Nyhavn is so well-known around the world that many people think it’s the only place in Copenhagen featuring colorful houses nestled together in a picture-perfect way. However, there are quite a few other streets in the city where you can see charming houses in various vibrant colors leaning against each other.
Let us guide you to the most picturesque streets the city has to offer. So, grab your camera and let’s go!
Nyhavn, meaning New Harbor, was originally a bustling commercial port where ships from around the globe would dock. The streets were alive with pubs visited by sailors, artists, and ladies of the night. Today, the pubs remain, but the crowd is a mix of locals and tourists. And it’s easy to see why! The brightly colored houses lining the canal create a beautiful setting and the lively atmosphere is palpable, regardless of the time of day or season.
Treat yourself to traditional Danish smørrebrød at the legendary Færgekroen, located in one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings dating back to the 1600s when Nyhavn was constructed. In 1912, the White Star Line shipping company was housed here, and it was where the Danes flocked to buy a ticket for the Titanic. When the light hits the 1st floor windows just right, you can still see the names of the destinations they sold tickets for.
Experience Nyhavn and the historic harbor firsthand on board Stromma’s Classic Canal Tour.
Take a stroll through the narrow, cobblestoned streets of Nyboder, a historic area that once served as the barracks for the Royal Danish Navy. These streets are not just a piece of Danish maritime history; they are a living testament to Copenhagen’s architectural heritage.
The rows of terraced houses, painted in the distinctive’ Nyboder yellow’, create a vibrant streetscape. This color has become synonymous with the area and can be seen throughout the city.
Start your Nyboder visit at Krokodillegade or hop off at stop 4 – The Gefion Fountain on Stromma’s Classic Copenhagen route.
Photo by Wonderful Copenhagen
Just a stone’s throw away from Nyboder, you’ll find the residential street Gernersgade. The houses are painted in a sunny yellow hue that brightens up the entire street, sure to put a smile on your face. As you walk along the street you can’t help but envy the lucky people who get to call Gernersgade home.
Photo by Wonderful Copenhagen
If you’re drawn to the quirky and cool, we suggest you make your way to Sofiegade in Christianshavn. Prepare to be captivated by one of the coolest and most unique houses in Copenhagen. This little gem stands out from its surroundings and truly embodies the soul and charm of Christianshavn, a place where everything doesn’t have to be polished and perfect, and where the quirky and personal are celebrated.
One of the most idyllic places to talk a walk is along the historic street of Overgaden Oven Vandet in Christianshavn. Nestled between the lively Christianhavn’s Canal and a row of vibrantly colored houses, this street offers a picturesque setting.
Why not stop by one of the cafés along the canal and indulge a sweet Danish pastry as you watch people and boats pass by?
Join one of Stromma’s canal tours for the perfect view of the houses from the water and listen to the fascinating history of Christianshavn.
Photo by Wonderful Copenhagen
As you explore the city, you’re likely to come across an impressive building painted in pastel colors that looks somewhat regal or even like a museum. However, this is in fact a movie theatre. How cool is that? The movie theatre is called Palads – Palace in English – which is indeed a fitting name for this spectacular building.
Before being transformed into a movie theatre, this building served as a train station for the first half of the 1900s. In 1989, in collaboration with Danish artist Paul Gerner, the beautiful pastel colors were added, making it one of the most recognizable buildings in Copenhagen.
Find Palads at Axeltorv 9 or hop off at stop 12 – Tivoli Gardens on any of Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off bus routes.
These are just some of our favorite colorful houses in Copenhagen, but you can discover more on your own if you explore the city and the different neighborhoods. So, what are you waiting for – go explore!
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