New Harbor-with all its bright colors, wooden ships, and a dash of nautical nostalgia-is by far Copenhagen’s most photogenic waterfront. Here, 17th-century Danish townhouses line up like they’re auditioning for a postcard.

Built between 1670 and 1675 under the direction of King Christian V-using a workforce of Danish soldiers and captured Swedish war prisoners-New Harbor was designed to boost trade with the Dutch. In reality, however, it quickly became Copenhagen’s go-to district for beer, brawls, and brothels. Trade and trouble? Why not both?

In his turn, the famed Danish author Hans Christian Andersen also called New Harbor home for a whopping 18 years. He first moved into Number 20, the red house, in 1834. Then, he shuffled over to Number 18 and eventually spent his longest stretch lounging around Number 67 from 1848 to 1865. Basically, he was living that prime canal-side real estate life before it was cool.

After World War II, the harbor’s hustle slowed to a crawl, and the area nearly faded into obscurity. But the 1960s gave it a second act. In 1977, the Veteran Ship and Museum Harbor dropped anchor, and by 1980, the quay was pedestrianized-aka, turned into the selfie paradise and café haven we know today.

Take a stroll now, and you’ll spot all sorts of restored museum ships moored along the canal-each one with enough maritime drama to fill a Netflix series. At the far end of the harbor sits the Memorial Anchor, quietly honoring Danish sailors lost in World War II.

Wander a bit further south, and things take a modern turn. Jazz clubs, tattoo parlors, trendy cafés, and enough open-faced sandwiches to keep your Instagram busy for hours.

Tip:
If you're on a tight budget or just pretending to be Danish, skip the overpriced bar scene. Grab a beer or coffee from a convenience store, plop yourself down at the quayside, and soak in the view. For something classier, head to the Royal Playhouse at the far end-great drinks, decent prices, and panoramic views that will make your camera weep with joy.

And hey, if your feet are screaming for mercy, you can always hop on a boat tour right at the harbor entrance. One hour of effortless sightseeing and zero walking required.

House of Amber is a prestigious Danish company, established in 1933 by Einer Fehrn, which has developed into one of the world’s foremost suppliers of amber jewelry. This well-regarded entity has been producing and dealing in amber, often referred to as the "gold of the North," for several generations.

Strategically positioned in Copenhagen, House of Amber operates its retail outlets in historical and tourist-friendly locations. These include the old Kanneworffs House at Nyhavn, Vesterbrogade near Tivoli, and along the bustling main pedestrian street in the city center. The company is renowned for having the largest selection of amber jewelry, intricately combined with gold, silver, and diamonds, offering a plethora of designs that cater to various tastes. Their product range extends from pendants, bracelets, and brooches to earrings, necklaces, and various artistic objects crafted from amber.

With over 78 years of experience in selecting and crafting amber for jewelry, House of Amber exemplifies skill and expertise in the jewelry industry. The company ensures the highest quality of each piece, an assurance further bolstered by the presence of the Copenhagen Amber Museum located in the same historic building in Nyhavn. This museum not only serves as a testament to the quality but also enriches the visitor's experience by connecting them with the historical and geological context of amber.

House of Amber operates under the motto, "Designed by nature - Refined by us," reflecting their deep respect for the natural origins and beauty of amber, which dates back 20 to 50 million years. Amber's use in jewelry can be traced back to 10,000 BC, making it one of the earliest materials used by humans for ornamental purposes. House of Amber not only continues this ancient tradition but elevates it by integrating modern design with timeless natural beauty.

King's New Square is a central hub in Copenhagen, noted for its significant size and historical prominence. Established in 1670 by King Christian V, the square was part of an extensive urban development aimed at expanding and fortifying the city.

Originally a chaotic site with muddy terrain outside the city's fortifications, the area was transformed into a planned, cobblestoned space inspired by royal squares in Paris. It served both military and social functions – first, as a military alarm square and then as a venue for royal ceremonies and public gatherings.

Dominating the square, at its center, is the equestrian statue of King Christian V. The oldest of its kind in Scandinavia, first crafted in 1688 and recast in bronze in 1939, it exudes a historical aura.

Surrounding the square are prominent buildings such as the Royal Danish Theater, Charlottenborg Palace (now housing the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts), the Thott Palace (currently the French Embassy), and notable commercial establishments like the Hotel D'Angleterre and the Magasin du Nord department store.

Also, check out an old kiosk and telephone stand from 1913. Built in Baroque Revival style and featuring a copper-clad roof and hand-carved ornamentation, it once hosted Copenhagen's first public telephone service and now serves as a café with outdoor seating.

Today, the square is not only a historical site but also a vibrant public space that hosts outdoor exhibitions and ice skating in winter and is a traditional spot for high school graduation celebrations.

Charlottenborg is a Dutch Baroque style palace constructed for Ulrik Frederik Gyldenlve between 1672 and 1683. In 1700, the palace was bought by Charlotte Amalie, Queen Dowager. As you visit the palace, you will find that the main building faces Kongens Nytorv. It was constructed by C. F. Hansen in 1827 and features the Antiksalen and Fest Halls.

Today, Charlottenborg, named after the famous widow Queen Charlotte Amalie, has an extensive collection of art and literature displayed in its library. It is also where the Royal Danish Academy of Art operates from. Established and emerging artists aspiring to showcase their talent hold exhibitions here.

One of the most famous exhibitions held at Charlottenborg is Forårsudstillint, the spring show. This exhibition is a host to artists who display their crafts, paintings and architecture. Artists from around the nation send their work here which is reviewed and if chosen, displayed at this exhibition.

Another art show, namely the Efterårsudstillingen, is held in autumn. This exhibition displays works of eminent artists who are specially invited. Charlottenborg holds curated shows and at least five exhibitions each year. Do not miss a visit to this popular tourist attraction on your trip to Copenhagen.

Moltke's Mansion, also known as Moltke's Palace, is a striking example of Baroque architecture in Copenhagen. Situated at the intersection of Bredgade and Dronningens Tværgade, it stands as one of the prominent town mansions in the Frederiksstaden area, yet notably predates the neighborhood by about fifty years.

Constructed between 1700 and 1702 for Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve, an illegitimate son of King Frederick III of Denmark, the mansion replaced an earlier structure from the 1680s on the same site. Initially called Gyldenløve's Little Mansion to differentiate it from his larger Charlottenborg Palace, it was renamed Moltke's Mansion in 1842 when it was acquired by Adam Wilhelm Moltke, Denmark’s first Prime Minister under the constitutional monarchy, marking a key period in its history. The mansion's construction was overseen by architect Ernst Brandenburger.

Moltke's Mansion is renowned for its elaborate Baroque style, including a main facade on Bredgade that features nine bays with giant pilasters marking its grandeur. The rich sandstone decorations include motifs of elephants, lion heads, and flowering vines. These elements, along with a sculpted balustrade, are primarily the result of modifications by Krieger.

Internally, the mansion boasts significant artistic contributions from Erik Pauelsen, especially in the Dronninggaard Salon. Named after the Dronninggård country house, this salon features murals and overdoors painted by Pauelsen, depicting idyllic scenes and topographical views. The first floor houses the Dronninggaard Chambers, which, along with the Green Room, features paintings of local landscapes such as the Hermitage Lodge and the Sound. The Golden Hall stands out with murals by Bjørn Nørgaard, which narrate the history of craftsmanship.

Today, Moltke's Mansion remains under the stewardship of the Association of Craftsmen in Copenhagen. It serves a functional role as a venue for banquets, meetings, and small conferences, continuing its legacy as a center of cultural and social gatherings. Its architectural beauty and rich historical layers make it a cherished landmark in Copenhagen's urban landscape, bridging the city's regal past with its present cultural fabric.

The Odd Fellows Mansion is a significant Rococo-style town mansion located in Copenhagen. It gained its current name when it was acquired by the local branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1900. Before this acquisition, it was known through its history as the Berckentin Mansion and later the Schimmelmann Mansion, reflecting the names of its notable owners.

The mansion's origins date back to the redevelopment of the Frederiksstaden district, a project under the creative guidance of architect Nicolai Eigtved. Eigtved's vision for the district included the design of the mansion, which was executed by Johann Gottfried Rosenberg. It was originally built to serve as the residence for Christian August von Berckentin, a wealthy merchant and politician who was recently ennobled with the title of Count.

In 1762, the mansion was purchased by Heinrich von Schimmelmann, leading to its rechristening as the Schimmelmann Mansion. It continued to serve as a prominent cultural hub under the ownership of Ernst Schimmelmann, Heinrich's son, who inherited it in 1782. Ernst and his wife, Charlotte Schimmelmann, were passionate patrons of the arts. Charlotte, particularly, became renowned for hosting salons that attracted various cultural figures, thereby enhancing the mansion's reputation as a center for vibrant cultural life.

Today, the mansion is not only a historical building but also a cultural venue. It includes a concert hall that is accessible to the public, furthering its legacy as a place of gathering and cultural exchange. Additionally, the Odd Fellows Mansion has served as a picturesque location for various film and television productions, including the 1997 film "Smilla's Sense of Snow" and an episode of the TV series "Matador," highlighting its architectural and historical significance.

Amaliehaven also known as Amalie Garden is situated in central Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden neighbourhood between the water front and the Amalienborg Palace. This small park was gifted to the city by the A.P. Moller and Chastine McKinney Moller Foundation in 1953.

The park was first created over an ancient shipyard established by Lars Larsen, a rich ship owner in 1802. Jean Delogne, the Belgian landscape architect designed this garden that was inaugurated in 1983.

The park is rectangle shaped with a large fountain at the center. The design is symmetrical and is exquisitely complemented by the naturally flowering plants. You will find two levels of the garden extending on either sides of the central fountain. One side of the garden is enclosed by the street and the other by walls and shrubs.

You will also find a stunning variety of flowers and plants in this garden. The effect is amazing with natural shapes of flowers contrasting the park’s geometric layout. If you visit Amaliehaven in April, you are extremely lucky as you will find the Japanese cherry trees in full bloom. These trees are indeed the highlight of this park.

All sculptures you find here are sculpted by Arnaldo Pomodoro, the famous Italian sculptor. There are four attractive abstract columns and water features that sprinkle jets of water.

Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish Royal Family. This palace complex features four rococo palaces constructed between 1750 and 1758. All are built around the octagonal square where you will find King Frederik’s equestrian statue. King Frederik ruled Norway and Denmark between 1723 and 1766 and was instrumental in the construction of Frederiksstad of which Amalienborg palace is a part.

Land for the palace was acquired by King Christian IV who ruled Norway and Denmark between 1577 and 1648. Queen Sophie Amalie, King Frederik III’s consort constructed the first palace in this waterfront area between 1669 and 1673. This palace was destroyed by fire in 1689.

King Frederik IV constructed the second royal palace at Amalienborg during his rule between 1671 and 1730. This was a two-storied small summer residence that featured a charming French garden. It was named Sophie Amalienborg.

In the 1980s the palace was restored as residence for the Crown Prince, storage facilities for the Queen’s Reference Library and a museum for the Royal House of Glücksborg. The museum features private royal apartments from 1863 to 1947 including original fittings and furnishings.

King Frederik V, in his effort to create a separate city outside Copenhagen, constructed Frederik’s City or Frederiksstad that featured exclusive homes for the noble families and aristocrats. All buildings were in Baroque style. Later on, additions were made to these buildings in rococo architectural style. Make sure you include Amalienborg Palace in your itinerary when you visit Copenhagen.

Why You Should Visit:
Considered as one of the best examples of the Rococo architecture style, this complex is beautifully preserved and feels more intimate than its European counterparts.

Tip:
Arrive at midday for the changing of the guard, an interesting display that takes around 10 minutes.

Also known as the Marble Church, Frederick’s Church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Copenhagen – especially for its dome which is the largest in Scandinavia. This dome spans 31 meters and is supported by 12 columns.

Along with all other structures in Frederiksstaden district, the church was built to commemorate a member of the House of Oldenburg’s 300 years coronation jubilee celebrations. It was designed and erected by architect Nicolai Eigtved in 1740. King Frederick V laid the foundation stone in 1749. Eigtved died in 1754 due to which construction was hit by budget constraints and had to be stalled.

Johann Friedrich Struensee discarded the original plan in 1770 and the church remained incomplete for a while in spite of many efforts. For the next 150 years, the edifice remained in ruins. Carl Frederik Tietgen eventually got prominent architect Ferdinand Meldahl to design the church in its final form and financed its construction. Due to financial restrictions, the original plans for the church to be built almost entirely from marble were discarded, and instead, Meldahl opted for construction to be done with limestone. The church was finally opened to the public on August 19, 1894.

A series of statues of prominent theologians and ecclesiastical figures, including one of the eminent Danish philosopher Kierkegaard (who, incidentally, had become very critical of the established church by the end of his life), encircles the grounds of the building.

Why You Should Visit:
This church really has the wow factor; as beautiful inside as it is out (also, rather unique and unusual as it is circular inside).

Tip:
The dome can be visited – for a small fee – every day at 1pm sharp in summer but only at the weekend (Sat/Sun) in winter. Very impressive view from above!

Built by the Russian government, Alexander Nevsky Church holds the distinction of being the only one of its kind in Copenhagen. This Russian Orthodox Church was constructed between 1881 and 1883 to commemorate the wedding of Alexander Alexandrovich and Princess Dagmar of Denmark and is dedicated to Alexander Nevsky, the Russian patron saint.

The church was designed by David Ivanovich Grimm, the Russian architect, and was funded by Tsar Alexander III. David Ivanovich, a professor at Saint Petersburg-based Imperial Academy of Arts, was one of the winners in an architectural competition. His design was executed by Albert Nielsen, the Danish architect, and was supervised by Ferdinand Meldahl.

The Church was consecrated by the Chancellor of the Theological Academy in Saint Petersburg, Provost Janysev in 1883. He was assisted by a monk from Saint Petersburg Alexander Nevsky Lavra and by the priest of the congregation. The ceremony was attended by Greek, Russian, and Danish royal families.

From the outside, you will find this impressive church designed in 17th-century Muscovite architectural style. You will find three prominent onion domes dominating the building. These street-facing domes are on top of the gable.

Highlights of the grey and red brick facade are the ornamentations in sandstone. Do not miss out on the patron saint Alexander Nevsky’s statue above the bells standing high on the facade.

The Danish Museum of Art & Design, located in Copenhagen, is a significant institution showcasing Danish and international design and crafts. Originally known as the Danish Museum of Decorative Art, its Danish name is Kunstindustrimuseet. The museum is housed in a historic building that was once Frederiks Hospital, remodeled in the 1920s into a museum by architects including Kaare Klint.

Renowned for its extensive collection, the museum features works from eminent Danish designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Jacob Jensen, and Kaare Klint. It also includes an impressive display of Chinese and German porcelain, showcasing a broad scope in design aesthetics and history.

One of the museum's most remarkable resources is its library, the largest in Scandinavia dedicated to design. It serves as a museum library, a research library, and the central library for the field in Denmark. The library is open to the public from Tuesday to Friday and houses over 1,000 journals, with the most current issues of 75 journals available in its reading room. This space also hosts public lectures that explore themes related to the museum’s and library's collections.

Additionally, the museum includes the Danish Design Archive and the Poster Collection, both situated on the first floor. These collections further enrich the museum's offerings, providing deeper insights into Danish design heritage.

The facility also boasts a small auditorium on the first floor, which seats 120 people. This space is versatile, and used for lectures, concerts, receptions, and other events, emphasizing the museum's role as a cultural hub in Copenhagen.

One of the most impressive and well-preserved fortifications in Northern Europe, Kastellet, as it is called, has bastions at the corners and is designed in the form of a pentagram. As you enter its grounds, you will find a number of buildings including a windmill and a church. This historic site which also serves as a public park is frequented by locals and tourists alike.

It was in 1626 that King Christian IV started construction of Kastellet. Economic constraints forced him to drop his grand plans of building a large castle here. King Frederik III, his successor continued with the construction which was later extended by Henrik Ruse, the Dutch engineer after the Swedish siege between 1658 and 1660.

Kastellet was built as an effort by Copenhagen to defend itself against England in the 1807 Battle of Copenhagen. A.P. Moller and Chastine McKinney Mollers General Fund made possible a complete renovation of Kastellet between 1989 and 1999. Currently, it is owned by the Danish Defence Ministry and the area is used by Defence Intelligence, Danish Home Guard, Chief of Staff, Royal Garrison’s Library and the Defence Judge Advocate Corps.

Locals visit Kastellet to enjoy a pleasant walk on a sunny day. Tourists visit this fortification for its rich heritage and children love to play around with the birds and animals here.

Why You Should Visit:
The high walls of the fortress offer a lovely view of the harbor, and the fact that half of it is still a working base means it's kept in tip top shape.
Very pleasant area to take a quiet stroll or run, and with a charming windmill to boot!

Tip:
Can get windy on a cold day so do cover up.

Saint Alban's Church, often referred to as the English Church is an Anglican church located in Copenhagen. It was constructed between 1885 and 1887 to cater to the burgeoning English congregation in the city. The church is situated in a serene park at the end of Amaliegade in the city center's northern part, adjacent to the Kastellet citadel and near the Gefion Fountain and Langelinie.

Designed by the renowned Arthur Blomfield, Saint Alban's exemplifies the Gothic Revival architectural style, specifically inspired by the Early English or Lancet Gothic style. Blomfield, who was a prolific architect of parish churches in Britain and a recipient of the Royal Institute of British Architects' Royal Gold Medal in 1891, imparted a traditional English parish church aesthetic to Saint Alban's. The church features materials such as limestone from Faxe, knapped flint from Stevns, and Åland stone for the spire, with flint being a particularly distinct material reflecting traditional English church constructions, especially in East Anglia.

The church is adorned with a tower containing fifteen tubular bells, introduced as the structure was not robust enough to support regular bells. Initially, eight bells were gifted by the Prince of Wales during the church's construction, playable manually via an Ellacombe Frame. In 2013, the Prince of Wales funded the addition of seven more bells, enabling all fifteen to be played automatically by a computer. These bells chime quarterly and play hymns hourly, with the original bells made by Harringtons and the additional ones sourced from Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry.

The Gefion Fountain, located on the harbourfront in Copenhagen, is a striking and elaborate fountain that celebrates a blend of art and mythology. This monumental fountain features a dynamic sculpture of the Norse goddess Gefjon driving a group of animals. These figures are not just any animals, but her four sons whom she transformed into oxen to perform a tremendous mythological feat.

The mythology behind the fountain is rooted in ancient Norse legends that describe the creation of Zealand, the island on which Copenhagen is situated. This tale is vividly recounted in several old texts, including the Prose Edda and Heimskringla by the 13th-century Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson, as well as in Ragnarsdrápa, a 9th-century Skaldic poem.

According to the legend, the Swedish king Gylfi promised Gefjon as much land as she could plow in one night. To accomplish this task, Gefjon transformed her four sons into powerful oxen. The land they plowed was then thrown into the Danish sea, forming the island of Zealand. The void left by the removed earth became a lake, known in ancient texts as Lögrinn or Leginum, which is identified by Snorri Sturluson as Lake Mälaren, near Stockholm.

Interestingly, despite Snorri's specific identification of Lake Mälaren, tourist information typically connects the story with Lake Vänern, Sweden's largest lake. This is largely due to perceived similarities in size and shape between Zealand and Vänern, suggesting a different geographical interpretation from Snorri's historical accounts.

The Gefion Fountain not only serves as a key historical landmark but also as a symbol of Copenhagen’s rich cultural heritage intertwined with Norse mythology. Its dramatic sculptures and the powerful story they depict attract numerous visitors and provide insight into the mythological origins of the region.

On your trip to Copenhagen, take time off to visit the harbor where you will find the Little Mermaid statue. This statue is the icon of Copenhagen and is visited by tourists from across the world. The unimposing statue is based on one of Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tales.

After enjoying a ballet on this fairy tale at the Royal Theatre, Carlsberg founder’s son Carl Jacobsen commissioned the statue in 1909. It was modeled after none other than Ellen Price, the prima ballerina (well, partly, at least).

The statue is made of bronze and was painstakingly created by expert sculptor, Edvard Eriksen. Unveiled in 1913, the statue has Ellen Price’s head and Eline Eriksen, the sculptor’s wife’s body.

The Little Mermaid statue surprisingly weighs only around 175 kg and is 1.25 meters tall. Its small size is a surprise for first-time visitors who expect to see something grand and huge.

Why You Should Visit:
To watch people fall into the water as they try to get a photo with the statue (this happens more often than you'd think).

Tip:
The perfect spot for taking a picture is from the promenade overlooking the statue to the left. It's a great photo op, not only of the mermaid but the Copenhagen harbour behind.