Magstræde
A gently curving cobbled lane of colorful townhouses, Magstræde distills five centuries of Copenhagen history into one remarkably atmospheric old-town street.
Magstræde is one of Copenhagen’s oldest streets, a short cobbled lane threading through the historic heart of Indre By. Dating back to the 16th century, it is lined with vividly painted townhouses and some of the city’s oldest surviving residential buildings, including 17–19 from the 1640s. Once close to the medieval shoreline, today it feels like a quiet time capsule: crooked facades, worn cobblestones and glimpses of spires framing a classic Danish streetscape, ideal for slow strolls and photography between major sights.
A brief summary to Magstræde
- Magstræde, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1204, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 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
- Arrive early in the morning for softer light, quieter cobblestones and the best chance to photograph the street without crowds.
- Wear comfortable, flat shoes; the original cobblestones are beautiful but uneven and can be slippery in rain or snow.
- Combine a stroll here with nearby historic attractions and museums to appreciate how this modest lane fits into the city’s broader story.
- Look up at the façades: details like dates, carved door surrounds and rooflines reveal the different eras layered along the street.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From most parts of central Copenhagen, take the metro to Gammel Strand station on the M3 or M4 lines. The ride from Nørreport usually takes 2–4 minutes, and a single-zone ticket is around 20–25 DKK. From Gammel Strand it is an easy, mostly level 5–7 minute walk through the old town on paved and cobbled streets; suitable for most visitors but less comfortable for some wheelchairs due to cobblestones.
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City Bus
Several inner-city bus routes stop near the National Museum and Christiansborg Palace, about 5–10 minutes’ walk from Magstræde. Typical journey times from districts such as Vesterbro or Østerbro are 10–20 minutes, with tickets costing about 20–25 DKK within the central zones. Buses run frequently during the day, but services thin out late at night and on some holidays.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s bike lanes make cycling a convenient way to reach the old town from nearby neighborhoods in 10–20 minutes. You can use city bikes or standard rentals, commonly priced from about 75–120 DKK for a day. Bicycles cannot ride along Magstræde’s narrow cobbles at speed, so plan to dismount and walk the final stretch out of consideration for pedestrians.
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On Foot from Rådhuspladsen Area
If you are staying near City Hall Square or the central shopping streets, allow around 10–15 minutes to walk to Magstræde. The route leads through busy, mostly flat city streets before you enter the narrower cobbled lanes of the old town. The distance is manageable for most visitors, though those with mobility challenges may prefer to shorten the walk by using the metro or a bus to a nearby stop.
Magstræde 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 Magstræde
A Small Street with a Long Copenhagen Story
Magstræde may be only a short stretch of cobblestones, but it carries five centuries of Copenhagen history in its curve. Laid out in the 1520s as the shoreline was pushed outward with new landfill, the lane once edged the city’s waterfront. Its name recalls an old word for a public latrine that stood nearby, a reminder that even the prettiest corners of the old town began as practical infrastructure in a bustling port. Over time the sea retreated behind new quays and houses, yet Magstræde remained a lived-in back street rather than a grand boulevard. Fires, rebuilding and shifting fashions reshaped much of central Copenhagen, but this lane kept its intimate scale and irregular building line, preserving a cross-section of everyday urban architecture from the 17th to the 19th centuries.Colorful Houses and Cobblestone Character
The first thing that catches your eye is the color: warm ochres, deep reds and muted greens layered over centuries of plaster. Many of the townhouses are listed, protected for their historical value. Numbers 17 and 19, a symmetrical red pair from the 1640s, count among the oldest surviving residential buildings for ordinary townsfolk anywhere in the city. Nearby façades show later styles, from modest merchants’ homes to more refined classical fronts. Underfoot, the original cobbles give the street its distinctive rhythm and sound. The narrow width and gentle bend create changing viewpoints every few steps: a doorway framed by timber beams, a lantern bracketed to a wall, or a glimpse of a church tower beyond the roofs. Despite being in the very center of the capital, Magstræde feels enclosed and almost cinematic, as if the modern city has receded just out of frame.From Working Waterfront to Urban Backdrop
In its earliest days, Magstræde sat hard by the harbor, and the houses on its south side rose from freshly made ground where the coastline had been shifted. This move freed space for new warehouses, workshops and cramped dwellings that served a growing trading city. Some properties here were associated with craftsmen and small industries, including breweries and storage buildings that supplied nearby markets. The street weathered the great fires that devastated other quarters and survived the later refashioning of Copenhagen into a more ordered, neoclassical city. Rather than being swept away, its older structures were adapted, heightened or refronted. That patchwork history is still legible today in mismatched rooflines, differing window proportions and traces of bricked-up openings along the walls.Everyday Life Between Historic Neighbours
Despite its age, Magstræde is not treated as an open-air museum. People live and work along the lane, and there is a quiet domestic rhythm behind the postcard looks. The surrounding blocks are dotted with cafés, small restaurants, culture houses and galleries, so you might hear the clink of glasses from a side street or music drifting out from a nearby venue as you walk. Because it sits between key institutions and canals, Magstræde often forms part of wider walks through the old town. You may find office workers taking a shortcut, students cutting between lectures, or cyclists rolling along the parallel streets. Step a little to the side, however, and it is easy to pause in a doorway or alcove and simply absorb the textures of brick, timber and stone.Framing the Perfect Old-Town Moment
Magstræde’s gentle curve, mixed roof heights and colorful façades have made it one of the city’s classic photographic motifs. Early in the day, the eastern light slants down the lane, catching window frames and cobbles, while in the late afternoon the hues turn softer and more golden. The lack of heavy traffic means you can often line up a shot without modern clutter dominating the frame. For visitors, the appeal lies in how concentrated the experience is. In just a few minutes you can trace centuries of architectural evolution, sense the former waterfront, and imagine the lives that have unfolded behind these doors. Whether you linger for half an hour with a camera or simply detour on your way between major landmarks, Magstræde offers a compact, atmospheric distillation of historic Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 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.
Jorcks Passage
0.3 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Højbro
0.3 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Lur Blowers
0.3 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.
Højbro Pl.
0.4 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Frederik VII
0.4 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Stork Fountain
0.4 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Gråbrødretorv
0.4 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Church of Our Lady
0.4 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
The War Museum
0.4 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.4 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.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.4 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
City Hall Square
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s City Hall Square is the city’s ceremonial heart, blending grand architecture, local traditions, lively events, and everyday urban buzz into one essential landmark.
Unmissable attractions to see
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.1 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.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.2 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Marmorbroen
0.2 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Nytorv
0.2 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.2 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
National Museum of Denmark
0.2 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Gammel Strand
0.2 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Nytorv 2
0.2 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.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.3 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.
Læderstræde
0.3 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Strøget
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.3 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Rainbow Square
0.3 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.
Christiansborg Palace
0.3 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant 1733
0.0 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Puk
0.1 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Marv & Ben
0.1 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.2 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.
Københavner Cafeen
0.2 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 Tight
0.2 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Kanal-Caféen
0.2 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
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.
Restaurant Karla
0.3 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.4 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Wining and Dining
0.4 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.4 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.4 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Krebsegaarden
0.4 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.
Det Lille Apotek
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.2 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Audrey Vintage
0.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.2 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Duck Haven
0.3 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.3 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.
Souvenir Shop
0.3 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.3 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Hygge Original
0.3 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Viking Souvenirs
0.3 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.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.3 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Danish Souvenirs
0.3 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.
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.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.4 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.4 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Godt Øl
0.1 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Zefside
0.1 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Ruby
0.1 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
The Rooftop Bar
0.2 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.
Taphouse
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
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.
The Dubliner
0.3 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Luke's Bar
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.3 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
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
- LGBT Friendly
