Banegårdspladsen (John F. Kennedys Plads), Aalborg
Aalborg’s busy station forecourt and everyday meeting point, where trains, buses and city life converge on the square named for John F. Kennedy.
Banegårdspladsen, today known as John F. Kennedys Plads, is the forecourt of Aalborg’s main railway station and one of the city’s key urban spaces. This open square blends transport hub bustle with everyday Danish city life, framed by station architecture, buses, taxis and passing cyclists. It is a practical landmark and a natural meeting point, placing you within easy reach of Aalborg’s center, waterfront and cultural attractions.
A brief summary to Banegårdspladsen
- John F. Kennedys Pl., Aalborg, Aalborg Centrum, 9000, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Use Banegårdspladsen as your reference point when exploring Aalborg; many city buses and walking routes effectively start from this square.
- In wet or windy weather, make use of the railway station interior for shelter while waiting, as the open square itself offers limited cover.
- If you have a short layover, you can still stretch your legs with a quick stroll from the square into the adjacent shopping streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Regional train
Arrive at Aalborg Station on regional or intercity trains running along the Jutland line; journeys from Aarhus typically take about 1.5–2 hours and standard second-class tickets usually cost around 130–220 DKK each way, depending on departure time and discounts. Once you step off the train and walk out of the station building, you are directly on Banegårdspladsen with level access and clear signage.
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City bus within Aalborg
Several city bus routes stop at or immediately beside John F. Kennedys Plads, linking residential districts and key neighborhoods with the station area in roughly 10–25 minutes of travel. Single tickets bought on board or via local transport apps generally range from about 20–30 DKK, and buses run frequently through most of the day, with reduced frequency in late evenings and on weekends.
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Taxi from Aalborg Airport
From Aalborg Airport, a taxi ride to Banegårdspladsen normally takes about 10–15 minutes in light traffic, covering roughly 6 km from the terminal to the station square. Fares commonly fall in the 180–260 DKK range depending on time of day, luggage and any waiting time, and taxis drop passengers directly on or beside the square for minimal walking.
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Airport bus connection
Dedicated airport bus services and some regular regional buses link Aalborg Airport with the central station area in about 15–25 minutes of travel, depending on route and intermediate stops. One-way tickets typically cost around 25–40 DKK, and services are scheduled to align broadly with flight arrivals and departures, with less frequent departures late at night.
Banegårdspladsen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Banegårdspladsen
From Railway Forecourt to Civic Square
John F. Kennedys Plads, historically known as Banegårdspladsen, grew up around Aalborg’s “new” railway station, inaugurated in 1902 to handle increasing traffic along the Jutland line. The square has functioned ever since as the city’s transport doorstep, tying long-distance trains, regional buses and local streets into one compact urban node. Over time, modest landscaping, signage and street furniture have turned what began as a functional forecourt into a clearly defined city square. The renaming of the space to honor John F. Kennedy, shortly after his assassination in 1963, reflects a period when Danish cities frequently marked global events in their own streetscapes. The name places this everyday square within a wider historical narrative, even as its daily role remains firmly practical: a place to arrive, depart, meet and orient yourself in Aalborg.Aalborg’s Everyday Crossroads
Spend a little time here and you quickly sense how many rhythms intersect on the square. Commuters stream between platforms and bus stops, students roll by on bicycles, and travelers with wheelie suitcases pause to check maps before heading toward the pedestrian core. The constant flow gives the space a low-key energy rather than spectacle: this is where journeys start and finish, where people wait for friends or grab a coffee before moving on. Architecturally, the square is framed on one side by the railway station buildings and on others by mid-rise city blocks typical of central Aalborg. Paved surfaces, marked bus bays and taxi ranks structure the space, while small planting beds, lighting and benches soften the otherwise utilitarian layout. The result is an open, legible space that feels more like a lived-in piece of city than a showpiece plaza.Gateway to Culture and Waterfront
What makes Banegårdspladsen especially useful to travelers is its position as a gateway. From here, Aalborg’s compact center unfolds in several directions: shopping streets and old squares to one side, the modernized waterfront and cultural venues such as concert halls, museums and converted industrial buildings to another. Even if you do not linger on the square itself, you are almost certain to pass through it on your way to more obviously scenic sights. This role as a hinge between transport and culture is reinforced by visible wayfinding, frequent bus services and the steady churn of regional and intercity trains. For many visitors the first impression of Aalborg is precisely this scene: station canopies, buses idling, and glimpses of church towers and modern facades beyond. It is not a destination in its own right so much as the city’s front hall.Atmosphere Through the Seasons
Because the square is open to the elements, its character shifts with the North Jutland weather. On bright days the light can be striking, bouncing off facades and picking out the red, yellow and grey tones of surrounding buildings. In winter the air can feel sharp, with people huddling at stops and steam rising from coffee cups, while the long twilight lends the station lights a warm glow. Wind and rain are common in this coastal city, and the square does not offer extensive shelter, so the experience can be bracing. Yet that exposure also keeps the space visually open: you can see the tracks, the buses coming and going, and the broader skyline of Aalborg, all from a single vantage point.Practical Pause Rather Than Grand Attraction
For most travelers Banegårdspladsen is a brief but important stop: a place to get bearings, buy a snack, check timetables or wait between connections. Its benches and low walls invite short pauses, and the constant movement of people and vehicles provides a sense of orientation—you immediately understand how the city functions. If you are tracing Aalborg’s urban story, the square illustrates the shift from rail-focused growth in the early 20th century to today’s multimodal city, where trains, buses, cars and bikes all share the same hub. In that sense, Banegårdspladsen may be unassuming, but it quietly underpins almost every visit to Aalborg by land, earning its place in the mental map of locals and visitors alike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old City Hall
0.6 km
Aalborg’s tiny Baroque town hall on Gammeltorv, where a vivid yellow façade, royal motto and intimate interiors tell the story of centuries of civic life.
Aalborgtårnet
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A classic 1930s steel tower lifted above a wooded hill, Aalborgtårnet combines a thrilling outdoor elevator ride with 360° views and a cosy sky-high bistro.
Limfjordsbroen
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Historic bascule bridge linking Aalborg and Nørresundby, offering everyday Danish life, harbor views, sea air and classic Limfjord light in all seasons.
Limfjordstunnelen
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Denmark's pioneering underwater motorway tunnel connecting North Jutland's vital regions since 1969.
Selskabet for Aalborgs Historie
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Architectural marvel and musical powerhouse in Ørestad, DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and performances from Copenhagen’s cultural heart.
Troldeskoven
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Discover the mystical allure of Troldeskoven near Skørping, where ancient, gnarled beech trees create a magical landscape steeped in Danish folklore and natural beauty within Rold Skov.
Lille Vildmose
25.0 km
Discover Denmark's largest protected area, Lille Vildmose, a haven for wildlife and a unique raised bog ecosystem, offering immersive nature experiences and conservation insights.
Rold Forest
25.1 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore unique geological formations, and uncover the legends of Rold Forest near Skørping.
Lille Vildmosecentret
25.2 km
Uncover the wild heart of Denmark at Lille Vildmosecentret, where immersive exhibits, rare wildlife, and scenic boglands await beside Limfjord.
Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest
25.4 km
Explore Denmark's best-preserved Cold War bunker at Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest: an immersive journey into a secret world hidden beneath the forest, revealing a pivotal era in history.
Naturstyrelsen
25.8 km
Explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Rold Skov and Rebild Bakker with guidance from Naturstyrelsen Himmerland, your gateway to outdoor adventures in Northern Jutland.
Midt inde i Rold Skov
25.9 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore hidden springs, and experience the tranquility of Rold Skov, a natural treasure trove in Himmerland.
Springkilden
26.3 km
Discover the mesmerizing Springkilden in Rold Forest: an artesian spring offering a tranquil escape into nature's beauty near Skørping, Denmark.
Madum Lake
26.5 km
Discover the pristine beauty of Madum Lake in Himmerland, Denmark: swim in crystal-clear waters, hike through ancient forests, and explore a haven for nature and history.
Rold Skov
26.6 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore rolling hills, and uncover the captivating history and folklore of Rold Skov.
Unmissable attractions to see
Aalborg Station
0.0 km
Northern Jutland’s compact rail and bus hub, Aalborg Station links city streets and green parkland with intercity lines that connect Aalborg to the rest of Denmark.
De Syngende Træer (Park of Music)
0.1 km
A leafy hall of fame where international stars have planted trees that play their music, turning Aalborg’s Kildeparken into a gently singing city oasis.
Kennedy Arkaden
0.1 km
Compact city-center arcade in Aalborg, combining everyday shopping, casual dining and the city’s largest cinema right beside the main station.
Kildeparken
0.2 km
Historic Kildeparken is Aalborg’s leafy cultural stage, where classical art, singing trees, lakeside calm and carnival energy share the same central-city green space.
Boulevarden
0.2 km
A broad, café‑lined pedestrian street at the heart of Aalborg, where everyday city life, relaxed shopping and easy people‑watching come together in one walkable stretch.
Street Art Mural - Nändo Väzquez
0.4 km
A vivid Nändo Väzquez mural splashes bold color across a central Aalborg streetscape, turning an ordinary wall on Danmarksgade into a small but striking urban landmark.
Aalborgmanden
0.4 km
Compact granite sculpture in central Aalborg, Aalborgmanden quietly embodies the city’s historic trading spirit and enduring civic pride on lively Boulevarden.
Hjelmerstald
0.5 km
A short, cobbled lane of colourful houses and quiet courtyards, Hjelmerstald offers an intimate glimpse of old Aalborg life hidden in the city centre.
Gåsepigen af Gerhard Henning
0.5 km
A small bronze girl and her unruly goose bringing poetic calm to busy Vesterbro, Gåsepigen is Aalborg’s charming 1937 fountain sculpture and urban landmark.
Gråbrødrekloster Museum
0.5 km
Step three metres beneath Aalborg’s busiest shopping street into an in situ medieval monastery, where ruins, burials and artefacts reveal the city’s deep past.
Budolfi Church
0.5 km
Aalborg’s snow‑white cathedral, where Gothic stone, Baroque woodwork and a singing carillon weave a thousand years of seafaring, faith and city life into one intimate space.
Church of Our Lady
0.5 km
Thousand-year faith on a city square: a Romanesque Revival church with medieval carvings, noble chapels and a calm interior in the heart of old Aalborg.
Aalborg Historical Museum
0.6 km
Aalborg's thousand-year story told through Renaissance interiors, Viking artifacts, and industrial heritage.
Budolfihaven
0.6 km
Aalborg's verdant heart where medieval cathedral bells mark time and history meets contemporary urban life.
Urbans Kælder
0.6 km
An atmospheric underground chamber in Aalborg’s Hasseris district, where brick, earth and greenery meet to create a small but memorable blend of history, legend and open‑air culture.
Essential places to dine
Gastronomia Napolitana
0.1 km
Authentic Neapolitan pizzas with crispy crusts and fresh ingredients in cozy central Aalborg.
Helmut Aalborg
0.2 km
Modern brunch, dinner and cocktails under one roof in central Aalborg, blending casual dining, social drinking and late‑night energy in a single stylish venue.
Bistro59
0.3 km
Intimate French bistro in Aalborg's heart, serving authentic cuisine with impeccable technique and curated wines.
Taverna Zorba Aalborg
0.3 km
Cozy Greek taverna in the heart of Aalborg, serving generous plates, warm hospitality and a splash of Mediterranean atmosphere on relaxed Nordic evenings.
The South Indian Aalborg
0.4 km
A cosy Aalborg Centrum restaurant serving bold South Indian curries, biryani and parotta, with plentiful vegetarian and vegan choices in a relaxed setting.
Caféministeriet
0.4 km
Casual all‑day café and restaurant on Mølle Plads in central Aalborg, known for generous brunches, modern comfort food and a lively, laid‑back urban atmosphere.
Den Bette Kro
0.4 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød, hearty kro cooking and a warm, red-tablecloth atmosphere in the very heart of Aalborg.
Mortens Kro Restaurant & Boutique hotel
0.4 km
Fine dining and intimate suites under one roof in central Aalborg, where contemporary Nordic cuisine and spa-touched boutique comfort create a full gourmet getaway.
Det Glade Vanvid - Aalborg
0.5 km
All-inclusive gourmet dining where seasonal excellence meets informal elegance in Aalborg's heart.
Café Peace
0.5 km
Lively all‑day café and restaurant on Aalborg’s Boulevarden, serving generous brunches, casual bistro dishes and drinks with prime street‑side terrace seating.
SanGiovanni
0.5 km
Atmospheric basement Italian restaurant celebrated for ingredient quality, classical technique, and wine expertise.
Restaurant Emil
0.5 km
Award-winning Nordic seafood in the heart of Aalborg, pairing ultra-fresh Strandby catch with seasonal flavors, intimate ambience and thoughtful tasting menus.
Caspars
0.5 km
Healthy bowls, bright juices and sourdough toasts with an Asian twist, served fast and casual on lively Algade in the very centre of Aalborg.
TraPo
0.6 km
Relaxed Italian trattoria in central Aalborg, serving crisp pizzas, comforting pastas, and Roman-inspired classics in warm, rustic surroundings.
Duus Vinkjælder
0.6 km
Historic 1918 wine cellar blending Nordic cuisine, live jazz, and immersive dining experiences in atmospheric Aalborg.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danmission Op Shop
0.4 km
Treasure hunting with purpose—secondhand shopping that supports vulnerable communities worldwide.
TheNewNew
0.5 km
A compact Boulevarden boutique showcasing curated contemporary fashion and minimalist Scandinavian style in the heart of Aalborg’s lively city centre.
Rituals
0.5 km
A calm, fragrant Rituals boutique on Aalborg’s Boulevarden, blending Eastern-inspired wellbeing, modern Dutch design and gift-ready luxuries in the city centre.
NORMAL Aalborg, Algade
0.5 km
Everyday essentials and branded goods at fixed low prices in Aalborg's largest NORMAL store.
Weekday
0.5 km
Contemporary fashion hub in Aalborg's shopping district, featuring statement denim and trend-forward basics.
MSCH Copenhagen
0.5 km
A modern Scandinavian womenswear boutique in the heart of Aalborg, blending minimalist design, versatile wardrobe staples and relaxed, downtown shopping vibes.
STÆHR Aalborg
0.6 km
Established women’s fashion boutique on Aalborg’s Gravensgade, offering curated Scandinavian‑leaning designer clothing in a calm, central city shopping setting.
Shaping New Tomorrow Aalborg
0.6 km
Comfort-first menswear engineered for modern life, where Scandinavian design meets advanced fabric innovation.
Kilo Vintage Sale Aalborg
0.6 km
Playful weight-based vintage shopping in central Aalborg, where European second-hand style, sustainability and treasure-hunt browsing all come together by the kilo.
Billig-Billy. Costumes and dollar store
0.6 km
A lively central Aalborg discount and costume shop packed with party gear, decorations and quirky bargains, ideal for quick themed fixes and fun, low-cost finds.
NordicAfroDesign
0.6 km
Sustainable African-inspired fashion in the heart of Aalborg's city center.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.6 km
A bright, budget‑friendly Danish design store in central Aalborg, packed with playful gifts, colorful homeware and quirky everyday essentials.
Guld&Rod
0.6 km
Indoor flea-market style treasure hunt in central Aalborg, blending vintage charm, everyday bargains and easy second-hand selling under one lively roof.
Sinnerup Aalborg
0.6 km
Stylish Danish lifestyle store on Aalborg’s Nytorv, uniting Nordic furniture, home décor and women’s fashion in a single inspiring multi-level design universe.
Salling Department Store
0.6 km
Flagship department store in central Aalborg, combining Danish fashion, lifestyle and food with a panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kontiki Bar
0.3 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Ågade offering inexpensive drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed, central Aalborg hangout from midday to late night.
London Pub
0.4 km
Classic British-style pub in central Aalborg pouring dozens of beers, ciders and whiskies in a cosy, wood-panelled setting from lunchtime until late.
Quist Wine v/Lene Quist Berggreen
0.5 km
Authentic Italian wines in Aalborg's historic heart, curated by passionate wine experts.
Gl. Aalborg
0.5 km
Classic Danish bar with gaming machines, inexpensive drinks and a cozy, old-school vibe in the heart of Aalborg Centrum’s nightlife streets.
Vingaards Bar
0.5 km
Intimate, old-school bodega bar in central Aalborg, where a big counter, small space and easygoing regulars create a quietly authentic local nightlife stop.
Douro Wine Bar
0.6 km
Cozy Portuguese wine hideaway in central Aalborg, pairing hand-picked Douro bottles with relaxed tapas, candlelight and unhurried evening conversations.
D'Wine Bar
0.6 km
Spanish-inspired wine and tapas bar on Aalborg’s Algade, pouring Iberian wines and cocktails in a candlelit, urban-hygge atmosphere perfect for relaxed evenings.
Susan Sky Blue
0.6 km
A cozy, budget-friendly bar on Aalborg’s Vesterbro, blending Danish hygge, easygoing drinks, and late-night buzz in an intimate neighborhood setting.
Proud Mary Pub Aalborg
0.7 km
Lively pub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing classic bar charm, sport on big screens, live music and late-night drinks in the city’s most famous party street.
Andy's Jomfru Ane Gade
0.7 km
Straightforward, sociable bar right on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade, ideal for late-night drinks, warm‑ups and bar‑hopping in the city’s party heart.
Sprutten
0.7 km
Laid-back maritime bodega with a fishing-boat bar, pool tables and inexpensive beers in the heart of Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade nightlife street.
Under Buret
0.7 km
Two floors of neon-lit energy on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing laid-back bar vibes downstairs with a DJ-fuelled dance floor and late-night party upstairs.
Zwei Grosse Bierbars Aalborg ApS
0.7 km
High-energy alpine-style beer bar bringing après-ski vibes, big steins and party soundtracks to Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade nightlife strip.
Hjerter Dame ApS
0.7 km
Cosy brown-bar charm in the heart of Aalborg, where local beer, fair prices and intimate, wood-panelled surroundings create an easy-going evening retreat.
Cozy Bar Aalborg
0.8 km
A snug, no‑nonsense bar in central Aalborg, perfect for relaxed drinks, conversational evenings and a budget‑friendly pause between the city’s livelier nightspots.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Casual
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
