Sankt Annæ Gade, Christianshavn
A narrow Christianshavn street where warehouses became homes, church bells echo over cobblestones, and Copenhagen’s maritime past meets everyday neighborhood life.
Sankt Annæ Gade is a quietly atmospheric street in Copenhagen’s Christianshavn district, lined with centuries-old townhouses, former merchants’ warehouses and glimpses of the nearby canals. Just behind the spire of Our Saviour’s Church, it preserves a strong sense of old Copenhagen, with cobblestones underfoot, gabled facades, and modest courtyards that hint at its maritime and trading past. Today it feels residential and local, yet remains an evocative place for a slow architectural wander.
A brief summary to Sankt Annæ Gade
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your walk to pass when the bells of Our Saviour’s Church are likely to ring; the sound adds a memorable soundtrack to the narrow street and nearby canals.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the cobblestones can feel uneven and slightly slippery in wet or icy weather.
- Bring a camera or phone for architectural details; the best photos often come where the street bends and the church spire rises between gabled roofs.
- Combine your stroll with a short detour to the nearby canals for contrasting waterfront views and reflections of the historic buildings.
- Aim for early morning or late afternoon for softer light and a quieter feel, especially if you are interested in photography or sketching.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, use the M1 or M2 metro lines to Christianshavn Station, a ride of about 5–7 minutes from Kongens Nytorv. Standard single tickets within the city center typically cost around 20–30 DKK and cover both metro and buses within the relevant zones. Trains run frequently throughout the day, including evenings. From the station, expect a short urban walk on level pavements through the Christianshavn neighborhood to reach Sankt Annæ Gade.
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City bus within Copenhagen
Several city bus routes serve the Christianshavn area from different parts of Copenhagen, usually taking 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. A single bus ticket within the central zones generally costs about 20–30 DKK, with contactless and app payments widely accepted. Buses run at regular intervals but may be less frequent late at night and on weekends. Stops are within comfortable walking distance of Sankt Annæ Gade along paved, mostly flat streets.
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Bicycle from inner city
Cycling from the historic center to Christianshavn typically takes 10–15 minutes along established bike lanes and bridges. Copenhagen has extensive rental and bike-share options, with typical short-term rentals starting around 75–150 DKK per day depending on the provider and bike type. The route is generally flat and suitable for most cyclists, though you should be comfortable riding in city traffic and sharing lanes with many other cyclists during rush hours.
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On foot from Kongens Nytorv area
Walking from the Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn area to Sankt Annæ Gade usually takes 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route crosses central bridges and passes through historic streets before reaching the canals of Christianshavn. Pavements are mostly even, though some sections include cobblestones that may feel uneven for those with limited mobility. This option costs nothing and allows plenty of time to appreciate the waterfront and architecture along the way.
Sankt Annæ Gade 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 Sankt Annæ Gade
A historic lane in the heart of Christianshavn
Sankt Annæ Gade threads through the Christianshavn quarter, one of Copenhagen’s most characterful historic districts. The street dates back to the 17th century, when this entire area was reclaimed from the seabed and planned as a merchant and seafaring neighborhood. Here, life and commerce once revolved around the nearby canals, and many of the houses still bear the proportions and materials of that era, with red brick, timber framing and steep gables facing the wind off the harbour. Strolling along the cobblestones, you sense how compact the old city once was: façades stand close to the street, rooflines crowd the sky, and details such as date stones, old door knockers and tiny cellar windows quietly tell of long urban lives.Warehouses turned townhouses
One of the most striking aspects of Sankt Annæ Gade is how former warehouses and working buildings have been transformed into handsome residences while keeping their historic bones. Properties like the notable house at number 4 began life in the 1620s as part of a long commercial warehouse complex serving nearby merchants and shipowners. In the mid‑18th century, an anchor smith converted that structure into a two-storey dwelling, marking the shift from pure industry to mixed residential use in the street. Elsewhere along the street, bricked-up hoist doors, broad gateways and deep plots hint at past workshops, storage lofts and small yards where goods once moved in and out by cart and barge. Today these same shells shelter apartments and courtyards, but their silhouettes still speak of the working harbour that defined Christianshavn.Everyday life with a maritime backdrop
Despite its impressive history, Sankt Annæ Gade feels lived-in rather than museum-like. Bicycles lean against plastered walls, potted plants soften stoops and window sills, and laundry lines appear in tucked-away courtyards. You are only a short block from the water, and the presence of the canals is constant: a glimpse of moored boats down a side alley, the faint slap of waves, or the creak of rigging on a windy day. The street’s human scale is part of its charm. Most buildings rise no higher than a few storeys, and narrow cross streets link quickly to other parts of Christianshavn, creating a compact maze that invites unhurried exploration on foot.In the shadow of Our Saviour’s Church
At one end of Sankt Annæ Gade, the spiral spire of Our Saviour’s Church rises above the rooftops, an unmistakable landmark in this part of Copenhagen. The church itself dates from the late 17th century and is one of Denmark’s key baroque monuments, with a distinctive corkscrew tower added in the 18th century. As you move along the street, the tower appears and disappears between chimneys and gables, orienting you like a compass needle. Bells from the church mark the passing hours, and on clear days you may spot tiny figures climbing the external staircase high above. This interplay between modest residential street and grand sacred architecture gives Sankt Annæ Gade much of its distinctive atmosphere.A gentle walk for architecture lovers
For visitors, Sankt Annæ Gade is best appreciated at a slow pace, ideally combined with a wider wander through Christianshavn and the canals. It is not a place of major attractions or big-ticket sights; instead, its appeal lies in the accumulation of small details: the way afternoon light slides along yellow plaster, the curve of an old doorway, or the patina on iron railings. Photographers will find plenty of angles, particularly where the street bends and frames the church tower, or where 18th-century façades line up in subtly different colours. It is an easy, low-key stop that reveals how Copenhagen’s maritime and mercantile past has been woven into a comfortable present-day neighborhood.Quiet character through the seasons
Sankt Annæ Gade changes with the weather and time of year. In summer, greenery spills from window boxes and the cobblestones radiate warmth retained from the long Scandinavian evenings. Autumn brings crisp air and deeper shadows, with leaves collecting along the gutters. Even in light rain or winter snow, the street’s textures stand out: wet stone, glistening brickwork and the soft glow of lamplight in tall-paned windows. Whatever the season, this is a street that rewards those willing to slow down and notice how centuries of urban life have settled into the fabric of Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.3 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.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.5 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
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.
Holmens Bro
0.7 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.
Frederik VII
0.8 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
The Danish Parliament
0.8 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Lille Langebro
0.8 km
Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
Ofelia Plads
0.8 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Kongens Nytorv
0.8 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
Christiansborg Palace
0.8 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.9 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.9 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Memorial Anchor
0.9 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
The Stable Boy's House
0.9 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.
The Kissing Stairs
0.9 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Church of Our Saviour
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s iconic spiral‑tower church, where Baroque art, ringing carillon bells, and a vertiginous 400‑step climb reveal sweeping views over canals and harbor.
Christianshavn
0.2 km
Experience the lively heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square near the Northern Harbour.
Christiania
0.3 km
A self-governing “freetown” of murals, lakeside paths and experimental living, tucked behind Copenhagen’s old ramparts in the heart of Christianshavn.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.3 km
A 17th‑century canal of cobbles, gables and sailboats, Christianshavns Kanal is Copenhagen’s quietly cinematic waterway at the heart of island life.
Lille Mølle
0.3 km
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
0.3 km
A towering recycled-wood troll at Christiania’s entrance, Green George blends street art, sustainability and playful storytelling in the heart of Copenhagen.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.4 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Knippelsbro
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Operaen
0.4 km
Innovative cocktails in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.4 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
Havnepromenade
0.5 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.
North Atlantic House
0.6 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Børsen
0.6 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.6 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Wilder
0.1 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
0.3 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.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.3 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.
Restaurant Lola
0.3 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant Barr
0.6 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.
à terre
0.7 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.
Khun Juk
0.7 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
0.8 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.
King Hans Cellar
0.8 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Cap Horn
0.8 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
0.9 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
0.9 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 Maven
0.9 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.
Marchal
1.0 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
0.8 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
0.8 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.
Magasin du Nord
0.8 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
0.9 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
0.9 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Zane
0.9 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.9 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.9 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Danish Souvenirs
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Urban Outfitters
1.0 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
1.0 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Læderstræde
1.1 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
1.1 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
The Wilde Shop
1.1 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Magnolias
1.1 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
0.1 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
0.8 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Ved Stranden
0.9 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
0.9 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Balthazar
1.0 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.
Lassie Bar
1.0 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
1105
1.0 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Bird and The Churchkey
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Bar Deco
1.0 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
The Dubliner
1.1 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.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.1 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Ruby
1.1 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Godt Øl
1.1 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.
Lord Nelson Bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
1.0 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.
The Zoo
1.1 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
1.2 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
1.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Club Mambo
1.3 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Hive
1.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mirror
1.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
1.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
1.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
1.5 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
1.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Culture Box
1.6 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Cosy Bar
1.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Arch
1.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.6 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
