Nyhavn
Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront: pastel townhouses, maritime history, and lively canal-side dining.
Nyhavn, meaning 'New Harbour,' is Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront district, famous for its vibrant 17th-century townhouses painted in brilliant pastels, historic wooden sailing ships, and lively atmosphere. Built between 1670 and 1673 under King Christian V, this picturesque canal transformed from a bustling commercial port into the city's cultural heart. Today it's lined with restaurants, cafés, and jazz bars where visitors can dine al fresco, explore maritime history, visit Hans Christian Andersen's former homes, or embark on scenic canal tours. Free to visit and open 24/7, Nyhavn remains Copenhagen's most photographed location.
A brief summary to Nyhavn
- Indre By, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late evening to avoid peak crowds and capture the best photographs of the colorful houses with softer light and fewer tourists in frame.
- Book canal tours in advance during summer months, as departures fill quickly. Tours typically last 60–90 minutes and offer unique perspectives of Copenhagen's waterways.
- Seek out the red house at No. 20 where Hans Christian Andersen wrote his fairytales, and explore the quieter south side for a more authentic local experience away from main crowds.
- Try smørrebrød (Danish open-faced sandwiches) paired with local beer or snaps at waterfront restaurants for an authentic culinary experience at mid-range prices.
- Winter visits offer a magical atmosphere with Christmas decorations and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time for photography and enjoying the area's character without summer crowds.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro & Walking
Take the Copenhagen Metro (lines M1 or M2) to Kongens Nytorv station, approximately 5–8 minutes from central Copenhagen depending on your starting point. Exit and walk directly toward the harbor—Nyhavn is immediately adjacent to Kongens Nytorv square, a 2–3 minute walk downhill. This is the fastest and most convenient option, with trains running every 3–6 minutes during daytime hours. No additional cost beyond your metro ticket (approximately 24–36 DKK for a single journey within the city zone).
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area, including lines 1A, 15, 26, and 66, which stop near Kongens Nytorv or along nearby streets. Journey times from central Copenhagen range from 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and your starting location. Buses run frequently throughout the day. A single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK, and you can purchase tickets from the driver or use a Copenhagen Card if you have one.
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Walking from City Center
Nyhavn is walkable from Copenhagen's central areas. From Tivoli Gardens, the walk takes approximately 15–20 minutes heading northeast through Strøget (the pedestrian shopping street) and then toward Kongens Nytorv. From Christiansborg Palace, it's roughly 10–15 minutes walking along the waterfront. The route is flat, well-marked, and passes through pleasant neighborhoods. This option is free and allows you to experience the city's character en route.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen is extremely bike-friendly, and cycling to Nyhavn is popular among locals. Bike rental services throughout the city offer cycles at approximately 60–100 DKK per day. From central areas, the ride takes 10–15 minutes via dedicated cycle paths. Secure bike parking is available near Nyhavn, though spaces can fill during peak hours. This option provides flexibility and an authentic Copenhagen experience.
Nyhavn location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Nyhavn
From Maritime Hub to Cultural Icon
Nyhavn, translating to 'New Harbour,' was established between 1670 and 1673 under the direction of King Christian V. The canal was dug by Swedish prisoners of war, creating a direct gateway from the sea into Copenhagen's heart. For over two centuries, Nyhavn thrived as a bustling commercial port where merchant ships from around the world docked alongside fishing vessels. Merchants lived above their warehouses, sailors filled the taverns and alehouses, and the harbor echoed with the sounds of trade and maritime commerce. The townhouses lining both sides of the canal date to the 17th and early 18th centuries, their architectural styles reflecting the prosperity of Copenhagen's golden age as a trading power.The Gritty Past and Colorful Present
The north side of Nyhavn was historically home to wealthy merchants and respectable businesses, while the south side earned a reputation as the gritty underbelly of the harbor—notorious for taverns, brothels, and sailor's lodgings where Copenhagen's working class found entertainment and trouble. This duality shaped the character of the place, creating a vibrant social tapestry woven from both refinement and rough-edged life. In the 1980s, the area underwent comprehensive renovation that preserved its historic character while transforming it into a modern cultural destination. Today, both sides welcome locals and visitors alike, though the narrow alleys and weathered signs above doorways still whisper stories of wild nights, long voyages, and lives lived along the water.Literary Legacy and Fairytale Connections
Nyhavn holds a special place in Danish cultural history as the home of Hans Christian Andersen, the world-renowned author of fairytales. Andersen lived at three different addresses along the canal—No. 20, No. 67, and No. 18—at various points in his life. The red house at No. 20, situated directly in front of several restaurants, is where he wrote many of his most famous fairytales. Beyond Andersen's documented residency, the harbor carries its own folklore, with tales of ghost sightings and sailors who never returned from the sea, adding layers of mystery to its atmospheric streets.Visual Splendor and Architectural Heritage
The defining feature of Nyhavn is its spectacular row of pastel-colored townhouses—painted in vivid shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and orange—that create one of the world's most recognizable and photographed waterfront scenes. These 17th and early 18th-century buildings, now home to restaurants, cafés, and shops, form a postcard-perfect backdrop that attracts photographers and travelers from every corner of the globe. Historic wooden sailing ships and smaller boats moored in the harbor add to the maritime museum-like quality of the setting. The architectural integrity of these buildings, combined with the absence of heavy industrial development in Copenhagen's historic center, means that Nyhavn has retained its authentic character far better than many European waterfronts.Contemporary Dining and Entertainment
Today, Nyhavn pulses with life as Copenhagen's entertainment heart. The quayside is lined with restaurants and cafés offering everything from traditional Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) to international cuisine, with many establishments providing outdoor seating where diners can enjoy meals with views of the colorful houses and water. Specialized dining options include seafood bistros serving fresh fish caught in Danish waters, Italian restaurants, and casual street food vendors. Jazz bars and live music venues create a relaxed summer atmosphere, while the area remains equally enchanting during winter months when decorated with Christmas lights. The harbor serves as the departure point for popular canal tours operated by companies like Strömma and Netto-Bådene, allowing visitors to experience Copenhagen's waterways from a unique perspective.Essential Landmarks and Experiences
Beyond dining and photography, Nyhavn offers several compelling reasons to linger. The large memorial anchor at the end of the canal honors Danish sailors lost during World War II. Canal tours depart regularly from the quay, offering guided explorations of Copenhagen's waterways and neighborhoods. The area's compact size makes it ideal for leisurely strolls, where visitors can absorb the atmosphere, observe street performers, and discover the stories embedded in every building. Whether visiting in bright summer sunshine or under atmospheric evening lighting, Nyhavn provides an immersive experience where Copenhagen's maritime past seamlessly blends with its vibrant present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.2 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
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.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Larsens Pl.
0.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.6 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Børsen
0.7 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Holmens Bro
0.7 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.
Christianshavn
0.7 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Højbro Pl.
0.7 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Frederik VII
0.7 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.7 km
Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.7 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Højbro Plads
0.7 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.0 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.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.2 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
The Playhouse
0.2 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
0.2 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Memorial Anchor
0.3 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.
Ofelia Plads
0.3 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.3 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Hey Captain
0.3 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.3 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.
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.
Bredgade 18
0.3 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.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.3 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.
Kongens Nytorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.3 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.
North Atlantic House
0.4 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Essential places to dine
Khun Juk
0.1 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.
Skipperkroen
0.1 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
0.1 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
0.2 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
0.3 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.
Goldfinch
0.4 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Barr
0.4 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.
Aoc
0.4 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Marchal
0.4 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Bistro Royal
0.4 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Den Lille Fede
0.4 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 Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Llama
0.5 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.
King Hans Cellar
0.5 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
0.5 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
0.0 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 &
0.1 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.
Zane
0.3 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Magasin du Nord
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
The Wilde Shop
0.4 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
0.4 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.4 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.5 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.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Storm - design art fashion
0.6 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
0.7 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
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
0.3 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
0.5 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
0.5 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
0.5 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
0.6 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Eiffel bar
0.6 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Moose
0.7 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.
K-Bar
0.7 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Charlie's Bar
0.7 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Ved Stranden
0.7 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.
Trykbar
0.7 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
0.8 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.
Black Swan
0.8 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.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Waterfront
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
