Nightlife & the Arts in Copenhagen

Most nightlife is concentrated in the area in and around Strget, though there are student and "leftist" cafés and bars in Nrrebro and more upscale spots in Østerbro. Vesterbro, whose main drags are Vesterbrogade and Istedgade, has become quite the nightlife neighborhood, with several new bars and cafés. Many restaurants, cafés, bars, and clubs stay open after midnight, a few until 5 AM.

Copenhagen used to be famous for jazz, but unfortunately that has changed, with many of the best clubs closing down. However, you can find nightspots catering to almost all musical tastes, from ballroom music to house, rap, and techno, in trendy clubs sound tracked by local DJs. The area around Nikolaj Kirken has the highest concentration of trendy discos and dance spots.

Copenhagen's club scene can be fickle—new venues crop up regularly, often replacing last year's red-hot favorites. Call ahead or check out Copenhagen This Week (www.ctw.dk) for current listings. The stylish, biannual magazine Scandinavian Living (www.cphliving.dk) includes informative listings on the latest bars, restaurants, and shops. It also features articles on Danish culture, food, and architecture and is available at stores, hotels, and the tourist office.

The most complete English calendar of events is listed in the tourist magazine Copenhagen This Week (www.ctw.dk), and includes musical and theatrical events as well as films and exhibitions. Copenhagen's main theater and concert season runs from September through May, and tickets can be obtained either directly from theaters and concert halls or from ticket agencies.

For more information, call or visit the Landsforeningen for Bsser og Lesbiske (Gay and Lesbian Association, Teglgårdstr. 13, Boks 1023, Downtown, DK-1007. 33/13-19-48. www.lbl.dk), which has a library and more than 45 years of experience. Check out the free paper Panbladet (www.panbladet.dk), or the gay guides Gayguide (www.gayguide.dk) and Copenhagen Gay Life (www.copenhagen-gay-life.dk) for listings of nightlife events and clubs, and other topical information of special interest to the gay individual.

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