Kongens Nytorv
Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
Kongens Nytorv, or The King’s New Square, is Copenhagen’s grand central square at the meeting point of the old town, Nyhavn and the main shopping street Strøget. Framed by the Royal Danish Theatre, the elegant Hotel d’Angleterre, historic Charlottenborg and the Magasin du Nord department store, the square combines royal heritage with everyday city life. In winter it hosts a festive ice rink and Christmas lights, while in summer its lawns and benches become a relaxed urban hangout.
A brief summary to Kongens Nytorv
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan at least 20–30 minutes just to wander the square, read building facades and circle the Christian V statue before heading to nearby Nyhavn or Strøget.
- Come at dusk or after dark for atmospheric views of the illuminated Royal Danish Theatre, Hotel d’Angleterre and seasonal lighting around the square.
- In winter, check locally if the ice rink is operating and bring gloves; the wind can be sharp across the open square.
- Use the square as a navigation anchor: remember that Nyhavn lies just to the east, Strøget to the west and Bredgade’s galleries to the north.
- If you enjoy architecture photography, walk the perimeter slowly and shoot upwards to capture statues, cornices and rooflines against the sky.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen stations
From major central stations such as Nørreport or Copenhagen Central, take the M1, M2 or M3 metro lines to Kongens Nytorv Station, which sits directly beneath the square. Trains run every few minutes throughout most of the day, and the journey is usually 2–6 minutes depending on your starting point. A single zone ticket within the central area typically costs around 20–25 DKK. All metro stations and trains are step-free, making this the most accessible option in most weather conditions.
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Bus within the inner city
Several city bus routes serve stops around Kongens Nytorv and along nearby streets such as Holmens Kanal and Bredgade. From inner districts like Vesterbro or Østerbro, travel times are usually 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Standard city bus tickets cost similar to metro fares, in the region of 20–25 DKK for central journeys. Buses offer a good option in bad weather, though they can be slower during rush hour and may be crowded at peak commuting times.
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City bike from nearby neighbourhoods
From central neighbourhoods such as Nørrebro, Vesterbro or Christianshavn, cycling to Kongens Nytorv generally takes 10–20 minutes along Copenhagen’s extensive bike lanes. You can use your own bicycle or rent a city bike from numerous docking stations or rental shops, where prices often start around 50–100 DKK for a day’s access depending on provider. The terrain is flat and suitable for most riders, but be prepared for wind and follow local cycling etiquette at busy junctions near the square.
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On foot from the historic centre
If you are already in the old town around City Hall Square, Gammel Strand or Christiansborg, walking to Kongens Nytorv typically takes 10–20 minutes along level, paved streets. The route passes through pedestrian zones and historic buildings, but cobblestones in some sections can be uneven for those with mobility issues. Walking is free and allows you to link the square easily with Nyhavn, Strøget and nearby palaces in a single leisurely outing.
Kongens Nytorv location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Kongens Nytorv
A royal square at the heart of old Copenhagen
Kongens Nytorv is the historic showpiece square of central Copenhagen, laid out in the late 17th century as a prestigious new space just outside the medieval core. Conceived under King Christian V, it was designed to showcase royal power, orderly planning and elegant townhouses, setting a new standard for city life. Its name, The King’s New Square, still hints at that original ambition. Today you stand in the middle of the old town’s crossroads. From here, broad streets radiate towards Nyhavn’s canal, the waterfront and the long pedestrian shopping artery of Strøget. Beneath your feet runs a modern metro interchange, yet above ground the proportions and facades still echo a baroque city of merchants, courtiers and officers going about their business.Statues, stories and the equestrian king
At the centre of the square rises the equestrian statue of Christian V, inaugurated in 1688 and regarded as the oldest royal sculpture of its kind in Copenhagen. The king sits confidently on horseback, surrounded by allegorical figures that once celebrated virtues like courage and strength. Originally cast in lead, the statue was later restored and strengthened, symbolising how the square itself has been reshaped over centuries. Around the edges, you can trace layers of Danish history in stone. Facades range from sober classical lines to ornate details above doorways and windows. Look closely and you may notice coats of arms, Latin inscriptions or sculpted faces watching the square. Each building hints at a past of trading houses, salons and institutions that shaped national culture.Cultural cornerstones on every side
One side of Kongens Nytorv is dominated by the Royal Danish Theatre, founded in the 18th century and still one of the country’s most important cultural stages. Its neoclassical frontage, with columns and statues, forms a dignified backdrop to the square. Inside, opera, ballet and drama continue a long tradition of royal patronage and public performance. Opposite, the white facade of Hotel d’Angleterre speaks of another kind of grandeur. This historic luxury hotel has hosted statesmen, artists and celebrities, its windows looking directly onto the movements of the city. At the corner towards Nyhavn, Charlottenborg Palace now houses Kunsthal Charlottenborg, a contemporary art venue that links aristocratic architecture with cutting-edge exhibitions.Everyday rhythms and seasonal transformations
Despite its grand buildings, Kongens Nytorv is as much a lived-in public space as a monument. Office workers cut across its paths, cyclists ring past, and shoppers spill out of the Magasin du Nord department store, whose historic building wraps one corner. Benches and small lawns invite short breaks, and in warmer months you often find people lingering with coffee and ice cream. In winter the square transforms dramatically. Strings of lights outline the surrounding facades, and a seasonal ice rink is often set up, filling the space with the sound of blades on ice and laughter. Christmas stalls and decorations may appear, turning the square into a festive focal point where locals and visitors gather before disappearing into the narrow streets of the old town.A perfect starting point for exploring Copenhagen
Kongens Nytorv is not only a destination but also a natural launchpad for exploring central Copenhagen on foot. From here, a short stroll brings you to the colourful canal houses of Nyhavn, the galleries and palaces of Bredgade and Amalienborg, or the dense shopping and street life along Strøget. The square’s clear sightlines give you a quick mental map of the city’s historic core. As the light changes through the day, the mood of the square shifts with it. Early mornings can feel almost ceremonial, with long shadows and crisp air. By afternoon, the space hums with commuters and shoppers, while at night the glow from theatre lamps and hotel windows adds a softer, more theatrical atmosphere. It is a place where Copenhagen’s royal past and contemporary urban life quietly overlap.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.1 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.2 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.
0.4 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Holmens Bro
0.5 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.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.5 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.
Højbro
0.5 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Frederik VII
0.5 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Varehuset Messen
0.5 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.5 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.5 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
Ofelia Plads
0.5 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Christiansborg Palace
0.6 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Gammel Strand
0.6 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Strøget
0.6 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.0 km
Copenhagen’s national theatre in two acts: a gilded 19th‑century Old Stage on Kongens Nytorv and a bold modern playhouse rising directly above the harbour waters.
Memorial Anchor
0.1 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
0.1 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 Amber Museum
0.1 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.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.2 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
Indre By
0.2 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
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.
Nyhavn
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s classic harbour postcard: colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés where maritime history meets modern hygge.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.3 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.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.3 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.4 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Church of Holmen
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.4 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
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.
Essential places to dine
Marchal
0.1 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Goldfinch
0.1 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.1 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
0.2 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.
Llama
0.2 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Bistro Royal
0.2 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
King Hans Cellar
0.2 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Frank
0.2 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.
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.
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.
l’Alsace
0.2 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Den Lille Fede
0.3 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 Grønnegade
0.3 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Restaurant Vita
0.3 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.3 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.1 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
0.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Magasin du Nord
0.1 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
0.1 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Zane
0.2 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.2 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
The Wilde Shop
0.2 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Copenhagenglass
0.3 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
0.4 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.
Storm - design art fashion
0.4 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
0.4 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Danish Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Magnolias
0.4 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Norse Projects
0.5 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brønnum
0.0 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
0.2 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Balthazar
0.2 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.
Bar Deco
0.2 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.2 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
1105
0.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Moose
0.4 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
0.4 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
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Trykbar
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Gejser Bar
0.6 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.2 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
0.4 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
0.4 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.
Chateau Motel
0.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.9 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
0.9 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.9 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
0.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Arch
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.0 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Mirage
1.0 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Dorsia
1.0 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
1.0 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Operaen
1.1 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
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
