Back in the days, Nyhavn was a bustling port where sailors from all over the world would visit the pubs, alehouses and ladies of pleasure. Today the beautiful houses are one of Copenhagen’s most iconic and atmospheric spots. With its brightly painted 17th-century houses, lively cafés, canal tours, and rich history, Nyhavn is where the city’s maritime past meets its laid-back present. As you walk beside the canal during the summer season, you’re greeted by the sounds of jazz and the sights of pavement cafés where people enjoy life and great traditional Danish food like smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches). The atmosphere remains lively throughout Christmas. At this time of year, the air in Nyhavn is scented with gløgg as the annual Christmas market fills the cobbled street with decorated stalls and twinkling lights.
Quick Facts
- Getting there: A short walk from Kongens Nytorv Metro Station
- Tip: The Copenhagen Card covers canal tours, museum visits, public transportation, and much more – all in one.
- Don’t miss: Close to Nyhavn is Broens Street Food, The Royal Danish Playhouse, and The Royal Danish Opera House.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nyhavn known for?
Nyhavn is famous for its colourful historic houses, canal tours, vibrant dining scene, and links to Hans Christian Andersen.
Who lived in Nyhavn?
The Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen lived in three different Nyhavn houses (No. 20, 67, and 18), where he wrote classics like The Tinderbox and The Princess and the Pea.
Can you take a canal tour from Nyhavn?
Yes. Several companies offer canal tours that depart from Nyhavn, giving you access to Copenhagen’s waterways and landmarks.
Is Nyhavn only for tourists?
Not at all. Locals enjoy it too – especially on warm days with a cold beer by the harbour.
What happens in Nyhavn at Christmas?
During December, Nyhavn hosts a Christmas market with twinkling lights, stalls, gløgg (mulled wine), æbleskiver (pancake puffs), and other Danish holiday dishes.
Experiences at Nyhavn
- Historic harbour houses: A row of pastel-coloured 17th-century buildings, now home to cafés and restaurants.
- Hans Christian Andersen’s homes: Visit the addresses where the world-famous storyteller once lived and wrote.
- Canal tours: Depart from the quay and explore Copenhagen from the water.
- Jazz and street life: Outdoor cafés often feature live music, creating a relaxed summer atmosphere.
Dining at Nyhavn
From traditional Danish dishes to modern Nordic plates, Nyhavn is a culinary hub:
- Seafood restaurants: Fresh fish and smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches).
- Outdoor cafés: Perfect for a beer on a sunny day.
- Fine dining nearby: The area around Kongens Nytorv offers gourmet experiences.
Seasonal Magic
- Christmas: Soak up the Christmas spirit at Nyhavn, where the iconic harbour is lined with festive stalls selling Christmas decorations, traditional Danish Christmas treats and steaming cups of gløgg (mulled wine). The sweet, spiced aroma of gløgg fills the air and captures the essence of a Danish Christmas quite like it. It’s the perfect way to warm up in the cold weather and experience true Danish hygge.
- Summer: In summertime, the harbour comes alive with happy people enjoying the sun at the many buzzing pavement cafés and restaurants. Live jazz music often fills the air, adding to the lively, relaxed atmosphere. Stop by one of the cafés or grab an ice cream and take a relaxing stroll along the harbour.
Why Visit Nyhavn?
Nyhavn is more than a postcard view – it is a living piece of Copenhagen’s history. Once alive with sailors and taverns, today it is a place to stroll, enjoy food and drinks by the water, listen to jazz, or embark on a canal tour. Whether in summer sunshine or under Christmas lights, Nyhavn offers a vibrant glimpse of Copenhagen at its best.
