Nyhavn

Built in the 17th century, this pretty waterfront offers a variety of cafés, bars and restaurants.

TravelCurious Tip

Many of the restaurants are a bit steep - buy a beer from a store nearby instead, and enjoy the view from the quay.

New Haven

Much of Copenhagen’s Old Town was destroyed by a terrible fire in 1728: Nyhavn survived the conflagration. Home to beloved Danish author Hans Christian Andersen for 18 years, it was once rather a seedy dockland, notorious for its prostitution and rowdy sailors.

After the advent of bigger ships in the early 20th century, Nyhavn’s use as a port began to dwindle; in the 1960s a rejuvenation campaign was begun, and the quay, once used as a parking area, was pedestrianised in 1980. The waterfront’s beautiful houses were renovated and its historic importance recognised; today it is popular with locals and tourists alike.


Come rain or shine

Nyhavn’s painted townhouses and sumptuous mansions now overlook many a good quayside restaurant, bar and outdoor café - as well as an excellent ice cream and waffle parlour.

The harbour is particularly lovely in summer when its colourful northern side is bathed in sunlight, making for great photo opportunities; at Christmas it’s a top destination for yuletide Danish delicacies, with festive market stalls galore. A waterside stroll down Nyhavn is the perfect end to a day of Copenhagen sightseeing.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Copenhagen
Christiansborg Palace
The seat of the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s office and the Supreme Court.
Amalienborg Palace
The winter home of the Danish royal family has stunning Rococo interiors.
Christiania
A self-proclaimed autonomous and anti-establishment neighbourhood.
Strøget Shopping Street
Europe’s longest pedestrian street offers a fabulous shopping experience.
Church of Our Saviour
A beautiful church famous for its helix spire, winding staircase and spectacular view.
Christianshavn
A vibrant, diverse and bohemian area with a unique maritime atmosphere.

Related Tours

The Best of Copenhagen: Private Half-Day Highlights Walking Tour
Experience the grandeur of Denmark's beautiful capital city, Copenhagen, a city that effortlessly blends rich history with modern charm, on this half-day walking tour of the city's highlights. 

On your private highlights tour, you will: 

  • Begin your tour by the Royal Danish Theatre, founded in 1748 by King Frederik V and considered to be one of the oldest national theatres in the world;
  • Explore the surroundings of Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark;
  • Pass by the beautiful Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Royal Family, and depending on the time of the day watch the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard;
  • Stroll through the historic Gråbrødretorv Square, which was the home of Christian IV’s favourite daughter;
  • Hear about Hviids Vinstue, a Danish Tavern in operation since 1723;
  • Visit Copenhagen Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady next to the University of Copenhagen in the medieval Latin Quarter;
  • Admire the magnificent 400 years old Rosenborg Castle, one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in the world;
  • Pass by Copenhagen’s 17th-century Round Tower, the oldest astronomical observatory in Europe;
  • See the former barracks at Nyboder historical neighbourhood, designed to be the home of Danish sailors and their families;
  • End the tour at the charming Nyhavn, with its pastel-coloured merchant's houses that line the canals, and learn about the astonishing history of the Jewish community in Copenhagen during WWII as you stroll along the waterfront. 

Copenhagen, a former humble fishing village, became the magnificent capital of Denmark in the 15th century. Copenhagen is steeped in history and is home to one of the oldest royal families in the world –spanning back to the Vikings. It is a city of majestic palaces and cobblestone streets, with stunning views toward the sea and a certain iconic statue of the Little Mermaid. 

History and modernity intertwine seamlessly in this innovative city – and you’ll learn all about the politics and green revolution of Denmark as you stroll around the highlights of the city – including royal palaces, the cathedral and university, the waterfront and the political and commercial heart of the city. 

Enjoy the vibrant buzz of central Copenhagen and get the best recommendations for great places to eat from your local expert guide. 
Copenhagen in a Day: Private Full-Day Highlights Walking Tour
Enjoy a full-day private walking tour of beautiful Copenhagen – the historic, cultured and contemporary capital of Denmark, known for its stunning architecture, its unique geography straddling two islands, the grandeur of its royal history and its contemporary cool culture today. 

On your private tour, you will: 

  • See the iconic bronze sculpture of the Little Mermaid by Dutch artist Edvard Eriksen, a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City of Copenhagen;
  • Admire the Amalienborg Palace complex and garden, the winter residence of the Royal Family famed for its exquisite Rococco architecture - maybe even see the Changing of the Royal Guard.;
  • Explore the 400 years old Rosenborg Castle, one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in the world(Tickets included);
  • Inside the castle, admire the Knights Hall with the coronation thrones, the crown jewels, and regalia – all used by the Danish Royal Family to this day;
  • Walk around the charming Nyhavn neighbourhood with its pastel-coloured merchant's houses that line the canals;
  • Enjoy lunch by the Nyhavn Canal, where your guide can recommend a local favourite restaurant or cafe (lunch is not included);
  • Visit Copenhagen’s most charming view atop the 17th-century Round Tower, the oldest astronomical observatory in Europe. (Tickets included);
  • End your tour in the heart of the city by the Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark. 

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city, is known as one of the coolest contemporary capitals in the world, with its unique geography sitting on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, offering spectacular views throughout the day. The Öresund Bridge provides a link to Malmo in southern Sweden. It is also famous for the grandeur of its historic royal architecture. 

With your private guide, you will spend the day exploring the highlights of this fascinating and beautiful city. Explore the Amalienborg Palace and Gardens, the winter home of the Danish royal family, where you may catch the traditional pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Royal Guard. The palace also boasts some of the most impressive Rococo architecture found anywhere in Europe.

After admiring the iconic Little Mermaid sculpture, you will then venture inside the Kastellet, a mightily imposing star fortress; built in the shape of a giant pentagon, which has successfully warded off enemy attackers for centuries. You will then head over to Nyhavn, where you will have the pleasure of experiencing a delicious traditional Danish lunch, characterised by fresh, local ingredients. 

From here your tour will continue its royal theme as you journey into the impressive 17th-century Rosenberg Castle built by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV. Here you will have the chance to enter the stunning Knights’ Hall with original coronation thrones and three life-size silver lions standing guard! 

Rosenberg also houses an exquisite collection of Flora Danica and one of the world’s finest Venetian glass collections in the world. A short distance from Rosenborg is the stunning Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s office and the Supreme Court. 

Your day-long tour ends on a high note: with a visit to Copenhagen’s 17th-century Round Tower, an iconic landmark in the city with the oldest Observatory in Europe. 
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