Nyhavn district: The canal and its colourful houses

Nyhavn is certainly one of Copenhagen’s most emblematic districts. This historic district, with its colorful houses lining the canal, is Copenhagen’s most photogenic spot.

It’s the place to be on your Copenhagen vacation, whether you want to take a stroll, go for a cruise or just relax on the terrace! We’ve listed the things to see and do in Nyhavn below, to make your stay as easy as possible.

What to do in Copenhagen’s Nyhavn district

The Nyhavn district, located in the heart of Copenhagen at Indre By, offers a multitude of activities for all ages, whether you’re with family, friends or even solo.

Take a canal cruise

When you think of Nyhavn, the idea of a cruise on Copenhagen’s canals immediately springs to mind. Boarding a boat to explore the city from the water is a must-do activity when visiting Copenhagen.

From the Nyhavn district, several companies offer cruises that take you to the city’s most beautiful sights, as you glide gently along the calm waters of the canals.

Favourite ❤️ For a complete guided experience, we recommend the boat cruise offered by Stromma Danmark, a company with an excellent reputation. Cruises are available in summer and winter.

👉 A cruise is also included in the Copenhagen city pass.

Stroll through the Nyhavn district

Simply enjoy the atmosphere of the district by taking a stroll along the canal. It’s the perfect way to soak up Nyhavn’s unique atmosphere.

The quays of Nyhavn are also the ideal place to admire the contrast between old Copenhagen and its contemporary version. On one side, traditional brick buildings bear witness to the district’s maritime and commercial past, while on the other, trendy cafés and designer boutiques show how Nyhavn has evolved with the times without losing its authenticity.

Don’t miss the Memorial Anchor a sculpture installed to honor the memory of Danish sailors who lost their lives in the Second World War.

👀 Photo spotlight : To get a good view of the canal and Nyhavn’s colorful houses in the background, we recommend a trip to Nyhavnsbroen bridge. This bridge is less touristy than the harbor entrance, so you’ll be a little quieter to enjoy the sights.

✨ For the best light on the colorful facades along the quay, come in the morning!

Hans Christian Andersen, the famous writer, lived in several houses in the neighborhood (number 20 for the longest time, 18 and 67).

Enjoy the lively terraces

Nyhavn’s lively terraces are the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere. Whether you’re sipping a cold Danish beer, savoring a smørrebrød, the famous Danish open-faced sandwich, or simply relaxing and watching the boats come and go. Copenhagen’s cafés and restaurants offer plaids for outdoor enjoyment in summer and winter alike.

Here are two places to stay after your visit to the Nyhavn district:

• McJoy’s Choice McJoy’s Choice: for a beer and a smørrebrød while enjoying the atmosphere.
• Venezia – On the Sunny side For a good pizza and a view of the boats

The Maritime History of Nyhavn

Nyhavn, literally“new harbor” in Danish, lives up to its name, despite being one of Copenhagen’s oldest and most charming districts. Founded in the 17th century by King Christian V, Nyhavn originally served as a commercial port, linking the Baltic Sea to the heart of the city.

This bustling canal was the nerve center of Danish maritime trade, where ships from all over the world docked to unload their goods.

Nyhavn’s maritime history can still be seen today in the historic boats moored along the quays. Among them are a number of carefully restored sailing ships and other ancient vessels, made of weathered wood and reminiscent of the days when the canal was filled with trading ships.

In addition to Nyhavn, the districts of Christiania, Vesterbro, Refshaleøen(Reffen), and Christianshavn also offer great discoveries around Copenhagen’s canals.

Where is the Nyhavn Canal?

The Nyhavn Canal is located in the Indre By district of central Copenhagen. It’s close to a number of buildings worth visiting, including Amalienborg Palace and Christiansborg Castle.

How do I get there?

Nyhavn is easily accessible from central Copenhagen, whether on foot, by bike or by public transport.

• On foot: Nyhavn is a short walk from the city center and Strøget street. It’s a pleasant walk through the historic district to the harbor.
• By bike: Copenhagen is a cycling city par excellence. Renting a bike is a great way to explore Nyhavn and the surrounding area at your own pace.
• By public transport: The nearest metro stations are Kongens Nytorv and Gammel Strand.
• By boat: For an original arrival, you can also take a waterbus from other parts of Copenhagen.

What to do around Nyhavn Canal?

Here’s a list of things to do around the Nyhavn canal in the Indre By district, the historic heart of Copenhagen:

• Visit Amalienborg Palace: Just a few minutes’ walk from Nyhavn, this palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family. Watching the daily changing of the guard at 12 o’clock is an experience not to be missed.
• Explore Strøget, the shopping street: Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian and shopping streets.
• Stroll through the gardens of Rosenborg Castle: Just a stone’s throw away, the King’s Gardens (Kongens Have) offer an ideal green space in which to relax. The castle itself houses the jewels of the Danish crown.
• Explore the National Museum of Denmark: This museum tells the fascinating story of Denmark, from the Viking Age to modern times, and is just a short walk from Nyhavn.
• Discover the Copenhagen Opera House: Enjoy the view from Nyhavn of this modern building and cross the canal by boat to explore the Copenhagen Opera House up close.
• Stop off at Torvehallerne: This indoor market is a must for sampling local specialities and buying fresh produce.
  

Discover our ideal itinerary for a weekend in Copenhagen.