Thing to do
Nyhavn
Copenhagen's 17th-century harbour canal, lined with colourful townhouses, wooden ships and waterside restaurants, and the main departure point for canal tours.
Torvehallerne
Two glass market halls at Israels Plads near Nørreport, with stalls selling smørrebrød, seafood, coffee, pastries, fresh produce and Danish specialities from morning to early evening.
At a glance
- Type
- Covered food market
- Area
- Indre By / Nørreport, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- torvehallernekbh.dk
Good to know
- Food stalls
- Bakery
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Fresh produce
Why we recommend it
Torvehallerne is Copenhagen's covered food market, two modern glass and steel halls on Israels Plads, a short walk from Nørreport station. The square was home to the city's main fruit and vegetable market, Grønttorvet, from 1889 until 1958, when trading moved out to Valby. After years of campaigning by local residents, the halls opened in September 2011 and quickly became one of the most popular food stops in the city for locals and visitors alike.
The two halls stand side by side with an open-air area for fruit, vegetables and flowers between them, and seating outside in good weather. Inside, the stalls sell everything from fresh fish, shellfish and meat to mozzarella, chocolate and ice cream, along with ready-to-eat food such as open sandwiches, porridge and pastries. The market's own bakery, Albatross & Venner, is one of the anchors, and other long-standing stallholders include Boutique Fisk for seafood and Solfrugt for fruit and vegetables. The speciality roaster Coffee Collective also has a counter here.
Torvehallerne works well for a relaxed lunch, a picnic shop before a visit to the parks nearby, or simply a browse. It suits food lovers, families and anyone travelling on a budget who wants to try Danish food without booking a restaurant. Prices reflect the quality of the produce, so it is not the cheapest place to eat, but a few small dishes from different stalls make a satisfying meal. Lunchtime and Saturdays are busiest, so come mid-morning or mid-afternoon for an easier visit.
The halls are open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Coffee and morning pastries are available from 7:00, and some food stalls stay open later than the halls. Free public toilets are located beside the market.
Nørreport station, served by the metro, S-trains and regional trains, is just across the road, so Torvehallerne is easy to reach from anywhere in the city. Rosenborg Castle, the King's Garden, the National Gallery of Denmark and the Lakes are all within a short walk, which makes the market a natural place to refuel during a day of sightseeing in this part of town.
Torvehallerne FAQs
What are the opening hours of Torvehallerne?
Monday to Friday 10:00 to 19:00, and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 18:00. Coffee and pastries are available from 7:00.
Where is Torvehallerne?
At Frederiksborggade 21 on Israels Plads, across the road from Nørreport station.
What can you eat at Torvehallerne?
Open sandwiches, seafood, pastries, porridge, chocolate, ice cream and coffee, among many other options.
When did Torvehallerne open?
The market halls opened in September 2011 on the site of the old Grønttorvet vegetable market.
Is there seating?
Yes, there is seating inside and outdoor seating between the halls in good weather.
When is it least busy?
Mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. Lunchtime and Saturdays are the busiest times.
Are there toilets?
Yes, free public toilets are located beside the market.
What is nearby?
Rosenborg Castle, the King's Garden, the National Gallery of Denmark and the Lakes are all a short walk away.