Frederiksholms Kanal: The Historic Heart of Copenhagen’s Waterways
Frederiksholms Kanal is a historic waterway in central Copenhagen surrounded by architectural landmarks and vibrant city life, perfect for scenic strolling and photography.
Frederiksholms Kanal is a picturesque canal in central Copenhagen, surrounded by majestic architecture and laced with centuries of history. This tranquil yet vibrant area was once lined with merchant houses and today serves as a scenic artery through the city's government quarter, offering beautiful views of museums, palaces, and the lively cityscape. Strolling here, visitors encounter iconic sights and a sense of the Copenhagen that shaped Denmark’s royal and democratic traditions.
A brief summary to Copenhagen Zoo
- Roskildevej 32, Frederiksberg, 2000, DK
- +4572200200
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the most atmospheric light and fewer crowds.
- Bring a camera—this area boasts picturesque reflections, classic buildings, and lively canal life.
- Pack a picnic or pastries to enjoy on one of the benches lining the water.
- Combine your visit with a stop at nearby museums like Thorvaldsen’s or the National Museum of Denmark.
- Wear comfortable shoes—cobbled pathways can be uneven and ideal for exploration by foot.
Getting There
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Walking
Frederiksholms Kanal is easily reached on foot from Copenhagen's central square and the main pedestrian zone. A relaxed stroll through the heart of the old city brings you past highlights like City Hall and the National Museum. The canal itself unfolds in front of Christiansborg Palace, making it a natural point of transition between several central attractions. Walking from the city center typically takes about 5–10 minutes.
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Public Transport
Several city buses and the metro serve the area around the Parliament and the National Museum, both within a short walk of Frederiksholms Kanal. A metro or bus ride from Copenhagen Central Station costs around 24–30 DKK (standard ticket) and drops you close to central landmarks. The canal is then reached by passing Copenhagen’s historic centers, recognizable by grand facades and bustling squares.
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Taxi
Taxis from central hotels or the main train station typically reach Frederiksholms Kanal in under 10 minutes, depending on traffic, with fares generally ranging from 80–120 DKK. Taxis can drop visitors near Christiansborg Palace for immediate canal access.
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Cycling
Copenhagen’s bike-friendly streets make it easy to cycle to Frederiksholms Kanal. City bike rentals start at around 25–35 DKK per half hour. Dedicated cycling lanes lead directly toward the canal area, easily identifiable by the silhouettes of palace towers and nearby church spires.
Discover more about Copenhagen Zoo
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Storm P. Museum
0.6 km
Delve into the world of Danish humor and satirical art at the Storm P. Museum, where whimsical cartoons, eccentric inventions, and cultural history come alive in Frederiksberg.
Elefantporten
0.7 km
A whimsical blend of art nouveau charm and industrial heritage, the Elefantporten forms Carlsberg's unforgettable entryway in historic Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Frederiksbergmuseerne
0.8 km
Explore Frederiksberg's cultural gems: Cisternerne, Bakkehuset, STORM, and Møstings, each offering unique art and history experiences.
Møstings Hus
0.8 km
Explore contemporary art in a historic neoclassical villa at Møstings Hus, Frederiksberg's cultural gem.
Frederiksberg Town Hall
0.9 km
Wander Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter, a vibrant maze of cobbled lanes, indie cafés, artisan shops, and centuries-old architecture at the heart of the city.
Enghaveparken
1.3 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Frihedsstøtten
2.5 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 Visitor Service
2.6 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Copenhagen Central Station
2.6 km
Copenhagen Central Station is the vibrant gateway to Denmark’s capital, blending historic architecture, bustling platforms, and local flavor at the heart of Zealand.
Cykelslangen
2.6 km
Experience Copenhagen's iconic Cykelslangen, a vibrant orange cycle bridge offering a unique and scenic route through the harbor, showcasing the city's commitment to cycling and innovative design.
Folkets Park
2.6 km
Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Rutschebanen
2.7 km
Iconic 1914 wooden roller coaster in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, offering nostalgic thrills and hands-on history amid the city’s legendary amusement park.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
2.8 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.
Havneholmen 33
2.8 km
Aarhus’ University Park, where golden brick buildings and tranquil lakes merge in a vibrant blend of Danish design, academic heritage, and peaceful green space.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
2.9 km
Discover 'Heracles and the Hydra'—a captivating modern sculpture that unites Greek mythology and Danish artistry beside historic Kronborg Castle in Helsingør.
Unmissable attractions to see
Frederiksberg Palace
0.1 km
Renaissance splendor, regal treasures, and royal intrigue await within Rosenborg Castle, set amid the enchanting King’s Garden in central Copenhagen.
Søndermarken
0.2 km
Explore the historic and serene Søndermarken park in Frederiksberg, featuring the unique Cisternerne art museum and the Memorial Mound.
Cisterns in Søndermarken
0.2 km
Discover Danish celebrity history and culture under the trees of Frederiksberg Allé, where handprints and names honor the stars of Denmark’s stage and screen.
Frederiksberg Gardens
0.4 km
A serene, historic oasis nestled between Copenhagen’s iconic Royal Library buildings, offering lush gardens, sculptures, and tranquil space for relaxation just steps from the city center.
The Hill House Museum
0.7 km
Engage with interactive science exhibits at Experimentarium, Copenhagen's premier hands-on science center.
Carlsberg Brewery Tours
0.9 km
Explore Copenhagen's Medicinsk Museion: A Journey Through Medical History in a Historic Setting.
Frederiksberg Walk of Fame
1.1 km
Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.
Frederiksberg Allé
1.2 km
Explore Danish creativity at Bredgade Kunsthandel, a renowned private gallery in central Copenhagen specializing in modern and contemporary art in an intimate setting.
Falkonerbrønden
1.5 km
A star-studded stroll in Copenhagen: the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame celebrates Danish legends along one of the city’s most iconic boulevards.
Landbohøjskolens Have
1.6 km
Enjoy fun, relaxation, and community spirit at Byparkens Legeplads—Roskilde’s centrally located playground and family haven in the scenic Byparken.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
1.9 km
UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle in Helsingør is Denmark’s iconic Renaissance fortress—famous as Hamlet’s Elsinore—offering history, drama, and sweeping sea views.
Det Ny Teater
2.0 km
A serene Neo-Gothic Anglican church in central Copenhagen, St Alban's Church blends British heritage, tranquil parkland, and Danish history near the city’s royal heart.
Fermentoren
2.1 km
Historic Stændertorvet is Roskilde’s vibrant town square, surrounded by cafes and markets, with the UNESCO-listed cathedral as an iconic backdrop at its edge.
Mikkeller Bar
2.1 km
Stændertorvet is Roskilde’s historic central square, bustling with markets, events, and iconic views of the UNESCO-listed cathedral at the city’s vibrant core.
Freddys Bar
2.2 km
Stændertorvet in Roskilde is a historic central square where tradition, community, and daily life intersect at the foot of the majestic Roskilde Cathedral.
Essential places to dine
Hansens Gamle Familiehave
0.5 km
Hansens Gamle Familiehave—a historic Frederiksberg garden restaurant famed for classic Danish cuisine, family-friendly charm, and over 170 years of tradition in scenic surroundings.
Enomania
0.5 km
Intimate Italian restaurant in Frederiksberg celebrated for expertly paired wine menus, exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, and an atmospheric, welcoming dining experience.
Restaurant Frederiks Have
0.8 km
Frederiksberg’s cherished fine dining hub, blending Nordic tradition with modern cuisine in a welcoming, neighborhood setting—perfect for an authentic Danish gastronomic experience.
Ewalds Brasserie
0.9 km
Classic Danish-French brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, offering seasonal menus, a cozy atmosphere, and stunning garden views for an authentic local dining experience.
Café Lindevang
1.1 km
A beloved Frederiksberg institution, Café Lindevang serves up hearty Danish classics and authentic smørrebrød in cozy, vintage surroundings steeped in local charm.
Frederik the VI
1.3 km
Discover culinary delights at Frederik the VI - a vibrant restaurant and pub serving authentic Danish cuisine in Frederiksberg C.
Restaurant Polly København
1.5 km
A modern Nordic brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, blending Danish produce, creative cuisine, and relaxed elegance for a memorable city dining experience.
Bevi Bevi
1.7 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Spuntino
1.8 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Spuntino in Copenhagen - where flavors meet ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.
Folkehuset Absalon
1.8 km
Folkehuset Absalon is Copenhagen’s colorful former-church-turned-community living room—offering communal dinners, creative events, and authentic local camaraderie in Vesterbro.
Madklubben Vesterbro
1.9 km
A buzzing, design-forward restaurant in the heart of Vesterbro, known for great value fixed-price menus and a welcoming slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Delphine
2.0 km
Delphine brings the vibrant essence of Mediterranean coastal dining to Copenhagen’s Vesterbro, blending sun-soaked ambiance, fresh seafood, and a lively social scene.
Maple Casual Dining
2.2 km
Discover the essence of Danish cuisine at Maple Casual Dining in Vesterbro—where every dish tells a story.
Cofoco
2.2 km
Cofoco blends innovative Danish cuisine, warm Nordic design, and approachable pricing, offering a must-try contemporary dining experience in the heart of vibrant Vesterbro.
Paté Paté
2.2 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Copenhagen - Outlet
0.7 km
Discover Danish porcelain heritage and timeless design at discounted prices in Frederiksberg’s celebrated Royal Copenhagen Outlet, close to the city’s green heart.
Frederiksberg Centret
1.2 km
Frederiksberg Centret offers a sleek, Scandinavian shopping experience with 90+ stores, cafés, and events in the chic heart of Frederiksberg, steps from the Metro.
Værnedamsvej
1.7 km
Copenhagen’s beloved Parisian-style street, brimming with independent shops, cafés, wine bars, and Scandinavian charm between vibrant Vesterbro and Frederiksberg.
Funky Junky
1.9 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
2.5 km
A stylish Vesterbro boutique filled with curated Nordic fashion, contemporary gifts, and Danish design treasures for visitors seeking authentic Copenhagen keepsakes.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
2.6 km
Copenhagen’s largest waterfront shopping destination, blending Danish urban design, diverse retail, global cuisine, and scenic harbor views in one lively location.
Perfectly Worn Vintage
2.7 km
Discover handpicked vintage gems and timeless fashion in the heart of Nørrebro’s creative district at Perfectly Worn Vintage, Copenhagen’s haven for unique style.
Tivoli Gift Shop
2.8 km
Discover unique souvenirs and Danish crafts at the Tivoli Gift Shop, capturing the magic of Copenhagen's historic amusement park.
PRAG Nørrebro
2.9 km
PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
McKorman
3.0 km
Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
Nørrebrogade
3.0 km
Nørrebrogade in Nørrebro embodies multicultural Copenhagen—a bustling boulevard of global eats, indie shops, street art, and local vibrance at the city’s creative edge.
Wasteland
3.0 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Viking Souvenirs
3.0 km
Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Quirky Lane
3.0 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Butik Bungalow
3.1 km
Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cafe Intime
0.8 km
Discover the charm of Cafe Intime, a cozy bar and cafe in Frederiksberg offering delightful drinks and a warm ambiance for every visitor.
Berlin Bar
1.1 km
Experience the eclectic vibe and creative mixology at Berlin Bar, the perfect spot for memorable nights in Frederiksberg.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Frederiksberg
1.2 km
Experience the craft of brewing at Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar, Frederiksberg's premier destination for beer lovers with an extensive selection and vibrant atmosphere.
Märkbar
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.
bird
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
1.4 km
Creative cocktails, industrial design, and live music collide at The House of Machines—Vesterbro’s must-visit nightlife destination for an authentic Copenhagen evening.
La Fée Verte
1.5 km
Discover La Fée Verte, a charming bar in Frederiksberg, offering exquisite cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
Tap 21 Craft Beer
1.7 km
Explore the vibrant craft beer scene at Tap 21, a cozy Frederiksberg bar offering a wide selection of local and international brews in a welcoming atmosphere.
Riesen Bar
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
Lidkoeb
1.8 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
Amigo Bar
1.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
1.8 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Gensyn Bar
1.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg C at Gensyn Bar, known for its innovative cocktails and inviting atmosphere.
Frederiksberg Ølbar
2.0 km
Experience the best of Denmark's brewing heritage at Frederiksberg Ølbar, a cozy bar with a fantastic selection of local craft beers.
1656 Cocktail Bar
2.2 km
An intimate speakeasy in Vesterbro, 1656 Cocktail Bar is famed for inventive cocktails, candlelit ambiance, and one of Copenhagen’s finest curated drinking experiences.
