Nyhavn: Copenhagen’s Vibrant Waterfront Icon
Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most photogenic harbor—famed for its painted houses, canal life, open-air cafes, and rich maritime history in the heart of the city.
Nyhavn, Copenhagen's historic harbor district, is famous for its colorful 17th-century townhouses, bustling quaysides, and lively atmosphere. Ferries and canal boats share the water with old wooden ships, while cafes and restaurants spill out onto cobblestone promenades. Once home to sailors, writers, and artists, Nyhavn now beckons visitors with its rich maritime history, live music, and quintessential Danish charm.
A brief summary to The King's Garden
- Øster Voldgade 4A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1307, DK
- +4533954200
- Monday 7 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
- Thursday 7 am-5 pm
- Friday 7 am-5 pm
- Saturday 7 am-5 pm
- Sunday 7 am-5 pm
Local tips
- For the best harbor photos, visit early in the morning or at sunset when the crowd thins and colors glow.
- Public canal tours depart frequently from Nyhavn—consider this for a fresh perspective of Copenhagen’s waterways.
- Most quayside restaurants add a surcharge for outdoor seating; check the menu boards for details before ordering.
- In winter, Nyhavn transforms into a charming Christmas market with decorated stalls and festive treats.
- If you’re a fan of literary history, look for Hans Christian Andersen’s former residences marked with plaques.
Getting There
-
Train & Metro
From Helsingør’s central station, frequent trains run to Copenhagen’s main station. Upon arriving, connect to the metro at a major transit hub; the journey to Kongens Nytorv station in central Copenhagen takes about 5–10 minutes. Nyhavn is just beyond this bustling square, easily visible by its iconic canal and colorful facades. The combined trip from Helsingør typically ranges from 50–75 minutes in total, with adult fares from Helsingør to Copenhagen around 90–110 DKK each way. Metro and local transport fares average 20–30 DKK for short hops within the city. Elevators and escalators make this a fully accessible option.
-
Public Bus
Direct buses from Helsingør to Copenhagen are available, though less frequent than train routes. The final segment drops you at a central terminal within easy walking distance of Kongens Nytorv—a prominent square at the entrance to Nyhavn. The journey may take 75–100 minutes depending on traffic, with fares generally between 80–100 DKK for adults. Most long-distance buses offer luggage storage and free Wi-Fi.
-
Taxi
Taxis offer a comfortable, door-to-door journey from Helsingør to Nyhavn. The trip covers a broad corridor of North Zealand into central Copenhagen, passing historic landmarks and city parks. Expect travel times of 45–60 minutes depending on traffic, with fares ranging from 850–1200 DKK. Note that central Copenhagen’s harbor area is pedestrianized in places, so taxis drop passengers near Kongens Nytorv or adjacent side streets.
-
Car
The drive from Helsingør to Central Copenhagen leads along the scenic coastline, with parking garages signposted on the edge of the historic center near Kongens Nytorv. From there, it’s a short walk to Nyhavn’s canal. Typical parking fees in this area average 35–50 DKK per hour, and spaces can be limited during weekends or holidays. No major tolls apply when arriving from Helsingør.
Discover more about The King's Garden
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kultorvet
0.5 km
Kultorvet is a historic cobbled square in Copenhagen’s city center, where centuries-old traditions blend with modern café culture, street performances, and community gatherings.
St. Paul's Church
0.5 km
Discover the serene beauty of St. Paul's Church in Copenhagen, a stunning Lutheran architectural gem featuring ornate designs and a tranquil atmosphere.
Fiolstræde 42
0.6 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.6 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.6 km
Explore the cosmos at Aarhus' historic Ole Rømer Observatory, home to Denmark's largest functioning telescope and rich astronomical heritage.
Kongens Nytorv
0.7 km
Discover the charm of Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by stunning architecture and vibrant cultural attractions.
The King's New Square
0.7 km
Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s grandest square, blends royal history, iconic architecture, and bustling urban energy in the very heart of Denmark’s capital.
Bredgade 18
0.7 km
Explore the architectural wonder of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen, a stunning example of classic Danish design and rich historical significance.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.7 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
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.
Højbro Pl.
0.8 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.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.8 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.
Amalienborg Palace
0.8 km
Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.
Amalienborg
0.8 km
Discover Amalienborg, Copenhagen’s stunning rococo palace complex—current home to the Danish royal family and a cultural window into centuries of regal Danish tradition.
Højbro
0.8 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rosenborg Castle
0.2 km
Experience intimate wildlife encounters and serene gardens at Monkey World Hillerød, a sanctuary dedicated to animal rescue and visitor well-being.
The David Collection
0.2 km
Explore Copenhagen’s legendary underground art space in Søndermarken—where history, atmosphere, and contemporary installations blend beneath Frederiksberg.
Museum of Natural History
0.3 km
Discover the extraordinary at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Copenhagen, featuring over 500 unique exhibits and interactive displays.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.4 km
Explore centuries of medical history in Copenhagen's historic Medicinsk Museion.
Botanical Garden
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.5 km
A picturesque canal at the heart of Copenhagen, encircling royal palaces and historic museums amidst neoclassical architecture and scenic bridges.
Skaal
0.5 km
Award-winning modernist concert hall in Copenhagen’s Ørestad, famed for acoustic excellence, innovative design, and unforgettable live music experiences.
The Round Tower
0.5 km
Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most colorful canal, blending centuries-old waterfront houses with lively cafés, wooden ships, and unforgettable harbor views.
Nyboder
0.5 km
Step into Copenhagen’s bygone eras along Magstræde, a beautifully preserved cobblestone street lined with historic pastel townhouses in the heart of the city.
Indre By
0.6 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Workers Museum
0.6 km
Explore centuries of medical history at Copenhagen's Medical Museion, housed in the historic Royal Surgical Academy.
Balderdash
0.6 km
Experience innovative cocktails in a historic 1732 building at Copenhagen's Balderdash.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.6 km
Historic waterfront promenade in Copenhagen featuring the iconic Little Mermaid, scenic harbor views, art, and inviting green spaces ideal for strolling year-round.
Københavns Synagoge
0.6 km
Discover Helsingør’s St. Mary’s Church—a masterpiece of Danish Gothic architecture with a serene Carmelite monastery, historic treasures, and centuries of stories.
Essential places to dine
Alouette
0.3 km
Experience exquisite fine dining at Alouette in Copenhagen—where innovative cuisine meets elegant ambiance for an unforgettable meal.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s historic Schønnemann offers authentic smørrebrød and aquavit in a cozy, old-world setting, serving classic Danish flavors since 1877 near the city’s landmarks.
Kokkeriet
0.4 km
Experience the pinnacle of Danish fine dining at Kokkeriet in Copenhagen - where innovation meets tradition in every exquisite dish.
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 Grønnegade
0.5 km
Elegant Danish fine dining in an atmospheric 17th-century townhouse, showcasing seasonal Nordic flavors and historic charm in the heart of old Copenhagen.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
A legendary Danish restaurant in Copenhagen's royal heart known for classic cuisine, elegant interiors, and decades of local history near Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Rebel
0.5 km
Experience the culinary fusion of local ingredients and innovative flavors at Restaurant Rebel, Copenhagen's top bistro destination.
Den Lille Fede
0.5 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.
Frank
0.5 km
Chic Nordic dining with creative tasting menus, an acclaimed wine selection, and stylish ambiance in central Copenhagen’s vibrant cultural district.
l’Alsace
0.5 km
Discover authentic Alsatian cuisine at l’Alsace in Copenhagen, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Bistro Royal
0.5 km
Stylish Parisian-inspired bistro on Kongens Nytorv, serving classic and contemporary dishes in a vibrant, central Copenhagen setting with charming views.
Aoc
0.6 km
Discover AOC: An exquisite fine dining experience in Copenhagen featuring seasonal Nordic cuisine and exceptional wine pairings.
Marchal
0.6 km
Experience modern French cuisine at Marchal in Copenhagen's Hotel d'Angleterre - where elegance meets culinary artistry.
Selma
0.6 km
A modern haven for smørrebrød, Selma reinvents Danish lunch classics with seasonal produce, creative flair, and a vibrant atmosphere near Copenhagen’s heart.
Det Lille Apotek
0.6 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Det Lille Apotek in Copenhagen - a perfect blend of tradition and flavor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.4 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Storm - design art fashion
0.4 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.
The Wilde Shop
0.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Time's Up Vintage
0.6 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Studio Arhoj
0.6 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.6 km
Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
ILLUM
0.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.7 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
Magasin du Nord
0.7 km
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.
Strøget
0.8 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Læderstræde
0.8 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.8 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
1.0 km
Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Wasteland
1.0 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Viking Souvenirs
1.1 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bo-Bi Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Black Swan
0.5 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.
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.
Bar'Vin
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
1105
0.6 km
Award-winning cocktail bar in central Copenhagen offering inventive signature drinks, a stylish Nordic-chic atmosphere, and a top-tier nightlife experience.
Strøm
0.6 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Bootleggers
0.6 km
Discover Bootleggers in central Copenhagen, a celebrated craft beer bar offering an unmatched range of Danish and international brews in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
No Stress Bar
0.7 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.
Luke's Bar
0.7 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.
The Dubliner
0.7 km
Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
K-Bar
0.8 km
Leading Copenhagen’s cocktail revolution, K-Bar blends innovative mixology, Scandinavian style, and canal-side ambiance for an unforgettable urban bar experience.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ruby
1.0 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
1.0 km
Discover a welcoming cellar sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts in Copenhagen, offering expertly curated Danish and international selections in a cozy, sociable atmosphere.
