Ofelia Plads
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Ofelia Plads is Copenhagen's vibrant waterfront cultural square, a 13,000-square-meter public space built on a historic pier. Known for its iconic 'kissing stairs' descending to the harbor, the plaza hosts year-round concerts, theater performances, art installations, and sporting events. The square offers stunning harbor views, designated swimming areas, and serves as a gateway to canal tours and nearby attractions including Amalienborg Palace and the Royal Danish Playhouse.
A brief summary to Ofelia Plads
- Kvæsthusbroen, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1250, DK
- +4570106070
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during summer evenings for the most vibrant atmosphere, live music, and spontaneous gatherings. Check local event listings before your visit to catch concerts, theater performances, or art installations.
- Arrive early to secure a spot on the kissing stairs for sunset views and photography. The steps are most photogenic during golden hour and when lit by evening light.
- Bring layers and a windbreaker—the waterfront location experiences brisk coastal winds, especially in cooler months. The exposure to open water makes it feel colder than inland areas.
- Book canal cruises from the golden pavilions on-site to explore Copenhagen's harbor and waterways. Tours depart regularly and offer a unique perspective of the city from the water.
- Experience Sankt Hans on June 23rd if visiting in summer—the traditional Danish midsummer celebration features bonfires, music, and a festive local atmosphere at the square.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Metro Line M1 or M2 to Kongens Nytorv Station (approximately 5–7 minutes walk). From the station, head toward the harbor following signs for Nyhavn or the Royal Danish Playhouse. Alternatively, take bus routes 1A, 2A, or 26 to Nyhavn, then walk 3–5 minutes along the waterfront to reach Ofelia Plads. Single tickets cost approximately 24 DKK (3.20 USD) for zones 1–2.
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Walking
From Nyhavn (approximately 5–10 minutes on flat, easy terrain along the waterfront promenade). The route is well-marked and passes through the historic harbor district. From Amalienborg Palace (approximately 8–12 minutes), walk toward the waterfront and follow the harbor edge. Both routes offer scenic views and are fully accessible year-round.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network connects directly to Ofelia Plads. Rent a city bike from stations throughout Copenhagen (approximately 80 DKK / 11 USD per day) and follow dedicated cycle lanes toward the harbor. Secure bike parking is available near the square. Journey time from central Copenhagen is typically 10–15 minutes depending on starting point.
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Harbor Bus
The harbor bus (route 991 or 992) stops directly at Ofelia Plads, making it an scenic alternative to land transport. Tickets cost approximately 24 DKK (3.20 USD) and the journey offers waterfront views. Service runs year-round with increased frequency during summer months.
Ofelia Plads location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Ofelia Plads
A Modern Harbor Transformation
Ofelia Plads emerged from an ambitious urban renewal project that began in 2010 as a temporary experimental space called Ofelia Beach. The concept proved so successful with free cultural events, concerts, and public gatherings that permanent construction commenced, with the square officially opening in 2016. Built on Kvæsthusbroen, a historic pier whose name derives from a former hospital that once stood nearby, the 13,000-square-meter plaza represents Copenhagen's commitment to creating accessible, vibrant public spaces along its waterfront.The Iconic Kissing Stairs and Harbor Connection
The most distinctive feature of Ofelia Plads is its famous 'kissing stairs'—a series of iconic steps that descend directly into the harbor waters. These steps have become a beloved gathering spot where locals and visitors alike sit to relax, read, dip their feet in the water, or simply absorb the harbor atmosphere. The stairs create a compelling visual narrative, blending modern urban design with the working waterfront, and have become one of Copenhagen's most photographed locations. The direct connection to the water transforms the square into a true maritime experience, where the boundary between land and sea feels intentionally blurred.A Year-Round Cultural Hub
Throughout the year, Ofelia Plads transforms into a dynamic venue for diverse cultural and sporting events. The plaza regularly hosts theater productions from the adjacent Royal Danish Playhouse, live music performances ranging from jazz to contemporary acts, ballet performances, and art installations. Summer brings spontaneous gatherings including salsa and bachata dancing, while winter features the beloved Sankt Hans celebration on June 23rd, complete with bonfires and music. The Copenhagen Light Festival has also featured spectacular installations here, including 'The Wave'—a 50-meter triangular light display that illuminates the square after dark. The open plaza accommodates everything from European Championship football screenings on large displays to intimate artistic exhibitions.Waterfront Amenities and Refreshment
The square features distinctive golden pavilions that serve multiple functions: ticket sales for canal cruises, food and beverage service, and information points. Café Luftkastellet operates throughout the summer months, offering refreshing drinks, pizzas, and paninis in a spacious lounge area. The location serves as a primary departure point for harbor bus services and canal tours that explore Copenhagen's intricate waterway system, making it both a destination and a gateway to further exploration. The calm, spacious setting provides ample seating areas where visitors can linger, people-watch, and absorb the energy of one of Copenhagen's most vibrant public spaces.Strategic Location and Surrounding Attractions
Ofelia Plads occupies a prime position in Copenhagen's cultural landscape, situated between the historic Nyhavn district and the royal Amalienborg Palace. The adjacent Royal Danish Playhouse (Skuespilhuset) forms one boundary, while the modern Opera House and Papirøen (Paper Island) are accessible via the Inner Harbour Bridge. This clustering of cultural institutions makes the square a natural hub for visitors exploring Copenhagen's blend of historic and contemporary attractions. The waterfront setting offers expansive views across the harbor, with the cityscape providing a constantly changing backdrop throughout the day and seasons.Accessibility and Year-Round Appeal
The square remains open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM, making it accessible for early morning walks, midday relaxation, and evening strolls. Its free public access and lack of admission charges make it an inclusive gathering space for all visitors. The open design accommodates various weather conditions, though the coastal location means wind can be brisk, particularly during winter months. Whether visiting during summer's festival season or winter's quieter months, Ofelia Plads offers a distinctly Copenhagen experience where contemporary urban culture meets maritime heritage.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.
Larsens Pl.
0.4 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
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.
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.
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.
Knippelsbro
0.8 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.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.8 km
Explore the gripping history of Denmark's WWII resistance movement at this immersive Copenhagen museum, uncovering tales of bravery and sacrifice in the face of Nazi occupation.
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.
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.
Church of Holmen
0.8 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Horn mine
0.9 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.
Christianshavn
0.9 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hey Captain
0.0 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.
The Playhouse
0.1 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.
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
0.3 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.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.3 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Amaliehaven
0.3 km
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
North Atlantic House
0.4 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
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.
Rytterstatuen
0.4 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Amalienborg
0.4 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.
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.
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.
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.
Essential places to dine
Khun Juk
0.2 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
0.4 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.
Aoc
0.5 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
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.
Goldfinch
0.6 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.6 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.
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.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.6 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Marchal
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
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
0.5 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.
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.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Magasin du Nord
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
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
0.7 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
0.9 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
0.9 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eiffel bar
0.8 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
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
0.8 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.
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.
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.
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
1.0 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.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
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.
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
0.9 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
1.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.5 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
1.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Dorsia
1.6 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
1.7 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
- Lively
- Scenic
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
