Indre By district: Copenhagen’s historic center

The Indre By district is the historic heart of Copenhagen. It’s the starting point for discovering the must-sees of the Danish capital, such as Christiansborg Castle, where political history comes to life, Amalienborg Palace, residence of the royal family, and the Nyhavn Canal.

Where is downtown Copenhagen?

This is the district where you’ll spend most of your time during your stay in Copenhagen.

What to do in the Indre By district

Guide to visiting Indre by

The main monuments and buildings to see

• Christiansborg Castle: Former royal residence, now home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court and Prime Minister’s offices.
• Amalienborg Palace: Official residence of the Danish royal family. Watching the changing of the guard is a not-to-be-missed activity.
• Rundetårn (The Round Tower): historic observatory and one of Europe’s oldest towers, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
• Rosenborg Castle: a magnificent Renaissance palace housing the Danish crown jewels and numerous royal treasures.
• The Kastellet citadel, built in the form of a star with five bastions, is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Northern Europe.
• The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen is one of the city’s most emblematic symbols, and stands at the far end of the Indre By district, on the waterfront.

Discover our ideal itinerary for a weekend in Copenhagen.

Museums

Most of Copenhagen’s museums are concentrated in this district:

• National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet): rich in history, featuring exhibits on Danish culture, Viking Age artifacts and much more.
• Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: museum dedicated to ancient and modern art, founded by Carlsberg brewer Carl Jacobsen.
• Design Museum: dedicated to Danish design
• Thorvaldsens Museum dedicated to the works of the famous Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. It features sculptures as well as works of ancient Greek and Roman art.

👉 Tip: Copenhagen’s City Pass is a great deal for travelers.

It provides unlimited access to the city’s public transport, including buses, subways and trains, making it easy to travel between all major attractions, including the city center and the airport.

🧒 With the family :

• Statens Museum for Kunst (or SMK) is Denmark’s leading art museum, with special areas and games for children.
• Musée du Design: pick up a free game booklet for children
• Musée des Illusions a fun, interactive space where visitors can discover trompe-l’œil, optical installations and fascinating puzzles. Ideal for families and curiosity seekers.

🌿Gardens

• Copenhagen Botanical Garden One of the green jewels of the city center, this garden is ideal for strolling around and admiring plants from different parts of the world. It is best known for its historic greenhouses, where a variety of exotic plants are preserved.
• Tivoli Garden, near Indre By, is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. Whether it’s just for a stroll or to try out the attractions, Tivoli offers a magical atmosphere that appeals to young and old alike.

1-day itinerary in Indre By: exploring downtown Copenhagen

For those wishing to discover Indre By in just one day, here’s an itinerary to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights.

⌛ Estimated duration: 1 day

Morning itinerary

Start your day with an exploration of Christiansborg Castle, climbing to Christiansborg Tower to admire the magnificent view of the city, free of charge. Next, head to Kongens Nytorv square, one of Copenhagen’s most emblematic squares, then on to Nyhavn to admire its famous colorful houses and the picturesque view of traditional boats cruising along the canal.

At midday, head to Amalienborg Palace to watch the changing of the guard and feel the royal atmosphere of this historic site. After this emblematic event, take a lunch break in another of the neighborhood’s little bistros if you’re still feeling peckish, or simply stroll around to admire the charm of the place even more.

Then stop off at Marmorkirken (the Marble Church) for a quick tour of its impressive interior, where the majestic dome and Baroque details create a truly unique atmosphere.

Afterwards, enjoy a quick lunch at Madbaren Marmorkirken, located on Store Kongensgade, before continuing your tour.

Afternoon itinerary

In the afternoon, you can take the metro to Rosenborg Castle to discover the magnificent Danish crown jewels (museum fee) and stroll through the gardens of Kongens Have, Denmark’s oldest royal garden. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens (free admission), where you can admire the beauty of the historic greenhouses and enjoy the soothing atmosphere of this green space in the heart of the city.

End the afternoon with a visit to the Round Tower (Rundetårn), a historic observatory offering breathtaking panoramic views of Copenhagen, with a gentle ascent thanks to its unique helical ramp. After visiting the tower, head for the famous Strøget street, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, where you can stroll among luxury boutiques, souvenir stores and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city center while sipping a coffee in a secret courtyard or sampling a delicious Danish pastry.

In the evening, treat yourself to a hearty dinner in a restaurant serving local specialities.

If the weather doesn’t allow you to spend time outside, you can add the National Museum of Denmark or the Museum of Illusions to your itinerary.

Itinerary on our map

🚲 For things to see east of Indre By, such as the Little Mermaid or the Kastellet citadel, we recommend going by public transport or renting a bike.

🚌 Multi-stop bus: with several stops in the Indre by district + cruise included.

L’Art de Vivre à Indre By : Cafés, Restaurants and Local Grocers

Typical restaurants and Danish cuisine

For those wishing to sample authentic Danish cuisine, Indre By is packed with typical restaurants, where local dishes are prepared with care. Smørrebrød, the famous open-faced sandwich, is an excellent choice in a traditional setting.

• Restaurant Puk: is an institution when it comes to enjoying traditional Danish cuisine. The warm atmosphere, with typical dishes such as smørrebrød and pork stew, makes it an excellent address for those who want a taste of Danish authenticity in a historic setting.

• Host: is a modern restaurant offering a Scandinavian gastronomic experience. The interior is minimalist and typically Nordic, with lots of natural wood and a cosy atmosphere. The menu offers innovative dishes featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

Trendy and Traditional Cafés

Sitting on a café terrace is a must in Copenhagen, and especially in Indre By. The trendy cafés, often located in quiet alleyways, offer the perfect atmosphere for a break after a long morning of sightseeing. You can even stop off here if you’re visiting Copenhagen in winter, for a guaranteed hygge (moment of well-being).

• The Living Room: one of the best places to experience the true hygge spirit. This cozy café is known for its comfortable sofas, candles and warm, inviting decor. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a coffee, a pastry or simply relax with a book, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Local markets and stores

For those wishing to take a souvenir of their visit home with them, Indre By offers numerous local boutiques and delicatessens on the Stroget shopping street, where you’ll find artisanal products, Danish cheese and specialties you won’t see anywhere else. These small boutiques contribute to the authenticity of the Copenhagen district.

Hotels in Indre by

Most hotels are located in Indre By, the area we recommend for sleeping in Copenhagen.

🛏️ See our selection of hotels ideally located in Copenhagen in our article.

A Brief History of the Indre District: From Tradition to Modernity

Copenhagen’s Indre By district is the historic heart of the city, with a history dating back to its medieval foundation by Bishop Absalon in the 12th century. What began as a small fishing village gradually grew into a prosperous center, marked by the construction of numerous fortifications to defend the city against invasion.

Two defining moments in Copenhagen’s history are the Renaissance period, under the reign of King Christian IV, and the period of post-fire reconstruction. In the 17th century, Christian IV greatly contributed to the city’s development, establishing new districts and sumptuous monuments such as Rosenborg Castle, the Copenhagen Stock Exchange and the Rundetårn Tower.

The Nyhavn harbor, dug out between 1670 and 1673, was built as a canal to link the port to the central squares, encouraging maritime trade and making Nyhavn a lively place of sailors, taverns and merchants. Following the two great fires of the 18th century, the district was rebuilt with a concern for modernity that has shaped the appearance of the city as we know it today.

Today, Nyhavn has become one of Copenhagen’s most emblematic symbols, transformed into a colorful and touristy place where visitors can stroll along the quays, between history and modernity, while enjoying the bustle and charms of the past.

Find out more about the history of the neighborhood.

Our review of Indre By

Indre By is much more than just a neighborhood; it’s the beating heart of Copenhagen, where history, culture, lifestyle and tradition meet. With its cobbled streets, museums, cosy cafés and hidden green spaces, the district invites endless exploration. Whether strolling through gardens, admiring centuries-old buildings, enjoying evening concerts or simply mingling with locals to discover their daily lives, Indre By offers an authentic glimpse of what makes Copenhagen so special.

For visitors who want to go further afield, Copenhagen has many other treasures to offer. From vibrant neighborhoods like Christiania, to the iconic Copenhagen boats that take you to the Little Mermaid, every corner of the city holds surprises. With a Copenhagen Card in your pocket, the adventure becomes even simpler, allowing you to discover these iconic places without worry.