Nyhavn
Copenhagen’s classic harbour postcard: colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés where maritime history meets modern hygge.
Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic waterfront: a 17th‑century canal lined with brightly painted townhouses, bobbing wooden ships and buzzing terraces. Once a rough sailors’ quarter of taverns and brothels, it is now a lively promenade of cafés, bars and restaurants, and the main departure point for classic canal cruises. From summer jazz and people‑watching in the sun to cosy Christmas markets and twinkling lights in winter, Nyhavn distils the city’s maritime history and modern hygge into one unforgettable harbour scene.
A brief summary to Nyhavn
- K, Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1051, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 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 quieter quays and softer light if you want photos of the colourful houses without dense crowds.
- Canal tours depart from several piers along Nyhavn; consider a weekday departure outside midday to avoid the busiest sailings.
- Dining directly on the canal is atmospheric but can be pricey; check lunch specials or explore nearby side streets for better value.
- In colder months, choose a café with outdoor heaters and blankets so you can still enjoy the waterfront without getting chilled.
- Keep an eye on bikes and traffic when crossing between the sunny and shady sides of the canal, as cycle lanes run close to the quay.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, the most straightforward route is by metro to Kongens Nytorv station, which is a short walk from Nyhavn. Trains on lines M1–M4 run every few minutes throughout the day, and the journey from major hubs such as Nørreport or Copenhagen Central typically takes 3–8 minutes. A standard single ticket within the central zones usually costs around 20–30 DKK, and elevators and escalators make this option accessible for most travelers.
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City bus to the harbour area
Several city bus routes serve the streets around Kongens Nytorv and the inner harbour, placing you within roughly 5–10 minutes’ walk of Nyhavn. Travel times from nearby districts such as Vesterbro or Østerbro range from 10–25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares similar to the metro, typically 20–30 DKK for a central journey. Buses run frequently during the day and evening, but late‑night services may be reduced, so check the timetable if returning late.
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Harbour bus by water
For a scenic arrival, use Copenhagen’s harbour bus services, which stop near the Royal Danish Playhouse at the mouth of Nyhavn. Boats connect various points along the harbour, with typical journey times of 10–30 minutes depending on your starting pier. Tickets are integrated with the city’s public transport system, so prices align with standard fares in the 20–30 DKK range. Services can be less frequent outside peak hours and in poor weather, so allow extra time if you choose this route.
Nyhavn 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 Nyhavn
From Working Port to Postcard Harbour
Nyhavn began life in the 1670s, when King Christian V ordered a new canal to link the open sea with Kongens Nytorv at the edge of the old city. Dug by soldiers and prisoners of war, this "New Harbour" quickly became a commercial artery where small ships unloaded cargo and fishermen brought in their daily catch. For centuries it was a rough‑edged world of taverns, sailors and fleeting shore leave, more practical than picturesque. That working‑harbour past has not vanished; it lingers in the proportions of the canal, the cobbles underfoot and the way boats still lie close together along the quays. What has changed is the mood. From the late 20th century, careful restoration turned crumbling warehouses into coveted addresses, and Nyhavn emerged as a showpiece of Copenhagen’s waterfront renewal—one where history and leisure now share the same narrow strip of quay.Colours, Gables and Stories in the Brickwork
The immediate charm of Nyhavn lies in its tight row of gabled houses, painted in sherbet yellows, deep reds, sea greens and sky blues. Most date from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, built in wood, brick and plaster with steep roofs and narrow facades that step rhythmically along the canal. Among them, No. 9 is the oldest surviving house, largely unchanged since 1681, offering a rare glimpse of the harbour’s earliest streetscape. Several addresses bear discreet plaques linking them to Hans Christian Andersen, who lived here at different times in the 1800s. In upstairs rooms overlooking the water he drafted some of his best‑known tales, blending the everyday bustle of the harbour with the inner worlds of his imagination. Today, souvenir shops, restaurants and apartments occupy those same walls, but the buildings’ modest scale and detailing keep the historic character firmly in view.Life Along the Quays Today
Modern Nyhavn is first and foremost a place to linger. Outdoor tables spill across the cobbles in good weather, facing the water so you can watch boats, bicycles and pedestrians drift past in an easy, continuous flow. Menus lean heavily on Danish favourites: open‑faced smørrebrød, platters of herring or prawns, and cold local beers enjoyed in the long northern light of summer evenings. Across the canal, restored wooden ships are moored in a curated heritage fleet, their masts and rigging giving the harbour a distinctly maritime skyline. Street musicians often add a soundtrack of jazz or acoustic covers, especially on warm days, enhancing the promenade feel. Yet it is just as common to see locals perched on the edge of the quay with takeaway coffee or ice cream, using Nyhavn as an informal living room by the water.Canal Cruises and Waterside Perspectives
Nyhavn is also one of Copenhagen’s classic starting points for exploring the city by boat. Low, glass‑topped vessels slide in and out from the end of the canal, threading under bridges toward the wider harbour and the inner waterways. From here, passengers can tour major sights—from royal palaces to modern opera houses—while seeing Nyhavn itself recede into a colourful band of facades. Even if you stay on land, there is a sense of constant movement. Harbour buses and private craft pass the canal mouth, cyclists cross the nearby pedestrian bridges, and the skyline shifts as you walk from the broad opening at the harbour end toward the more intimate stretch near Kongens Nytorv. Each viewpoint slightly rearranges the familiar coloured houses, which is why so many photographs never quite look the same.Seasonal Atmosphere and Hygge by the Water
Nyhavn’s character changes with the seasons. In summer, long days and mild temperatures turn the quays into an open‑air salon. Parasols, clinking glasses and the smell of grilled fish mingle with creaking rigging and the soft slap of water on hulls. The light lingers late, and the reflections of the houses ripple in the canal until well into the evening. Winter brings a different charm. As the air cools, blankets, heat lamps and mugs of spiced gløgg appear on tabletops, and festive stalls line parts of the quay during the Christmas market period. Strings of lights trace rooflines and rigging, transforming the harbour into a cosy vignette against the early dusk. Whether you visit on a bright, crisp day or under low clouds and drizzle, there is always a sheltered corner, a warm drink and a view that anchors you firmly in Copenhagen’s maritime heart.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.2 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.3 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Larsens Pl.
0.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.6 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.6 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
Holmens Bro
0.7 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Børsen
0.7 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Højbro Pl.
0.7 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.
Christianshavn
0.7 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Frederik VII
0.7 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.7 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Højbro Plads
0.7 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.0 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.2 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Memorial Anchor
0.2 km
Explore one of Europe’s oldest zoos, home to over 3,000 animals, award-winning architecture, immersive habitats, conservation programs, and engaging family activities.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.2 km
A tiny 17th‑century townhouse on Kongens Nytorv where Baltic amber, ancient insects and Scandinavian craft turn deep time into a warm, golden museum experience.
The Playhouse
0.2 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
The Kissing Stairs
0.3 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Bredgade 18
0.3 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
Hey Captain
0.3 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Ofelia Plads
0.3 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s national theatre in two acts: a gilded 19th‑century Old Stage on Kongens Nytorv and a bold modern playhouse rising directly above the harbour waters.
Kongens Nytorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.3 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Havnepromenade
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.3 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
Indre By
0.4 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Essential places to dine
Skipperkroen
0.1 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Khun Juk
0.1 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Cap Horn
0.1 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.2 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
à terre
0.3 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Goldfinch
0.3 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Aoc
0.4 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Barr
0.4 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Marchal
0.4 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Bistro Royal
0.4 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Den Lille Fede
0.4 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Restaurant Vita
0.4 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Llama
0.4 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Frank
0.4 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
0.1 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
0.1 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Zane
0.2 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
The Wilde Shop
0.4 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Magasin du Nord
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Viking Souvenirs
0.4 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.4 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.4 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Storm - design art fashion
0.6 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
ILLUM
0.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Danish Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brønnum
0.3 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.5 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
0.5 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
0.5 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
1105
0.5 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Eiffel bar
0.7 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Moose
0.7 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Charlie's Bar
0.7 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
K-Bar
0.7 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
0.7 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
Trykbar
0.7 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
The Dubliner
0.8 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.
Black Swan
0.8 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- 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
- Business Friendly
