City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen), Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s grand public living room: a bustling square of red-brick grandeur, fountains, sculptures and city life at the gateway to Strøget and Tivoli.
Framed by Copenhagen’s red-brick City Hall and alive with trams, buses and bicycles, City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) is one of the Danish capital’s great urban stages. This broad plaza marks the start of the pedestrian shopping street Strøget, sits beside Tivoli Gardens, and doubles as the city’s civic front yard, hosting everything from championship celebrations and concerts to political rallies, exhibitions and Copenhagen Pride. Sculptures, fountains and the famous Weather Girl add character in every direction.
A brief summary to City Hall Square
- Copenhagen, Indre By, 1599, DK
- +4533663366
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Come early in the morning or later in the evening for photos of City Hall and the square without heavy crowds or tour groups.
- Scan the façades and rooftops: look for the Dragon Fountain, Hans Christian Andersen’s statue and the Weather Girl sculpture predicting sunshine or rain.
- If you have extra time, combine the square with a guided tour or tower visit at Copenhagen City Hall to see Jens Olsen’s World Clock and the city panorama.
- In summer, linger on the square to enjoy street performers and temporary installations before or after a visit to Tivoli Gardens opposite.
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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Metro
Take the M3 or M4 metro to Rådhuspladsen Station, which sits directly beneath City Hall Square. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day, and the ride from major hubs like Nørreport usually takes 3–5 minutes. A single-zone ticket costs around 20–25 DKK and stations, platforms and lifts are generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Train and Walk
Arrive at Copenhagen Central Station (København H) on regional or intercity trains, then walk about 5–10 minutes along the main thoroughfare to reach City Hall Square. The train journey from the airport typically takes 15 minutes and costs about 30–40 DKK, with frequent departures. The route between the station and the square is flat and paved but often busy with traffic and cyclists.
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City Bus
Use one of the many city bus lines that stop at the Rådhuspladsen hub on the north side of the square. Typical travel times from inner neighbourhoods such as Nørrebro or Vesterbro are 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Standard bus fares match metro prices at roughly 20–25 DKK per zone, and most buses have low-floor access, though they can be crowded during rush hours and major events on the square.
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Bicycle
From central districts like Østerbro or Christianshavn, cycling to City Hall Square usually takes 10–20 minutes along Copenhagen’s dedicated bike lanes. You can rent a bike from local shops or city bike schemes for roughly 100–200 DKK per day. Be prepared for heavy bicycle traffic near the square, obey local cycling rules and use the marked racks around the edges of the plaza, as cycling is not allowed across the central pedestrian area.
City Hall Square location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about City Hall Square
The civic heart of modern Copenhagen
City Hall Square, or Rådhuspladsen, is where Copenhagen feels most like a capital. The vast, open plaza spreads out in front of the monumental brick City Hall, its tall clocktower rising over the tangle of buses, bikes and pedestrians that stream through the space. This is where the city gathers to mark national moments, from royal occasions and sports victories to New Year celebrations and large-scale concerts. Historically, the square occupies the site of Copenhagen’s old hay market, once a noisy trading ground on the edge of the medieval town. Successive redesigns have turned it into a ceremonial forecourt and public arena, but the sense of being a marketplace of ideas and encounters remains strong. Today, it is hemmed in by grand façades, lively cafés and big screens broadcasting everything from football to festivals.Architecture, statues and a famous clocktower
The eye is immediately drawn to Copenhagen City Hall, completed in 1905 and inspired by both Italian Renaissance town halls and older Danish brick traditions. Its richly ornamented façade, copper rooflines and soaring 105-metre tower give the square a theatrical backdrop, especially when floodlit after dark. In niches and above the main entrance, gilded figures include Bishop Absalon, the city’s medieval founder, watching over the comings and goings below. Around the square, a small cast of sculptures and details rewards closer inspection. The Dragon Fountain stages a dramatic struggle between dragon and bull, while a statue of Hans Christian Andersen sits nearby, a reminder that the storyteller once made this city world-famous. Look up towards the Richs building on the corner and you may spot the Weather Girl, a gilded figure that rotates to show either a woman on a bicycle or a woman with an umbrella, depending on the day’s forecast.A stage for demonstrations and celebrations
More than a pretty square, Rådhuspladsen functions as Copenhagen’s principal outdoor meeting ground. Large demonstrations, climate marches and political rallies often begin or end here, taking advantage of the open space and the symbolic presence of city government. At other times it becomes a giant living room, with open-air exhibitions, big screens for sporting events and cultural festivals filling the plaza with sound and colour. During summer, the atmosphere is especially animated. Street performers set up near the fountains, food stands appear, and people drift through with ice creams on their way to Tivoli Gardens just across the boulevard. In winter, the square can be bracing and windswept, but its role as a gathering place continues, with illuminated windows, seasonal decorations and the glow of passing traffic adding their own kind of warmth.Gateway to Strøget, Tivoli and the historic centre
City Hall Square is one of the most convenient jumping-off points in Copenhagen. From the edge of the plaza, the famous pedestrian street Strøget begins its long, shop-lined walk towards the old harbour at Nyhavn. Just beyond the City Hall lies the National Museum and the historic island of Slotsholmen, while directly opposite, behind trees and railings, the lights of Tivoli Gardens shimmer. A major bus hub and a metro station sit along the northern side, making the square a natural crossroads for commuters and visitors alike. This convergence of routes means the square is rarely quiet, but it also ensures that stepping out here instantly orients you within the broader city: to the water, to royal palaces, to museums, or simply deeper into the dense web of side streets and courtyards that define the old town.Daily rhythms and the feel of the place
The character of Rådhuspladsen shifts over the course of a day. Mornings can feel surprisingly spacious, with soft Nordic light catching the brickwork and only a slow build-up of traffic and commuters. By midday, groups cluster around guides, cyclists weave between crossings, and the square hums with lunch-seekers and shoppers heading down Strøget. As evening comes on, the tower clock chimes above a glow of neon signs and tram lights. The square often becomes a thoroughfare for people heading to theatres, concerts or the twinkling amusements of Tivoli. Even when you are simply passing through, it is hard not to pause for a moment, take in the scale of the City Hall, and feel the layered history of a space that has grown from a hay market to a modern capital’s outdoor living room.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
0.1 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.1 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.3 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Frihedsstøtten
0.4 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.4 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.5 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Strøget
0.6 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Gråbrødretorv
0.6 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Gammel Strand
0.6 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.6 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Amagertorv
0.6 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
The Stable Boy's House
0.7 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Christiansborg Palace
0.7 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
The Danish Parliament
0.7 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Unmissable attractions to see
Statue of Andersen
0.1 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.1 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.1 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.1 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Rainbow Square
0.1 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.2 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Tivoli Gardens
0.3 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.3 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.3 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.3 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Nytorv
0.3 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Nytorv 2
0.3 km
An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Rutschebanen
0.3 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Gammeltorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Essential places to dine
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.1 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Spisestedet FEED
0.2 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.3 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.3 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Rio Bravo
0.3 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.3 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Krebsegaarden
0.3 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Vækst
0.3 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Restaurant Karla
0.4 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant 1733
0.5 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
L'appetito
0.5 km
Traditional Italian plates, thin-crust pizzas and warm trattoria charm just off Copenhagen’s busy city centre streets.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.1 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
0.2 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.2 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
København K
0.3 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.3 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Wasteland
0.3 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Quirky Lane
0.3 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.4 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Notre Dame
0.4 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
0.4 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.4 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Scottish Pub
0.1 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
Proud Mary Pub
0.1 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
Taphouse
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Musen & Elefanten
0.2 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
The Shamrock Inn
0.2 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Centralhjørnet
0.2 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Southern Cross Pub
0.2 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
The Rooftop Bar
0.3 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Floss Bar
0.3 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Bar7
0.3 km
Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Library Bar
0.4 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Zefside
0.4 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
