Haabet Bodega Bar Copenhagen
Cheerful, smokey and unbiased
Cheerful, smokey and unbiased.
A good local watering hole - preferable more than one - is important!
In my neck of the woods, Haabet Bodega is a good choice. It’s a classic “brunt værtshus” which directly translated means “brown bar”. A brown bar refers to a pub that has maintained its original atmosphere and to a large extent interior as well.
Way back when, this would have been an old-man-pub but now a younger audience has made its appearance; the result is a mixed clientele coexisting joyfully; everyone is welcome here, including dogs. To quote owner Amina on the bar website: people can come naked as long as they bring a towel to cover their bum!
Tuesday night is bingo night, a festive event that becomes more and more lively as the evening progresses, spurred on by winnings in the form of shots and silly little gifts. No worries if you haven't played bingo before or don’t speak Danish; a lot of dormitories are located on Amager, which mean a lot of foreign students too, and they tend to hang out at Haabet, so the rules will be explained in English as well.
Smoking is allowed, but ventilation is good and there’s a backroom for non-smokers.
The place comes with a personal warning though. Some of the lampshades are made from old diving helmets. I have banged my head into them on more than one occasion, and I can’t recommend that. They are solid.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Copenhagen guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Copenhagen
Dansekapellet – Dancing at the old crematorium
Dancing under the dome in the big ellipse-shaped room or simply lying down for a sound bath is a wonderful way to spend your time in Copenhagen.
By
Charlotte
Westenholz
NOR: nordic health house – Body, mind, and spirit
For a deeply relaxing experience, I suggest signing up for an aerial gong & sound bath, but you can dive into other options as well.
By
Charlotte
Westenholz
Books & Company – Very favorite bookstore
On the very northern edge of Copenhagen, in the little seaside town Hellerup, on a very tiny square, lies a wonderful little bookstore...
By
Charlotte
Westenholz
Svanemølle-molen – Best pier in town
Even when the temperature descends to freezing, you’ll still see folks making use of the space, many just walking to the tip and enjoying the view.
By
Charlotte
Westenholz
Mindelunden – Remembering WW2
In 1950, it opened as a memorial, and much love and reverence have been poured into creating a place of tranquility and beauty.
By
Charlotte
Westenholz
Prolog – Top-notch coffee
Hidden in Østerbro, Prolog Coffee is a haven for coffee lovers. Enjoy expertly brewed specialty coffee in a cozy, minimalist space with a sustainable touch.
By
Nikola
Botzov
Café Lindevang – Tradition since 1938
You come for the tradition and the ambience, but just as importantly, you come for the good food. Nothing too fancy, but hearty and delicious.
By
Charlotte
Westenholz
Kystbanen – Coastal train ride
Need a change from the city? Then you should consider jumping on Kystbanen, which runs from Central Station up to Helsingør (Elsinore).
By
Charlotte
Westenholz
Gourmandiet – Eat steak in the butcher shop
Gourmandiet Copenhagen is small butcher shop on a quiet side street in Østerbro. A delicious little shop with only the best quality butcher goods...
By
David
Brandt
Biblioteket Rentemestervej – Not just a library
So go wander amongst the students engaged in discussions, people meeting for language exchange and remember to notice the local art decorating the walls.
By
Charlotte
Westenholz
Ryvangens Naturpark – A slice of nature
People are enjoying this patch of nature year round, and you’ll almost be certain to meet at least a few joggers, bikers and other nature lovers.
By
Charlotte
Westenholz
Lersøparken – Plenty of space
What's especially great about this patch of nature is the huge grass lawn. A lot of people come here to play soccer, frisbee or to walk their dogs.
By