On a sunny day, few places rival the charm of sitting at an outdoor café table along the Nyhavn Canal in Copenhagen, Denmark. Open here on Google Maps. This historic waterfront, whose name means ‘New Harbor’, is one of the city’s most iconic spots, celebrated for its colorful 17th and early 18th-century townhouses, many now transformed into lively bars, cafés, and restaurants.
Originally built to connect Kongens Nytorv with the harbor, Nyhavn is steeped in history, once frequented by sailors and writers like Hans Christian Andersen. Andersen lived at several locations here—No. 20, where he wrote The Tinderbox, Little Claus and Big Claus, and The Princess and the Pea, as well as at Nos. 18 and 67. The canal’s oldest house, No. 9, has remained unchanged since 1681.
Today, Nyhavn draws tourists and locals alike with its vibrant, colorful gabled buildings, picturesque boats, and inviting atmosphere. It’s also a prime spot to start a Canal Tours Copenhagen boat ride. The area offers numerous restaurants and cafés, where visitors can enjoy Danish and international dishes while overlooking the canal. Though Nyhavn is stunning all year, it shines in spring and summer, when warm weather fills outdoor seating areas with activity. Located centrally in Copenhagen, Nyhavn is easy to reach by foot, bike, or public transit.
