Copenhagen City Hall
National Romantic red brick, a soaring clock tower and an astonishing world clock make Copenhagen City Hall the civic soul and architectural showpiece of Rådhuspladsen.
Copenhagen City Hall rises over Rådhuspladsen with a 105.6‑meter clock tower, red‑brick façades and ornate details that embody Denmark’s National Romantic style. Built between 1892 and 1905, it is both the city’s political heart and a richly decorated public building, with a grand central hall, peaceful inner garden, and the extraordinary Jens Olsen’s World Clock tucked just inside. Free to enter, it anchors one of Copenhagen’s liveliest squares, moments from Tivoli Gardens and Strøget.
A brief summary to Copenhagen City Hall
- Rådhuspladsen 1, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1553, DK
- +4533663366
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Take time to explore the free public areas: the grand central hall, upper galleries and the inner garden offer very different perspectives on the building.
- Join a guided tour if you can; it typically includes background on the architecture, access to notable rooms and often a climb up the tower for city views.
- Bring a small zoom lens or binoculars to appreciate the sculptural details high on the façade and the intricate dials of Jens Olsen’s World Clock.
- Arrive early in the day on weekdays for quieter corridors and easier photography inside the main hall before larger groups arrive.
- Combine your visit with nearby Tivoli Gardens and a stroll down Strøget; City Hall makes a convenient starting or meeting point for central Copenhagen.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
From most central Copenhagen locations, take the M3 Cityringen or another metro line to Rådhuspladsen Station, which sits directly on the north side of City Hall Square. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day, and the ride from Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv typically takes 3–6 minutes. A standard two‑zone ticket costs around 20–25 DKK and is valid on metro, buses and S‑trains within the central area.
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Train and short walk
If you are arriving by regional or intercity train, travel to Copenhagen Central Station. From there it is an easy 8–12 minute walk along broad, well‑lit streets to City Hall Square, mostly on level pavement suitable for wheelchairs and luggage. Train fares vary widely by distance, but local suburban journeys into the central station usually cost from about 24–40 DKK one way.
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City bus
Several city bus lines stop at the bus hub along the north side of Rådhuspladsen, making City Hall one of the easiest landmarks to reach by bus from inner neighborhoods. Typical journey times from nearby districts like Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro range from 10–25 minutes depending on traffic. Use a standard two‑zone ticket or travel card; single tickets are usually around 20–25 DKK within central Copenhagen.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes lead directly to Rådhuspladsen, and many visitors choose to arrive by bike. From nearby areas such as Nyhavn, Christianshavn or Frederiksberg, the ride typically takes 10–20 minutes on mostly flat, well‑marked routes. Public bike‑share schemes and many hotels offer rental bikes, with typical prices starting around 80–150 DKK per day; always park only in designated stands around the square.
Copenhagen City Hall 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 Copenhagen City Hall
Where Copenhagen’s Civic Heart Meets Everyday Life
Copenhagen City Hall stands at the center of Rådhuspladsen, its tall clock tower and warm red brick anchoring one of the busiest spaces in the city. Designed by architect Martin Nyrop and completed in 1905, the building was inspired by grand Italian town halls yet translated into a distinctly Nordic, National Romantic expression. Here, city politics, major celebrations and everyday errands unfold under the same ornate roof. The building still houses the city council and the lord mayor’s offices, but large parts remain accessible, so you can step directly into the civic stage where Copenhagen marks everything from royal jubilees to championship victories. Just outside, the wide square is framed by statues, fountains and the constant movement of buses, bicycles and pedestrians heading toward Tivoli Gardens or the start of the Strøget shopping street.Architecture Rich in Symbolism and Craftsmanship
Up close, the City Hall’s façade reveals layers of detail: decorative brickwork, gilded figures, coats of arms and intricate carvings that tell stories of Denmark’s past. National Romantic architecture favored natural materials, hand‑crafted ornament and references to folklore and medieval forms, and all of these threads come together here in one monumental composition. Inside, broad staircases, arches and galleries wrap around a soaring central hall paved with patterned stone. Light pours in through high windows, picking out sculpted reliefs and murals. Almost every element, from wrought‑iron railings to door handles, was custom designed, showcasing the skills of turn‑of‑the‑century Danish artisans. It feels at once ceremonial and surprisingly open, a place where citizens are meant to feel ownership of their city.Hidden Corners: Garden Cloister and Quiet Reading Room
Beyond the formal halls, Copenhagen City Hall shelters quieter spaces that contrast with the buzz outside. In the middle of the building, a small courtyard garden offers a pocket of greenery with lawns, flowerbeds and arcades. It functions as a cloister‑like retreat, where you can pause with a coffee or simply enjoy the muffled sounds of the city beyond the walls. Another atmospheric corner is the former City Hall Library, now used as a tranquil reading room. High ceilings, tall windows and book‑lined walls create an almost academic calm, making it a popular place for quiet work or study. Both spaces underscore how the building is designed not only for ceremony, but also for reflection and everyday use.Jens Olsen’s World Clock and the Call of the Tower
Just inside the entrance, Jens Olsen’s World Clock adds a fascinating mechanical layer to the visit. This complex astronomical clock, completed in the mid‑20th century after decades of work, tracks everything from standard time to planetary motions with astonishing precision. Dials, cogs and tiny inscriptions invite patient inspection, turning a simple hallway into a miniature observatory. From ground level, your eye is continually drawn upward to the City Hall Tower, one of Copenhagen’s tallest structures. Guided visits lead up more than 300 steps to a viewing balcony, rewarding the climb with sweeping views over rooftops, Tivoli’s rides, church spires and the harbor beyond. The ascent itself, through brick stairwells and narrow landings, reinforces the tower’s role as both landmark and lookout.Life on the Square: Statues, Stories and Celebrations
Outside the main doors, Rådhuspladsen functions as Copenhagen’s front yard. To one side, the Dragon Fountain twists a bull and a dragon into a dramatic struggle; nearby, Hans Christian Andersen sits on his bench, facing Tivoli and the street that bears his name. A stone pillar marks where the city’s old western gate once stood, quietly recalling the days when walls enclosed the historic center. Throughout the year, the square hosts concerts, rallies, seasonal markets and New Year festivities. Street performers, food stalls and temporary stages transform it regularly, yet the City Hall remains the constant backdrop. Whether you are passing through on the way to Strøget or lingering on the steps to watch the flow of bicycles at rush hour, this is where the rhythms of modern Copenhagen and its long civic story meet most vividly.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.1 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.
Lur Blowers
0.1 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.4 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.4 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.
Frihedsstøtten
0.4 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.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.5 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.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.5 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.
Gammel Strand
0.6 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
The Stable Boy's House
0.6 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.
Strøget
0.6 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Gråbrødretorv
0.6 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Amagertorv
0.6 km
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.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.6 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.
The Danish Parliament
0.6 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Unmissable attractions to see
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.0 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Statue of Andersen
0.1 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Rainbow Square
0.1 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
City Hall Square
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.1 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.1 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.2 km
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.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.2 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Tivoli Gardens
0.2 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.3 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
National Museum of Denmark
0.3 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.3 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.3 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Rutschebanen
0.3 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.
Himmelskibet
0.3 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Essential places to dine
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.2 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Rio Bravo
0.2 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Spisestedet FEED
0.2 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.3 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Restaurant Karla
0.3 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.3 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.3 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.4 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
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.
Krebsegaarden
0.4 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Restaurant Noi
0.4 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Kanal-Caféen
0.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Vækst
0.4 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.1 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 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
0.2 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
0.3 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.3 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.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.3 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.3 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.
Wasteland
0.4 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
København K
0.4 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Quirky Lane
0.4 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 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.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Notre Dame
0.4 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.4 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.5 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Taphouse
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Southern Cross Pub
0.1 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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.1 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
The Rooftop Bar
0.2 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.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.2 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Proud Mary Pub
0.2 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
The Scottish Pub
0.2 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
Centralhjørnet
0.2 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Musen & Elefanten
0.2 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
The Shamrock Inn
0.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Floss Bar
0.3 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Library Bar
0.4 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The Marble Bar
0.4 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.1 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Module
0.2 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Dorsia
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.3 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Miami Bar
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
0.4 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Never Mind
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Mirror
0.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
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.
La Terraza
0.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Den Anden Side
0.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
