Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen - a large building with a flag on top at night
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Kongens Nytorv Copenhagen

4.5
·19k reviews·København, Denmark

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds for photos

CrowdLow
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Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen - a large building with a flag on top at night

Kongens Nytorv Copenhagen

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(19k reviews)

"A lovely square, a good stepping stone to many different attractions."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nyhavn Canal

Nyhavn Canal

Adjacent to Kongens Nytorv

Iconic colorful 17th-century townhouses lining a picturesque canal. A photographer's dream!

Equestrian Statue of Christian V

Equestrian Statue of Christian V

Center of Kongens Nytorv

A grand royal statue marking the heart of this historic Baroque square.

Historic Architecture

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

Kongens Nytorv is Copenhagen's largest square and a central hub. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season. The Metro station here is a key transit point, but transferring with heavy luggage can be challenging due to stairs and walking distances.Reddit

Best Photo Ops & Timing

For iconic photos of Nyhavn's colorful buildings, arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds.TikTok The square itself is beautiful year-round, with a festive atmosphere and ice skating rink in December.Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds for photos
Crowd
Low
When
December
Why
Christmas markets & ice skating
Crowd
High
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Vibrant atmosphere, outdoor events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇩🇰 How to spend a perfect day in Copenhagen ⬇️⁣⁣ MORNING⁣⁣ – ⛵️Explore Nyhavn⁣⁣ – 🥐 Coffee & pastries at BUKA bakery⁣⁣ – 🛍 Vintage & ceramic shopping (scroll for recommendations)⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ AFTERNOON⁣⁣ – 🍽 Lunch at either Delphine or Spuntino⁣⁣ – 🎡 Visit Tivoli Gardens ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ EVENING⁣⁣ – 🌮 Reffen Street Food Market⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ More Copenhagen Recommendations ⬇️⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🍽 RESTAURANTS — Pluto, Spuntino, Reffen, Put,...
@kelseyinlondon
127.8K likes • 3.1M views

📸 Early Bird Gets the Shot

Visit Nyhavn at dawn for crowd-free photos of the colorful houses.TikTok

🚇 Metro Transfer Woes

Transferring lines at Kongens Nytorv with luggage is tough; allow ample time.Reddit

Five Things To Do in Copenhagen 🇩🇰 #copenhagen #traveltips #thingstodo
@jyptravels
61.7K likes • 1.7M views
A restaurant in Copenhagen you have to visit this summer. Lunch, dinner, terrace — all waiting for you. ❤️ Open daily — lunch & dinner 📍 Near Kongens Nytorv 🔗 Book through the link in bio
restaurant.anton
48 likes • 2K views

⛸️ Winter Wonderland

Experience the festive Christmas market and ice skating rink in December.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stepping Stone to Attractions

The square is a perfect starting point for exploring Nyhavn and beyond.Reddit

A glimpse of late afternoon spring around Kongens Nytorv - the square and its streets full of life in Copenhagen’s Inner City. FACTS: - The direct translation of Kongens Nytorv to English is, "The King's New Square". - Established in 1670, Kongens Nytorv is Copenhagen's largest square, designed in the Baroque style to serve as a central gathering place. - The square is surrounded by notable build...
copenhageninfocus
377 likes • 6.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Early Bird Gets the Shot

Visit Nyhavn at dawn for crowd-free photos of the colorful houses.TikTok

🚇 Metro Transfer Woes

Transferring lines at Kongens Nytorv with luggage is tough; allow ample time.Reddit

⛸️ Winter Wonderland

Experience the festive Christmas market and ice skating rink in December.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stepping Stone to Attractions

The square is a perfect starting point for exploring Nyhavn and beyond.Reddit

💰 Free City Views

Skip the Round Tower fee; views from Christiansborg Palace are free.TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(19k reviews)

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

Beautiful historic architecture
Central location
Festive winter atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be very crowded
Metro transfer with luggage

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.Reddit If you have a layover, the Metro can take you directly from the airport to Kongens Nytorv in about 15 minutes.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.TikTokReddit

While Uber is not available in Copenhagen, you can use the 'Big O' app to book taxis.TikTok 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.Reddit

🎫 🎫 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.TikTok

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,Reddit and sometimes outdoor sports demonstrations like footvolley.Instagram

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.Instagram

📸 📸 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.TikTok

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.TikTok

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.TikTok

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.TikTokInstagram

You'll find a variety of cuisines, including traditional Danish fare, seafood, Italian, and international options. Many places offer lunch specials and evening dining.TikTokInstagram

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.TikTok

Absolutely! There are several charming bakeries and cafes around the square and in the adjacent streets, perfect for a morning coffee and pastry.TikTok

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.TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kongens Nytorv is a great starting point for families. The adjacent Nyhavn offers picturesque views and boat tours that kids often enjoy.Reddit While the square itself is open space, keep a close eye on children due to the presence of traffic and crowds. The Metro station is accessible, but be mindful of stairs if you have strollers.Reddit

For a fun winter activity, the ice-skating rink at Kongens Nytorv during the Christmas season is a hit with families.Instagram Consider visiting nearby attractions like Tivoli Gardens or the National Museum of Denmark, which are easily reachable from this central location.

💰 Budget Travelers

Kongens Nytorv itself is free to explore, and it serves as a gateway to many affordable experiences. While dining directly in Nyhavn can be pricey, exploring side streets or heading to food markets like Reffen (accessible via Metro) offers budget-friendly options.TikTok

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.TikTok 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

Established in 1670, Kongens Nytorv (The King's New Square) is Copenhagen's largest and most historic public square, designed in the Baroque style.Instagram Its creation was part of King Christian V's urban development plans to create a grand central gathering place. The square is dominated by the imposing equestrian statue of Christian V, erected in 1688, which serves as a focal point and a symbol of royal power.

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

Navigating Copenhagen's Metro from Kongens Nytorv

Kongens Nytorv Metro station is a critical interchange, serving all four of Copenhagen's metro lines (M1, M2, M3, and M4).Reddit This makes it incredibly convenient for exploring the city and reaching various destinations, including the airport. The station is modern and efficient, designed to handle significant passenger flow.

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.Reddit 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.TikTok

Seasonal Charm: Kongens Nytorv Through the Year

Kongens Nytorv transforms with the seasons, offering unique experiences year-round. In the summer, the square buzzes with activity, outdoor cafes spill onto the sidewalks, and it's a popular spot for enjoying the long daylight hours.Instagram The nearby Nyhavn is particularly lively, with boat tours departing regularly.

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.Instagram 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.InstagramReddit 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.

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