Thing to do
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.
Nyhavn
Copenhagen's 17th-century harbour canal, lined with colourful townhouses, wooden ships and waterside restaurants, and the main departure point for canal tours.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic canal and harbourfront
- Area
- Indre By, Copenhagen, Denmark
Good to know
- Free
- Waterside bars and restaurants
- Harbour tour departures
- Historic ships
Why we recommend it
Nyhavn, which means New Harbour, is the picture most people have of Copenhagen: a straight canal lined with brightly painted townhouses, old wooden ships moored along the quays and people sitting outside on the sunny side with a drink. It was dug between 1670 and 1675 under King Christian V, partly by Swedish prisoners of war, to give ships a route from the harbour into Kongens Nytorv, the city's main square. For centuries it was a busy and rough working port, known for sailors' taverns, before small cargo traffic faded away after the Second World War.
The canal was revived from the 1960s by the Nyhavn Society, became a harbour for historic ships in 1977 and was closed to cars along the quay in 1980. Today the south side holds museum ships owned by the National Museum, among them the lightship Gedser Rev from 1895, while the north side is home to privately owned wooden ships that are still in use. The oldest house, number 9, dates from 1681. Hans Christian Andersen lived on the canal at different times, at number 67 and later at number 18, and a plaque marks one of his homes.
At the Kongens Nytorv end stands the Memorial Anchor, which honours more than 1,700 Danish sailors and officers who died during the Second World War, and a ceremony is held there every 5 May, Denmark's Liberation Day. At the harbour end, the Inderhavnsbroen footbridge and cycle bridge, opened in 2016 and nicknamed the Kissing Bridge, crosses to Christianshavn.
Nyhavn suits everyone and costs nothing to walk. The northern side gets the sun and is lined with bars and restaurants, which are lively in summer but tend to charge for the location, so many visitors buy a drink and simply enjoy the view. Come early in the morning for photographs without the crowds, or in the evening when the lights are reflected in the water. Several canal tour companies, including Stromma and the Netto boats, depart from Nyhavn, so it is an easy place to start a trip on the water.
The nearest metro station is Kongens Nytorv, served by all the city's metro lines, and harbour buses stop at the mouth of the canal. Amalienborg Palace, the Royal Danish Theatre and the shopping street Strøget are all within a few minutes' walk.
Nyhavn FAQs
Is Nyhavn free to visit?
Yes, the quays are public and free to walk. You only pay if you eat, drink or take a boat tour.
When was Nyhavn built?
The canal was dug between 1670 and 1675 under King Christian V.
Did Hans Christian Andersen live in Nyhavn?
Yes, he lived at number 67 and later at number 18.
Which side of Nyhavn is best for a drink?
The northern side gets the most sun and is lined with bars and restaurants.
Can I take a canal tour from Nyhavn?
Yes, several operators including Stromma and the Netto boats depart from Nyhavn.
How do I get to Nyhavn?
Take the metro to Kongens Nytorv, which is served by all metro lines, or a harbour bus to the mouth of the canal.
What is the anchor at the end of Nyhavn?
The Memorial Anchor honours more than 1,700 Danish sailors who died in the Second World War.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning for quiet photographs, or summer evenings when the quayside is at its liveliest.