Nytorv
Historic marketplace transformed into a vibrant civic square at the heart of Copenhagen's medieval old city.
Nytorv (New Square) is a historic public square in central Copenhagen, Denmark, forming a unified space with the adjoining Gammeltorv as part of the Strøget pedestrian zone. Created by Christian IV in 1610, the square is dominated by the imposing Neoclassical façade of the Copenhagen Court House, designed by architect Christian Frederik Hansen and completed in 1815. Once a bustling marketplace where butchers conducted their trade, Nytorv has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub hosting exhibitions, performances, and public gatherings. The square's octagonal podium marks the site of the former scaffold, while paler paving stones trace the footprint of the original city hall.
A brief summary to Nytorv 2
- Nytorv 2, Copenhagen Municipality, København K, 1450, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during the Copenhagen Jazz Festival to experience live performances on the octagonal podium, transforming the square into an open-air concert venue.
- Examine the paving stones carefully—the paler stones mark the footprint of the original city hall, revealing layers of Copenhagen's urban history beneath your feet.
- Look up at the Bridge of Sighs connecting the courthouse to the former jailhouse across Slutterigade—a poignant architectural detail with a dramatic historical purpose.
- Explore the surrounding buildings: the Royal Danish Theater, Charlottenborg Palace, and historic cafés offer context for understanding the square's role in Copenhagen's cultural life.
- Sit on the octagonal podium during quieter hours to observe the flow of pedestrians along Strøget and absorb the square's atmosphere as a crossroads of the old city.
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
The Kongens Nytorv Metro Station (Metro Cityring line) is located approximately 150 meters southeast of Nytorv. Journey time from Copenhagen Central Station is approximately 3–5 minutes. The station provides direct access to the Strøget pedestrian zone. Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3.20 EUR).
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Walking from Central Station
Nytorv is approximately 400 meters northwest of Copenhagen Central Station, a 5–7 minute walk through the city center. Follow Strøget northwestward; the square is clearly signposted and forms part of the main pedestrian thoroughfare. No terrain obstacles; flat, paved surfaces throughout.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the surrounding area, including routes 1A, 2A, 5C, and 14. Buses stop at Gammeltorv or nearby Strøget stops, approximately 50–100 meters from Nytorv. Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK (3.20 EUR). Service frequency is typically every 5–10 minutes during peak hours.
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Bicycle
Nytorv is accessible via Copenhagen's extensive bicycle network. Bike racks are available throughout the Strøget pedestrian zone. The square itself is car-free and pedestrian-only, but bicycle parking is provided nearby. Journey time from Central Station is approximately 3–4 minutes by bike.
Nytorv 2 location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Nytorv 2
A Square Born from Royal Vision
Nytorv emerged in 1610 when King Christian IV cleared an area behind the existing City Hall as part of his ambitious Renaissance-style renovation of the building. The name itself—meaning "New Square" or "New Market"—reflected its purpose as a commercial and civic space distinct from the older Gammeltorv on the opposite side of the city hall. For centuries, Nytorv thrived as a marketplace where butchers conducted their work, establishing it as a vital commercial center in medieval Copenhagen. The square's character was shaped by its dual nature: while Gammeltorv represented the refined, posh side of civic life, Nytorv embodied the practical, working-class energy of the marketplace, a distinction famously noted by the 18th-century writer Ludvig Holberg, who lived on the border between the two squares.The Neoclassical Courthouse and Urban Transformation
The square's most defining feature arrived in the early 19th century with the construction of a new building designed to serve as both City Hall and courthouse. Architect Christian Frederik Hansen, the leading Danish architect of his era, created an imposing Neoclassical structure completed in 1815. The building's distinctive ionic order columns dominate the western side of the square, while a connected jailhouse was constructed next door. A skyway spanning Slutterigade connected the courthouse to the former prison, earning the poetic nickname "Bridge of Sighs" for its role in transporting prisoners. This architectural transformation marked a shift in the square's identity from marketplace to seat of civic authority.From Market to Modern Public Space
Following a significant fire in the 19th century, Nytorv and Gammeltorv merged into a single unified space, gradually losing their distinct commercial functions. During the first half of the 20th century, market activities disappeared as automobiles increasingly dominated the square. This changed dramatically in 1962 when the Strøget pedestrian zone was established, reclaiming the space for pedestrians and transforming it into a cultural and social destination. The 1993 refurbishment by city architect Otto Käszner further enhanced the square's character, creating an octagonal podium at the site where the execution scaffold once stood and marking the footprint of the former city hall with paler paving stones.A Living Monument to Copenhagen's History
Today, Nytorv stands as a lively square at the heart of Copenhagen's old city, seamlessly blending historical significance with contemporary vitality. The octagonal podium serves dual purposes—functioning as informal seating for visitors and occasionally transforming into a bandstand for performances, most notably during the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. The square's architecture tells the story of Copenhagen's evolution from medieval marketplace to modern capital, with the Neoclassical courthouse standing as a testament to 19th-century civic ambition. The carefully preserved details, from the Bridge of Sighs to the marked footprints in the paving, create a palimpsest of urban history that invites visitors to read the layers of Copenhagen's past while enjoying its present-day energy.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jorcks Passage
0.1 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Lur Blowers
0.3 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.4 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Stork Fountain
0.4 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Højbro Plads
0.4 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Bishop Absalon
0.4 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Varehuset Messen
0.4 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.5 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.
Højbro Pl.
0.5 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.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.5 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.5 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Fiolstræde 42
0.5 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Christiansborg Palace
0.5 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nytorv
0.0 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.1 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Gammeltorv
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Church of Our Lady
0.2 km
Lively, colourful canal harbour in central Copenhagen known for vibrant houses, historic ships, waterside cafés, and rich maritime heritage.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.2 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.2 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Magstræde
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.3 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.3 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Rainbow Square
0.3 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Gråbrødretorv
0.3 km
Mythic grandeur meets urban tranquility at Copenhagen’s spectacular Gefion Fountain, a must-see bronze sculpture and water feature rooted in Norse legend.
Strøget
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.3 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
City Hall Square
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Amagertorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Kronborg
0.1 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.
Københavner Cafeen
0.1 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Krebsegaarden
0.2 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Restaurant Puk
0.2 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
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.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.2 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
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.
Wining and Dining
0.3 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.3 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Det Lille Apotek
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.3 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
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.
Vækst
0.4 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Souvenir Shop
0.1 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.1 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.1 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.1 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Notre Dame
0.1 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Viking Souvenirs
0.2 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Quirky Lane
0.2 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.2 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Wasteland
0.2 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Audrey Vintage
0.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
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.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.3 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.1 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Centralhjørnet
0.1 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Bar7
0.2 km
Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Musen & Elefanten
0.2 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Luke's Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Floss Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.2 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.
Taphouse
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Godt Øl
0.2 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.
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.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
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.
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.
Southern Cross Pub
0.3 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Hive
0.1 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.1 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Chateau Motel
0.1 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Rumors
0.1 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Dorsia
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
0.2 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.3 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Club Mambo
0.3 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Arch
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.4 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Never Mind
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Neoclassical Designs
- Historic Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Architectural Shots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
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
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
