Copenhagen stands out as a fantastic city for drinking tours thanks to its lively bar scene, innovative craft breweries, and relaxed attitude toward outdoor drinking. Whether you want to explore a neighborhood’s gritty past, sample unique Danish brews, or learn to cook Nordic dishes with a beer in hand, this city offers options for every taste. We’re particularly fond of the Vesterbro Tour With Beer & Pub Visits because it combines cultural storytelling with small-group intimacy, making it ideal for travelers eager to get a feel for Copenhagen’s coolest district. Plus, it’s rated a perfect 5.0 based on 178 reviews, which speaks to its quality.
Copenhagen’s drinking tours stand out for their depth of local insights, small-group sizes, and focus on authentic experiences. If you’re after a lively walk through old red-light districts, the Copenhagen: Politically Incorrect Beer Tasting Walking Tour is a cheeky way to taste local brews and hear gritty tales. For those interested in the city’s historic brewing legacy, the Bricks, Beer & Family Drama at Carlsberg Byen provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of Denmark’s most iconic breweries. And if you prefer combining food with drink, the Copenhagen Cooking Class offers a culinary twist, teaching you to prepare Nordic dishes while enjoying organic wines and beers.
Below, you’ll find a detailed review of each tour to help you decide which suits your style and interests the best.
1. Vesterbro Tour With Beer & Pub Visits – Max 10 People
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting an intimate glimpse into Copenhagen’s trendiest neighborhood. Starting at Copenhagen Central Station, your local guide will share the area’s transformation from a seedy red-light district to one of the city’s most fashionable spots. The highlight is walking through Istedgade, where stories of past nightlife and government efforts to tame the area are brought to life. The tour includes visits to three different bars, including the beloved Freddy’s Bar, a classic Danish dive, where you can enjoy a pilsner with locals.
What sets this tour apart is its small-group format—capped at 10 people—allowing for personal interactions and plenty of time to ask questions. Reviewers praise the guide’s friendliness, knowledge, and fun stories, with one noting, “Kenneth was fantastic… showing us amazing bars and sharing history.” The price of about $71.10 per person is very reasonable considering the personalized experience. Since the tour lasts around 3 hours, it’s ideal for those eager to combine culture, history, and beer.
Bottom line: If you want a relaxed, authentic experience exploring Vesterbro’s past and present with a friendly guide, this tour hits the mark.
2. Copenhagen: Politically Incorrect Beer Tasting Walking Tour
For around $66, this 2-hour outdoor tour offers a bold look at Vesterbro’s gritty side, combined with tastings of 3 local and 5 craft beers. Starting at Urban House Hostel, the tour takes you through some of Copenhagen’s most vibrant beer spots, including Mikkeller Bar, Fermentoren, and the Meatpacking District. The focus here is on outdoor drinking, which is legal and encouraged in Denmark, making it a lively, casual experience.
This tour is unique because it isn’t a traditional pub crawl. Instead, it’s designed for those interested in hearing authentic stories about Copenhagen’s less polished past while sampling a variety of beers. It’s perfect for beer enthusiasts who want depth over quantity and appreciate a city walk that’s light on structure but rich in local flavor. The guide’s insights help you understand the city’s beer culture and history in a relaxed setting.
One reviewer appreciated that it’s not a typical pub crawl, making it more about learning as you taste. Since no food is included, bringing an appetite is recommended. The tour’s emphasis on outdoor enjoyment and craft beers makes it great for daytime exploration or summer evenings.
Bottom line: For a lively, honest look at Copenhagen’s beer scene with a focus on the city’s edgy past, this tour delivers.
3. Copenhagen: Small Group Neighborhood Tour With Beer & Pubs
This 3-hour tour offers a deep dive into Vesterbro’s vibrant, evolving landscape, especially tailored for those who want to combine sightseeing with beer tasting. Starting at Reventlowsgade 5, your guide—usually a local born-and-raised—will take you through the neighborhood’s seedy past, touching on its red-light history, and its transformation into a trendy hotspot.
The highlight is visiting three carefully selected bars, where you’ll sample one traditional Danish beer and two craft beers, totaling about a liter of beer. The guide’s storytelling brings the neighborhood’s history to life, making each stop meaningful. Reviewers rave about Oskar, the guide, who shares engaging stories and answers questions eagerly. Many appreciate the casual, small-group atmosphere, which makes the experience personal and relaxed.
This tour is best suited for beer lovers who want a personalized, educational experience rather than just bar-hopping. It’s perfect for those wanting a local’s perspective and a taste of Copenhagen’s changing nightlife.
Bottom line: If you prefer a relaxed, intimate setting with a focus on local stories and good beer, this small-group tour is ideal.
4. Copenhagen Cooking Class: Nordic or Italian, with Open Bar
For those who love combining culinary skills with the pleasure of drinking, this 2-4 hour hands-on cooking class is a standout. Taught at Timm Vladimir’s Kitchen, you’ll learn to prepare dishes like malt pizza with bacon or homemade ravioli. The class includes organic wines, craft beers, and soft drinks, turning cooking into a social experience.
What makes this tour different is its focus on food and drink pairing. Instead of just tasting, you’ll create dishes, making it perfect for foodies who want a more interactive experience. The instructor’s reputation for engaging teaching style ensures you’ll leave with new skills and recipes to try at home.
While it’s pricier than some beer-only tours, you get a full meal, drinks, and a memorable activity that appeals to those interested in Nordic or Italian cuisine. The open bar complements the learning, making it fun and relaxed.
Bottom line: Best for food and drink lovers who want a hands-on experience that combines culinary skills with local beverages.
5. Bricks, Beer & Family Drama at Carlsberg Byen
This 2.5-hour tour appeals to history buffs and beer lovers alike. Starting with iconic landmarks like the Dipylon Gate and Elephant Tower, you’ll explore Carlsberg Byen, once Denmark’s brewing heart. Your guide will share stories about the Jacobsen family, famous for their brewing innovations, and the area’s dramatic transformation from industrial hub to modern neighborhood.
What makes this tour stand out is the behind-the-scenes access to Carlsberg’s storied past, including tales of secret tunnels, smuggled beer, and family disputes. Guests have praised the tour for its engaging storytelling and the opportunity to see historic buildings not usually open to the public.
Ideal for travelers interested in industrial history, brewing heritage, or architecture, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. It’s also a good value considering the insider insights and historic stops.
Bottom line: If you want a detailed look into Carlsberg’s history combined with beer tales, this tour provides a compelling narrative.
6. Copenhagen: Craft Beer & Bites Tour
This 3-hour tour combines beer tasting with local gastronomy. Visiting three different bars, you’ll sample a variety of craft beers and enjoy a gourmet hotdog at DØP, a favorite local stand. Each stop offers different bar snacks, making it a tasty way to explore Copenhagen’s bar scene.
A major plus is learning about the history of beer in Denmark while walking leisurely through the city. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to combine food, drink, and sightseeing without the fuss of a structured pub crawl. The tour’s flexible pacing and focus on local flavors make it a good choice for casual drinkers and foodies alike.
Reviewers highlight the quality of the hotdog and the interesting stories about Danish brewing. The stops at Copenhagen Beer and Ørsted Ølbar give you a taste of both local and craft beers.
Bottom line: Great for those who enjoy sampling regional beers alongside snacks and want an easy, relaxed experience.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Copenhagen
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, desired experience, and time available. If you prefer an intimate, small-group experience with rich storytelling, the Vesterbro Tour or the Small Group Neighborhood Tour are excellent. For a more energetic, outdoor experience, check out the Politically Incorrect Beer Tour.
Interested in combining cooking and drinking? The Nordic or Italian Cooking Class offers a creative twist. If you’re passionate about historic breweries, the Carlsberg Tour delivers fascinating insights. And for a casual, snack-filled outing, the Craft Beer & Bites Tour is perfect.
Booking early, especially in peak summer months, helps secure your spot. Consider local weather—outdoor tours work well in good weather, while indoor experiences are better when it’s chilly.
Copenhagen offers a diverse lineup of drinking adventures—whether you want to explore the city’s colorful neighborhoods, learn about brewing heritage, or simply enjoy good beer in good company. For a more personal experience, the Vesterbro Tour is hard to beat. Want a lively outdoor tasting? The Politically Incorrect Beer Tour will suit you. And if you’re into food and drink combined, the Cooking Class will satisfy both cravings. Whichever you choose, booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences.