Nyhavn: Copenhagen’s Colorful Historic Harbor
Discover Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s picturesque canal district famed for its historic ships, vibrant houses, and bustling Danish atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic waterfront districts, renowned for its colorful 17th-century townhouses, tall wooden ships, and a lively, convivial atmosphere. Steeped in maritime history, it was once a bustling commercial port and is now a favorite gathering spot lined with cafés, bars, and restaurants. Storied historic charm blends seamlessly with modern Danish hygge.
A brief summary to The Round Tower
- Købmagergade 52A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1150, DK
- +4533730373
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-9 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Try to visit in the early morning for peaceful photos before the crowds arrive.
- Many canal boat tours depart directly from Nyhavn’s quayside—combine sightseeing with a cruise for a unique view.
- Wintertime brings festive markets and hot mulled wine (gløgg) carts lining the harbor.
- Several restaurants offer blankets and outdoor heating, making it pleasant to sit quayside even in cooler months.
- Look for discreet plaques on some houses that mark where Hans Christian Andersen lived and wrote.
Getting There
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Train & Walking
From Helsingør, frequent trains connect directly to Copenhagen in about 45 minutes. Upon arriving at Copenhagen Central Station, travelers can either enjoy a leisurely walk (about 20–25 minutes) through central Copenhagen, passing iconic landmarks and shopping streets, or take a short metro ride to Kongens Nytorv, which is adjacent to Nyhavn. Standard tickets for this journey are approximately 108 DKK one-way for adults. The final approach from Kongens Nytorv is an easy stroll through elegant plazas and historic districts, arriving at the vibrant Nyhavn canal front.
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Car & Parking
Driving from Helsingør to central Copenhagen typically takes 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Paid parking is available in the vicinity around the city center and at large underground lots near Kongens Nytorv; fees range from 25–45 DKK per hour. The area is well signposted but busy, and parking can be scarce during peak times. From parking, it’s a short and well-marked walk past the Royal Danish Theater and onto the canal.
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Taxi
Taxis from Helsingør to Nyhavn provide a direct but pricier option. Expect a journey of about 40–60 minutes with costs starting from around 800 DKK for the one-way trip. Drivers will typically drop you near the edge of the pedestrian precinct, from which Nyhavn’s colorful facades are visible along the canal.
Discover more about The Round Tower
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kultorvet
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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.
Fiolstræde 42
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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
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Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Amagertorv
0.3 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.
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.4 km
Explore the cosmos at Aarhus' historic Ole Rømer Observatory, home to Denmark's largest functioning telescope and rich astronomical heritage.
Gammeltorv
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Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Nytorv 2
0.4 km
Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter blends medieval lanes, bohemian charm, vibrant cafés, and local boutiques, making it the creative soul of Denmark’s second-largest city.
Højbro Pl.
0.4 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.
Nytorv
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Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Højbro
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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.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
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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.
Kongens Nytorv
0.6 km
Discover the charm of Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by stunning architecture and vibrant cultural attractions.
The King's New Square
0.6 km
Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s grandest square, blends royal history, iconic architecture, and bustling urban energy in the very heart of Denmark’s capital.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.7 km
Explore Denmark's industrial past at Industrimuseet in Horsens, an interactive museum with working machines, workshops, and personal stories from Denmark's iron and steam era.
Unmissable attractions to see
Københavns Synagoge
0.1 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.
Skaal
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Award-winning modernist concert hall in Copenhagen’s Ørestad, famed for acoustic excellence, innovative design, and unforgettable live music experiences.
Gråbrødretorv
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Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s iconic canal, charms with colorful heritage facades, lively quayside cafés, historic ships, and vibrant maritime atmosphere in the city center.
Balderdash
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Experience innovative cocktails in a historic 1732 building at Copenhagen's Balderdash.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
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Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Church of Our Lady
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Lively, colourful canal harbour in central Copenhagen known for vibrant houses, historic ships, waterside cafés, and rich maritime heritage.
Stork Fountain
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A dazzling Russian Orthodox landmark in Copenhagen’s Indre By, St. Alexander Nevsky Church unites vibrant architecture, royal history, and a contemplative spiritual atmosphere.
Botanical Garden
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Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Højbro Plads
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Copenhagen Zoo in Frederiksberg blends heritage, innovation, and wildlife in stunning habitats, featuring over 250 animal species and world-class conservation initiatives.
Gammel Strand
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Denmark's stately national gallery with masterpieces from the Renaissance to modern art, housed in a striking blend of classical and contemporary architecture in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Food Tours - Best-Rated Experiences
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Explore centuries of medical history at Copenhagen's Medicinsk Museion, housed in the historic Royal Surgical Academy.
Bishop Absalon
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Explore Denmark's labor history through immersive exhibits in Copenhagen's historic Workers' Assembly Hall.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
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Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.5 km
Explore Denmark's Skjoldungestien: A 40 km trail through ancient Viking sites and stunning natural landscapes.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
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Experience Denmark's largest comedy theater in Copenhagen's vibrant Nørrebro district.
Essential places to dine
Det Lille Apotek
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Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Det Lille Apotek in Copenhagen - a perfect blend of tradition and flavor.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.2 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.
Wining and Dining
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Experience the essence of Danish cuisine at Wining and Dining in Copenhagen - where fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.3 km
Discover exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at The Olive Kitchen & Bar in Copenhagen - where flavors come alive in an inviting atmosphere.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Københavner Cafeen – a cozy spot in Copenhagen's heart offering delicious meals for every palate.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 km
Discover creative dishes and exceptional service at Restaurant Tight in Copenhagen’s Indre By district.
Alouette
0.4 km
Experience exquisite fine dining at Alouette in Copenhagen—where innovative cuisine meets elegant ambiance for an unforgettable meal.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Discover authentic Danish smørrebrød and timeless hospitality in a centuries-old cellar, set in the historic heart of Copenhagen’s lively city center.
Marv & Ben
0.5 km
Discover Marv & Ben: A premier destination for fine Danish dining blending tradition with modernity in the heart of Copenhagen.
l’Alsace
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Discover authentic Alsatian cuisine at l’Alsace in Copenhagen, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Krebsegaarden
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Discover Krebsegaarden: A premier seafood restaurant in Copenhagen offering exquisite dishes in a charming atmosphere.
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 Maven
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Atmospheric Danish restaurant inside Copenhagen’s historic Nikolaj Church—offering modern Nordic cuisine, inventive wines, and a setting rich in cultural heritage.
Frank
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Chic Nordic dining with creative tasting menus, an acclaimed wine selection, and stylish ambiance in central Copenhagen’s vibrant cultural district.
Selma
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A modern haven for smørrebrød, Selma reinvents Danish lunch classics with seasonal produce, creative flair, and a vibrant atmosphere near Copenhagen’s heart.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Time's Up Vintage
0.1 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
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Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Strøget
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Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
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Nestled on a lively Copenhagen shopping street, Det Gamle Apotek enchants visitors with nostalgic Danish gifts, festive decor, and whimsical home accessories year-round.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
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.
ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Læderstræde
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Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Quirky Lane
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Discover unique vintage treasures at Quirky Lane, Copenhagen's eclectic boutique for sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
Wasteland
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Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
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.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
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Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
Viking Souvenirs
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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.
The Wilde Shop
0.7 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar'Vin
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Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Strøm
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Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Luke's Bar
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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
0.3 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.
Charlie's Bar
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Dubliner
0.4 km
Classic Irish pub atmosphere with live music, hearty food, sports broadcasts, and local camaraderie on lively Amagertorv square in central Copenhagen.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Bootleggers
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Discover Bootleggers in central Copenhagen, a celebrated craft beer bar offering an unmatched range of Danish and international brews in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
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.
Godt Øl
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Discover a welcoming cellar sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts in Copenhagen, offering expertly curated Danish and international selections in a cozy, sociable atmosphere.
Floss Bar
0.5 km
Historic LGBTQ+ bar in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter blending warm hospitality, affordable drinks, and eclectic locals in a welcoming, community-driven setting.
Ruby
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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.
