Havnegade Promenaden
Copenhagen’s reimagined harborfront: a short, scenic promenade of historic facades, trampolines, and wide-open water views between Knippelsbro and Nyhavn.
Havnegade Promenaden is a 750m waterfront promenade in central Copenhagen, stretching between Knippelsbro and Nyhavn. Once part of the city’s working harbor, it has been transformed into a contemporary public space with harbor views, historic 19th-century facades, playful trampolines, and spots for kayaking and swimming. Flat, open, and largely car-free, it is ideal for gentle strolls, people-watching, and taking in Copenhagen’s maritime skyline by day or at golden-hour.
A brief summary to Havnegade Promenaden
- K, Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and reflections on the harbor are at their most photogenic.
- Look for the built-in trampolines along the walkway if you are visiting with children or feeling playful yourself.
- Bring a light extra layer; breezes off the water can feel cooler than the nearby streets even on sunny days.
- If you plan to sit and people-watch, choose a bench facing the harbor to enjoy both passing boats and the skyline of central Copenhagen.
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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Regional train and metro
From Køge, take a regional train to Copenhagen Central Station; the journey usually takes 40–50 minutes and a standard adult single ticket costs around 80–90 DKK. From the station, transfer to the metro and ride 1–2 stops to Kongens Nytorv, which adds about 10 minutes including waiting time. From there it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on flat city streets toward the harborfront to reach Havnegade Promenaden. Trains run frequently throughout the day, but can be busier in rush hours.
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S-train and walk within Copenhagen
If you are already in the Copenhagen suburbs, use the S-train network to reach Nørreport or Østerport Station; travel time from many outlying stations is typically 15–25 minutes. From Nørreport, walking to Havnegade Promenaden takes about 15–20 minutes on generally flat, paved streets. This route is suitable for most visitors, though cobblestones in some areas may be less comfortable for wheelchairs or prams. S-train tickets within the city usually cost 20–30 DKK depending on zones.
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City bus and short walk
Several central bus routes stop close to the inner harbor near Holmens Kanal and Kongens Nytorv, around 5–10 minutes’ walk from Havnegade Promenaden. Typical travel times from other inner districts are 10–20 minutes, with standard tickets in the 20–30 DKK range. Buses can be crowded during commuter periods, and prams or wheelchairs may need designated spaces, but the short walk from the stops to the waterfront follows broad pavements with only gentle gradients.
Havnegade Promenaden location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Havnegade Promenaden
From Working Harbour to Urban Waterfront
Havnegade Promenaden traces the edge of Copenhagen’s inner harbor, a short but atmospheric stretch between the bridge of Knippelsbro and the postcard-perfect canal of Nyhavn. The name simply means “Harbour Street,” reflecting its origins as a practical quay serving ferries and cargo vessels rather than leisurely strolls. Much of the land here was reclaimed for naval use in the 17th century, then gradually edged by residential buildings as the city grew. For decades the waterfront was dominated by parking lots and logistics yards, effectively turning its back on the water. In the early 2010s a major redesign reimagined Havnegade as a generous public promenade, trading asphalt and loading bays for human-scaled spaces, harbor steps, and activity zones. The result is a compact showcase of Copenhagen’s wider shift from industrial port to livable, water-focused city.Architecture, Views, and Sense of Place
One of Havnegade Promenaden’s quiet pleasures lies in the contrast between old and new. On the landward side, rows of dignified townhouses and commercial buildings from the 1860s and 1870s form a continuous historic backdrop, with brick facades, tall windows, and classical detailing. On the water side, the promenade opens onto broad views: ferries and sightseeing boats gliding past, low bridges straddling the harbor, and silhouettes of towers and spires that define central Copenhagen. Because the walkway is almost entirely level and unobstructed, sightlines feel long and relaxing. Benches and steps are oriented toward the water, inviting you to linger rather than hurry through. On clear days the light reflects off the harbor, giving the whole area a soft maritime glow, especially in early morning or at sunset.Playful Design and Everyday Life
The redesign of Havnegade emphasized activity as much as aesthetics, ensuring the space stays lively beyond the height of summer. Built into the paving are a series of small trampolines that tempt children and adults alike to bounce against the backdrop of moored boats. In designated sections, the quayside doubles as a launch point for kayakers and harbor swimmers, underscoring Copenhagen’s ambition to treat the inner harbor as a vast urban pool rather than an off-limits industrial zone. In warmer months, pop-up ice-cream stalls and casual food stands add a light holiday atmosphere, while nearby cafés and boats converted into bars provide easy refreshment. Yet even on cooler days the promenade remains a popular place for joggers, dog walkers, and locals on bicycles using the route as a scenic corridor through the inner city.A Calm Counterpoint to Nearby Icons
Havnegade Promenaden sits only a few steps from some of Copenhagen’s busiest sights, yet it often feels markedly calmer. Nyhavn’s colorful gabled houses may draw the bigger crowds, but the adjacent promenade offers more space to breathe and uninterrupted water views. From here you can see canal tour boats departing, watch the opening and closing of nearby bridges, and trace the line of the city from the towers of Christiansborg to the modern silhouettes around the harbor. Because of its central location, Havnegade serves as a natural link between cultural institutions, historic quarters, and newer waterfront projects. It works equally well as a contemplative pause in a busy city itinerary and as a place to simply sit and absorb how thoroughly the Danish capital has reoriented itself toward the water.Experiencing the Promenade at Different Times of Day
The character of Havnegade Promenaden subtly shifts with the time of day and season. On bright mornings, commuters on bikes and foot share the broad path with joggers, while delivery boats and harbor services animate the water. Afternoons can feel almost park-like, with families using the trampolines, friends meeting on the benches, and camera-toting visitors framing the skyline. As evening approaches, the low sun stretches reflections across the harbor, and the windows of the 19th-century facades glow warm against the cooling air. In winter, when the light is low and the air crisp, the promenade takes on a spare Nordic beauty, emphasizing the geometry of bridges, piers, and rooftops. Whatever the season, it remains a simple yet revealing vantage point on everyday life in central Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.3 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.4 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Holmens Bro
0.5 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.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.5 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Frederik VII
0.5 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Christiania
0.6 km
Explore Christiania, Copenhagen's alternative lifestyle hub, filled with vibrant street art, unique shops, and a rich cultural experience.
Indre By
0.6 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Black Diamond
0.6 km
A gleaming granite monument where cutting-edge architecture meets cultural heritage on Copenhagen's waterfront.
Christiansborg Palace
0.6 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
The Danish Parliament
0.6 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.6 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.6 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Højbro
0.6 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Circle Bridge
0.6 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Unmissable attractions to see
Havnepromenade
0.1 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.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.2 km
A 17th‑century canal of cobbles, gables and sailboats, Christianshavns Kanal is Copenhagen’s quietly cinematic waterway at the heart of island life.
Knippelsbro
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.3 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Nyhavn
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s storybook harbour, where colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés bring the city’s maritime history to life in one vivid canal.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.3 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.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.4 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.4 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Christianshavn
0.4 km
Experience the lively heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square near the Northern Harbour.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.4 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.
Church of Holmen
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Børsen
0.4 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Kongens Nytorv
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
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.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.4 km
A narrow Christianshavn street where warehouses became homes, church bells echo over cobblestones, and Copenhagen’s maritime past meets everyday neighborhood life.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Kanalen
0.2 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
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.
Cafe Wilder
0.3 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Khun Juk
0.4 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
0.4 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
0.4 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
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.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.4 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.
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.
Kadeau
0.5 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Marchal
0.5 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Goldfinch
0.5 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Maven
0.6 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.
Bistro Royal
0.6 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
0.4 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
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.
Maritime Antiques &
0.4 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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
0.5 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Zane
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.5 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.
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.
Danish Souvenirs
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
The Wilde Shop
0.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
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.
Magnolias
0.7 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.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.7 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Læderstræde
0.7 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Eiffel bar
0.3 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Brønnum
0.4 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
0.6 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.
Ved Stranden
0.6 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.
K-Bar
0.6 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Bar Deco
0.6 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
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.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.6 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
The Dubliner
0.7 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.
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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
The Moose
0.8 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.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Ruby
0.8 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.6 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.
Operaen
0.7 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.
The Zoo
0.7 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.
Mini Bar
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Chateau Motel
1.0 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.1 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Culture Box
1.1 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Club Mambo
1.1 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Rumors
1.1 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.1 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
1.2 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
1.2 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Arch
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
