Christianshavn
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Christianshavn is Copenhagen's most picturesque maritime neighbourhood, featuring colourful 17th-century buildings, idyllic canals, and a vibrant blend of historic charm and contemporary culture. Once a working-class sailors' district, it has evolved into a trendy residential area home to world-class restaurants, cosy cafes, and the alternative free town of Christiania. Narrow cobbled streets, waterfront promenades, and preserved architecture create an atmosphere of hygge and authenticity that defines modern Copenhagen.
A brief summary to Christianshavn
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 2 to 6 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Church of Our Saviour and climb the spire for panoramic views of Copenhagen. The fee is modest, and the vantage point offers some of the city's best perspectives.
- Explore Christianshavn by bicycle using the free citybike system, which has stalls throughout the neighbourhood. The small, quiet streets are ideal for cycling and discovering hidden corners.
- Time your visit for summer evenings to experience the waterfront cafes and restaurants at their best, when outdoor seating along the canals creates an authentic Copenhagen atmosphere.
- Walk the Harbour Circle path from Nyhavn to Sydhavn, passing the Danish National Library and Danish Architecture Center. This scenic route showcases the neighbourhood's waterfront beauty.
- Visit Christiania with respect for its residents and rules. Photography restrictions apply in certain areas; always ask permission before photographing people or their homes.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro & Bus
From Copenhagen Central Station, take the Metro M1 or M2 line directly to Christianshavn Station (approximately 5–8 minutes). Alternatively, bus 2A runs through downtown Copenhagen and crosses the harbour via Torvegade, stopping at Christianshavn Square and the Metro station. Journey time from the city centre is 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Single tickets cost approximately 24 DKK within Zone 1.
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Walking
From Strøget (Copenhagen's main shopping street), walk to Amagertorv, pass Christiansborg Palace, and cross the Knippelsbro Bridge on foot. The walk takes approximately 10–15 minutes and is pleasant and flat, offering views of the harbour and canals as you approach. No payment required.
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Bicycle
Use Copenhagen's free citybike system (Bycyklen) or rent a standard bicycle from numerous shops throughout the city. Cycling to Christianshavn from the city centre takes 8–12 minutes depending on your starting point. Citybike rental costs approximately 80 DKK for a 24-hour pass. The neighbourhood's flat terrain and dedicated cycle paths make cycling safe and enjoyable.
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Harbour Bus
Take the harbour bus (Canal Tours Copenhagen) from Nyhavn or other central waterfront locations. The boat journey to Christianshavn offers scenic views of Copenhagen's waterfront and takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Tickets cost approximately 70–80 DKK depending on the route and operator.
Christianshavn location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Christianshavn
A Merchant Town Born from Royal Vision
Christianshavn was established in the 17th century by King Christian IV, who drew inspiration from Dutch merchant towns such as Amsterdam. The neighbourhood quickly became a bustling centre of maritime commerce and trade, with shipyard owners and merchants establishing themselves along streets like Wildersgade, where Carl Wilder operated his influential shipyard in the 18th century. Many of the district's most distinctive buildings date from this era, including the historic structures on Torvegade—numbers 22, 24, 27, and 30—which remain listed buildings and testify to the neighbourhood's prosperous past. The layout and character of Christianshavn still reflect this Dutch-influenced urban planning, with its network of canals and orderly streets creating a unique identity within Copenhagen.From Working-Class Harbour to Trendy Urban Oasis
For centuries, Christianshavn remained a rough sailors' neighbourhood, its character shaped by the working people who depended on the sea for their livelihood. The district's transformation accelerated dramatically in the 1970s when hippies and artists established the free town of Christiania, a squatter community that has since become an iconic symbol of Copenhagen's alternative culture. Today, Christianshavn has evolved into one of Copenhagen's most desired residential areas, attracting people from all walks of life. The neighbourhood seamlessly blends its maritime heritage with contemporary sophistication, where old school bodegas sit alongside Michelin-starred restaurants and fancy establishments. This juxtaposition creates an authentic, down-to-earth atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors seeking genuine Copenhagen character.Architectural Beauty and Historic Landmarks
The coloured houses and idyllic canals are Christianshavn's most distinctive visual features, making it one of Copenhagen's most photographed neighbourhoods. The Church of Our Saviour dominates the skyline with its iconic spire, which visitors can climb for a small fee to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Sankt Annæ Gade, named after the mother of the Virgin Mary, has been a street since Christianshavn's founding and retains its historic character despite centuries of change. Christianshavn's Mound, part of Copenhagen's old defence system, now serves as a green recreational area surrounded by water, offering walks past historical buildings, cafes, and restaurants. The neighbourhood's architectural preservation extends to its bridges, including the elegant Circle Bridge connecting the two sides of Christianshavn's Canal, and Børnehusbroen, which commemorates the former Children's House that once stood in the area.Waterfront Living and Canal Culture
Water defines Christianshavn's identity and lifestyle. The neighbourhood is virtually surrounded by water, accessible only across the Knippelsbro Bridge and the dam to Amager, which reinforces its distinct character as a semi-isolated urban village. The canals and waterfront promenades have become central to how residents and visitors experience the area. Locals gather to enjoy cold beers by the water's edge, while the Harbour Circle path connects Nyhavn to Sydhavn, offering scenic walks past the Danish National Library and Danish Architecture Center. The waterfront has become increasingly vibrant, with electric boat rentals allowing visitors to explore the city's waterways from a unique perspective. Summer evenings along the canals evoke a Parisian atmosphere, particularly at the intersection of Wilders Gade and Sankt Annæ Gade, where outdoor seating at cafes and restaurants draws crowds seeking hygge and connection.Culinary Excellence and Contemporary Culture
Christianshavn has emerged as a gastronomic destination, home to some of Copenhagen's finest restaurants specializing in Nordic cuisine. The neighbourhood's food scene ranges from world-class street food vendors to Michelin-starred establishments, reflecting its evolution from working-class district to culinary hotspot. Beyond fine dining, the area supports a thriving café culture, with specialty coffee shops, vintage-inspired eateries, and casual lunch spots serving open sandwiches and pastries. The neighbourhood's cultural offerings extend beyond food, with venues like the Royal Danish Opera and contemporary art spaces drawing creative professionals and culture seekers. This blend of high-end dining, artistic endeavour, and casual neighbourhood charm creates an environment where sophistication coexists with authenticity.Christiania: The Free Town Within
Fristaden Christiania, accessible from Prinsessegade, represents one of Copenhagen's most unique cultural phenomena. Established by squatters in 1971, this self-governing community has attracted non-conformists, artists, and creative individuals from across the globe for over five decades. Christiania operates on principles of collective business, communal workshops, and shared living spaces, creating a neighbourhood within the neighbourhood that maintains its own distinct identity and culture. The free town's colourful, creatively built houses and alternative lifestyle have made it a major tourist attraction while remaining a genuine residential community. Its presence enriches Christianshavn's character, embodying the neighbourhood's historical role as a haven for those seeking alternative ways of living.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.1 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
0.2 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Circle Bridge
0.4 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
0.5 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
0.6 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
0.6 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
The Stable Boy's House
0.7 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.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.7 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.
Nyhavn
0.7 km
Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront: pastel townhouses, maritime history, and lively canal-side dining.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.7 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter—a picturesque maze of cobblestone streets, vibrant cafés, indie boutiques, art galleries, and an unmistakable creative spirit.
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.
Kongens Nytorv
0.7 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
Højbro
0.7 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Bishop Absalon
0.8 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.2 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Knippelsbro
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.2 km
A narrow Christianshavn street where warehouses became homes, church bells echo over cobblestones, and Copenhagen’s maritime past meets everyday neighborhood life.
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.
Church of Our Saviour
0.3 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.
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.
Børsen
0.4 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Black Diamond
0.4 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.4 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.
Havnepromenade
0.4 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.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.4 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Christiania
0.5 km
A self-governing “freetown” of murals, lakeside paths and experimental living, tucked behind Copenhagen’s old ramparts in the heart of Christianshavn.
Church of Holmen
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Lille Mølle
0.5 km
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.5 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Essential places to dine
Cafe Wilder
0.2 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
0.2 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.
No. 2
0.3 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 Lola
0.5 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.
à terre
0.6 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.
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.
King Hans Cellar
0.7 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
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.
Restaurant Maven
0.7 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.
Skipperkroen
0.7 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.
Llama
0.7 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.
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.
Kanal-Caféen
0.8 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.8 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Magasin du Nord
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Copenhagenglass
0.7 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.7 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
0.8 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.8 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
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.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.8 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Urban Outfitters
0.8 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Zane
0.8 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
ILLUM
0.8 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Læderstræde
0.8 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
0.9 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Magnolias
0.9 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.
Hygge Original
0.9 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
0.2 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
0.7 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
0.7 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.
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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Balthazar
0.8 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.
The Dubliner
0.9 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.
Ruby
0.9 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
1105
0.9 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Godt Øl
0.9 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.
Bar Deco
0.9 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Zefside
0.9 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.9 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Lively
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
