Nytorv - a large building with a flag on top at night
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Nytorv

4.6
·491k reviews·Aalborg, Denmark

A historic and lively square in Copenhagen, famous for its winter ice rink, Christmas market, and as a central hub for shopping and dining.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter (Nov-Dec)

Magical Christmas vibes

CrowdHigh
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Nytorv - a large building with a flag on top at night

Nytorv

Best Time

Winter (Nov-Dec)

Magical Christmas vibes

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic and lively square in Copenhagen, famous for its winter ice rink, Christmas market, and as a central hub for shopping and dining.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The heart of Copenhagen, especially magical during winter with its iconic ice rink and festive market."

Vertical photo
TIP

⛸️ Ice Skating Fun

Rent skates on-site for the iconic Kongens Nytorv rink; open until late December .

🛍️ Shopping Hub

Magasin du Nord offers diverse collections and hosts exciting pop-up events .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kongens Nytorv Ice Rink

Kongens Nytorv Ice Rink

Kongens Nytorv

Skate around the iconic circular rink, a magical winter tradition back after 16 years .

Christmas Market Delights

Christmas Market Delights

Kongens Nytorv

Indulge in gourmet food, festive treats, and a charming atmosphere during the holiday season .

Magasin du Nord

Magasin du Nord

Kongens Nytorv

Explore this historic department store, a hub for fashion and events, including pop-up shops .

Esmee Copenhagen

Esmee Copenhagen

Kongens Nytorv

Experience romance and delicious food at this popular date night spot in the heart of the city .

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Nytorv

Nytorv buzzes year-round, but for the most magical experience, consider visiting during the Christmas season for its festive market and iconic ice rink.Instagram+2 If you prefer fewer crowds, aim for weekdays outside of peak holiday periods.

Navigating Nytorv and Beyond

Nytorv is a central hub, easily accessible by public transport. Many attractions are within walking distance, making it a great starting point for exploring Copenhagen. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking.Reddit

Best Times

When
Winter (Nov-Dec)
Why
Magical Christmas vibes
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays (Spring/Fall)
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Discover our AW25 collection at Magasin Kgs Nytorv during this week’s 3daysofdesign. Find us on the ground- and 4th floor.
stoffnagel
822 likes • 21.3K views

⛸️ Ice Skating Fun

Rent skates on-site for the iconic Kongens Nytorv rink; open until late December.Instagram

🛍️ Shopping Hub

Magasin du Nord offers diverse collections and hosts exciting pop-up events.Instagram+1

✨ KONKURRENCE - OG SUNSHINE DELIGHTS POP-UP STORE i Magasin✨🥭🍓🍫 Vi har den FEDESTE pop-up butik i Magasin, Kongens Nytorv til og med lørdag, med 20 % rabat på Sunshine Delights, vores nye Fruit Fusion varianter og Dippies! Og dét skal altså fejres, derfor kan du vinde... 1 års forbrug af Sunshine Delights og @dippies.dk (52 poser 🥭🍓🍍)! Sådan deltager du: 👉🏽 Kom forbi vores pop-up shop i Magasin...
sunshinedelights.dk
28 likes • 899 views
From November the magical circular ice rink around Kongens Nytorv is back after 16 years! Yay!! Last year we had a mini ice skating rink on Kongens Nytorv (seen in this Reel) and that was also magical... but imagine how magical it will be when you can skate 360 degrees around the square!! It's starting to sound a lot like Christmas!!! #Copenhagen #copenhagenlife #featuremevisitcopenhagen #kopenha...
copenhageninfocus
608 likes • 11.9K views

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Exploration

Wear comfy shoes! Nytorv is central for exploring Copenhagen on foot.Reddit

🍽️ Romantic Dining

Esmee Copenhagen is a top pick for date nights with city romance.Instagram

Små ti minutter fra Kongens Nytorv ligger der en lille lagune tæt på havnen. Berlingkses arkitekturredaktør, Holger Dahl, er taget på soppetur i en ny og lækker københavnsk bydel. Video: Malthe Rodin
berlingske
4.2K likes • 450.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⛸️ Ice Skating Fun

Rent skates on-site for the iconic Kongens Nytorv rink; open until late December.Instagram

🛍️ Shopping Hub

Magasin du Nord offers diverse collections and hosts exciting pop-up events.Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Walkable Exploration

Wear comfy shoes! Nytorv is central for exploring Copenhagen on foot.Reddit

🍽️ Romantic Dining

Esmee Copenhagen is a top pick for date nights with city romance.Instagram

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the festive spirit during Christmas or the architectural beauty year-round.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Nytorv is a vibrant central square, particularly beloved during the winter for its magical ice rink and Christmas market. Visitors appreciate its historical charm and its role as a hub for shopping and dining, with Esmee Copenhagen highlighted for romantic evenings. While generally well-regarded, some find the area can be crowded during peak seasons.

What People Like

Magical winter atmosphere
Iconic ice rink
Festive Christmas market

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nytorv is centrally located and easily accessible. The nearest metro station is Kongens Nytorv, served by lines M1, M2, M3, and M4. Many bus routes also stop nearby. It's a short walk from popular areas like Nyhavn and Strøget.Reddit

Absolutely! Nytorv is a fantastic starting point. It's a short stroll to Nyhavn, Strøget shopping street, and the Royal Danish Theatre. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the city on foot.Reddit

The metro is highly efficient, with the Kongens Nytorv station putting you right at the square. Buses are also a convenient option. Consider a Copenhagen Card for unlimited public transport and entry to many attractions.

Driving in central Copenhagen can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk. If you do drive, look for parking garages like the one under Magasin du Nord.

Nytorv itself is a large, open square with relatively flat surfaces. Access to surrounding buildings and attractions may vary. Public transport stations are generally accessible.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Nytorv is a public square, so there's no entry fee to simply walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. However, specific attractions within or around the square, like the ice rink or shops, may have their own admission fees or require purchases.Instagram

Yes, Nytorv hosts various events throughout the year. The most notable is the Christmas market and ice rink during winter.Instagram+1 Keep an eye on local event listings for other seasonal activities.

As a public square, Nytorv is accessible 24/7. However, shops, restaurants, and attractions around the square will have their own operating hours, which typically extend into the evening.

Yes, you can rent ice skates directly at the ice rink on Kongens Nytorv if you don't have your own.Instagram This makes it easy to join in the winter fun.

For popular spots like Esmee Copenhagen, especially for dinner or on weekends, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure a table.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire square offers great photo opportunities, especially with the historic buildings surrounding it. The ice rink in winter is a prime spot,Instagram+1 as are the festive decorations during the Christmas market.Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in Magasin du Nord. However, professional photography or filming may require permission. Be mindful of other shoppers.

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful light. For a lively atmosphere, visit during the Christmas market. Evenings with the square lit up are also very picturesque.

Drone usage in urban areas like Copenhagen is heavily regulated. It's unlikely to be permitted over Nytorv due to its central location and proximity to buildings and people. Always check current Danish drone regulations.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide shots of the square and details of the architecture. A fast prime lens (e.g., 50mm f/1.8) is excellent for low-light conditions and portraits.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Nytorv and its surroundings offer a diverse culinary scene. You'll find everything from traditional Danish smørrebrød to international cuisine, cafes, and fine dining. Esmee Copenhagen is noted for its romantic ambiance and delicious food.Instagram

While Nytorv is in a prime location, you can find more affordable options by exploring side streets or heading towards Strøget. Bakeries offer pastries and sandwiches, and some cafes have lunch specials.

Look for smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), frikadeller (meatballs), and pastries like wienerbrød. During the Christmas market, try gløgg (mulled wine) and æbleskiver (pancake balls).Instagram

Copenhagen is very vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Most restaurants in the area will have dedicated vegetarian or vegan dishes on their menus. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask staff.

Esmee Copenhagen is popular for both lunch and dinner, but it's particularly recommended for a romantic dinner date.Instagram Booking ahead is advised, especially for evening reservations.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nytorv offers a mix of activities that can appeal to families. During winter, the ice rink at Kongens Nytorv is a major attraction, providing fun for all ages.Instagram+1 While there's no specific playground on the square itself, the surrounding areas and the general atmosphere of exploration can be engaging for children. Consider visiting Magasin du Nord for a browse, though it might be more suited for older children interested in fashion.

When planning your visit, remember that Copenhagen is a very walkable city, so comfortable shoes are essential for everyone. The central location means you can easily combine a visit to Nytorv with other family-friendly spots like Tivoli Gardens or the National Museum, which are a short distance away. Pack snacks and drinks, as prices in the immediate vicinity of tourist hotspots can be higher.

💰 Budget Travelers

Nytorv itself is free to explore, making it an excellent budget-friendly destination. Walking around the square, admiring the architecture, and soaking in the atmosphere costs nothing.Reddit During winter, the ice rink offers an affordable activity, with skate rentals available.Instagram

To save money on food, look for bakeries offering pastries and sandwiches for a quick and inexpensive meal. Explore side streets off the main square for cafes and eateries that might offer better value than those directly on Kongens Nytorv. Consider packing your own snacks and water bottle. For transportation, utilize Copenhagen's efficient public transport system, and if you plan on visiting many attractions, a Copenhagen Card might offer good value.

💖 Couples

Nytorv provides a romantic backdrop, especially during the festive winter season with its ice rink and Christmas market.Instagram+1 For a truly special evening, Esmee Copenhagen offers a romantic dining experience right on the square, perfect for date nights.Instagram

Strolling hand-in-hand through the illuminated square after dark, perhaps enjoying a warm drink from a market stall, creates a magical atmosphere. The proximity to other charming areas like Nyhavn also allows for extended romantic walks along the waterfront.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Winter at Kongens Nytorv

During the winter months, Kongens Nytorv transforms into a winter wonderland. The return of the iconic circular ice rink after a 16-year hiatus has been a major draw, offering a unique skating experience around the square's central feature.Instagram+2 Visitors can rent skates on-site, making it accessible for all skill levels.Instagram

Complementing the ice rink is the festive Christmas market that surrounds it. This market is a sensory delight, filled with gourmet food stalls offering traditional Danish treats like gløgg (mulled wine) and æbleskiver (pancake balls), alongside artisanal crafts and festive decorations.Instagram+1 The atmosphere is truly enchanting, making it a must-visit for anyone in Copenhagen during the holiday season.Instagram

While the ice rink and market are seasonal, their popularity highlights the square's role as a vibrant gathering place. The festive spirit draws locals and tourists alike, creating a memorable experience that captures the essence of a Copenhagen Christmas.Instagram+1

Shopping and Events at Magasin du Nord

Magasin du Nord, a historic department store located right on Kongens Nytorv, is more than just a place to shop; it's a cultural hub. Its grand architecture and extensive selection of fashion, beauty, and home goods make it a destination in itself.Instagram The store frequently hosts events, including fashion shows and pop-up shops, showcasing both established brands and emerging designers.Instagram+1

These pop-up events, like the Sunshine Delights or AW25 collection showcases, offer visitors a chance to discover unique products and experience the dynamic retail scene of Copenhagen.Instagram+1 The store's prime location on the square also means it's a convenient stop for those exploring the city, offering a break for shopping or a chance to admire its interior design.

Whether you're looking for the latest trends or simply want to experience a piece of Copenhagen's retail history, Magasin du Nord provides a sophisticated and engaging shopping experience right in the heart of the city.

Romantic Evenings and Culinary Delights

For those seeking a romantic experience in Copenhagen, Esmee Copenhagen, situated on Kongens Nytorv, is a highly recommended spot.Instagram The restaurant is celebrated for its ability to capture the real romance of the city, making it a popular choice for date nights.Instagram Its central location adds to the charm, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the square before or after their meal.

The dining experience at Esmee is characterized by delicious food and an inviting ambiance, contributing to its reputation as a go-to for couples.Instagram While the focus is on romance, the restaurant also caters to those simply looking for a quality meal in a beautiful setting. It’s advisable to make reservations, especially for evening dining, to ensure you can experience this popular venue.Instagram

Beyond Esmee, the area around Nytorv offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale establishments, ensuring that visitors can find something to suit every taste and occasion. The square itself provides a picturesque backdrop for any dining experience.