Larsens Plads
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Larsens Plads is a historic waterfront promenade stretching along Copenhagen's Inner Harbour from Nyhavn to Nordre Toldbod. Once a timber yard and later a shipyard under Lars Larsen, it transformed into a major trans-Atlantic emigration hub from 1879 to 1935. Today, the elegant esplanade features 18th-century converted warehouses, public art installations, and unobstructed harbour views, making it an essential stop for understanding Copenhagen's maritime heritage and a perfect spot for waterfront walks.
A brief summary to Larsens Pl.
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.75 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during late afternoon to capture the best light on the historic warehouses and enjoy sunset reflections across the Inner Harbour.
- Combine your visit with Amalienborg Palace and Amaliehaven garden, both within walking distance, for a comprehensive royal and maritime experience.
- Explore the converted warehouses to discover restaurants, cafés, and galleries that blend historical architecture with modern Copenhagen culture.
- Take time to read the historical plaques and markers along the waterfront to fully appreciate the stories of emigration and maritime commerce.
- Walk the full length from Nyhavn to Nordre Toldbod to experience the complete transformation of the waterfront and its architectural diversity.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
Take the Copenhagen Metro (Line M1 or M2) to Kongens Nytorv station. From there, walk north along Toldbodgade for approximately 5–8 minutes to reach Larsens Plads. Travel time from central Copenhagen is typically 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point. Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3.20 EUR).
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the area, including routes 1A, 15, and 26, which stop near Amalienborg or along Toldbodgade. Journey time from Nørreport or Hovedbanegården is 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3.20 EUR). Buses run frequently throughout the day.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes this an ideal destination by bike. From central areas like Nyhavn or Strøget, the journey takes 5–10 minutes. Bike rental is widely available throughout the city at approximately 60–100 DKK (8–13 EUR) per day. Dedicated cycle lanes lead directly to the waterfront.
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Walking
Larsens Plads is easily walkable from Nyhavn (approximately 10 minutes) or from Kongens Nytorv (approximately 8 minutes). The route is flat, well-lit, and passes through Copenhagen's historic Indre By district. Walking allows you to absorb the neighbourhood's character and discover nearby attractions along the way.
Larsens Pl. location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Larsens Pl.
From Timber Yard to Maritime Icon
Larsens Plads occupies a pivotal place in Copenhagen's urban and maritime history. Originally established as a timber storage area in 1719, the site was relocated here when Frederiksstaden was developed as an elegant residential district to reduce fire risk. In 1802, wealthy shipowner Lars Larsen acquired the grounds and established a shipyard that would define the location for generations. The name Larsens Plads—Larsen's Place—honours this founder and remains synonymous with Copenhagen's working waterfront heritage.The Golden Age of Transatlantic Emigration
The site's most transformative chapter began in 1879 when the Thingvalla Line established a passenger terminal here, launching direct routes between Scandinavian ports and America. This marked the beginning of Larsens Plads's role as a gateway for hundreds of thousands of Scandinavian emigrants seeking new lives across the Atlantic. The Scandinavian America Line, which took over operations in 1898, continued this vital service until 1935, making the waterfront a place of hope, farewells, and new beginnings. Walking along the quay today, you can almost hear the echoes of departure announcements and the dreams of those who boarded ships bound for America.Architectural Heritage and Urban Transformation
The waterfront is framed by a remarkable collection of late 18th-century warehouses, now thoughtfully converted to contemporary uses. The Yellow Warehouse (1777–78), Blue Warehouse (1781–83), West Indies Warehouse (1780–81), and Double Warehouse (1785–87) stand as testaments to Copenhagen's mercantile prosperity. These ochre and terracotta-coloured buildings create an authentic backdrop that transports visitors to the city's golden age of maritime commerce. Behind the warehouses lies Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish Royal Family, adding an extra layer of historical significance to the area.Public Art and Contemporary Character
Larsens Plads balances its historical identity with contemporary cultural expression. An untitled 1979 sculpture by Danish artist Søren Georg Jensen anchors the space, while a replica of Michelangelo's David near the West India Warehouse adds an unexpected artistic flourish. The promenade itself functions as a living gallery where locals and visitors converge, creating a vibrant social atmosphere that honours both past and present.A Waterfront for All Seasons
The esplanade's generous width and open design make it accessible year-round. Summer brings outdoor dining at harbourside restaurants, while winter transforms the space into a quieter, more contemplative setting where the architecture and water views command full attention. The connection to multiple transportation hubs and proximity to Amaliehaven garden ensures that Larsens Plads functions as both a destination and a natural waypoint in any Copenhagen exploration.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Larsens Pl.
0.0 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
I am Queen Mary
0.2 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.3 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.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.4 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Horn mine
0.4 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Our Fallen
0.6 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
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.
St. Paul's Church
0.7 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.7 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
Langelinie Park
0.7 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront where history, art, and nature converge along the harbor.
Indre By
0.8 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Kongens Nytorv
0.8 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.8 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Kastellet
0.8 km
Explore Kastellet, Copenhagen's historic fortress showcasing stunning architecture, lush greenery, and a glimpse into Denmark's rich military past.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.8 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Unmissable attractions to see
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.1 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Amaliegade
0.2 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Rytterstatuen
0.2 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Amalienborg
0.2 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.2 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Medicinsk Museion
0.3 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.3 km
UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør, famed as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', with iconic spires, lavish halls, and sweeping views across the Øresund Strait.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.4 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.4 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
The Kissing Stairs
0.4 km
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
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Frederik's Church
0.4 km
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
Ofelia Plads
0.4 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.4 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
Essential places to dine
Aoc
0.5 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Khun Juk
0.6 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Restaurant Rebel
0.6 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Skipperkroen
0.6 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.
Cap Horn
0.6 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.6 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.
Restaurant Vita
0.7 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.7 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Den Lille Fede
0.7 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 Barr
0.7 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Goldfinch
0.7 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Kokkeriet
0.8 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Bistro Royal
0.8 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
à terre
0.8 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
0.8 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.3 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.4 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
0.5 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.
Copenhagenglass
0.6 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
0.6 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
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.
Viking Souvenirs
0.9 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.9 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Magasin du Nord
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.9 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.0 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Storm - design art fashion
1.0 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.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.1 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Urban Outfitters
1.1 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.6 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Brønnum
0.8 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.8 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
0.9 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.9 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Balthazar
0.9 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.
1105
1.0 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Trykbar
1.0 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 Moose
1.1 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
1.1 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Eiffel bar
1.2 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
K-Bar
1.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Gejser Bar
1.2 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Ved Stranden
1.2 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Lusso
0.9 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
0.9 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
1.0 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.
Operaen
1.2 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.
Chateau Motel
1.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.6 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Arch
1.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Rumors
1.7 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.7 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.7 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
1.8 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
1.8 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
