Nyhavn: Copenhagen’s Canal in Context

Nyhavn is a 17th-century waterfront canal running for about 400 metres between Kongens Nytorv and the harbour. It’s the most photographed part of Copenhagen — the row of coloured townhouses on the north bank, the wooden sailing ships moored in the canal, the restaurant terraces running the full length of the south side. Most people spend an hour or two here and it earns that time easily.

Hans Christian Andersen lived at numbers 18, 20, and 67 on the canal at various points. Number 67 was his address for the longest period and has a small plaque. He’s presumably the most famous resident of a street that was historically a rough sailors’ district, full of taverns and brothels. The renovation and gentrification happened over several decades in the late 20th century.

What Nyhavn Is Actually Like

The south quay (Nyhavn’s sunny side) is lined with restaurants selling smørrebrød, beer, and seafood. Prices are tourist-level — expect to pay 150-200 DKK (around €20-27) for a lunch main. The food is not bad, the setting is excellent, and sitting outside in good weather is one of the better things you can do in Copenhagen. Don’t expect revelatory Danish cuisine at these quayside places; they’re serving the location as much as the food.

The ships moored in the canal are original wooden vessels from the 19th century — the three oldest are protected by the Danish Maritime Museum and date from 1742, 1767, and 1892. They’re permanently moored and not generally open to visitors.

Slurp Ramen at Nyhavn 6 is worth knowing about if you want something cheap and good rather than expensive and adequate.

Getting Around from Nyhavn

The canal is walkable from most of central Copenhagen in 10-20 minutes. The M1/M2 metro stops at Kongens Nytorv, the square at the canal’s western end. Harbour buses (boats) run from the Nyhavn stop further into the harbour — a cheap and useful way to reach the Opera House, the Royal Library (the Black Diamond), and Christianshavn.

Bikes are the better way to see Copenhagen generally. Donkey Republic and Bycyklen have stations near Nyhavn; a day rental runs around 100 DKK.

Beyond the Canal

Churchillparken and the Little Mermaid are about 20 minutes’ walk north along the harbour. The statue is smaller than expected (1.25 metres high) and usually surrounded by tourists. Worth walking past if you’re going to the Citadel (Kastellet), which is an intact 17th-century star fortress that you can walk around freely.

Designmuseum Danmark is 10 minutes’ walk from Nyhavn and has a genuinely excellent collection of Danish design, including furniture, ceramics, and fashion from 1900 to now. Entry 125 DKK, free on Tuesdays.

Amalienborg Palace is 5 minutes’ walk — the Danish royal family’s Copenhagen residence, four identical rococo palaces around a square. The changing of the guard happens daily at noon.

Where to Stay Near Nyhavn

Hotel d’Angleterre on Kongens Nytorv is the historic luxury option, open since 1755. Nimb Hotel in Tivoli is more contemporary. Mid-range options are thin in this particular neighbourhood — the Vesterbro and Nørrebro districts offer more value for smaller hotels, a 15-20 minute metro ride away.