Nyhavn is so well-known worldwide that many people assume it’s the only place in Copenhagen where the colorful houses are leaning against each other in a picture-perfect way. However, there are plenty of other streets where you can see charming houses in various vibrant colors.
Below, you’ll find our guide to some of the most picturesque streets, so grab your camera and let’s go!
Nyhavn, meaning New Harbor, was once a busy commercial port where ships from around the world docked. The streets were alive with pubs, sailors, artists, and ladies of the night. The pubs remain, but the crowd is now a mix of locals and tourists, all of them attracted to the iconic and brightly colored houses lining the canal as well as the vibrant atmosphere that is palpable all year.
Hungry? Treat yourself to traditional Danish smørrebrød at the legendary Færgekroen, located in one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings, dating back to the 1600s. Back in 1912, it housed the White Star Line shipping company, where people could purchase tickets for the Titanic, and on sunny days, 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 its historic harbor from the water aboard Stromma’s Classic Canal Tour
Take a stroll through the narrow, cobblestoned streets of Nyboder, a historic district that once housed the Royal Danish Navy's barracks. These streets are not just a piece of Danish maritime history but stand as a living testament to Copenhagen’s architectural heritage.
The rows of houses are painted in the distinctive “Nyboder yellow,” creating a vibrant streetscape. This recognizable color has become synonymous with the area and can be spotted in other parts of the city.
Start your Nyboder visit at Krokodillegade, or hop off at stop 4 – Gefion Fountain / Citadel on Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses
Photo by Wonderful Copenhagen
Just a stone’s throw away from Nyboder you’ll find the charming residential street of Gernersgade. The houses are painted in a warm, sunny yellow hue that brightens the entire street and will for sure put a smile on your face. It’s hard not to envy the lucky people who get to call Gernersgade home.
Photo by Wonderful Copenhagen
If you’re drawn to the quirky and cool, head to Sofiegade in Christianshavn. Here, you'll find one of the coolest and most unique houses in Copenhagen. This perfect gem truly embodies the soul of Christianshavn, a neighborhood where things don’t have to be polished and perfect. Instead, the quirky and creative are welcomed.
One of the most scenic places on Christianshavn is the historic street called Overgaden Oven Vandet. It lies between the always bustling Christianshavn’s Canal and a row of vibrantly colored houses, and it’s like stepping into another city.
While you’re there, we recommend you stop by one of the cafés along the canal and indulge in a sweet Danish pastry while watching 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 might come across a huge pastel-colored building that looks almost regal or even like a museum. But believe it or not, this is actually a movie theatre. How cool is that? The cinema is called Palads (Palace in English), which is definitely a fitting name for that 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 iconic pastel colors were added, making it one of the most recognizable buildings in Copenhagen.
Address: Axeltorv 9
Getting there: Join Stromma’s Hop On-Hop Off buses and hop off at stop 12 – Tivoli Gardens
In Østerbro, a little outside the city center, you can enjoy the beautiful townhouses on Olufsvej. This residential street has houses in many different colors, and the homes are in high demand, which the sales prices clearly indicate (we’re talking millions of DKK, double digits). With the perfect façade, size, and location close to everything, this street is one of the most popular places to live.
Photo by Børge Nielsen
At Refshaleøen, you'll find the most unique student housing in all of Denmark: Urban Rigger! In total, there are 60 apartments split between five colorful urban riggers floating on the water. You can enjoy both an amazing view of the city from the rooftops and access a basement below sea level.
This extraordinary housing is sustainable, and they’re committed to reducing their carbon footprint by heating the apartments using seawater and installing solar cells on the roofs.
Address: Refshalevej 163
Getting there: Join Stromma's Hop On-Hop Off buses to stop 34 – Reffen Street Food/Refshaleøen, or walk along the water from Nyhavn (approximately 3 kilometers)
On the map below, you’ll find the streets with the houses mentioned above, making it easy to plan your exploration.
There are plenty of things to do in the city, from iconic sights to hidden gems. Explore our top picks on what to see and do while you're here.
Read more about the most iconic tourist attractions and must-visit landmarks in Copenhagen.
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