Kongens Nytorv, Nyhavn & Amalienborg: A Self-Guided Walk in Copenhagen
Explore the Nyhavn area in Copenhagen, Denmark!
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 1.4 million / 55.4 degrees north
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a wonderful city. A hub of culture and design for Scandinavia, the city is also historic, charming, and home to world-class museums. Any visit to Scandinavia has to include a visit to Copenhagen!
Fun Facts About Copenhagen
Latitude: 55,4 degrees north
Population: 1.4 million
Hottest month: July
Coldest month: February
Wettest month: August
Windiest month: January
Annual precipitation: 312mm
Copenhagen Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Copenhagen
National Museum of Denmark
The National Museum of Denmark is a great overview of Danish history, with an excellent Viking exhibition.
Round Tower
The Round Tower was constructed in 1642 under King Christian IV as an observatory. Today it is possible to walk to the top for lovely views of Copenhagen.
Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg is one of my favourite attractions in the city. It was built as a summer palace for King Christian IV in the early 17th century and feels almost like the Graceland of Copenhagen.
Amalienborg
Amalienborg is the royal residence of Denmark. It is possible to walk around the courtyard, and one of the buildings has an exhibition about the monarchy.
Christiansborg
Christiansborg is home to the Danish Parliament, Prime Ministers Office, Royal Reception Rooms and the Supreme Court. It is built on the site where the original castle stood.
Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg is one of my favourite attractions in the city. It was built as a summer palace for King Christian IV in the early 17th century and feels almost like the Graceland of Copenhagen.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is essential in Copenhagen!
Bike Tours
Copenhagen is the Mecca for cyclists, with amazing cycle paths everywhere. The city is also completely flat, so you won’t break much of a sweat.
I recommend Bike Copenhagen with Mike.
Road-Trips
We currently have no road-trips out of Copenhagen.
Self-Guided Walks
Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn
This walk begins at Kongens Nytorv and ends at Amalienborg Palace, passing by Nyhavn.
Rosenborg to the Round Tower
This short walk begins at Rosenborg Castle and finishes at the Round Tower.
Copenhagen on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Copenhagen
Copenhagen City Centre Walking Tour
Follow me for an early morning walk around Copenhagen.
Uniquely Copenhagen
Here are some things that you must do and try in Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens
Established in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is a must-see in Copenhagen. It is the second-oldest seasonal amusement park in the world and inspired the likes of Walt Disney.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is the historic harbour area. It was built to connect Kongens Nytorv to the harbour and developed as a sailors neighbourhood, though Hans Christian Andersen did live here for a while.
The Little Mermaid
Is it a tourist trap? Yes. Should you still see it? Absolutely! The Little Mermaid is an icon of Copenhagen. It was commissioned in 1909 by the Danish beer baron Carl Jacobsen and has since become quite famous.
Christiania
Freetown Christiania was established by squatters in 1971 and is today a hippy and artists neighbourhood. There is the sale of hash and marijuana on the street Pusher Street (note – very illegal), but any other place in Christiania is lovely.
Try a hot dog!
The dirty looking hot dog carts you see around Copenhagen are the perfect place to try one of the most beloved fast foods in the city.
History of Copenhagen
Copenhagen was founded in 1167 by Bishop Absalon, who also built the first castle here. The city grew in importance from the 14th century onwards as it developed as a trade harbour and then when King Erik of Pomerania made it the capital in 1416.
It wasn’t until King Christian IV, however, that the city was developed as a fashionable and important capital. Christian IV had a number of Dutch Renaissance buildings constructed, and many still stand today. One of the buildings, Borsen, is Europe’s first stock exchange.
Copenhagen was hit by the plague in 1711 and a number of tragic fires throughout the 18th century changed the style of the city. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the city expanded beyond its walls. The city managed to escape destruction during World War II, though it was occupied by the Nazis.
Copenhagen Today
Today Copenhagen is a modern and progressive capital that regularly ranks high on the quality-of-life indexes.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Copenhagen Airport is a major international airport with flights to practically everywhere.
Drive: Copenhagen is well connected to the rest of Europe via the highways.
Train: There are trains connecting Copenhagen to Stockholm (via Malmo) and then across to various places in Denmark. It is also possible to take the train between Copenhagen and Hamburg.
Ferry: There are ferries connecting Copenhagen with Oslo and Swinoujscie, Poland.
Getting Around
Copenhagen is a very walkable city and it is the best way to explore.
If you are planning on using public transport, get the Copenhagen Card as it’ll also give you free entrance to most of the museums.
Otherwise, download the public transport app onto your phone.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Gasoline Grill has been voted one of the best burger places in the world.
Reasonable Restaurants
Heering on Nyhavn is a great seafood restaurant.
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
Hostels
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel is a centrally located hostel with bike rental and free dinner (if you book on their website).
Wake Up Copenhagen is by no means a hostel, but the prices are comparable and the rooms are great. I use them when I want a budget trip to CPH.
B&Bs and Guesthouses
Ibsens Hotel is a nice guesthouse with basic rooms.
Chains & Mid-Range
There aren’t many ‘mid range’ options here. Hotels are generally very expensive. Look for the Scandic chain for mid-range options.
High End & Unique Properties
Skt. Petri is the nicest hotel I’ve stayed at in Copenhagen! The location is also perfect.
Hotel d’Angletrre is the fanciest hotel in town.
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Sunrise: 8:29am
Sunset: 4:08pm
Average Temperature: 1C (34F)
February
Sunrise: 7:35am
Sunset: 5:13pm
Average Temperature: 1C (34F)
March
Sunrise: 6:24am
Sunset: 6:14pm
Average Temperature: 3C (38F)
April
Sunrise: 6:04am
Sunset: 8:16pm
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
May
Sunrise: 4:57am
Sunset: 9:15pm
Average Temperature: 12C (53F)
June
Sunrise: 4:25am
Sunset: 9:55pm
Average Temperature: 15C (59F)
July
Sunrise: 4:47am
Sunset: 9:43pm
Average Temperature: 18C (64F)
August
Sunrise: 5:42am
Sunset: 8:44pm
Average Temperature: 17C (63F)
September
Sunrise: 6:42am
Sunset: 7:26pm
Average Temperature: 14C (57F)
October
Sunrise: 7:41am
Sunset: 6:08pm
Average Temperature: 10C (49F)
November
Sunrise: 7:45am
Sunset: 4:02pm
Average Temperature: 5C (42F)
December
Sunrise: 8:33am
Sunset: 3:56pm
Average Temperature: 2C (36F)
All Posts About Copenhagen
A Self-Guided Walk Between Rosenborg Castle and the Round Tower
A Self-Guided Walk Between Rosenborg Castle and the Round Tower The walk between Rosenborg Castle and the Round Tower is very short – it’ll take you about 15 minutes –