Nyhavn: Copenhagen’s Iconic Canal and Colourful Waterfront
Discover Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s historic canal famed for colorful houses, classic ships, vibrant cafés, fairytale heritage and the city’s lively waterfront spirit.
Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic harbor, renowned for its vividly painted 17th-century townhouses, historic tall ships, and lively atmosphere. Lined with bustling cafés and bars, it is a favorite place to soak up the city’s maritime charm, enjoy waterside strolls, and discover a key chapter in Denmark’s history—famous as the haunt of Hans Christian Andersen.
A brief summary to Kunsthal Charlottenborg
- Nyhavn 2, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1051, DK
- +4533744639
- Visit website
- Tuesday 12 pm-8 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-8 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
- Friday 12 pm-8 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early in the morning or late evening for quieter moments and the best photographs without crowds.
- Try traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) at one of the harborside restaurants.
- Look for plaques on houses indicating where Hans Christian Andersen lived—there are three in Nyhavn.
- Public toilets are available near the canal cruise boarding area at the end closest to Kongens Nytorv.
- Some of the restaurants add a small service charge for outdoor seating—check menus or ask staff beforehand.
Getting There
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Train & Metro
From Helsingør Station, frequent trains connect to Copenhagen Central Station; the journey takes about 45–55 minutes with a standard adult ticket costing around 90–110 DKK. From Copenhagen Central, a metro ride to Kongens Nytorv—the closest hub to Nyhavn—takes under 10 minutes (metro ticket 24 DKK). From Kongens Nytorv, Nyhavn’s colorful harbor is easily reached on foot within a few minutes, with the canal and the iconic houses quickly coming into view.
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Car
Drivers can reach central Copenhagen from Helsingør via the motorway in around 45–70 minutes depending on traffic. Public parking can be found in garages near Kongens Nytorv or along the outer edges of the harbor area, typically costing between 36–50 DKK per hour. Parking availability can be limited, especially on weekends and summer afternoons.
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Bus
Regional buses run from Helsingør to central Copenhagen, with journey times ranging from 60 to 80 minutes. Tickets for adults are typically 70–90 DKK. After arrival in the city, transfer at a main hub like Nørreport or Copenhagen Central, where connecting metro or city buses can take you within a short walk of Nyhavn. The harbor area is a prominent landmark, and the bustle of waterside cafés provides a clear orientation.
Discover more about Kunsthal Charlottenborg
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
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A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Kongens Nytorv
0.1 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
The King's New Square
0.2 km
Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s grandest square, blends royal history, iconic architecture, and bustling urban energy in the very heart of Denmark’s capital.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Copenhagen at Nyhavn, where colorful history meets modern charm along the picturesque canal.
Bredgade 18
0.2 km
Explore the architectural wonder of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen, a stunning example of classic Danish design and rich historical significance.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.3 km
Discover North Atlantic House in Copenhagen, a vibrant cultural hub and art gallery spotlighting the heritage and creativity of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.4 km
Christiansborg Palace blends Danish royal heritage with contemporary political power at the heart of Copenhagen, offering grand halls, historic ruins, and sweeping city views.
Holmens Bro
0.5 km
Historic cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, indie boutiques, and a bohemian café scene—Aarhus’s Latin Quarter is the city’s creative, cultural soul.
Højbro Pl.
0.5 km
Step inside the Ole Rømer Observatory in Aarhus for immersive astronomy, captivating night sky sessions, and an Art Nouveau landmark with Danish scientific heritage.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.6 km
Aarhus’s Latin Quarter: vibrant cobbled lanes, eclectic cafés, independent shops, and a creative spirit in the city’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhood.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.6 km
Explore C.F. Tietgens Hus, a stunning historical landmark in the heart of Copenhagen, showcasing the city's architectural and cultural heritage and reflecting the grandeur of the Neoclassical era.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.6 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Frederik VII
0.6 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Højbro
0.6 km
Aarhus University Park: Where world-renowned academic heritage, Danish modernism, and lush green landscapes meet in the heart of Aarhus for a uniquely peaceful escape.
Amagertorv
0.7 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Unmissable attractions to see
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.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.1 km
Explore the legacy of Danish and international design in Copenhagen’s iconic 18th-century Designmuseum Danmark, featuring world-famous chairs, crafts, and creative innovation.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.1 km
Discover Denmark’s Baltic amber legacy at the Copenhagen Amber Museum in lively Nyhavn, featuring rare artifacts, jewelry, and Nordic legends in a centuries-old setting.
Nyhavn
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Heather Hill in Vejby offers panoramic views, swathes of wild heather, and a taste of North Zealand’s glacial past in a peaceful, windswept nature reserve.
Indre By
0.2 km
A magnificent Gothic church and former Carmelite monastery in the heart of Helsingør, renowned for its stunning cloisters, royal history, and captivating sacred art.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.3 km
Historic waterfront promenade in Copenhagen featuring the iconic Little Mermaid, scenic harbor views, art, and inviting green spaces ideal for strolling year-round.
Havnepromenade
0.3 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.
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.
The Playhouse
0.4 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.
The Kissing Stairs
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Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Hey Captain
0.4 km
Discover the wonders of Baltic amber at Copenhagen Amber Museum, where ancient history meets Danish craftsmanship in a historic Nyhavn townhouse.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.4 km
Contemporary art exhibitions in a Gothic church tower, Nikolaj Art Gallery is a cultural highlight fusing modern creativity with centuries-old architecture in central Copenhagen.
Ofelia Plads
0.4 km
Explore original Viking ships, immersive displays, and hands-on experiences at Denmark’s premier museum of Norse seafaring on the historic Roskilde Fjord.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's Skjoldungestien: A 40 km trail through ancient Viking sites and stunning natural landscapes.
Church of Holmen
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Essential places to dine
Cap Horn
0.1 km
Experience authentic Danish and Scandinavian cuisine at Cap Horn in Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn district, where tradition meets culinary artistry.
à terre
0.1 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.
Marchal
0.2 km
Experience modern French cuisine at Marchal in Copenhagen's Hotel d'Angleterre - where elegance meets culinary artistry.
Bistro Royal
0.3 km
Stylish Parisian-inspired bistro on Kongens Nytorv, serving classic and contemporary dishes in a vibrant, central Copenhagen setting with charming views.
Khun Juk
0.3 km
Upmarket Thai cuisine meets classic Copenhagen charm at Khun Juk, offering authentic flavors and canal-side elegance in the heart of historic Nyhavn.
Llama
0.3 km
Experience authentic Latin American flavors at Llama in Copenhagen – where vibrant cuisine meets warm hospitality.
King Hans Cellar
0.3 km
Dine in historic vaulted cellars at Copenhagen’s King Hans Cellar, where centuries-old ambiance and Michelin-level Danish cuisine create an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Frank
0.3 km
Chic Nordic dining with creative tasting menus, an acclaimed wine selection, and stylish ambiance in central Copenhagen’s vibrant cultural district.
Den Lille Fede
0.3 km
Den Lille Fede is a top-rated Copenhagen restaurant renowned for inventive Nordic tasting menus, cozy ambiance, and a playful yet elegant approach to Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Vita
0.3 km
A legendary Danish restaurant in Copenhagen's royal heart known for classic cuisine, elegant interiors, and decades of local history near Kongens Nytorv.
l’Alsace
0.3 km
Discover authentic Alsatian cuisine at l’Alsace in Copenhagen, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.4 km
Elegant Danish fine dining in an atmospheric 17th-century townhouse, showcasing seasonal Nordic flavors and historic charm in the heart of old Copenhagen.
Aoc
0.4 km
Discover AOC: An exquisite fine dining experience in Copenhagen featuring seasonal Nordic cuisine and exceptional wine pairings.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.4 km
Bornholm-inspired fine dining in the heart of Copenhagen, serving inventive Danish cuisine spotlighting local ingredients and the culinary spirit of the Baltic island.
Restaurant Rebel
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Experience the culinary fusion of local ingredients and innovative flavors at Restaurant Rebel, Copenhagen's top bistro destination.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.3 km
Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
The Wilde Shop
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A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Magasin du Nord
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Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Storm - design art fashion
0.5 km
Avant-garde design, progressive fashion, niche perfume, and rare art books unite at Copenhagen’s Storm—an iconic concept store in the city’s creative core.
ILLUM
0.5 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.6 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.6 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
Læderstræde
0.6 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Strøget
0.7 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Studio Arhoj
0.8 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Time's Up Vintage
0.9 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.9 km
Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
Quirky Lane
1.1 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Viking Souvenirs
1.2 km
Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Wasteland
1.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
1105
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Award-winning cocktail bar in central Copenhagen offering inventive signature drinks, a stylish Nordic-chic atmosphere, and a top-tier nightlife experience.
Charlie's Bar
0.5 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
0.5 km
Leading Copenhagen’s cocktail revolution, K-Bar blends innovative mixology, Scandinavian style, and canal-side ambiance for an unforgettable urban bar experience.
The Dubliner
0.6 km
Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Eiffel bar
0.7 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Black Swan
0.7 km
Experience a cozy fusion of traditional pub spirit and innovative Scandinavian craft beverages in Copenhagen’s Indre By at Black Swan cider and beer bar.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Strøm
0.8 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Bar'Vin
0.8 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Ruby
0.8 km
Ruby is Copenhagen’s iconic cocktail bar, where historic townhouse charm meets world-class mixology in a uniquely atmospheric setting near the city’s heart.
Godt Øl
0.8 km
Discover a welcoming cellar sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts in Copenhagen, offering expertly curated Danish and international selections in a cozy, sociable atmosphere.
Luke's Bar
0.8 km
Luke’s Bar is a beloved vintage-inspired haunt in Copenhagen’s Indre By, celebrated for creative cocktails, retro ambience, and welcoming, quirky bartenders.
No Stress Bar
1.1 km
Relaxed cocktail bar in central Copenhagen with creative drinks, cozy ambiance, and a blend of retro and modern Danish design—perfect for a unique evening out.
