Nyhavn: Copenhagen’s Timeless Harbor of Color and Culture
Historic harbor district ablaze with color, culture, and canals—Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic waterfront destination.
Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s legendary canal harbor, famous for its vibrantly painted 17th-century townhouses and its lively waterside atmosphere. Once a bustling commercial port, today Nyhavn enchants visitors with historic tall ships, charming cafés, and a sense of living Danish history. It’s a picturesque gathering spot in the heart of the Indre By district and a must-see for any visitor to the city.
A brief summary to The Little Mermaid
- Langelinie, København Ø, København Ø, 2100, DK
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or around sunset for magical light and smaller crowds—perfect for photos.
- Several guided boat tours start from Nyhavn, offering a unique perspective on Copenhagen’s historic waterfronts.
- Try a traditional Danish lunch at one of the old taverns or take a coffee to go and enjoy it by the canal steps.
- During winter, Nyhavn hosts a charming Christmas market—expect local crafts, mulled wine, and festive lights.
- Some restaurants add a small service charge or levy higher prices for outdoor seating.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Hillerød Station, board a regional train toward Copenhagen Central Station, a journey that typically takes 35–45 minutes (standard adult fare: 84 DKK one way). Upon arrival in central Copenhagen, switch to the Metro line at Kongens Nytorv—a major city hub recognizable by its glass plaza—and Nyhavn will be a short walk away, its colorful facades visible beyond the square.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from central Hillerød directly to Nyhavn in Copenhagen typically takes about 40–50 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs 750–900 DKK. Taxis can drop visitors by the canal entrance, where the harborside atmosphere is immediately apparent. Parking in the Nyhavn district is limited and metered at high city-center rates.
Discover more about The Little Mermaid
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Maritime Monument
0.2 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.2 km
Discover the Monument to Denmark's International Activities in Kastellet: A historical landmark celebrating Denmark's global contributions since 1948.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.2 km
Historic waterfront column honoring Admiral Iver Huitfeldt, set in Langelinie Park near Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid and harbor views.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.4 km
Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Our Fallen
0.5 km
A stunning fusion of royal splendor and modern democracy, Christiansborg Palace is Copenhagen’s iconic seat of power and a must-visit historic landmark for all.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.6 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.
I am Queen Mary
0.7 km
Aarhus University Park fuses striking Danish architecture, lakeside tranquility, and lush greenery in an iconic academic setting treasured by locals and visitors alike.
Amaliegade
0.9 km
Aarhus’ Latin Quarter is a colorful, bohemian neighborhood filled with cobbled streets, indie shops, lively cafés, and centuries-old Danish history in the city center.
Larsens Pl.
1.0 km
Experience the harmony of stately baroque gardens, rolling meadows, and centuries-old woodlands at Ledreborg Park, a natural jewel near historic Roskilde.
St. Paul's Church
1.0 km
Discover the serene beauty of St. Paul's Church in Copenhagen, a stunning Lutheran architectural gem featuring ornate designs and a tranquil atmosphere.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
1.2 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.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
1.3 km
Discover North Atlantic House in Copenhagen, a vibrant cultural hub and art gallery spotlighting the heritage and creativity of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
Bredgade 18
1.4 km
Explore the architectural wonder of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen, a stunning example of classic Danish design and rich historical significance.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Copenhagen at Nyhavn, where colorful history meets modern charm along the picturesque canal.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
1.5 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Unmissable attractions to see
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a lively square blending history, culture, and modern charm.
Langelinieparken
0.2 km
Explore Fisketorvet: Hillerød's historic market square blending rich history with modern charm.
Langelinie Park
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Inugsuk
0.3 km
Discover one of Europe's oldest and most innovative zoos, home to over 4,000 animals and award-winning habitats in the leafy heart of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
Kastellet
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
Gefion Fountain
0.4 km
Denmark’s majestic royal residence in the heart of Copenhagen, where Rococo architecture, living traditions, and regal museums unveil centuries of monarchy.
St Alban's Church
0.4 km
Exquisitely crafted in Gothic Revival style, St Alban’s Church is Copenhagen’s singular Anglican sanctuary, where English heritage meets Danish history in a peaceful park setting.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Nørrebro at Sankt Hans Torv, where history, culture, and modern city life converge.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.6 km
Award-winning cocktail bar blending Nordic ingredients, quirky delights, and centuries-old ambience in the vibrant heart of Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
0.6 km
Explore Danish and international masterpieces, contemporary installations, and creative educational experiences at the iconic SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst, Denmark’s national gallery.
Segway Cruise Copenhagen
0.6 km
Discover St Alban’s Church, Copenhagen’s only Anglican church, where neo-Gothic architecture and lush parkland meet Danish and British history near the city's harbor.
Langelinie
0.7 km
Stroll along Copenhagen’s historic Langelinie promenade for harbor views, sculptures, the iconic Little Mermaid, and a vibrant taste of Danish maritime tradition.
Den Frie Udstilling
0.8 km
Discover the rich heritage of amber at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where ancient fossils, Viking legends, and modern jewelry blend in a historic 17th-century canal house.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.8 km
Explore Denmark's design evolution at Designmuseum Danmark in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.8 km
Byparkens Legeplads in Roskilde is a vibrant and thoughtfully designed playground set in lush Byparken, offering free, family-friendly fun in the city’s green heart.
Essential places to dine
Reffen - Skøjteøen
0.6 km
Explore cutting-edge street food, local craft drinks, and lively ice skating at this creative Copenhagen market on the scenic Refshaleøen waterfront.
Veve
0.6 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
La Banchina
0.8 km
A Nordic waterside retreat in Copenhagen, La Banchina is famed for its natural wines, wood-fired sauna, and locally sourced cuisine, set against harbor views.
Alchemist
0.9 km
Discover Alchemist in Copenhagen: where culinary innovation meets artistry for an unforgettable fine dining experience.
Kokkeriet
1.1 km
Experience the pinnacle of Danish fine dining at Kokkeriet in Copenhagen - where innovation meets tradition in every exquisite dish.
Dag H
1.2 km
Stylish Østerbro brasserie offering classic bistro plates, all-day dining, and a cosmopolitan terrace in Copenhagen’s embassy quarter.
Aoc
1.3 km
Discover AOC: An exquisite fine dining experience in Copenhagen featuring seasonal Nordic cuisine and exceptional wine pairings.
Restaurant Rebel
1.3 km
Experience the culinary fusion of local ingredients and innovative flavors at Restaurant Rebel, Copenhagen's top bistro destination.
Noma
1.3 km
Noma is a globally renowned restaurant on Copenhagen’s waterfront, famed for its avant-garde approach to New Nordic cuisine and multi-award-winning tasting menus.
Restaurant Koefoed
1.4 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 Vita
1.4 km
A legendary Danish restaurant in Copenhagen's royal heart known for classic cuisine, elegant interiors, and decades of local history near Kongens Nytorv.
Den Lille Fede
1.5 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.
Khun Juk
1.5 km
Upmarket Thai cuisine meets classic Copenhagen charm at Khun Juk, offering authentic flavors and canal-side elegance in the heart of historic Nyhavn.
Cap Horn
1.5 km
Experience authentic Danish and Scandinavian cuisine at Cap Horn in Copenhagen's iconic Nyhavn district, where tradition meets culinary artistry.
Hos Fischer
1.5 km
Experience authentic Italian trattoria dining and neighborhood hospitality at Hos Fischer, a beloved Østerbro culinary gem near the tranquil green heart of Copenhagen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Wilde Shop
1.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Red Cross Op Shop
1.5 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.7 km
Discover authentic Danish gifts, charming souvenirs, and practical luggage essentials at this longstanding shop on bustling Østergade in the heart of Copenhagen.
Storm - design art fashion
1.7 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.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.7 km
Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
Magasin du Nord
1.8 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.
ILLUM
1.9 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
2.0 km
Explore Danish history and craftsmanship at Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, an iconic destination for hand-painted porcelain, elegant collectibles, and Nordic design.
Studio Arhoj
2.0 km
Studio Arhoj fuses Scandinavian and Japanese influences into vibrant, hand-crafted ceramics, making it a unique design destination in central Copenhagen.
Time's Up Vintage
2.0 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Læderstræde
2.1 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Strøget
2.1 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
TorvehallerneKBH
2.2 km
A vibrant marketplace in the heart of Copenhagen, TorvehallerneKBH blends Danish culinary tradition with global flavors across over 60 food and drink stalls.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
2.2 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.
Butik Bungalow
2.3 km
Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
1.0 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.
Chevy's
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
1.4 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Østerbros Perle Pub
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
ØB
1.5 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
Trianglen 7
1.6 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
Søernes Ølbar
1.6 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
1105
1.7 km
Award-winning cocktail bar in central Copenhagen offering inventive signature drinks, a stylish Nordic-chic atmosphere, and a top-tier nightlife experience.
Charlie's Bar
1.8 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
1.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Tap10
1.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Tap10, a cozy bar in Østerbro offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Bubbles Bar
1.9 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and exquisite cocktails at Bubbles Bar, Copenhagen's chic nightlife destination for tourists and locals alike.
Bar'Vin
2.0 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Balderdash
2.0 km
Whimsical cocktails, creative mixing, and historic vibes await at Balderdash, a celebrated Copenhagen bar bringing Nordic flair and surprises to the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Strøm
2.0 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
