Højbro Plads
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Højbro Plads is a central Copenhagen square linking the medieval core with the Slotsholmen canal, framed by elegant neoclassical facades and busy pedestrian streets. Dominated by the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon, the city’s founder, it offers views toward Christiansborg, quick access to Strøget, and a lively atmosphere of buskers, shoppers, and café terraces. In winter it often hosts a cosy Christmas market; in warmer months it becomes an open-air living room for the city.
A brief summary to Højbro Pl.
- Copenhagen, Indre By, 1200, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a camera or phone with zoom to capture the sculpted herring on Bishop Absalon’s statue base and the neoclassical details on the surrounding facades.
- Visit in the late afternoon for softer light on Christiansborg and more atmospheric photos along the Slotsholmen Canal.
- If crowds feel overwhelming, step toward the canal edge or the corners of the square, where there is usually more space to sit and people‑watch.
- In winter, check locally whether a Christmas market is running, as this can change both the atmosphere and available space in the square.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Højbro Plads is best combined with strolling nearby streets such as Strøget, Gammel Strand and the area around Christiansborg.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From most central Copenhagen districts, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Kongens Nytorv Station. The ride from Nørreport or Vesterport areas typically takes 3–6 minutes, with trains running every few minutes throughout the day. From Kongens Nytorv it is an easy, level walk of just over 1 km through the historic centre to Højbro Plads, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Standard single tickets within the central zones usually cost about 20–30 DKK; city travel cards and passes are also valid.
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Bus
Several city bus routes serve stops along the streets bordering the old town, within a short walk of Højbro Plads. From Copenhagen Central Station area, daytime buses towards Indre By commonly take around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Most modern buses are low‑floor and accessible, though they can be crowded at rush hour. A single bus ticket within the central fare zones is typically in the 20–30 DKK range, and the same tickets are valid across bus, metro and train services.
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Bicycle
Cycling is one of the most convenient ways to reach Højbro Plads from neighbourhoods such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro. Dedicated bike lanes lead into the city centre, and the ride from these districts usually takes 10–20 minutes. You can use personal bikes or rent city bikes and commercial rentals; expect typical rental costs from around 125–200 DKK per day depending on the provider. Be prepared to dismount and walk your bike in the pedestrian streets directly around the square where cycling is restricted.
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Walking
If you are already staying within Copenhagen’s inner city, Højbro Plads is easily reached on foot as part of a wider exploration of the historic core. Walking times from major central landmarks such as the City Hall area or Nyhavn are generally 10–20 minutes at a relaxed pace. Surfaces are mostly paved, with some cobblestones that may be uneven in places, so comfortable footwear is recommended, and those with reduced mobility may wish to allow extra time.
Højbro Pl. location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Højbro Pl.
A historic square at the heart of old Copenhagen
Højbro Plads sits right in Copenhagen’s historic centre, a broad, open rectangle that feels almost theatrical after the surrounding maze of narrow medieval streets. The square takes its name from Højbro, the “High Bridge” that connects this side of the canal with Slotsholmen, the island crowned by Christiansborg Palace. Stand here and you are effectively on a hinge between royal power, commercial streets and the city’s waterways. The square itself is relatively young by Copenhagen standards. It was formally laid out after the catastrophic city fire of 1795, when a swathe of densely packed timber houses between today’s Strøget and the canal was destroyed. City architect Jørgen Henrich Rawert used the disaster as an opportunity to create a wide firebreak that would slow any future blaze while also bringing light, air and open space into the centre.Bishop Absalon and the city’s watery origins
At the centre of Højbro Plads rises its defining landmark: the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon, the warrior-cleric credited with founding Copenhagen in the 12th century. Cast in bronze and inaugurated in the early 1900s, it shows Absalon armoured and resolute, a reminder that this began as a fortified outpost guarding the Øresund. Look closely at the statue’s base and you will spot sculpted shoals of herring. These little fish once meant big business: medieval exports of salted herring transformed a modest fishing settlement into a prosperous trading town. That wealth justified the construction of Absalon’s fortress on nearby Slotsholmen and ultimately set Copenhagen on the path to becoming Denmark’s capital.Neoclassical facades and quieter architectural details
Most of the buildings around Højbro Plads date from the turn of the 19th century, when the fire-scarred area was rebuilt in a neoclassical style. Their calm, pale facades, regular rows of windows and modest ornamentation create a unified, almost stage-set quality around the square. If you take a moment away from the bustle and look up, you can see typical details from the period: windows framed by shallow pilasters, triangular pediments, friezes with Greek key patterns and subtly recessed joints in the plaster. Some corners sport small turrets or decorative gables added later, hinting at changing tastes but still respecting the overall rhythm of the square.Everyday life, markets and seasonal colour
Today Højbro Plads functions as one of the city’s outdoor living rooms. Its broad paving stones accommodate everything from flower stalls and buskers to small art stands and ad‑hoc performances. Office workers cut across the square on their way to meetings, cyclists weave past, and shoppers spill out from Strøget with bags and takeaway coffees. In the run‑up to Christmas, the square often transforms into a festive market with wooden stalls, lights and the scent of roasted almonds drifting through the chill air. At other times of year it may host smaller events or simply serve as a generous pause between the denser streets around it, a place to linger on a bench and watch the city move.Canal edges and views to Copenhagen’s landmarks
Walk toward the canal side of Højbro Plads and the space opens again, this time onto water. From here you gain rewarding views along the Slotsholmen Canal, with its stone embankments, moored boats and distinctive copper-green rooftops in the distance. The profile of Christiansborg Palace rises just across the water, underlining how close you are to Denmark’s political centre. Turn back to the square and you see how Højbro Plads stitches together different layers of Copenhagen: medieval street patterns, post‑fire neoclassical planning, royal and parliamentary institutions, and a contemporary city that uses its public spaces intensely. It is not a monumental attraction in itself so much as a finely balanced urban room where the city’s history and daily life quietly intersect.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
0.1 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Frederik VII
0.2 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.2 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.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.3 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Varehuset Messen
0.3 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Jorcks Passage
0.4 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.4 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Kongens Nytorv
0.4 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.4 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.4 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Nytorv 2
0.5 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
The War Museum
0.5 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Indre By
0.5 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Unmissable attractions to see
Højbro Plads
0.0 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Bishop Absalon
0.0 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Stork Fountain
0.1 km
Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.1 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.1 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Ved Stranden
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.1 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.1 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Læderstræde
0.1 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Gammel Strand
0.1 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Amagertorv
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Strøget
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Christiansborg Palace
0.2 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Balderdash
0.2 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.2 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Maven
0.1 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Tight
0.2 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
King Hans Cellar
0.3 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
0.3 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.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.3 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Københavner Cafeen
0.3 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
l’Alsace
0.3 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Wining and Dining
0.3 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Marchal
0.4 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Frank
0.4 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.
Det Lille Apotek
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.0 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.1 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.1 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Magnolias
0.1 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Hygge Original
0.1 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
ILLUM
0.1 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
0.2 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
& Other Stories
0.2 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Akimbo
0.2 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Audrey Vintage
0.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Magasin du Nord
0.2 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.
Norse Store
0.3 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.3 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Norse Projects
0.3 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.1 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Dubliner
0.1 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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
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.
Ruby
0.3 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
1105
0.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Godt Øl
0.3 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
The Moose
0.3 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.
Balthazar
0.3 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.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Strøm
0.3 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
0.3 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.3 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Luke's Bar
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Zoo
0.3 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.
Lusso
0.3 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.
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mini Bar
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Rumors
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
0.6 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
0.6 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
0.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Cosy Bar
0.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
