Højbro Plads
Broad and open in the midst of medieval streets, Højbro Plads blends royal history, canal views and everyday city life in one quintessential Copenhagen square.
Højbro Plads is a broad, elegant square in the heart of Copenhagen’s Indre By, linking the Strøget pedestrian street with the canals and the historic island of Slotsholmen. Laid out after the great fire of 1795 as a firebreak and breathing space for the dense medieval city, it is framed by neoclassical façades and anchored by the striking equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon, the 12th‑century founder of Copenhagen. Today, the square is a lively meeting place, with street life, seasonal markets and easy access to nearby landmarks such as Christiansborg Palace and the canals.
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
- Pause by the Absalon statue and inspect the herring carved around the base to understand how the humble fish helped finance Copenhagen’s early growth.
- Time your visit for late afternoon on a clear day, when the low Nordic light warms the neoclassical façades and the canalside views are at their best.
- In winter, check if the Christmas market is operating and bring gloves; it can feel much colder on the open square than in the surrounding narrow streets.
- Use the square as a navigation anchor: from here it is a short, straightforward walk to Christiansborg Palace, Gammel Strand and several inner‑city museums.
- If you enjoy photography, explore different angles toward the canal and bridge to frame Absalon’s statue against towers, spires and passing boats.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
From Kongens Nytorv metro station on lines M1, M2, M3 or M4, Højbro Plads is roughly a 10–15 minute walk through the historic centre. The route is flat and fully paved, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. A single metro ticket within the central city zones typically costs around 20–25 DKK, and trains run every few minutes throughout most of the day.
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Train and Metro
If you arrive at Copenhagen Central Station by regional or intercity train, transfer to the M3 or M4 metro line at the connected station and ride one stop to Gammel Strand or two stops to Kongens Nytorv, then walk about 10–15 minutes to the square. Standard tickets within the inner zones cost in the range of 20–25 DKK, and services operate frequently from early morning until late evening.
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City Bus
Several city buses serve stops within a 5–10 minute walk of Højbro Plads, including routes running along central axes between the main station, City Hall area and inner harbour. Travel times in normal traffic range from 10–25 minutes depending on your starting point. A single bus journey within the central zones usually costs about 20–25 DKK, and buses run regularly, though frequencies can be lower late at night and on weekends.
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Bicycle
From many central districts, Højbro Plads can be reached by bicycle in 5–15 minutes using Copenhagen’s extensive network of bike lanes. The terrain is flat, but the streets around the square can be busy and may require dismounting to navigate shared pedestrian areas. Public bike-share schemes and rental shops typically charge from around 25–40 DKK per half hour or offer daily rates, and cycling is feasible year-round, though wind and rain are common outside summer.
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 the middle of Copenhagen’s old town, where the medieval street pattern opens suddenly into a broad, light-filled square. It forms a natural hinge between bustling Strøget, the city’s main pedestrian shopping artery, and the canals and bridges leading toward Christiansborg Palace on Slotsholmen. Standing here, you sense how the city’s commercial life, political power and everyday routines all converge on this open space. The square dates from the years after the devastating fire of 1795, when planners deliberately cut wide openings into the dense medieval fabric to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of future fires. What was once a tangle of narrow lanes became a generous plaza where people could gather, trade and simply pause amid the city’s tightly packed streets.Absalon’s legacy and the story of Copenhagen
At the centre of Højbro Plads towers the equestrian statue of Bishop Absalon, sword raised, cape billowing. Absalon was a powerful 12th‑century churchman and statesman credited with founding Copenhagen around 1167, when he established a fortified stronghold on nearby Slotsholmen. The statue underlines the link between this modern metropolis and its origins as a small fishing and trading settlement. Look closely at the plinth and you will notice sculpted herrings swimming along the base. They recall the medieval herring trade that fuelled Copenhagen’s early prosperity, when barrels of salted fish were shipped across the Baltic and North Sea. The wealth generated by this unglamorous commodity paid for fortifications, churches and merchant houses, setting the stage for the city that surrounds you today.Architecture shaped by fire and rebuilding
The architecture around Højbro Plads reflects the city’s rebuilding after repeated fires. Many façades are neoclassical, with clean lines, tall windows and muted colours that catch the soft Nordic light. Compared with the cramped, twisting alleys nearby, the square feels almost theatrical: long, orderly building fronts framing an open urban stage. These post‑fire buildings were designed not only for beauty but also for practicality, with sturdier construction and wider spacing than their medieval predecessors. Walking the perimeter, you can trace details such as pilasters, cornices and rhythmically spaced windows, subtle markers of a period when Copenhagen embraced a more orderly and rational architectural language.Everyday life, markets and seasonal events
Today Højbro Plads functions as a versatile urban living room. On mild days it hums with cyclists gliding past, shoppers drifting between Strøget and the canals, and office workers cutting across on their way to the ministries and courts on Slotsholmen. The generous paving leaves space for street performers, small stalls and informal gatherings. In the colder months, the atmosphere shifts as temporary cabins, lights and decorations transform the square into a cosy Christmas market, complete with seasonal treats and gifts. At other times of year, the space can host events or serve simply as a pleasant pause point in the dense city centre, a place to sit on a bench or low wall and watch the choreography of urban life unfold.Bridges, water and layered urban stories
On the canal side of the square, Højbro—the “High Bridge”—connects directly toward Christiansborg Palace. From here, vistas open to the palace tower, the old stock exchange spire and the low, rippling water of the canal, punctuated by tour boats and working craft. This relationship between square, bridge and water gives Højbro Plads a distinctly Copenhagen character: an everyday space with constant visual reminders of the city’s maritime and political history. Beneath the surface, the area holds its share of stories and legends, including sculptures in the nearby canal that allude to merfolk and the pull between land and sea. Standing at the edge of the square, you are framed by centuries of architecture and infrastructure layered tightly together, yet the space itself remains open, airy and surprisingly calm.Starting point for exploring the historic core
Because of its central position, Højbro Plads is an ideal orientation point for exploring Copenhagen’s inner city. In one direction lie the shops and cafés of Strøget; in another, the formal courtyards and institutions of Christiansborg Palace; and just beyond the canals are further clusters of museums, churches and narrow residential streets. Even if you only linger briefly, the square offers a concise introduction to Copenhagen’s character: pragmatic yet elegant, shaped by fire and water, and animated by a constant flow of people using this space as a crossroads between work, politics, commerce and leisure.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
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- 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
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
