A Guide to Copenhagen’s Historic Centre and Nyhavn Harbour
The heart of Copenhagen is its historic city centre that is filled with cobble stone streets that meet the waterfront and modern architecture, with picturesque views of the skyline, boats, and the famous canals. This is also where you will find the historic Nyhavn “New Harbour” which dates back to the 1670s, alongside some of the more eye-catching modern buildings in the city, such as views of the Black Diamond. Copenhagen’s major tourist attractions can be found here, along with the most interesting architecture of the city and iconic monuments that give Copenhagen its character. The city centre is where the Royal Palaces are found along with landmarks such as the Royal Danish Theatre, Amalienborg Palace, the Marble Church, and several famous bridges.
Copenhagen’s neighbourhoods each has a personality of its own, but the city centre, known as Indre By, is where you will find the main shops, museums, and the famous colourful harbour of Nyhavn. The streets here are still filled with historic charm, with quiet canals and busy squares; take a walk through or get on your bike and go back in time through these charismatic and colourful streets.
Indre By - Copenhagen's Old Town
The historic centre of Denmark’s capital, Indre By—meaning “Inner City”—is where you can visit the historic district and core of the city. It is the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, making it a must-visit destination for tourists eager to explore the timelessness of the city. With its cobblestone streets, grand palaces, iconic attractions, and vibrant culture, Indre By is certain to be your first stop on a tour of Copenhagen.
Walking through Indre By feels like stepping into a living museum. Towering over the cityscape is Christiansborg Palace, a majestic complex that now houses Denmark’s Parliament, Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Just a short stroll away is Amalienborg Palace, the royal family’s official residence. Time your visit right, and you can catch the ceremonial Changing of the Guard, a tradition that draws visitors daily.
Don’t miss Rosenborg Castle, a Renaissance-era treasure trove where you can view the Danish crown jewels up close. And for panoramic views of the city, head to the Round Tower (Rundetårn)—Europe’s oldest functioning observatory, complete with a spiral ramp leading to its summit
Indre By is a hub of cultural richness, home to some of Denmark’s finest museums. The National Museum of Denmarkoffers a comprehensive look at the country's past, from Viking relics to contemporary exhibits. Art lovers will find inspiration at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, which showcases everything from ancient sculptures to French Impressionist masterpieces.
Nearby, the Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) and Design Museum Denmark provide further insight into the nation’s artistic legacy, while the Thorvaldsens Museum celebrates the life and work of famed Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.
No visit to Copenhagen is complete without a photo at The Little Mermaid, one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, the statue sits serenely by the harbor, just a short walk from the center.
For family fun and whimsical charm, spend an evening at Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. And if you're looking to unwind amid nature, the Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape with its collection of exotic plants and historic greenhouses.
Nyhavn - the 17th Century Harbour
A short stroll from Kongens Nytorv, the colourful district of Nyhavn lies on the waterfront with 17th century townhouses lining the canals up to the Inner harbour. Nyhavn (New Haven) looks as perfect as a postcard and is a place steeped in a rich history, making it one of the most popular and intriguing places to visit in Copenhagen. Beautiful on a sunny day and lit up at night, the vibrant coloured town houses along the harbour-side date back to the 17th and early 18th century, making it one of the best preserved historical neighbourhoods of the city. There are also plenty of colourful stories to go with it, from a literary history to a setting for numerous films. Even some of the wooden boats that are moored here are historical. The attractive sites here make it a favourite spot for locals to enjoy sunset as well as tourists strolling past the cafe terraces and taking the canal tours.
Nyhavn was created as a canal district by King Christian V around 1670 and formed a gateway from the old town and the King’s Square to the sea. is where Denmark’s most famous writer Hans Christian Andersen lived a century ago, living in not one, but three houses here. Back then this “new” harbour was busy with commercial boats and sailors from all over the world, and the streets lined with plenty of drinking dens and prostitutes. Now it is cleaned up since its sailor days, and is more of a tourist attraction to showcase Copenhagen’s maritime history and a place to catch the canal tours. It also has a much better reputation than back in those days! With plenty of restaurants and ice cream shops along the canal, there are places to sit and watch the world go by - even locals like to come here for a seat in the harbour and to grab a beer.
Colourful History
With a lot of preservation and restoration, the colourful buildings have been restored and their district retains its historic charm. It’s also just a great place to enjoy something to eat, live music, or the Christmas market in winter. Take a walk from the nearby metro (a choice of stations) such as Kongens Nytorv and take a walk towards the water. You can also walk over the Inner Harbour Bridge (Indershavnsbro) from the island of Christianshavn on this pedestrian (and cycling) drawbridge that is known as the Kissing Bridge.
Walking along the harbour front by the town houses take a look at number 18, 20, and 67. These were all homes to Hans Christian Andersen at one point in time, famous throughout the world for his fairytales such as The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Pea, and The Tinderbox. He lived around twenty years in no. 67, testament to how important an area Nyhavn was for literary society, and how popular. Composer Niels Clemmesen also lived at Nyhvan 17 in the 1920s. There are also photogenic spots along the harbour front that you might recognise from movies - many films have been filmed here since the 1950s. More recently Oscar winning Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander appear here in the 2015 movie “The Danish Girl”.
A favourite spot in summer when the blue skies and sunshine make everything more vibrant, Nyhavn is actually charming all year round. We love visiting in December when it is particularly magical. The Christmas market, decorations, and the illuminated market stalls create a festive atmosphere that is truly Danish. It is also photogenic in the snow, but the harbour front can be very cold so be warned!
Check out Nyhavn 63 - our sister hostel and innovative capsule hotel. Here you have a futuristic experience of sleeping in a capsule, or double capsule for the night! Enjoy the privacy of your own space in the busy harbour front!
Stay in the Centre with Us at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
Centrally located in the city's old town, Copenhagen Downtown Hostel offers the best experience for genuine backpackers. Our funky retro hostel offers great bar service, an international experience with a great crowd, bar events and parties, live music, and downstairs venue Copenhagen Downunder. Our hostel mixes a local crowd with people from around the world to share experiences, make friends, and enjoy our amazing cocktails. Check out our latest bar menus and happy hour specials and enjoy the best vibe in town! We have rooms to share with friends or for solo travel, female only dorms, and private and family rooms, equipped with en suite bathroom facilities. Book direct and get the best offers and benefits!
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