Nytorv
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Nytorv is a historic cobbled square in the very heart of Copenhagen’s old town, twinned with neighbouring Gammeltorv and today folded into the bustling Strøget pedestrian zone. Once the city’s meat market and a grim stage for public punishment, it is now framed by the grand Neoclassical façade of the Copenhagen Court House and a mix of historic townhouses, cafés and shops. The open, stone-paved space offers a pause from Strøget’s crowds while keeping you firmly in the city’s urban rhythm.
A brief summary to Nytorv
- Copenhagen, Indre By, 1450, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine Nytorv with neighbouring Gammeltorv and the Strøget pedestrian street to appreciate how the squares form one continuous urban space at the city’s historic core.
- Take a slow lap around the square to study the Copenhagen Court House façade and spot the enclosed bridges that once carried prisoners between the court and the jail.
- Visit in the early morning or later evening for quieter views and softer light on the façades, especially if you are interested in photography or sketching.
- Use the square as a rest stop: pick up a drink or snack from nearby cafés and sit along the edges to watch daily life flow through the old town.
- In colder months, dress for wind and damp conditions; the square is exposed and can feel significantly cooler than more sheltered side streets.
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 Nørreport Station, take the M1 or M2 metro line one stop to Gammel Strand or two stops to Rådhuspladsen; from either station it is roughly a 10–15 minute level walk through the old town to Nytorv. A single metro ticket within the central zones typically costs around 20–30 DKK, and trains run every few minutes throughout most of the day.
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Bus
Several city bus routes serve the inner Copenhagen area around Nytorv; journeys from major hubs such as Østerport or the central station generally take 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 20–30 DKK for a single ticket within the city zones, with buses operating frequently during the day and less often late at night.
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Bicycle
From central neighbourhoods like Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro, cycling to Nytorv usually takes 10–20 minutes along Copenhagen’s dedicated bike lanes. The route is mostly flat, but be prepared for busy intersections in the inner city. Public bike-share schemes and rental bikes are widely available, typically costing from about 50–100 DKK for a few hours’ use.
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Walking
If you are already in central Copenhagen, such as near City Hall Square or Christiansborg, reaching Nytorv on foot takes around 5–20 minutes depending on your starting point. The route leads through paved streets and pedestrian zones with occasional cobblestones; it is generally easy going, though wheelchair users may find certain older surfaces slightly uneven.
Nytorv 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 Nytorv
From Royal Marketplace to Urban Crossroads
Nytorv, literally “New Square”, was laid out in the early 17th century when King Christian IV cleared space behind the old city hall to create a dedicated market for butchers. For centuries, hanging carcasses, stalls and the shouts of traders defined this part of Copenhagen, while vegetables and other goods were sold across the way on Gammeltorv. The two squares have always been closely linked, forming a single open space at the core of the medieval city. The calm you encounter today conceals a far harsher past. Public executions once took place here, and until the late 18th century a pillory stood on the square, where branding and whipping were carried out in front of assembled crowds. These darker episodes are long gone, but they add a layer of drama to what might otherwise feel like a purely pleasant urban plaza.Fire, Reinvention and a Monumental Courthouse
Much of what surrounded Nytorv was destroyed in the catastrophic Copenhagen Fire of 1795, including the city hall that once separated the square from Gammeltorv. In the rebuilding that followed, the two spaces were visually fused, and Copenhagen gained one of its most imposing Neoclassical façades. Completed in 1815, the Copenhagen Court House dominates the western edge of Nytorv with tall Ionic columns and a sober, temple-like front. The courthouse was designed by Christian Frederik Hansen, a leading architect of the time, and served not only as a court but also as the city hall until the early 20th century. Its clean lines and strict symmetry still convey authority and order. Look up and you will also notice enclosed bridges linking the main building to former jail facilities behind; these passageways once carried prisoners to and from their hearings and have been dubbed a local “Bridge of Sighs”.Architecture in the Details
Beyond the courthouse, a closer look at the buildings around Nytorv reveals a patchwork of architectural eras. Many façades date from the early 1800s rebuilding period, with restrained classical ornament, tall windows and muted colours typical of Copenhagen’s historic centre. Ground floors have long been given over to shops and cafés, while upper floors remain residential or house small offices. Although the square itself is fairly austere—a broad cobbled surface with only a few trees and simple seating—it invites you to take in the vertical frame of the city: cornices, rooflines and dormer windows stacked around its edges. The slight slope towards Gammeltorv helps you grasp how both squares are really one continuous urban room.From Traffic Choked to Pedestrian Calm
In the early 20th century, the age of the automobile transformed Nytorv from marketplace into traffic space, with cars cutting across the square and parking encroaching on the cobbles. That changed in the 1960s, when Copenhagen pioneered the Strøget pedestrian zone. With motor vehicles diverted, Nytorv was reimagined as part of a generous car-free corridor stretching across the inner city. Today the square functions as a breathing space along this pedestrian spine. Office workers cross it at speed, shoppers thread between buskers and street performers, and small clusters of people linger at the edges with takeaway coffee. Seasonal decorations and occasional temporary installations animate the open expanse without overwhelming its simple layout.Everyday Life at the City’s Historic Core
For visitors, Nytorv is less about a single must-see monument and more about atmosphere. It is a place to pause between museums and boutiques, to feel the layered history of Copenhagen underfoot while still immersed in daily city life. The soundscape blends footsteps on stone, fragments of conversation in Danish and many other languages, and the distant rattle of bicycles. Wander slowly and you begin to notice small details: the worn edges of paving stones, subtle level changes between the two squares, and the way sunlight finds its way between façades at different times of day. With Gammeltorv’s ornate Caritas Fountain just a few steps away and the constant flow of Strøget on either side, Nytorv offers a compact lesson in how Copenhagen has grown, rebuilt and reinvented itself over four centuries.Stories Hidden in a Modest Square
Nytorv has also been home to writers and thinkers, including Ludvig Holberg, who lived on the border between the two squares in the 18th century and wryly contrasted elegant Gammeltorv with the more macabre scenes linked to Nytorv’s pillory and scaffold. Such stories add a literary dimension to the space and hint at the conversations that have unfolded here over generations. Standing in the middle of the square, it is easy to imagine carts rolling in with meat from the countryside, guards leading prisoners under the courthouse arch, or civic officials hurrying to debates that helped shape the modern city. Yet despite this weight of history, the square remains unpretentious—a modest, workaday heart to a capital that continues to evolve around it.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jorcks Passage
0.2 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Lur Blowers
0.3 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.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.4 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.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.4 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.
Stork Fountain
0.4 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Højbro Plads
0.4 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Bishop Absalon
0.4 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Højbro Pl.
0.4 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.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.4 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
The Round Tower
0.4 km
Explore The Round Tower, Copenhagen's historic observatory offering stunning city views and engaging cultural exhibitions.
Christiansborg Palace
0.5 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Unmissable attractions to see
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.0 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Nytorv 2
0.1 km
An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Gammeltorv
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.2 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.
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.
Magstræde
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
Church of Our Lady
0.2 km
Lively, colourful canal harbour in central Copenhagen known for vibrant houses, historic ships, waterside cafés, and rich maritime heritage.
Rainbow Square
0.3 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.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.3 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.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.3 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Strøget
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.3 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.
Gråbrødretorv
0.3 km
Mythic grandeur meets urban tranquility at Copenhagen’s spectacular Gefion Fountain, a must-see bronze sculpture and water feature rooted in Norse legend.
Gammel Strand
0.3 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Amagertorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Kronborg
0.1 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.
Københavner Cafeen
0.1 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Puk
0.2 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Tight
0.2 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Restaurant 1733
0.2 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Krebsegaarden
0.2 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.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.3 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Wining and Dining
0.3 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.3 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Det Lille Apotek
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.3 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
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.
Rio Bravo
0.4 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.1 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.1 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.
Souvenir Shop
0.1 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Notre Dame
0.2 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
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.
Audrey Vintage
0.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.2 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
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.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.2 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.
& Other Stories
0.2 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Quirky Lane
0.2 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Wasteland
0.3 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.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.3 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.1 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Centralhjørnet
0.1 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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Godt Øl
0.2 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.
Taphouse
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Zefside
0.2 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
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.
Luke's Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.2 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Ruby
0.2 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Bar7
0.2 km
Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Floss Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Southern Cross Pub
0.3 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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Chateau Motel
0.1 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.1 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.1 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.1 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
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.
La Terraza
0.2 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Club Mambo
0.3 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Cosy Bar
0.3 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Arch
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Mirage
0.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Never Mind
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
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
- Business Friendly
