Copenhagen City Hall
A 1905 National Romantic masterpiece housing the world's most accurate analog clock and panoramic tower views.
Copenhagen City Hall is a striking National Romantic masterpiece completed in 1905, dominating Rådhuspladsen with its red-brick façade and 105.6-metre clock tower. The building houses the world-renowned Jens Olsen's World Clock, an astronomical marvel that took 27 years to construct, alongside ornate public halls, a peaceful interior garden, and a library. Free entry to public areas makes it an essential stop for understanding Danish civic heritage and architectural craftsmanship.
A brief summary to Copenhagen City Hall
- Rådhuspladsen 1, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1553, DK
- +4533663366
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the interior garden for a peaceful escape—it's free and accessible from the main building or via an archway on the Tivoli-opposite side. Perfect for a quiet moment amid the bustling city centre.
- Combine a guided tour with a tower visit for the full experience. Tours include access to the Council Chamber, Golden Hall, and the 300-step climb to panoramic city views.
- Arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds and secure a spot on the guided tour. Saturday tours are shorter and fill quickly due to limited afternoon hours.
- Don't miss Jens Olsen's World Clock in the foyer—observe it in action to appreciate 27 years of horological engineering and astronomical precision.
- Check the official City Hall website before visiting, as tours may occasionally be cancelled due to civic events or ceremonies taking place in the building.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Metro & Train
Copenhagen Central Station (København Hovedbanegård) is approximately 6 minutes' walk south of City Hall. Regional and intercity trains arrive here regularly. From the station, exit and head north toward Rådhuspladsen. The metro system also connects to the city centre; Rådhuspladsen station is nearby with connections to multiple lines. Journey times from outer Copenhagen typically range from 15–30 minutes depending on your starting point. No additional cost beyond standard metro or train fares.
-
Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network makes reaching City Hall straightforward by bike. Bike rental stations are distributed throughout the city; expect rental costs around 80–150 DKK per day. Cycle routes lead directly to Rådhuspladsen from most neighbourhoods, typically taking 10–25 minutes depending on your starting location. Secure bike parking is available around the square. This is an ideal option for fair-weather visits and offers flexibility.
-
Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Rådhuspladsen, with a major bus hub on the northern side of the square. Journey times vary from 15–40 minutes depending on your origin within Copenhagen. Standard single tickets cost around 24 DKK (within zones 1–2); day passes and multi-day tickets offer better value for multiple journeys. Buses run frequently throughout the day and evening, making this a reliable option regardless of arrival time.
-
Walking
If you're staying in central Copenhagen—Nyhavn, Strøget, or the Latin Quarter—City Hall is within comfortable walking distance (15–30 minutes depending on your exact location). The route is flat, well-marked, and passes through pedestrian-friendly streets and squares. Walking allows you to experience the city's character and discover smaller attractions along the way. This is the most flexible and immersive option for exploring the area.
Copenhagen City Hall location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
Discover more about Copenhagen City Hall
An Architectural Icon of Danish Craftsmanship
CopenhagenCity Hall stands as one of Denmark's most recognizable landmarks, completed in 1905 in the National Romantic style. The building's distinctive red-brick exterior is adorned with decorative statues and crowned by a soaring clock tower reaching 105.6 metres—one of Copenhagen's tallest structures. Every element, from ornate door handles to grand chandeliers, was meticulously designed and executed by leading Danish artisans of the era, making the building itself a comprehensive showcase of early 20th-century Nordic craftsmanship and design philosophy.The Marvel of Jens Olsen's World Clock
Within City Hall's foyer sits one of the world's most extraordinary timepieces: Jens Olsen's World Clock. This astronomical clock is a technical wonder that required 27 years to complete and remains one of the most accurate analog clocks ever constructed. The mechanism displays not only global time zones but also celestial movements, planetary positions, and astronomical data with remarkable precision. Visitors can observe the clock in action and marvel at the intricate engineering that represents a pinnacle of horological achievement.Exploring the Grand Interior Spaces
The public areas of City Hall are freely accessible, inviting visitors to wander through grand corridors adorned with period details and architectural flourishes. The impressive central hall, where civic events and ceremonies are held, showcases the scale and ambition of the original design. The Council Chamber and Golden Hall—used for banquets and state occasions—reveal the building's continued role in Danish public life. A hidden gem within the complex is a peaceful interior garden, accessible both from inside the building and via an archway on the side opposite Tivoli Gardens, offering a tranquil retreat from the bustling city centre.The Tower Experience and Panoramic Views
The City Hall Tower offers visitors the opportunity to ascend approximately 300 steps to a balcony with panoramic views across Copenhagen. The climb is moderately demanding but rewards visitors with expansive vistas of the city's roofscape, nearby landmarks, and the surrounding urban landscape. Tower visits are available at scheduled times throughout the day and can be combined with guided tours for a comprehensive experience of the building's architecture and significance.Cultural Hub and Civic Centre
Today, City Hall remains a working civic centre, hosting Council meetings, state ceremonies, and private celebrations including weddings. The building's library, housed in a beautifully appointed hall, provides a serene study space open to the public. This dual role—as both a historical monument and an active government building—means the space continues to pulse with the life of the city, hosting everything from political demonstrations to cultural celebrations on the surrounding square.Gateway to Copenhagen's Heart
Situated at the intersection of Vestrobrogade and the famous Strøget pedestrian shopping street, City Hall anchors Rådhuspladsen, Copenhagen's central meeting point. The square itself is animated by street performers, seasonal events, and the constant flow of locals and visitors. Nearby attractions include the Dragon Fountain, the Hans Christian Andersen statue, and direct access to Tivoli Gardens, making this location essential to understanding Copenhagen's rhythm and character.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.1 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Lur Blowers
0.1 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.4 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.4 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Frihedsstøtten
0.4 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.5 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.5 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Gammel Strand
0.6 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
The Stable Boy's House
0.6 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Strøget
0.6 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Gråbrødretorv
0.6 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Amagertorv
0.6 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.6 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
The Danish Parliament
0.6 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Unmissable attractions to see
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.0 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Statue of Andersen
0.1 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Rainbow Square
0.1 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
City Hall Square
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.1 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.1 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.2 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.2 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Tivoli Gardens
0.2 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.3 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
National Museum of Denmark
0.3 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.3 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.3 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Rutschebanen
0.3 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Himmelskibet
0.3 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Essential places to dine
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.2 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Rio Bravo
0.2 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Spisestedet FEED
0.2 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.3 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Restaurant Karla
0.3 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.3 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.3 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.4 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Krebsegaarden
0.4 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Restaurant Noi
0.4 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Kanal-Caféen
0.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Vækst
0.4 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.1 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
0.2 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Souvenir Shop
0.3 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.3 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.3 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.3 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Wasteland
0.4 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
København K
0.4 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Quirky Lane
0.4 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Notre Dame
0.4 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.4 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.5 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Taphouse
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Southern Cross Pub
0.1 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.1 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
The Rooftop Bar
0.2 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.2 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Proud Mary Pub
0.2 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
The Scottish Pub
0.2 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
Centralhjørnet
0.2 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Musen & Elefanten
0.2 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
The Shamrock Inn
0.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Floss Bar
0.3 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Library Bar
0.4 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The Marble Bar
0.4 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.1 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Module
0.2 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Dorsia
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.3 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Miami Bar
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
0.4 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Never Mind
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Mirror
0.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
La Terraza
0.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Den Anden Side
0.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Lively
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
