Operaen (Copenhagen Opera House)
A bold waterfront opera house where gold-leaf opulence, cutting-edge stagecraft and harbour views combine into Copenhagen’s most dramatic modern landmark.
Operaen, the Copenhagen Opera House, rises from the waterfront opposite Amalienborg Palace as one of Denmark’s most striking modern landmarks. Completed in 2004 as a gift to the nation, this vast, glass-fronted building combines bold contemporary architecture with meticulous craftsmanship, from Jura limestone cladding to a gold-leaf ceiling over the main auditorium. Inside, world-class acoustics, multiple stages and refined foyers make it the cultural heart of the Royal Danish Opera and a must-see stop on the city’s harbourfront.
A brief summary to Operaen
- Psyak 61C, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1440, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive early before an evening performance to explore the foyers and enjoy harbour views across to Amalienborg Palace and the Marble Church.
- Consider booking a guided tour on a non-show day if available; it is the best way to see backstage areas, rehearsal rooms and technical spaces.
- Dress in smart-casual layers; the interior is warm, but the exposed waterfront can be windy and cool, especially outside performance hours.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the neighbouring Opera Park to experience contrasting perspectives of the building amid greenery.
- Check the programme in advance if you prefer opera, ballet or concerts, as different genres use the main stage and smaller experimental spaces.
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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Harbour bus
From central Copenhagen near Nyhavn, take one of the harbour bus lines that serve the Opera stop on Holmen. The boat ride typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on the route and intermediate stops. Standard city harbour bus tickets and travel cards are valid, with single fares usually in the range of DKK 20–30. Services run frequently during the day and evening, but late-night departures can be less regular, so check the timetable if attending a long performance.
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City bus
Several regular bus routes connect central Copenhagen with the Holmen area near Operaen, with travel times commonly around 15–30 minutes from inner-city hubs. A single-zone ticket usually costs about DKK 20–30, and most services accept contactless cards and travel passes. Buses can be busy at peak commuting times, and some routes may be adjusted during major roadworks or harbourfront construction, so allow extra time before curtain-up.
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Taxi or rideshare
A taxi from central Copenhagen to Operaen often takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic, especially around rush hour and on performance evenings. Typical fares range from roughly DKK 120–220 one way, with supplements at night and on weekends. Taxis can usually drop passengers close to the main entrance, though short walks over flat surfaces are still required; this is often the most comfortable option after late performances or in poor weather.
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Walking and cycling
From central Copenhagen areas such as Kongens Nytorv or Nyhavn, walking or cycling to Operaen along the harbour usually takes 20–35 minutes on mostly flat, well-maintained paths and bridges. This route offers excellent views of the waterfront and city skyline. In darker months, lighting is generally good but wind exposure can make the journey feel cooler, so weather-appropriate clothing is advisable, especially if returning after an evening performance.
Operaen location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Operaen
An icon on Copenhagen’s inner harbour
Operaen, Copenhagen’s Opera House, dominates the harbour skyline on the island of Holmen, directly aligned with Amalienborg Palace and the Marble Church across the water. The building’s dramatic cantilevered roof stretches far beyond its glass façade, creating a floating silhouette that changes with every shift of light and weather. From the promenade, you see ferries and harbour buses gliding past, while cyclists and pedestrians trace the waterfront paths that frame the structure on three sides. Step closer and the exterior textures become more tactile. Warm maple, pale Jura limestone from southern Germany and expanses of glass play off the steel structure, giving the building both gravitas and lightness. The positioning was carefully chosen so that, standing at the main entrance, you look straight down an axis of royal and civic power, tying this contemporary project into centuries of Danish history.Architecture crafted as a cultural statement
Designed by Danish architect Henning Larsen and completed in 2004, Operaen was conceived as a national showpiece for performing arts. The complex totals around 41,000 square metres, with fourteen floors, five of them below ground. Much of the building’s technical muscle is hidden: stage towers, rehearsal rooms and backstage workshops sit beneath and behind the public areas, allowing productions to move seamlessly from preparation to performance. Inside the foyer, Sicilian Perlatino marble floors and sweeping staircases set an elegant tone. The curved wooden shell of the auditorium glows like a sculptural object, its maple cladding evoking the hull of a ship moored in the harbour. Above the main auditorium, 105,000 sheets of 24-carat gold leaf shimmer across the ceiling, adding a subtle, warm luminance rather than ostentatious shine.Stages, acoustics and life behind the curtain
At the heart of Operaen is the main stage, seating around 1,400 spectators in a classic horseshoe configuration refined for modern sightlines and sound. The hall was engineered for opera and ballet, with acoustics tuned to carry unamplified voices and orchestras clearly to the upper balconies. Beneath the stage, elevators and turntables allow for rapid scene changes, while a movable ballet floor can be adjusted to support both classical and contemporary choreography. In addition to the main auditorium, the complex includes several rehearsal stages and an experimental theatre space often referred to as a black box. These flexible rooms host smaller-scale productions, workshops and innovative projects, making the building not only a showcase but also a laboratory for new work. Guided tours, when available, reveal costume departments, set-building areas and technical galleries that are normally hidden from public view.A waterfront visit beyond performance nights
Even if you do not attend a performance, the building and its setting warrant a dedicated visit. Large glass walls in the foyer frame views back to the city’s skyline, particularly impressive at dusk when church spires and palace façades glow across the water. Outside, broad terraces encourage you to stroll, sit and watch the constant movement of boats, joggers and commuters. Nearby, the landscaped Opera Park adds a softer, green foreground to the stone and steel of the opera house. Paths wind between themed planting beds, and small clearings offer quiet spots to pause with the building as a backdrop. In summer, the area feels almost resort-like as people gather along the quayside; in winter, low light and mist can give the scene a cinematic, almost monochrome quality.Experiencing Operaen through the seasons
Operaen’s character shifts markedly with the time of day and year. On bright mornings, the limestone and glass appear crisp and cool, and the harbour breezes can be bracing out on the exposed edges. Afternoon and early evening bring softer light and lively pre-performance buzz in the foyers as elegantly dressed audiences filter in, contrasted with the more casual atmosphere of people simply enjoying the waterfront. Colder months add another layer of drama: you might see ice-flecked water below the wide roof, and stepping into the warm, golden-lit interior feels especially welcoming. In warmer weather, visitors linger longer outside, using the opera house as both cultural destination and informal viewing platform. Whether you come for a full evening of opera, a backstage insight, or simply to admire one of Copenhagen’s defining modern buildings, Operaen rewards unhurried exploration and repeat visits.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
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Sankt Annæ Pl.
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Circle Bridge
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Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
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Black Diamond
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Memorial Anchor
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Kongens Nytorv
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Hans Christian Andersen plaque
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Holmens Bro
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Frederik VII
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Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
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Christiania
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Lille Mølle
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Church of Our Saviour
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Copenhagen’s Baroque landmark with a daring spiral spire, soaring views over canals and rooftops, and a luminous interior rich in music, symbolism and royal history.
Sankt Annæ Gade
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A narrow Christianshavn street where warehouses became homes, church bells echo over cobblestones, and Copenhagen’s maritime past meets everyday neighborhood life.
North Atlantic House
0.5 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.5 km
A 17th‑century canal of cobbles, gables and sailboats, Christianshavns Kanal is Copenhagen’s quietly cinematic waterway at the heart of island life.
Inderhavnsbroen
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Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Christianshavn
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Havnepromenade
0.7 km
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Havnegade Promenaden
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The Playhouse
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Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
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Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Knippelsbro
0.8 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Ofelia Plads
0.8 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Lola
0.3 km
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Restaurant Kanalen
0.4 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.
Cafe Wilder
0.5 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Restaurant Barr
0.5 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.
Kadeau
0.7 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.
Khun Juk
0.8 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.
à terre
0.9 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.
Skipperkroen
0.9 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.
No. 2
1.0 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Cap Horn
1.0 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.0 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.
King Hans Cellar
1.1 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
1.2 km
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Goldfinch
1.2 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Marchal
1.2 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
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Maritime Antiques &
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Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Zane
1.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Magasin du Nord
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.1 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
1.2 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
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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
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The Wilde Shop
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Urban Outfitters
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Royal Souvenir Shop
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ILLUM
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Magnolias
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
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Lassie Bar
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Ved Stranden
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Balthazar
1.3 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.
K-Bar
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Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Whammy Bar
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Bar Deco
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Aloha Beach Bar
1.3 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
1105
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The Dubliner
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The Bird and The Churchkey
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Charlie's Bar
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The Moose
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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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
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The Zoo
1.4 km
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Mini Bar
1.4 km
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Chateau Motel
1.6 km
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Culture Box
1.7 km
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Club Mambo
1.7 km
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Hive
1.7 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mirror
1.8 km
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Rumors
1.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
1.8 km
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Dorsia
1.9 km
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La Terraza
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Arch
2.0 km
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Mirage
2.0 km
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Cosy Bar
2.0 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Romantic
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
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
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
