Nyhavn
Copenhagen’s most colourful waterfront, where 17th‑century townhouses, wooden ships and lively cafés bring the city’s maritime history to life along a narrow canal.
Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s iconic 17th‑century waterfront, a narrow canal framed by brightly painted townhouses, historic wooden ships and a ribbon of bustling cafés and restaurants. Once a rough‑and‑ready sailors’ port, it is now a lively promenade where you can linger over smørrebrød and a beer, join a canal tour, trace Hans Christian Andersen’s footsteps, or simply sit on the quayside and watch boats glide in and out of the harbour light.
A brief summary to Nyhavn
- Indre By, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or around sunset to enjoy Nyhavn’s colours and reflections with fewer crowds and softer, more photogenic light.
- Budget‑conscious travellers can skip waterfront restaurant prices by grabbing takeaway snacks or coffee from nearby streets and sitting along the quay.
- Combine your visit with a canal tour departing from Nyhavn to see key Copenhagen landmarks from the water in about an hour.
- In winter, bring warm layers and gloves; the harbour breeze can feel significantly colder than inland streets, especially in the evening.
- Watch your step on cobbles and quayside edges, particularly in wet or icy weather, as surfaces can be slippery near the water.
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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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central areas such as Nørreport or Copenhagen Central Station, take the M1 or M2 metro to Kongens Nytorv, which usually takes 3–8 minutes depending on your starting point. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day and tickets within the city zone typically cost around 20–25 DKK one way. From Kongens Nytorv it is an easy, mostly flat walk of just over 5 minutes through the historic centre to Nyhavn, suitable for most visitors including those with light mobility challenges.
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City bus to the harbourfront
Several city bus routes serve the streets around Nyhavn from different neighbourhoods, with typical journey times of 10–20 minutes from places like Vesterbro or Østerbro depending on traffic. A standard bus ticket within the central zones costs roughly 20–25 DKK and can be used interchangeably with metro services. Buses stop on main roads near the harbour; from there expect a short, level walk on pavements and cobblestones to reach the canal itself.
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Bicycle through the city centre
Copenhagen’s dedicated cycle lanes make reaching Nyhavn by bike straightforward from most inner‑city districts in about 10–20 minutes. You can use public bike‑share schemes or standard rentals, typically priced from 80–150 DKK per day, with hourly options available. Expect cobbled sections and busy junctions around the harbour, but cycle traffic is well organised and there are bike racks close to the canal where you can securely leave your bicycle.
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Harbour boat or canal tour
If you are already near the inner harbour, you can arrive at or depart from Nyhavn on a canal tour or harbour boat, turning transport into a short cruise. Many classic canal tours last about 60 minutes and cost approximately 100–130 DKK per adult, with frequent departures in peak season and reduced schedules in winter. Boats are generally accessible via low steps, operate in most weather except severe wind or ice, and provide a scenic link between Nyhavn and other waterfront sights.
Nyhavn 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 Nyhavn
From sailors’ haven to the city’s colourful calling card
Nyhavn, literally “New Harbour”, was carved out in the late 1600s as Copenhagen’s maritime front door. Dug by hand and lined with sturdy warehouses and townhouses, it once bustled with tall‑masted ships, cargo, taverns and hard‑drinking sailors. For centuries this was a working port and red‑light district, noisy and rough around the edges. Today, the same narrow canal has a very different face. The façades have been carefully restored and painted in bright yellows, reds, blues and greens that sparkle in any light, from pale Nordic sun to the glow of evening lamps. Historic wooden vessels moored along the quay recall Nyhavn’s seafaring past, while the former warehouses now hold restaurants, bars and small hotels that keep the waterfront buzzing from morning to late at night.Storybook houses and Hans Christian Andersen’s addresses
Nyhavn’s townhouses form one of Copenhagen’s most photographed scenes, a row of gabled roofs and pastel walls reflected in the canal. Many of them date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, built in brick and timber when merchants lived directly above their stores. Some façades are still marked with symbols hinting at past trades, like anchors and compasses. Among these buildings are several homes once occupied by Hans Christian Andersen, who moved frequently along the quay. At different times he lived at numbers that are now ordinary addresses, where he wrote and refined fairy tales that travelled far beyond Denmark. Standing here, with the colourful houses on one side and the rigging of old ships on the other, it is easy to imagine how the harbour’s mix of hardship and hope fed his imagination.Cafés, canal tours and life along the quay
Nyhavn is as much about atmosphere as it is about architecture. Restaurant terraces spill out along the north side, their tables packed close together under canopies and heat lamps. Here, smørrebrød piled with herring or shrimp, plates of seafood, and cold Danish beer are standard fare, accompanied in warmer months by jazz, clinking glasses and the murmur of languages from around the world. From the canal’s edge, classic low‑slung boats depart on tours that loop through Copenhagen’s inner harbour and canals. These cruises glide past royal palaces, the opera house and the famous Little Mermaid statue, but they start and end amid the bustle of Nyhavn’s quay. Between departures, the quayside itself becomes seating: many people choose to dangle their feet over the water with an ice cream or coffee in hand, turning the harbour into an open‑air living room.Seasonal moods from long Nordic evenings to winter lights
Nyhavn’s character shifts with the seasons. In summer, the canal is lined with outdoor tables and the light lingers late, giving the houses a golden sheen and filling the air with music from buskers and bar doors left ajar. Cyclists and pedestrians drift past in a steady flow, and boats slide silently through the still water. In the colder months the harbour slows but does not sleep. Lights strung along the façades and masts reflect in the dark canal, and in the run‑up to Christmas the quayside hosts stalls selling warm drinks, snacks and seasonal crafts. Wrapped in scarves, you can walk the length of the canal taking in the contrast between crisp air and the warm glow from restaurant windows, where candlelight and wooden interiors keep the hygge spirit alive.A compact hub between royal squares and the inner harbour
Part of Nyhavn’s appeal is its position right at the hinge of historic Copenhagen. At one end, the canal opens onto the broader inner harbour with views to modern landmarks; at the other, it runs towards a grand square with theatres and historic buildings. Yet the harbour itself remains surprisingly intimate in scale. The canal is narrow, the buildings are low, and the cobbled quays encourage strolling rather than rushing. This compactness makes Nyhavn easy to weave into a broader day in the city. It works equally well as a morning coffee stop, a midday base for a canal tour, or an evening setting for a lingering meal. Whether you pause briefly or stay for hours, the combination of water, colour and layered history makes this short stretch of harbour one of Copenhagen’s most defining scenes.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.2 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.3 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Larsens Pl.
0.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.6 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Børsen
0.7 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
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.
Christianshavn
0.7 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Højbro Pl.
0.7 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Frederik VII
0.7 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.7 km
Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.7 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Højbro Plads
0.7 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.0 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.2 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
The Playhouse
0.2 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
The Kissing Stairs
0.2 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Memorial Anchor
0.3 km
Explore one of Europe’s oldest zoos, home to over 3,000 animals, award-winning architecture, immersive habitats, conservation programs, and engaging family activities.
Ofelia Plads
0.3 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.3 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Hey Captain
0.3 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.3 km
A tiny 17th‑century townhouse on Kongens Nytorv where Baltic amber, ancient insects and Scandinavian craft turn deep time into a warm, golden museum experience.
Havnepromenade
0.3 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.
Bredgade 18
0.3 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s national theatre in two acts: a gilded 19th‑century Old Stage on Kongens Nytorv and a bold modern playhouse rising directly above the harbour waters.
Kongens Nytorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.3 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.
North Atlantic House
0.4 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Essential places to dine
Khun Juk
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Cap Horn
0.1 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
0.2 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.
à terre
0.3 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.
Goldfinch
0.4 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Barr
0.4 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.
Aoc
0.4 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Marchal
0.4 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Bistro Royal
0.4 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Den Lille Fede
0.4 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Llama
0.5 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.
King Hans Cellar
0.5 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Frank
0.5 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
0.0 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 &
0.1 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.
Zane
0.3 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Magasin du Nord
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
The Wilde Shop
0.4 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
0.4 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.4 km
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
0.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Storm - design art fashion
0.6 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
ILLUM
0.7 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Danish Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
0.3 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.5 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
0.5 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
0.5 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.
1105
0.6 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Eiffel bar
0.6 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Moose
0.7 km
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.
K-Bar
0.7 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Charlie's Bar
0.7 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Ved Stranden
0.7 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.
Trykbar
0.7 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
The Dubliner
0.8 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.
Black Swan
0.8 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
