Royal Danish Playhouse (The Playhouse), Copenhagen
Bold modern theatre on Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, where cutting-edge drama, glass-and-brick architecture and a floating wooden pier meet sweeping waterfront views.
The Royal Danish Playhouse, known simply as The Playhouse, is Copenhagen’s striking modern theatre for spoken drama, set right on the Inner Harbour at Sankt Annæ Plads. Opened in 2008 and designed by Danish architects Lundgaard & Tranberg, its long brick facade, glass-clad upper floor and dark copper stage tower rise over a wooden pier that juts into the water. Even without a ticket, visitors linger here for harbour views, a relaxed café-restaurant and the chance to experience one of the city’s boldest contemporary cultural landmarks.
A brief summary to The Playhouse
- Sankt Annæ Pl. 36, Indre By, Indre By, 1250, DK
- +4533696969
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before a performance to explore the long glass foyer and wooden pier; sunset light over the harbour and opera house is especially atmospheric.
- You can enjoy the pier, foyer and café without a ticket; it is worth visiting in daytime just to see the architecture and harbour views even if you are not seeing a play.
- Dress in layers: large glass surfaces and waterfront breezes mean it can feel cool near the windows and on the pier, especially outside the summer months.
- Check the Royal Danish Theatre’s programme in advance if you prefer English surtitles; many productions are in Danish but selected performances cater to international visitors.
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
-
Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Kongens Nytorv station; trains run every few minutes and the ride from Nørreport takes around 2–3 minutes. A standard single-zone ticket costs roughly 20–25 DKK. From Kongens Nytorv, walk about 10–15 minutes through the historic centre and along the harbourfront on mostly level pavements suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. This is the most straightforward option in most weather conditions.
-
City bus to Sankt Annæ Plads area
Several city bus routes connect the inner city with stops near Sankt Annæ Plads and Nyhavn, typically taking 10–20 minutes from the central station area depending on traffic. A single ticket bought from machines or via transport apps costs around 20–25 DKK and covers buses and metro within the central zones. Expect buses every 5–15 minutes during the day and early evening; note that late-night services are less frequent, so check departure times after evening performances.
-
Harbour bus along the Inner Harbour
On days with normal service, you can arrive by harbour bus, a public boat that runs up and down Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour. The journey from stops near Islands Brygge or the Opera House to the Playhouse area usually takes 10–30 minutes depending on the route and boarding point, using the same 20–25 DKK ticket as other public transport. Services are weather-dependent and less frequent in winter or strong winds, so this is best in mild, calm conditions.
-
Bicycle from the wider city centre
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make cycling a convenient way to reach the Playhouse from most central districts in 10–20 minutes. You can use a rental bike from numerous docking points or private rental shops; typical short-term rentals range from 100–150 DKK per day. The route is generally flat, but the immediate harbourfront near the theatre can be busy with pedestrians, so expect to dismount and walk the last stretch along the wooden pier when crowds are dense.
The Playhouse location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Playhouse
Waterfront stage for modern Danish drama
The Royal Danish Playhouse is the dedicated home of the drama company of the Royal Danish Theatre, created as a purpose-built venue for spoken theatre in the heart of Copenhagen. It supplements the historic Old Stage on Kongens Nytorv and the Copenhagen Opera House, which focus on ballet and opera, giving dramatic theatre its own expressive setting on the Inner Harbour. Opened in 2008, the building marked the culmination of more than a century of debate about where to house the city’s evolving theatrical traditions. Drama that once had to squeeze into older venues finally received a space designed from the ground up for intimate, naturalistic performances, sophisticated stagecraft and technically advanced productions.Architecture that floats above the harbour
Designed by Danish firm Lundgaard & Tranberg, the Playhouse is celebrated as a contemporary architectural landmark. Its long, slim body is clad in specially developed deep-brown brick, anchored visually by a dark copper-clad stage tower and topped with a continuous glass band containing offices and backstage areas. The contrast between heavy materials and transparent volumes gives the structure a layered, sculptural presence against the water. Roughly forty percent of the building projects out over the harbour, supported by crooked, Venetian-style columns beneath a 150‑metre-long timber promenade. Rustic oak planks run the length of this raised pier, creating the sensation of walking on a floating platform. The promenade bends around the theatre, drawing pedestrians along the water’s edge and turning the Playhouse into part of a much-loved public route.Inside the house of spoken theatre
Within its modern shell, the Playhouse contains three stages of different sizes, allowing for both large-scale productions and experimental pieces. Auditoriums are designed to provide excellent sightlines and refined acoustics, enveloping audiences in the nuances of spoken word and subtle sound design. The architecture reinforces a sense of closeness between audience and actors, a key ambition of contemporary Danish drama. Backstage, workshops, rehearsal rooms and technical spaces are integrated into the upper levels, visible from outside through the glass-encased top storey. This arrangement hints at the creative work that animates the building every day, turning the theatre into a visible engine of performance rather than a closed-off institution used only at night.Harbour views from the glass foyer
A glazed foyer runs the full length of the building facing the water, framing sweeping views of the harbour and the Copenhagen Opera House opposite. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interior with light by day and transform the Playhouse into a glowing lantern by night, reflected in the harbour’s surface. This generous foyer houses a café and restaurant, where guests linger over coffee, drinks or meals before and after performances. Even outside show times, locals drop in simply to sit by the glass, watch ferries and harbour buses glide past, or step directly onto the wooden pier to feel the sea breeze. The boundary between theatre, city and seafront is deliberately blurred.An everyday public space on the pier
The area around the Playhouse has become an informal gathering place as well as a cultural destination. The broad wooden deck is used as an extended urban living room: people sit on the planks with take-away coffee, read on the steps, or stretch out in the sun on clear days. The open edges allow unobstructed views down the harbour and across to the opera, tying together several of Copenhagen’s major cultural buildings. By combining cutting-edge theatre facilities with a publicly accessible promenade and flexible interior spaces, the Royal Danish Playhouse demonstrates how a national cultural institution can also serve as a daily meeting point. Whether you attend an evening performance or simply wander along the waterfront, the building offers a layered experience of architecture, light, water and contemporary Danish culture.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.
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.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.4 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Larsens Pl.
0.5 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
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.
I am Queen Mary
0.7 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Knippelsbro
0.7 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Christiania
0.8 km
Explore Christiania, Copenhagen's alternative lifestyle hub, filled with vibrant street art, unique shops, and a rich cultural experience.
Operaen
0.8 km
A striking harbourfront landmark where cutting-edge architecture, golden interiors and world-class opera meet amid sweeping views of Copenhagen’s historic skyline.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.8 km
Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.8 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Christianshavn
0.8 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Church of Holmen
0.8 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Church of Our Saviour
0.8 km
A striking palace on Slotsholmen island, Christiansborg is where Copenhagen’s history, royal splendor, and political power converge in one unforgettable landmark.
Børsen
0.8 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ofelia Plads
0.1 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
Hey Captain
0.1 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
The Kissing Stairs
0.1 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.2 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.2 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.
Nyhavn
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s storybook harbour, where colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés bring the city’s maritime history to life in one vivid canal.
North Atlantic House
0.3 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.4 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Havnepromenade
0.4 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.
Amaliehaven
0.4 km
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.4 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.4 km
UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør, famed as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', with iconic spires, lavish halls, and sweeping views across the Øresund Strait.
Bredgade 18
0.4 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.
Rytterstatuen
0.5 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Memorial Anchor
0.5 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.
Essential places to dine
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.
Restaurant Barr
0.3 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.
Skipperkroen
0.3 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.
Cap Horn
0.3 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
0.4 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
0.5 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.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Aoc
0.5 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Goldfinch
0.5 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Rebel
0.6 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.
Restaurant Vita
0.6 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.
Bistro Royal
0.6 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Marchal
0.6 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.7 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Maritime Antiques &
0.2 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.
Copenhagenglass
0.2 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.6 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 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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Magasin du Nord
0.6 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
0.6 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.7 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
0.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
The Crown souvenir
0.8 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Urban Outfitters
0.8 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
0.8 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.
ILLUM
0.9 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.9 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
0.5 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
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.
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.
Eiffel bar
0.7 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Balthazar
0.7 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
0.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Black Swan
0.9 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.
The Moose
0.9 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
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
K-Bar
0.9 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
0.9 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
0.9 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
1.0 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.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.7 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.
Mini Bar
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.9 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.
Culture Box
1.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
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
1.4 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.
Miami Bar
1.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Arch
1.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
La Terraza
1.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Club Mambo
1.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- 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
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
