Islands Brygge Waterfront, Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s former industrial quay reborn as a sun-soaked harbourfront of swimming decks, lawns and laid-back city life along the inner waterfront.
Islands Brygge is Copenhagen’s classic harbourside hangout: a former industrial quay transformed into a lively waterfront promenade with lawns, a harbour bath and cafés. In summer the area hums with swimmers, grill parties and sunset picnics, while the rest of the year it offers wide harbour views, gentle strolls and a glimpse of everyday local life just across the water from the city centre.
A brief summary to Islands Brygge
- Copenhagen, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Pack swimwear and a towel in summer; the harbour bath has changing facilities, but space on the decks and lawns fills quickly on hot afternoons.
- Bring snacks or a picnic blanket if you plan to linger on the lawn, and remember that disposable grills must be used responsibly and only where permitted.
- Check local notices on-site for any temporary harbour bathing restrictions or seasonal closures before you enter the water.
- Even on warm days, the harbour can feel cool; consider a light layer for after your swim, especially if there is a breeze along the water.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Islands Brygge station; trains run every few minutes and the ride from the inner city typically takes 5–10 minutes. A standard single ticket within the city zones costs roughly 20–30 DKK, and all platforms and trains are step-free, making this the most convenient option for travellers with luggage, strollers or wheelchairs.
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Bicycle
Cycling from the historic centre to Islands Brygge usually takes 10–20 minutes, depending on your starting point, using Copenhagen’s dedicated bike lanes and harbour bridges. City bikes and standard rentals are widely available for around 120–200 DKK per day, and you will find plentiful bike stands near the waterfront, though they can be busy in peak summer.
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Harbour bus
Copenhagen’s yellow harbour buses run along the inner harbour and stop near Islands Brygge, offering a scenic alternative to the metro. Journeys from central quaysides generally take 10–20 minutes and are covered by regular public transport tickets, so expect the same 20–30 DKK range for a single trip. Services are less frequent in the evening and in poor weather, so check timetables in advance.
Islands Brygge location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Hot Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Islands Brygge
From Working Docklands to Waterside Playground
Islands Brygge stretches along the inner harbour opposite central Copenhagen, where warehouses and shipyards once defined the skyline. Today, sleek apartment blocks, promenades and public spaces have replaced cranes and coal piles, but the long, straight quay still hints at its industrial past. The redevelopment kept the harbour at the heart of the neighbourhood, turning functional edge-of-town wharves into a welcoming urban waterfront. As you wander along the paving stones you can still trace the old working rhythms in the generous scale of the quay, now softened by trees, playgrounds and grass. The transformation is a showcase for Copenhagen’s shift from maritime industry to people-focused waterfront living, where clean water and public access are treated as civic essentials rather than luxuries.Life Around the Harbour Bath
The focal point of Islands Brygge is its harbour bath, a series of open-air pools and jetties framed in pale timber. In the warmer months locals plunge into the clear harbour, sun themselves on stepped decks and queue for the diving platforms, while families gravitate to shallow basins with lifeguards on duty. The bath is a symbol of the city’s environmental ambitions: once heavily polluted, the harbour is now clean enough for everyday swimming. Around the pools, the energy spills onto the quayside. Joggers weave between bikes, friends share portable speakers and portable grills on the lawn, and the sound of splashing carries far along the water. Even outside peak swimming season, the bath’s geometric forms, ladders and railings lend the area a distinctive architectural character that contrasts with the open sweep of the harbour.Green Lawns, Promenade and Everyday Hygge
Running beside the water is a wide ribbon of grass that acts as Islands Brygge’s communal living room. On bright days it fills with picnickers, students with notebooks, dog walkers and impromptu ball games. The flat expanse means there is nearly always a patch of space to spread out a blanket, and the constant backdrop is the working harbour: ferries gliding past, kayakers tracing the edge, and office façades catching the light on the far shore. Parallel to the lawn, a waterside path invites slow exploration on foot or by bicycle. From here you can watch the sky change colour over the city centre, spot distinctive landmarks in the distance and study the varied architecture lining both banks. Occasional art pieces, play areas and temporary event structures add a sense of improvisation that keeps the promenade feeling lived-in rather than polished.Cafés, Community and Neighbourhood Character
Behind the waterfront park, the streets of Islands Brygge form a compact village within the city. Small groceries, bakeries and relaxed cafés spill onto pavements in good weather, giving the area a friendly, residential feel. On summer weekends, flea markets and local events sometimes occupy stretches of the quay, adding stalls, music and an informal festival atmosphere. The mix of long-time residents and newer arrivals in modern developments gives the neighbourhood a layered identity. Students, young families and office workers all treat the waterfront as shared territory, whether it is for an early-morning dip, a coffee break with a view or an evening gathering. This everyday use is what makes Islands Brygge feel less like a staged attraction and more like a window into contemporary Copenhagen life.Seasonal Moods and Views Across the Water
Although Islands Brygge is most animated in high summer, it rewards visits in every season. On crisp winter days, the broad harbour feels almost Nordic coastal, with low sunlight, sharp reflections and a bracing wind that encourages brisk walks. Spring brings the first outdoor lunches on the quay, while autumn paints the trees along the promenade in softer tones. Across the water, you can pick out the silhouettes of central-city landmarks and modern harbourfront projects, providing a constantly shifting backdrop of boats, bridges and buildings. As evening approaches, the lawns settle into quieter gatherings and the skyline lights up, turning the harbour into a ribbon of reflections. Whether you stay for a quick stroll or linger for hours, Islands Brygge offers a spacious, relaxed counterpoint to the denser historic centre just across the canal.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Havneholmen 33
0.5 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Cykelslangen
0.7 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.9 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
The Stable Boy's House
1.0 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Copenhagen Central Station
1.1 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Circle Bridge
1.1 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.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
1.2 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.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
1.3 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Statue of Andersen
1.3 km
Denmark's beloved storyteller immortalized in bronze, gazing toward Tivoli's magic in Copenhagen's beating heart.
Frihedsstøtten
1.3 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
1.3 km
A gilded astronomical masterpiece with 15,448 parts, calculating time and cosmos for the next 2,500 years.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
1.3 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
1.3 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.
City Hall Square
1.3 km
Copenhagen’s City Hall Square is the city’s ceremonial heart, blending grand architecture, local traditions, lively events, and everyday urban buzz into one essential landmark.
Vandkunsten Springvand
1.3 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Unmissable attractions to see
VisitDenmark
0.0 km
Copenhagen's vibrant waterfront hub where urban swimming, green lawns, and waterside cafes create the perfect Danish hygge escape.
Islands Brygge 18
0.4 km
A waterfront cultural house on Copenhagen’s harbour, blending performances, family activities and a relaxed café with open views across the city skyline.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge
0.6 km
Open‑air saltwater pools, diving towers and sun‑warmed decks turn Copenhagen’s inner harbour at Islands Brygge into an urban beach and everyday swimming hangout.
Lille Langebro
0.9 km
A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Øksnehallen
0.9 km
Vast former cattle hall turned cultural venue, Øksnehallen blends industrial heritage, daylight-filled architecture and flexible space for major fairs, art shows and events.
Kopenhagen
0.9 km
A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
Danish Architecture Centre
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
1.0 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Himmelskibet
1.0 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
1.1 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Rutschebanen
1.1 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Tivoli Gardens
1.1 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Freddys Bar
1.1 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime heritage and cutting-edge architecture at Helsingør’s award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, set in a stunning subterranean dry dock near Kronborg Castle.
The Tube
1.1 km
Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.
Fermentoren
1.1 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime legacy at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør, where innovative architecture meets interactive storytelling and rich seafaring history.
Essential places to dine
MASH Penthouse
0.5 km
Skyline steakhouse on the 12th floor of Tivoli Hotel, blending premium cuts, crafted cocktails and sweeping Copenhagen views in a chic, velvety penthouse setting.
The Harbour
0.6 km
Calm, contemporary harbourfront dining inside Copenhagen Island hotel, pairing generous breakfasts and modern Nordic-inspired dishes with sweeping water views.
Restaurant Noi
0.9 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
1.0 km
Industrial-chic seafood in Copenhagen’s former Meatpacking District, where ultra-fresh Nordic fish, natural wines and a buzzing bar scene meet under one concrete roof.
Je t'aime
1.0 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
Fleisch
1.0 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Paté Paté
1.1 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Restaurant Karla
1.1 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Rio Bravo
1.1 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Kanal-Caféen
1.2 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
No. 2
1.2 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
1.2 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Ristorante Buono
1.2 km
Cozy Vesterbro Italian with candlelit tables, generous pasta and risotto, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Copenhagen’s evening dining scene.
LUN restaurant & winebar
1.2 km
Andalusian-inspired tasting menus, serious wine and cocktails, and a warm candlelit atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district.
Cofoco
1.3 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
0.7 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Tivoli Gift Shop
1.0 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
1.3 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Souvenir Gift Shop
1.3 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Funky Junky
1.4 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Wonderful Souvenirs
1.4 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
1.4 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.
Viking Souvenirs
1.5 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.
Souvenir Shop
1.5 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
1.6 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Carmen Copenhagen
1.6 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.
Audrey Vintage
1.6 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
1.6 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.6 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.6 km
Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pier5 Bar
0.5 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Jolene Bar
0.8 km
Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.
The Marble Bar
0.9 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
1.0 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
Jernbanecafeen
1.1 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
1.1 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Spunk
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
1656 Cocktail Bar
1.1 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
The Rooftop Bar
1.2 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Library Bar
1.2 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Southern Cross Pub
1.2 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.
CUBE bar
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Mikkeller Bar
1.3 km
Explore Mikkeller Bar in Vesterbro, Copenhagen, a haven for craft beer lovers with a diverse selection and welcoming atmosphere.
Zefside
1.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Curfew
1.4 km
Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- 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
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
