Kongens Nytorv Copenhagen
Copenhagen's grandest square, a historic Baroque hub connecting key attractions and offering stunning architecture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos
Kongens Nytorv Copenhagen
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Copenhagen's grandest square, a historic Baroque hub connecting key attractions and offering stunning architecture.
"A lovely square, a good stepping stone to many different attractions."
📸 Early Bird Gets the Shot
Visit Nyhavn at dawn for crowd-free photos of the colorful houses .
🚇 Metro Transfer Woes
Transferring lines at Kongens Nytorv with luggage is tough; allow ample time .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nyhavn Canal
Adjacent to Kongens Nytorv
Iconic colorful 17th-century townhouses lining a picturesque canal. A photographer's dream!

Equestrian Statue of Christian V
Center of Kongens Nytorv
A grand royal statue marking the heart of this historic Baroque square.

Historic Architecture
Surrounding Kongens Nytorv
Admire the stunning Baroque buildings that frame the square, including the Hotel d'Angleterre.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Kongens Nytorv
Best Photo Ops & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Early Bird Gets the Shot
Visit Nyhavn at dawn for crowd-free photos of the colorful houses.
🚇 Metro Transfer Woes
Transferring lines at Kongens Nytorv with luggage is tough; allow ample time.
⛸️ Winter Wonderland
Experience the festive Christmas market and ice skating rink in December.
🚶♀️ Stepping Stone to Attractions
The square is a perfect starting point for exploring Nyhavn and beyond.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Early Bird Gets the Shot
Visit Nyhavn at dawn for crowd-free photos of the colorful houses.
🚇 Metro Transfer Woes
Transferring lines at Kongens Nytorv with luggage is tough; allow ample time.
⛸️ Winter Wonderland
Experience the festive Christmas market and ice skating rink in December.
🚶♀️ Stepping Stone to Attractions
The square is a perfect starting point for exploring Nyhavn and beyond.
💰 Free City Views
Skip the Round Tower fee; views from Christiansborg Palace are free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kongens Nytorv is praised as a beautiful, historic square and a central hub for exploring Copenhagen, especially for its proximity to Nyhavn. Visitors enjoy the grand architecture and festive atmosphere during winter holidays. However, it can get very crowded, and navigating the Metro station with luggage presents challenges.
"This public square is encircled by beautiful historic buildings and features Copenhagen benches scattered throughout. On a lovely day, it's an ideal spot for enjoying your morning coffee."
Prayuth Wongsuwan PPP
"We went during December, there was a cool little market and an ice skating rink. Over this part of the city is beautiful during the winter, especially when dressed up in christmas decorations. If you are in Copenhagen during the winter months, especially in the lead up to the christmas I highly recommend visiting this part of the city."
Benjamin O'keeffe
"It is a nice but also very crowded place. From there Nyhavn (the famous houses) start and you can get some really cool pictures."
Blazka Rupnik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kongens Nytorv is easily accessible via the Copenhagen Metro, with its own station serving all four lines. It's a central hub for exploring the city.
If you have a layover, the Metro can take you directly from the airport to Kongens Nytorv in about 15 minutes.While the Metro station is convenient, transferring between lines (like M3 to M2) with significant luggage can be challenging due to stairs and walking distances. It's advisable to allow extra time or consider alternative transport if you have heavy bags.
Yes, Nyhavn is just a short, pleasant walk (about 5 minutes) from Kongens Nytorv, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the iconic canal.
While Uber is not available in Copenhagen, you can use the 'Big O' app to book taxis.
Taxis can be hailed or found at designated stands.Absolutely! Kongens Nytorv is a fantastic starting point, offering easy access to Nyhavn, shopping streets, and historic sites. Many walking tours begin or pass through this central square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kongens Nytorv is a public square, so there are no tickets or entry fees required to visit. You can freely explore the area and admire the architecture.
As an outdoor public space, Kongens Nytorv is accessible 24/7. However, surrounding attractions and businesses will have their own operating hours.
Yes, Kongens Nytorv hosts various events throughout the year, including Christmas markets, ice skating rinks in winter,
and sometimes outdoor sports demonstrations like footvolley.The Hotel d'Angleterre is a luxury hotel, and while you can admire its exterior from the square, entry to its public areas or rooms requires being a guest or patron. There's no general admission fee to see the hotel from the outside.
Keep an eye on local event listings and Copenhagen tourism websites. Social media accounts like @copenhageninfocus often highlight events happening in the square.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire square offers great photo opportunities, especially with the equestrian statue and surrounding Baroque buildings. For iconic shots, head towards Nyhavn for its colorful facades.
To capture Nyhavn without crowds and with beautiful light, aim for early morning. The golden hour light can also be stunning in the late afternoon.
Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces like Kongens Nytorv. However, be mindful of private property and any temporary event signage.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both the grandeur of the square and details of the architecture. A wide-angle lens can be useful for sweeping shots of the square and Nyhavn.
Drone usage is often restricted in urban areas and near historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone in Copenhagen.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Kongens Nytorv is surrounded by excellent dining options, from cafes to fine dining. The nearby Nyhavn also boasts numerous restaurants with canal views.
You'll find a variety of cuisines, including traditional Danish fare, seafood, Italian, and international options. Many places offer lunch specials and evening dining.
While Nyhavn can be pricier, exploring side streets or heading to areas like Reffen Street Food Market (a short metro ride away) offers more affordable and diverse food choices.
Absolutely! There are several charming bakeries and cafes around the square and in the adjacent streets, perfect for a morning coffee and pastry.
Eating in Nyhavn offers a great atmosphere and views, but it can be more expensive. For a similar vibe with potentially better value, consider restaurants just off the main canal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a fun winter activity, the ice-skating rink at Kongens Nytorv during the Christmas season is a hit with families. Consider visiting nearby attractions like Tivoli Gardens or the National Museum of Denmark, which are easily reachable from this central location.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for free activities like admiring the architecture, enjoying the atmosphere, and taking photos. Some attractions, like Christiansborg Palace, offer free entry at certain times. The Metro is an economical way to get around the city from Kongens Nytorv.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Copenhagen: Kongens Nytorv's History and Significance
The square's strategic location makes it a vital hub. It connects major thoroughfares and serves as a gateway to other key attractions like Nyhavn, Strøget (the main shopping street), and the Royal Danish Theatre. The magnificent Hotel d'Angleterre, a landmark of Danish luxury, anchors one side of the square, adding to its regal ambiance.
Beyond its historical and architectural significance, Kongens Nytorv is a vibrant public space that hosts events and serves as a crucial transit point. The Metro station beneath the square is a testament to its modern-day importance, facilitating easy access for locals and tourists alike. Its enduring presence reflects Copenhagen's rich past and its dynamic present.
Navigating Copenhagen's Metro from Kongens Nytorv
However, travelers with heavy luggage should be aware of potential challenges. As noted by Reddit users, transferring between certain lines, particularly from M3 to M2, can involve navigating multiple sets of stairs and a considerable walking distance within the station. This is something to factor in, especially if you have an early morning flight or are arriving with substantial baggage.
For those with lighter loads or simply looking to explore, the Metro from Kongens Nytorv offers a quick and reliable way to access attractions like Nyhavn (a short walk away), Tivoli Gardens, or even venture further afield. It's a key component of Copenhagen's excellent public transportation system.
Seasonal Charm: Kongens Nytorv Through the Year
As autumn arrives, the atmosphere becomes more subdued but still charming. September can offer pleasant weather for exploring, with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. The changing leaves can add a beautiful hue to the historic surroundings.
The winter months bring a magical transformation, especially in December. Kongens Nytorv becomes a festive hub, featuring a popular Christmas market and an ice-skating rink. The square is beautifully decorated, creating a cozy and enchanting atmosphere that draws locals and visitors alike. Even in the colder months, the historic architecture provides a stunning backdrop.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit