Kongens Nytorv (The King’s New Square)
Copenhagen’s historic showpiece square, where baroque façades, royal monuments and everyday city life meet above a busy modern metro hub.
Kongens Nytorv, or The King’s New Square, is Copenhagen’s grand central square in the heart of the old town. Laid out in the 17th century by King Christian V, it is framed by landmark buildings such as the Royal Danish Theatre, Hotel d’Angleterre and Kunsthal Charlottenborg, with the city’s oldest equestrian statue at its center. Today it is a busy urban plaza, a green formal garden, a metro hub, and a seasonal stage for everything from Christmas markets and ice skating to royal guards marching by.
A brief summary to Kongens Nytorv
- Kongens Nytorv, København K, København K, 1050, DK
- +4570222442
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for softer light, fewer people and clear views of the Christian V statue and surrounding architecture.
- In December, check if the Christmas market and ice rink are operating to enjoy the square at its most atmospheric.
- Combine a stop here with the Royal Danish Theatre or Kunsthal Charlottenborg to add culture to your stroll.
- Use the square as your orientation point: Strøget, Nyhavn and several royal sites all spread out within a short walk.
- Bring a light layer; the open square can feel breezy even on milder days, especially outside summer.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
Take the M1, M2 or M3 metro line to Kongens Nytorv Station, which sits directly beneath the square; trains run every few minutes throughout the day, and a single-zone ticket within central Copenhagen typically costs around 20–25 DKK one way.
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City bus
Several city bus routes serve stops within a short walk of Kongens Nytorv in the inner city; expect a 10–25 minute journey from most central districts and a fare in the same range as the metro, usually 20–25 DKK per ride, with reduced frequency late at night.
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Bicycle
From central neighborhoods like Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro, cycling to Kongens Nytorv typically takes 10–20 minutes along marked bike lanes; be prepared for busy intersections around the square and remember that bike lights are required after dark.
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On foot from inner city
If you are already staying in Copenhagen’s historic center, reaching Kongens Nytorv on foot usually takes 5–20 minutes depending on your starting point; pavements are generally flat and well maintained, making the walk suitable for most visitors.
Kongens 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 Kongens Nytorv
Royal ambitions behind a grand city square
Kongens Nytorv was created in the 1670s under King Christian V as a statement of royal power and modern city planning. Where there had once been ramparts and open ground, the king envisioned a formal, French-inspired square that would project Copenhagen’s status. At its heart he placed an equestrian statue of himself, unveiled in 1688 and still standing today as the city’s oldest royal monument. From the beginning, the square was reserved for the elite. Elegant townhouses and palaces rose around its edges, home to nobles, merchants and cultural institutions. Even now, when traffic hums and metro trains glide underneath, you can sense that original ambition in the generous proportions of the space and the symmetry of the surrounding façades.Architecture on all sides
Kongens Nytorv doubles as an open-air gallery of Copenhagen architecture. On one side stands the Royal Danish Theatre, founded in the 18th century and still the country’s leading stage for drama, ballet and opera. Opposite, the creamy façade of Hotel d’Angleterre reflects the city’s long tradition of grand hospitality, while the baroque Charlottenborg Palace houses Kunsthal Charlottenborg, a major contemporary art venue. Look up and you can trace centuries of styles, from baroque and classicism to more restrained Nordic modernism. Many façades are richly ornamented, with pilasters, pediments and sculpted details that reward a slow circuit of the square. Tucked into one corner, the Magasin du Nord department store adds another layer of history, its own historicist exterior hinting at Copenhagen’s 19th-century boom as a trading city.A green island in the city center
Despite its role as a traffic hub, Kongens Nytorv offers a surprising pocket of greenery. The central garden is laid out in formal lawns, flowerbeds and clipped trees that create shady alleys in summer. Benches line the paths, making it an easy place to pause between museums, shopping streets and the nearby Nyhavn canal. The equestrian statue of Christian V anchors this green island. Around its base you can pick out allegorical figures and decorative reliefs that link the monument to the ideals of absolute monarchy. Yet the atmosphere today is relaxed and democratic: office workers eat lunch on the grass, children weave between hedges, and cyclists stream past on all sides.Seasonal scenes and everyday life
The character of the square shifts with the calendar. In winter, Kongens Nytorv often hosts a Christmas market, with stalls, twinkling lights and an ice rink that wraps the garden in a festive glow. On crisp evenings, the facades of the surrounding buildings form a glowing backdrop to skating and hot drinks. At other times of year, the square is more of a crossroads than a destination. The pedestrian shopping spine of Strøget emerges here, while just a short stroll away the colorful houses and boats of Nyhavn line the canal. The metro station beneath the square makes it one of the city’s key meeting points, with a constant flow of commuters, theatre-goers and visitors threading through the space.Starting point for exploring old Copenhagen
For orientation, Kongens Nytorv sits at the seam between the royal quarter and the commercial heart of the old town. From here broad avenues lead toward Amalienborg Palace and the Marble Church in one direction, while narrow streets lead into older shopping lanes in another. Cultural institutions cluster nearby, including art galleries, design shops and historic churches. Because so many of Copenhagen’s landmarks radiate from this point, the square works well as a mental compass. The sightlines down to Nyhavn’s masts, the theatre’s classical portico and the hotel’s pale façade help you keep track of where you are as you move through the dense historic center.Experiencing the square at your own pace
Spending time at Kongens Nytorv can be as simple as resting on a bench with a coffee and watching the choreography of urban life: cyclists circling the garden, guards passing on ceremonial duties, trams of tourists on walking tours. Early mornings offer soft light and relative quiet for photography and contemplation of the architecture. Later in the day, the mood becomes livelier as shoppers, office workers and theatre audiences converge. Yet even at the busiest times, the contrast between the clipped greenery, the historical stone figures and the sleek metro entrances captures why the square remains so emblematic of Copenhagen: past and present layered in a single, walkable space.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.1 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.2 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.4 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.4 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.
Højbro
0.5 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
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.
Varehuset Messen
0.5 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Frederik VII
0.5 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Ofelia Plads
0.6 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Børsen
0.6 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Strøget
0.6 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
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.
Christiansborg Palace
0.6 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Amalienborg Palace
0.6 km
Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.6 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.1 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.
Memorial Anchor
0.1 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.
Indre By
0.1 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.1 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.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.1 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
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.
Bredgade 18
0.2 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.
Nyhavn
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s classic harbour postcard: colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés where maritime history meets modern hygge.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.3 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.4 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.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.4 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Højbro Pl.
0.4 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Stork Fountain
0.4 km
Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Ved Stranden
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Essential places to dine
Marchal
0.1 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Goldfinch
0.1 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Bistro Royal
0.1 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Frank
0.1 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.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.1 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Llama
0.2 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.
Den Lille Fede
0.2 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.
l’Alsace
0.2 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.2 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Cap Horn
0.2 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
à terre
0.2 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.
King Hans Cellar
0.2 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Vita
0.2 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Skipperkroen
0.3 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.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.3 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Viking Souvenirs
0.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.1 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Zane
0.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.1 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
0.2 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
0.2 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 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
0.3 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
0.4 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Copenhagenglass
0.4 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 &
0.4 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.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.4 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.4 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Norse Projects
0.4 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brønnum
0.1 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Bar Deco
0.2 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.2 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Balthazar
0.2 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
0.2 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
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.
The Moose
0.3 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.
Charlie's Bar
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Trykbar
0.4 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.
K-Bar
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
The Dubliner
0.5 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.
Gejser Bar
0.5 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Bar'Vin
0.6 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.2 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Mini Bar
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.3 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.
Culture Box
0.7 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Chateau Motel
0.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.8 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
0.9 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.9 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
0.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Arch
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.9 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
La Terraza
1.0 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
1.0 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
1.1 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Cosy Bar
1.1 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
