Nyboder & Nyboder Mindestuer
Historic yellow naval barracks turned living neighborhood, where Nyboder’s compact row houses and the Nyboder Memorial Rooms reveal 400 years of Copenhagen seafaring life.
Nyboder, tucked just north of Copenhagen’s inner centre, is a historic district of low, terraced row houses, instantly recognisable by their warm “Nyboder yellow” facades and regimented lines. Founded in the 1630s by King Christian IV as housing for the Royal Danish Navy, the area evolved over centuries into a self-contained military community with its own hospital, schools, and police. At Sankt Pauls Gade 24, the Nyboder Mindestuer museum occupies one of the oldest surviving houses, preserving intimate rooms and stories from nearly 400 years of naval and family life.
A brief summary to Nyboder
- Sankt Pauls Gade 24, København K, København K, 1313, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Sunday 11 am-2 pm
Local tips
- Visit Nyboder Mindestuer on a Sunday between late morning and early afternoon, when the small museum is typically open, and allow time to explore the nearby streets afterward.
- Bring a camera or phone: the repeating yellow facades and narrow perspectives along Sankt Pauls Gade and neighboring rows are excellent for architectural photography.
- Walk quietly and respect doorways and windows; many of the historic houses are still private homes for military personnel and civilians.
- Combine a visit with nearby sights such as Kastellet or Amalienborg Palace, both within a comfortable walking distance through pleasant city streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and walk
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityring metro to Marmorkirken Station, which usually takes 3–6 minutes from major interchange stops. From there, walk about 10–15 minutes along city streets to Nyboder on Sankt Pauls Gade; the route is flat and suitable for most visitors. A single metro ticket within the city zones typically costs around 20–25 DKK, and trains run every few minutes throughout the day.
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Local bus
Several city bus routes run through the area between Østerport and the historic centre, with journey times of roughly 10–20 minutes from central hubs depending on traffic. Alight at a stop near Store Kongensgade or Fredericiagade and walk 5–10 minutes to reach the yellow houses of Nyboder. Standard bus fares within the central zones are usually 20–25 DKK, and services operate frequently during daytime and early evening.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make biking to Nyboder straightforward and pleasant. From most central neighbourhoods you can expect a 5–20 minute ride on largely flat terrain, with dedicated bike lanes for almost the entire way. Public bike-share schemes and rental shops in the city centre typically offer hourly or day rates starting around 50–150 DKK; remember to park only in designated areas and keep clear of doorways along Sankt Pauls Gade.
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On foot from the historic centre
If you are already in the inner city, plan on a 15–25 minute walk to Nyboder through well-paved, mostly flat streets. This option allows you to link the visit with nearby sights such as the royal palace district and Kastellet. The walk is suitable for most visitors, though some cobbled sections may be uneven for wheels or those with limited mobility.
Nyboder location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Nyboder
From royal naval project to living neighborhood
Nyboder began in the 1630s as one of King Christian IV’s most ambitious social projects: purpose‑built housing for the rapidly expanding Royal Danish Navy. Laid out beyond the old city ramparts, the development consisted of long, low rows of simple homes for sailors, shipyard workers, and their families, who traded up to twenty years of compulsory service for secure accommodation and community facilities. Over time the original single‑storey houses were gradually replaced or extended, yet the basic rhythm of the streets has stayed remarkably constant. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the district had expanded to thousands of households, forming a dense, tightly knit enclave defined as much by shared duty and hardship as by its distinctive architecture.The story behind the famous yellow rows
Today Nyboder is instantly identified by the deep ochre often called “Nyboder yellow”, a colour that glows in low northern light and shifts subtly with the seasons. The uniform facades, small-paned windows and red-tiled roofs create an almost cinematic backdrop, especially where long rows converge in tight street vistas. Though the earliest buildings were once painted in other tones, this yellow has become inseparable from the neighborhood’s identity. The houses themselves are modest in scale: narrow fronts, compact rooms and shared stairwells speak of a time when space was rationed and families were large. Many dwellings were once split to accommodate more residents, with tiny kitchens acting as both workspace and social hub. Looking closely, you can trace the evolution from single-storey rows to later, taller types that accommodated higher-ranking personnel and larger families.Nyboder Mindestuer: intimate memorial rooms
At Sankt Pauls Gade 24, one of the earliest surviving houses now hosts the Nyboder Mindestuer, or Memorial Rooms. Inside, a sequence of small, period-furnished spaces tells the story of everyday life in the barracks: simple furniture, uniforms, domestic objects and archival photos evoke several centuries of naval households and their routines. The museum focuses on lived experience rather than grand battles. You encounter stories of women running households while men were at sea, children growing up between duty and play in the streets, and multi‑generation families tied to the navy for decades. The cramped floor plans and low ceilings underscore how close-knit this community once was, both physically and socially.Streets of flowers, animals and quiet rituals
Nyboder’s street names hint at its layered past. Parts of the district once carried names drawn from animals or medicinal plants, a whimsical counterpoint to the strictly ordered rows. Along Sankt Pauls Gade, the surviving single‑storey terrace and the so‑called Grey Rows opposite highlight different eras of military housing, ranging from early 17th‑century forms to later, more spacious officer apartments. Despite its central location, the area retains a hushed, almost village-like feel. The repetition of facades, occasional courtyards, and glimpses of laundry or bicycles create a sense of ordinary life continuing within a historic grid. St Paul’s Church, in red brick nearby, adds a vertical landmark to the horizontal geometry of the rows, anchoring the quarter with its tower.A historic community that still feels lived-in
Unlike many preserved districts, Nyboder remains partly inhabited by members of Denmark’s armed forces alongside civilian residents. This mix keeps the streets from feeling like an open‑air museum, even as the past is carefully interpreted in the Mindestuer. You may notice small details—nameplates, plants at doorsteps, a window left ajar—that remind you these houses are still homes. Spending time here is less about a checklist of sights and more about absorbing atmosphere. A slow walk through the yellow corridors of houses, paired with a visit to the Memorial Rooms, gives a compact but vivid sense of how Copenhagen’s naval power, urban growth and everyday domestic life intertwined over nearly four centuries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. Paul's Church
0.1 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Our Fallen
0.5 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Horn mine
0.6 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.6 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.
Larsens Pl.
0.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
I am Queen Mary
0.6 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.7 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.7 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Memorial Anchor
0.8 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.8 km
Discover the Monument to Denmark's International Activities in Kastellet: A historical landmark celebrating Denmark's global contributions since 1948.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.8 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Kongens Nytorv
0.8 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.8 km
Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.8 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
The Kissing Stairs
0.8 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.3 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Medicinsk Museion
0.3 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.3 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Frederik's Church
0.3 km
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.4 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Den Frie Udstilling
0.5 km
Independent artist-run exhibition house in a striking wooden building, presenting changing contemporary art shows in the heart of Copenhagen’s Østerbro district.
Amaliegade
0.5 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
The David Collection
0.5 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Amalienborg
0.5 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Rytterstatuen
0.5 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.5 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
The King's Garden
0.5 km
Frederiksholms Kanal: An evocative canal-side promenade at the heart of Copenhagen, blending royal history, stately architecture, and peaceful city scenes.
Kastellet
0.6 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
St Alban's Church
0.6 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Essential places to dine
Kokkeriet
0.2 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Rebel
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Aoc
0.5 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.5 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Den Lille Fede
0.6 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.
Alouette
0.6 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Goldfinch
0.7 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.7 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Bistro Royal
0.7 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Frank
0.7 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.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.7 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.
Cap Horn
0.8 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Marchal
0.8 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Skipperkroen
0.8 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.4 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.
The Crown souvenir
0.5 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
The Wilde Shop
0.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
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.
Zane
0.7 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Storm - design art fashion
0.8 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.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.8 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Maritime Antiques &
0.8 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.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.8 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Viking Souvenirs
0.8 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Copenhagenglass
0.8 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.9 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Norse Projects
0.9 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Magasin du Nord
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.1 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.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.7 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
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.
Bar Deco
0.7 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
0.8 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.
The Moose
0.8 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.
1105
0.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Brønnum
0.9 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
0.9 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.0 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Bar'Vin
1.0 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Skaal
1.0 km
Lively craft beer hall on Kultorvet square, pairing one of Copenhagen’s broadest tap selections with casual café dishes in the heart of Indre By.
Balderdash
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.3 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
0.8 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
0.8 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mirage
1.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
1.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
1.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
1.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
1.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
1.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Operaen
1.7 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
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
