Islands Brygge: Copenhagen’s Urban Riverside Promenade
A vibrant waterfront district in Copenhagen, Islands Brygge offers harbor views, greenery, public swimming, modern architecture, and a lively local scene year-round.
Islands Brygge is a bustling waterfront district in central Copenhagen known for its scenic harbor views, inviting green spaces, and lively urban life. Once a gritty industrial area, it is now one of the city’s most beloved meeting places, especially in summer, with locals and visitors gathering for swimming, sunbathing, and vibrant open-air events. Its blend of historic charm and modern design creates an unmistakable Copenhagen atmosphere.
A brief summary to Rainbow Square
- Regnbuepladsen, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1552, DK
Local tips
- Bring swimwear in warm months—the Harbor Bath is one of Copenhagen’s top spots for a safe city dip.
- Weekends can be busy; arrive early to secure a picnic spot or quiet bench with harbor views.
- Cafés and street food stalls are plentiful—grab a local pastry or coffee and enjoy it by the water.
- Look out for cultural events and open-air concerts, particularly in the summer months.
- Wheelchair access is generally good along the main promenade, though it can be crowded during events.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Travelers arriving from Køge Center can take a regional S-train toward Copenhagen Central Station, a scenic journey of about 40–50 minutes. Upon reaching the city, transfer to the metro at one of Copenhagen’s well-signposted hubs, heading toward Islands Brygge station on the M1 line—a short ride of roughly 5–8 minutes. The total travel cost is typically around 96–120 DKK per adult (return). From the metro station, the bustling waterfront and grassy promenade are visible just outside, a short walk away.
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Driving
For those driving from Køge, the journey to central Copenhagen and Islands Brygge generally takes 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Municipal parking is available in nearby side streets and garages, with average rates around 24–40 DKK per hour. The prominent skyline and large riverside parks make the area easy to spot, but expect limited parking spaces, especially during peak periods or major events.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from Køge to Islands Brygge offers a direct transfer into the heart of the district. The journey typically lasts about 45–60 minutes, based on traffic conditions, with fares ranging from 650–950 DKK. The driver will usually drop off near the main waterfront promenade, with green spaces and the distinct harbor bath structure in clear view.
Discover more about Rainbow Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
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Aarhus University Park: Where Danish architectural elegance meets lush urban nature, offering tranquil lakes, stately trees, and a vibrant academic atmosphere.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
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Discover 'Heracles and the Hydra'—a captivating modern sculpture that unites Greek mythology and Danish artistry beside historic Kronborg Castle in Helsingør.
Nytorv
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Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Nytorv 2
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Aarhus’ historic Latin Quarter blends medieval lanes, bohemian charm, vibrant cafés, and local boutiques, making it the creative soul of Denmark’s second-largest city.
Gammeltorv
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Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Rutschebanen
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Iconic 1914 wooden roller coaster in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, offering nostalgic thrills and hands-on history amid the city’s legendary amusement park.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
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Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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Explore Denmark's industrial past at Industrimuseet in Horsens, an interactive museum with working machines, workshops, and personal stories from Denmark's iron and steam era.
Copenhagen Central Station
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Copenhagen Central Station is the vibrant gateway to Denmark’s capital, blending historic architecture, bustling platforms, and local flavor at the heart of Zealand.
Frihedsstøtten
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Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
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A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Amagertorv
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Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
The Stable Boy's House
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Historic seat of Danish royalty and government, Christiansborg Palace dazzles with royal halls, ancient ruins, stables, and unmatched views in central Copenhagen.
The Danish Parliament
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Experience Skagen’s rich maritime and industrial heritage, with vintage engines, interactive exhibits, and a harbor-inspired café in a welcoming community setting.
Højbro
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Aarhus University Park: Where world-renowned academic heritage, Danish modernism, and lush green landscapes meet in the heart of Aarhus for a uniquely peaceful escape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Jens Olsen's World Clock
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Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
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A world-famous museum of the bizarre and extraordinary, Ripley's Believe It or Not! offers interactive exhibits and fascinating oddities in central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen City Hall
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An awe-inspiring mythological fountain where Norse legend meets Copenhagen’s vibrant cityscape, offering a scenic and legendary gateway to the capital’s green spaces.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
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Expansive city beach in Malmö, featuring shallow waters, Nordic bathhouse experiences, lush promenades, and panoramic views of the Öresund Bridge and Turning Torso.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
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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.
City Hall Square
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Explore over 3,000 animals in historic enclosures at Copenhagen Zoo, a blend of wildlife conservation and architectural innovation in Frederiksberg.
Statue of Andersen
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Discover the extraordinary at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Copenhagen, where over 500 exhibits challenge reality and ignite the imagination.
Museum of Copenhagen
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Stroll Copenhagen's historic Langelinie promenade for iconic harbor views, gardens, maritime heritage, and the famous Little Mermaid statue along the waterfront.
Vandkunsten Springvand
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Experience world-class acoustics, cutting-edge architecture, and a diverse program of music at Copenhagen’s stunning DR Koncerthuset concert hall.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
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Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
National Museum of Denmark
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Uncover centuries-old secrets and wild beauty at Søborg Slotsruin, North Zealand’s evocative medieval castle ruin set in tranquil Danish countryside.
Tivoli Gardens
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Discover Denmark’s sole public falconry center near Fredensborg, where ancient royal traditions and stunning birds of prey come alive amid North Zealand’s tranquil woodlands.
Magstræde
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Historic Belle Époque theatre in Vesterbro, famed for grand musicals and classical architecture, blending Danish cultural heritage with world-class stage productions.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
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Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Marmorbroen
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Explore Langelinie: Copenhagen's historic waterfront promenade featuring iconic landmarks, scenic views, and vibrant cultural attractions.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Puk
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Discover the essence of Danish cuisine at Restaurant Puk in Copenhagen – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
Husmanns Vinstue
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Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Husmanns Vinstue in Copenhagen – where tradition meets taste in a cozy atmosphere.
Spisestedet FEED
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Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Restaurant Karla
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Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant Kronborg
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Discover authentic Danish smørrebrød and timeless hospitality in a centuries-old cellar, set in the historic heart of Copenhagen’s lively city center.
Krebsegaarden
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Discover Krebsegaarden: A premier seafood restaurant in Copenhagen offering exquisite dishes in a charming atmosphere.
Restaurant 1733
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Historic canal-side setting in Copenhagen’s center serving creative Danish classics and regional specialties with genuine hygge and a modern twist.
Københavner Cafeen
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Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Københavner Cafeen – a cozy spot in Copenhagen's heart offering delicious meals for every palate.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
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La Baracca Tivoli serves fresh Italian fare with flair inside Copenhagen’s iconic amusement park, blending Mediterranean hospitality and contemporary style steps from the city center.
Vækst
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Experience modern European cuisine at Vækst - where fresh ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry in Copenhagen's vibrant Indre By.
Marv & Ben
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Discover Marv & Ben: A premier destination for fine Danish dining blending tradition with modernity in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Noi
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Discover the fusion of modern and traditional Danish flavors at Restaurant Noi in Copenhagen's vibrant culinary scene.
Restaurant Tight
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Discover creative dishes and exceptional service at Restaurant Tight in Copenhagen’s Indre By district.
Wining and Dining
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Experience the essence of Danish cuisine at Wining and Dining in Copenhagen - where fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity.
Det Lille Apotek
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Experience authentic Danish cuisine at Det Lille Apotek in Copenhagen - a perfect blend of tradition and flavor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Viking Souvenirs
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Discover authentic Viking keepsakes and Danish-designed gifts at Viking Souvenirs, perfectly placed on Copenhagen’s historic shopping street for a unique Nordic shopping adventure.
Wasteland
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Discover unique vintage fashion treasures at Wasteland in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter.
Quirky Lane
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Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
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Tivoli Gift Shop
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Discover unique souvenirs and Danish crafts at the Tivoli Gift Shop, capturing the magic of Copenhagen's historic amusement park.
Strøget
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Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
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A stylish Vesterbro boutique filled with curated Nordic fashion, contemporary gifts, and Danish design treasures for visitors seeking authentic Copenhagen keepsakes.
Læderstræde
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Studio Arhoj
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Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Time's Up Vintage
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ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Magasin du Nord
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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.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
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Henrik Vibskov Boutique: Explore boundary-pushing Danish design and avant-garde fashion in a gallery-inspired setting in central Copenhagen.
TorvehallerneKBH
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Taphouse
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not your USUAL wine bar
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Southern Cross Pub
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Discover the lively Southern Cross Pub, a charming sports bar in Copenhagen, perfect for sports enthusiasts and social gatherings.
The Rooftop Bar
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Musen & Elefanten
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Discover true Danish hygge and vintage bar culture at Musen & Elefanten, a local favorite nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s vibrant Latin Quarter.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
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Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Floss Bar
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Historic LGBTQ+ bar in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter blending warm hospitality, affordable drinks, and eclectic locals in a welcoming, community-driven setting.
The Shamrock Inn
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Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Godt Øl
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Discover a welcoming cellar sanctuary for craft beer enthusiasts in Copenhagen, offering expertly curated Danish and international selections in a cozy, sociable atmosphere.
Ruby
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Ruby is Copenhagen’s iconic cocktail bar, where historic townhouse charm meets world-class mixology in a uniquely atmospheric setting near the city’s heart.
Lord Nelson Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Library Bar
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Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Luke's Bar
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Luke’s Bar is a beloved vintage-inspired haunt in Copenhagen’s Indre By, celebrated for creative cocktails, retro ambience, and welcoming, quirky bartenders.
The Bird and The Churchkey
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Strøm
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Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
