascinating and spans several centuries. Denmark was first introduced to coffee in the 17th century, much like in the rest of Europe. Initially, coffee was seen as a luxury import that could only be enjoyed by the wealthy elite. Coffee was served in royal courts and aristocratic gatherings, symbolizing sophistication and wealth.
The first coffeehouse in Denmark, known as "Kaffeehuset," opened in Copenhagen in 1728. This coffeehouse is responsible for introducing coffee to the broader population. In the 19th century, coffee became more accessible to the general public as coffeehouses and cafés began to spring up across Danish cities. These establishments became hubs for social interaction, intellectual discussions, and cultural gatherings.
Coffeehouses played a significant role in shaping Denmark's cultural and literary history. Prominent figures like Søren Kierkegaard, the renowned philosopher, and Hans Christian Andersen, the famous fairy tale author, were known to frequent coffeehouses in Copenhagen. Eventually, coffee became an integral part of Danish daily life.
Fast forward to today, and Denmark is associated with some of the best quality coffee in the world. The country boasts a buzzing coffee scene with numerous specialty coffee shops, roasteries, and a dedicated community of coffee enthusiasts. Danish baristas have also made their mark on the international stage, competing and winning accolades in various coffee competitions. The Danish tradition of "hygge" (coziness) perfectly complements the culture of enjoying coffee, making it an essential part of Danish life.
what to know about cafés in Copenhagen ↴
payment
Luke and I spent a week in Copenhagen without having any cash. We used contactless card everywhere, including the city’s many cafés. I like using my Wise card when I travel to guarantee I’m getting the best rate and no foreign transaction fee.
milk alternatives
Copenhagen’s dining scene in general is very inclusive. We found no shortage of vegetarian or vegan food options during our week in the city. The same could be said for its cafés. There were milk alternatives at every café we went to, including oat, almond, and soy milk options.
seating
Part of Copenhagen’s hygge culture comes from a curated intimacy in restaurants and cafés. This is why so many of the city’s cafés are smaller, which unfortunately means that there is limited seating. It should also be noted that the Danish will sit outside to enjoy a coffee alfresco any time of the year. There is a belief that the fresh air is good for you and keeps you healthy, so even during the winter locals will often opt for an outside bench to sit on while they sip on their coffee.
best cafés in Copenhagen ↴
Andersen Bakery
I love the origin story of Andersen Bakery. A Japanese tourist visited Denmark and instantly became enamored with Danish bakeries. This led the traveler to open a number of bakeries throughout Asia. Time passed, and years later, the traveler-turned-bakery-owner opened Andersen Bakery in Copenhagen.
I went to Andersen on an early Saturday morning and soaked up the sunshine while scarfing down a cinnamon roll. The outdoor terrace seating fills up quickly, but it feels idyllic to sip your espresso while watching people swim in the nearby water. The café is actually so close to the harbor that you can spend the morning hours witnessing people hopping out of the cool water, wrapping themselves in robes, and strolling over to Andersen for filter coffee.
Andersen + Maillard Bakery
Nørrebro is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Copenhagen. So, it makes sense that many of my favorite cafés are located in this trendy area of the city— enter Andersen and Maillard Bakery. A+M, located on the corner of a buzzing street in Nørrebro, is a prime example of Denmark’s exceptional coffee and mouthwatering baked goods.
We sought refuge in A+M from the Copenhagen summer heat, eager to grab an iced coffee and one of the bakery’s perfectly laminated pastries. I was tempted by the café’s homemade soft serve, but instead, I opted for the Danish standard of a seeded bun served with whipped butter. The line, even as late in the day as we arrived, was out the door. Every alfresco seat was filled, but we were lucky enough to grab seats along the window bench.
SKT. PEDERS BAGERI
Skt. Peders Bageri is proudly the oldest bakery in Copenhagen. You can’t really visit Copenhagen without trying this city establishment. The way it has remained open over the years is a true testament to how no matter how the café scene evolves, folks love traditional Danish pastries. On Wednesdays, there is a line around the block for the onsdagssnegle (“Wednesday snail”). Onsdagssnegle is a cinnamon roll, and the ones here are legendary.
Prolog Coffee
Prolog’s dedication to exceptional coffee is what makes it stand apart from the seemingly endless list of other coffee shops in Copenhagen. Arty magazines, large windows, and a minimalist design make Prolog one of the coolest coffee bars in the Meatpacking District. There’s a small selection of pastries available, but the coffee at Prolog is the star of the café menu. The co-founder, Jonas Gehl, even won the Danish Barista Championship twice. I enjoyed an iced Americano from Prolog, sitting at an outdoor terrace table, and it was possibly some of the best black coffee I’ve ever had.
Atelier September
This sunny café sits just steps from one of the oldest streets in Copenhagen. With large windows and bright white walls, Atelier September is a light, airy spot for a satiating breakfast. The café’s exterior seamlessly blends into its surroundings, but inside is a cozy atmosphere buzzing with smiling staff. I highly recommend you try the porridge or fill up on the famous avocado toast— both are delicious.
Wild Horses
Danes aren’t the only ones known for their love of coffee. Australians also have a reputation for espresso mastery. Wild Horses is the brainchild of an Australian Dane who spent decades learning about coffee styles and brewing methods around the world. The café has been repeatedly named one of Copenhagen’s best up-and-coming coffee shops. I really loved the interiors of Wild Horses and the friendly, knowledgeable café staff.
La Cabra Coffee
La Cabra Coffee is a coffee chain that started in Aarhus, Denmark. This spot sources and roasts all their coffee. Their Copenhagen location is a reflection of the brand’s Scandi roots, with a sleek, minimalist interior. The café’s baristas pour attention into every drink they make.
Juno the Bakery
If you’re looking for the perfect cardamom bun in Copenhagen, there is truly only one place to head: Juno the Bakery. Nestled in the heart of Østerbro without large signs to mark its existence, Juno the Bakery’s location makes it feel a bit like a hidden gem despite being one of Copenhagen's most well-known bakeries.
Juno serves Prolog coffee, from one of my favorite local roasteries, which beautifully accompanies the array of fresh bread and baked goods. When you enter the café to order, you’ll be greeted by open shelves stocked with loaves of sourdough, rye, and focaccia. In the glass cabinet sit rows of sugary treats that range from vanilla custard scrolls, pistachio buns, and, of course, Juno’s perfected cardamom bun.
Sonny
A young couple, Sara and David, opened Sonny to bring a bit of Paris to Copenhagen. David originally worked as a barista in one of Paris’ most prominent cafés, and he brought his knowledge and acquired skills to Sonny. The chic interior is a subtle nod to the café’s French roots. What sold me on Sonny, however, was the small café courtyard which made the perfect setting for a sunny September afternoon.
Hart Bageri
What do you get when a famous San Francisco baker, known globally for his mastery of sourdough, opens a bakery in Copenhagen? Perfection. The bread here is art— simple, rustic, stripped back. Richard Hart is the artist. Known for his near-obsessive pursuit of baking perfection, everything here is extraordinary. Accompany your pastry of choice with freshly brewed Prolog coffee, a truly divine pairing.
Hans Coffee
The pourover coffee at Hans lives rent-free in my head day in and day out. Hans keeps things simple, as is the Danish way, but it somehow has managed to make a name for itself as a “café to watch.” Its popularity is increasingly on the rise, and after having visited, I can understand why. What it does (specialty coffee, refresh pastries, small breakfasts), it does exceedingly well.
Lille Petra
One of my favorite breakfasts in Copenhagen was enjoyed at Lille Petra. Hidden away down a cobblestone lane sits this gorgeous café courtyard. The alfresco seating is surrounded by greenery, and although it’s located near shopping and busy castle gardens, the café remains a quiet oasis. I enjoyed a chia bowl, topped with copious amounts of berries and almonds, while Luke opted for a more standard bread roll and whipped butter. To cap it all off, I indulged in an iced latte that was so smooth and earthy, that I wished it had been bottomless.
NEXT DOOR CAFE
Walk into Next Door Café and you might feel overwhelmed by its bright purple walls spattered with mirrors. This spot is best described as an amalgamation of dive bar vibes and a quirky café. It feels different than other spots in Copenhagen; funkier. The breakfast selection includes homemade muesli and pancakes, as well as the Danish classic bread roll with butter and cheese.
Democratic Coffee
Democratic Coffee has been serving Copenhagen locals since 2011. This minimal café is named after its location inside the “most democratic place you can find”— the city library. Its central location adjoined to the library makes it a hotspot for students and shoppers perusing the nearby shops. The café is famed for its almond croissant, which is so highly sought after that batches are baked fresh twice daily to keep up with the demand.
Meyers Bageri
A Danish chef, a baker, and a confectioner walk into an empty space and transform it into Meyers Bageri. The bakery opens early, which is when you’ll want to get here because there’s limited space inside. Despite there being multiple locations throughout Copenhagen, there is often a line around the corner of every location. Everything I ate at Meyers (and I ate a lot) was spectacular. However, it was the cinnamon bun made with chocolate that really sent my tastebuds over the edge.
Café Arrebo
Another Nørrebro favorite, Café Arrebo is a cozy little café that is a return to coffee shop basics. The focus here is on serving top-notch coffee with minimal distractions from taste and experience. Part of the ambiance is the absence of laptops or tablets. If coffee isn’t your thing (why are you reading this post?!), then consider stopping by this bustling little space for a craft beer or glass of wine.
MAD + KAFFE
Mad & Kaffe has earned a reputation for its incredible brunch, since they are open from lunch time onward. Think of this place as the tapas of brunch, where you order small sharing plates and enjoy a bit of everything as you go. There are multiple locations across the city.
map ↴
Find the best coffee and cafes in Copenhagen, Denmark on the map below.
