Quintessential Copenhagen: The Iconic Nyhavn Harbour
Lively, colourful canal harbour in central Copenhagen known for vibrant houses, historic ships, waterside cafés, and rich maritime heritage.
Nyhavn, located in the heart of Copenhagen’s Indre By, is a vibrant 17th-century harbour famed for its colourful merchant houses, historic wooden ships, and lively atmosphere. Once a bustling trade port, today Nyhavn draws visitors for its picturesque canalside promenade, offering quintessential Danish charm, waterfront dining, and a window into Copenhagen’s maritime past.
A brief summary to Church of Our Lady
- Nørregade 8, Copenhagen, København K, 1165, DK
- +4533151078
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early in the morning to enjoy quieter moments and unobstructed canal views before the crowds gather.
- Try a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich (smørrebrød) at one of the harbourside cafés for an authentic local experience.
- Photography is best in late afternoon when soft sunlight makes the painted façades glow and reflections dance on the water.
- Consider taking a canal tour departing from Nyhavn for a scenic journey through Copenhagen’s waterways.
- During the Christmas season, Nyhavn transforms into a festive market with stalls selling crafts, mulled wine, and seasonal treats.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Travelers arriving from Helsingør will typically reach Copenhagen Central Station via frequent Danish State Railways trains (approx. 40–50 minutes, adult tickets around 94–108 DKK). From the station, Nyhavn is easily accessible by metro, with Kongens Nytorv station a brief walk from the canal. Metro fares within central Copenhagen are about 24 DKK for a single ride. Taxis are readily available at the station and can drop you at the harbour’s edge in about 10–20 minutes, fare generally ranging between 120–180 DKK depending on traffic.
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Walking
Once in central Copenhagen, Nyhavn is a pleasant walk from key city landmarks such as the Royal Danish Theatre and Kongens Nytorv square. The route is flat and well-signposted, passing through lively shopping and historic districts. Expect a 5–15 minute walk, depending on starting point.
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Driving
Drivers from Helsingør follow main routes into central Copenhagen, with paid parking garages available within a short walk of Nyhavn. Parking rates in the city center generally run 34–50 DKK per hour, and spaces can be limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Be aware that traffic can be congested during peak hours.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jorcks Passage
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Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
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Fiolstræde 42
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Lur Blowers
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Varehuset Messen
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Statue of Andersen
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Thorvaldsens Museum
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Explore the world of neoclassical sculpture at Thorvaldsens Museum in Copenhagen, home to the works of Bertel Thorvaldsen and a treasure trove of art and architectural inspiration.
Højbro Plads
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Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
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Højbro Pl.
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Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Bishop Absalon
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Højbro
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Agnete and the Merman Statue
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Museum of Copenhagen
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National Museum of Denmark
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Unmissable attractions to see
Gammeltorv
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Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Nytorv 2
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An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
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Nytorv
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Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Københavns Synagoge
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A discreet 1833 synagogue in Krystalgade whose neoclassical facade hides an Egyptian‑inspired interior and centuries of Danish Jewish history, faith and resilience.
Gråbrødretorv
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Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
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The Round Tower
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Strøget
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Hans Christian Andersen Experience
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Kultorvet
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Balderdash
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Skaal
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Ripley's Believe It or Not!
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A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Amagertorv
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Essential places to dine
Krebsegaarden
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Husmanns Vinstue
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Restaurant Kronborg
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Dubrovnik Restaurant
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Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
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Restaurant Tight
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Vækst
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Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
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Restaurant Puk
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Marv & Ben
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Notre Dame
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A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
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Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Quirky Lane
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Musen & Elefanten
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No Stress Bar
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The Jane
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Strøm
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Lord Nelson Bar
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not your USUAL wine bar
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Taphouse
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Rumors
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Mirror
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Hive
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Miami Bar
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Chateau Motel
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Dorsia
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Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
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Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Arch
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Mirage
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Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
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Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Club Mambo
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Module
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Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
The Zoo
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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.
Never Mind
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.