Sankt Annæ Plads
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
A beautifully renovated green square in central Copenhagen, located beside Amalienborg Palace and minutes from Nyhavn. This historic plaza, dating back to the 1700s, combines relaxation with innovative climate resilience design. Featuring benches, a playground, petanque field, and outdoor dining, it serves both locals and visitors seeking a peaceful urban escape with access to galleries, cafes, and cultural landmarks.
A brief summary to Sankt Annæ Pl.
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to experience the square at its most peaceful, with softer light and fewer crowds ideal for photography and reflection.
- Combine your visit with nearby Amalienborg Palace and the Gefion Fountain to create a comprehensive tour of Copenhagen's royal and mythological landmarks.
- Bring a picnic or grab coffee from one of the surrounding cafes and settle on the benches to observe local life and the changing seasons in this green urban sanctuary.
- If visiting with children, the playground provides a safe, central location for them to play while adults relax nearby and enjoy the square's atmosphere.
- Explore the Royal Danish Playhouse on the square's edge for performances and cultural events that complement your visit to this culturally rich neighborhood.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
Take the Copenhagen Metro (Linjen) to Kongens Nytorv Station, approximately 5–10 minutes depending on your starting point. The station is a 3–5 minute walk from Sankt Annæ Plads. Single tickets cost approximately 24–36 DKK (3–5 EUR) depending on zones. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with reduced service late evening and night.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the area around Sankt Annæ Plads, including routes 1A, 15, and 26. Journey times vary from 10–25 minutes depending on your origin and traffic conditions. Single tickets cost approximately 24 DKK (3 EUR). Buses run regularly from early morning until late evening, with night bus services available.
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Walking
If staying in central Copenhagen (Nyhavn, Strøget, or the city center), Sankt Annæ Plads is accessible on foot within 10–20 minutes. The route is flat, well-paved, and passes through charming neighborhoods. Walking allows you to discover side streets and smaller attractions along the way. The area is safe and pedestrian-friendly at all hours.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen is highly bike-friendly with dedicated cycle lanes throughout the city. Rental bikes are available at numerous stations (approximately 80 DKK or 11 EUR per day). The ride to Sankt Annæ Plads from most central locations takes 5–15 minutes. Secure bike parking is available near the square.
Sankt Annæ Pl. location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Sankt Annæ Pl.
A Historic Square Reimagined for Modern Living
Sankt Annæ Plads has anchored Copenhagen's city center since the 1700s, when it functioned as a station for the city's first horse-drawn trams. Today, this transformed plaza represents a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary urban design. The square's recent renovation has elevated it from a utilitarian space into a vibrant gathering place that honors its past while serving the needs of modern Copenhagen. Located immediately adjacent to Amalienborg Palace, the Danish royal family's winter residence, Sankt Annæ Plads occupies a privileged position within the city's cultural geography. Its proximity to Nyhavn, the colorful harborfront district, and the broader city center makes it an essential waypoint for both residents and travelers navigating Copenhagen's historic neighborhoods.Climate Innovation Meets Urban Livability
The square's redesign reflects Copenhagen's forward-thinking approach to environmental challenges. In 2011, a severe cloudburst inundated Sankt Annæ Plads with water, causing significant damage to surrounding buildings. Rather than simply repairing the damage, city planners seized the opportunity to integrate climate resilience into the square's fabric. The plaza was lowered and equipped with sophisticated drainage systems that channel excess water directly into the harbor, preventing street flooding and protecting nearby structures. This project represents one of more than 300 climate adaptation initiatives across Copenhagen, demonstrating the city's commitment to protecting both its architectural heritage and residents from increasingly severe weather events. The solution exemplifies how functional infrastructure can enhance rather than diminish public space.A Multifunctional Gathering Space
The renovated square caters to diverse needs and preferences. Comfortable benches invite quiet contemplation, while a children's playground brings families to the space. A petanque field accommodates recreational players, and the broadened sidewalks provide room for cafes and restaurants to expand their outdoor seating. Traffic has been deliberately slowed through street narrowing, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment where the rhythm of urban life unfolds at a human pace. The integration of green scenery throughout the plaza offers visual respite from the surrounding urban density. Whether seeking solitude, social connection, or casual refreshment, visitors find appropriate settings within this thoughtfully designed public realm.Architectural and Cultural Context
The square's setting places it at the intersection of Copenhagen's most significant landmarks. Amalienborg Palace, with its four distinct buildings arranged around a central courtyard, dominates the immediate vicinity. The Royal Danish Playhouse, opened in 2008, stands nearby on Sankt Annæ Plads itself, complementing the Copenhagen Opera House and contributing to the area's cultural vitality. The nearby Gefion Fountain, depicting Norse mythology with dramatic sculptural detail, and the English Church with its Gothic Revival architecture further enrich the neighborhood's character.A Living Testament to Urban Evolution
Sankt Annæ Plads embodies Copenhagen's ability to evolve without abandoning its identity. From its origins as a transportation hub to its current role as a climate-conscious public square, the plaza continues to adapt to the city's changing needs. The space demonstrates that practical urban solutions—drainage systems, traffic calming, expanded public seating—need not compromise beauty or functionality. Instead, when thoughtfully executed, they enhance both.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.0 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.1 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
0.3 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.
0.4 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
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.
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.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.7 km
Baroque grandeur and natural beauty meet at Denmark's Ledreborg Park, home to stately gardens, forested trails, cultural events, and peaceful countryside escapes.
St. Paul's Church
0.8 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Church of Holmen
0.8 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
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.
Knippelsbro
0.8 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Horn mine
0.8 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.
Holmens Bro
0.8 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.
Højbro Pl.
0.8 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nyhavn
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s classic harbour postcard: colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés where maritime history meets modern hygge.
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.
Hey Captain
0.2 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Bredgade 18
0.2 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.
Ofelia Plads
0.2 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
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.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.3 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.
Rytterstatuen
0.3 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Amalienborg
0.3 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.
Memorial Anchor
0.3 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.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.3 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
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.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.3 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Kongens Nytorv
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
Essential places to dine
Skipperkroen
0.2 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
0.2 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
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.
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.
Aoc
0.3 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Goldfinch
0.4 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
0.4 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.
Restaurant Vita
0.4 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
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 Koefoed
0.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
à terre
0.4 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.
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.
Marchal
0.5 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Barr
0.5 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.
Frank
0.5 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
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.
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
0.3 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
0.3 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
0.4 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.5 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
0.5 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Magasin du Nord
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Storm - design art fashion
0.7 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.
Urban Outfitters
0.7 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
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.
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.
ILLUM
0.7 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brønnum
0.4 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
0.4 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
0.6 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
0.6 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
0.7 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.
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.
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
0.8 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
0.8 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
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Eiffel bar
0.8 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Dubliner
0.9 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
0.5 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
0.6 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
0.7 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
0.7 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Operaen
1.0 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.
Chateau Motel
1.2 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.2 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Arch
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Miami Bar
1.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.3 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
1.4 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
1.4 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
