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Nyhavn FAQ

Short, honest answers to the questions we get most about Nyhavn — from opening hours and parking to the Little Mermaid and hot dog stands.

Updated 12 October 2026 · Ask an editor if we've missed one

What's the best time to visit Nyhavn?

May to September is best for terraces and canal views. Early morning (before 09:30) or late afternoon (after 17:00) is quietest and gives the best light for photos. Weekdays are noticeably less crowded than weekends.

Where do I park near Nyhavn?

Nyhavn is in the green paid zone (45 DKK/hour 08–18). The nearest car parks are Jeudan Sankt Annæ Plads, about 300 m from the harbour end, and Q-Park Magasin du Nord, about 450 m from Nyhavn 1. Street spaces are few. See our parking page (prices checked October 2026).

Are dogs allowed in Nyhavn?

Yes. In town a dog must either be on a short lead or with someone who has full control of it (Danish Dog Act, section 3). In most parks it must be on a lead, so follow the signs. On terraces, ask at the table; indoors it's the venue's call.

How long is Nyhavn?

The canal is exactly 400 m, from the Kongens Nytorv end to the harbour. It takes about 6 minutes to walk the whole strip at an easy pace. House numbers run 1–71 (odd = sunny side, even = shade side).

Which metro do I take to Nyhavn?

The nearest station is Kongens Nytorv (M1, M2, M3 and M4) at the head of the canal, about 250 m from Nyhavn 1. The metro company itself reckons 7 minutes' walk to Nyhavn. M2 runs direct from the airport (about 14 min to the centre), and M3 and M4 run direct from Copenhagen Central Station.

When is the best time for photos of Nyhavn?

Golden hour just before sunset (April–September: 19:30–21:00) gives the colourful houses the warmest light. Mornings before 08:00 are quietest if you want houses without people. The classic angle is from the Kongens Nytorv end looking down the canal.

How many restaurants are there in Nyhavn?

We count 28 places on the quay itself: 18 restaurants, 3 bars, a café, 3 hotels and 3 attractions, including the canal-tour operators. See our A–Z directory for the full list.

Where can I find public toilets?

Yes — the city runs public toilets right on the quay: one on each side by Nyhavnsbroen, the bridge across the canal (at Nyhavn 28 and Nyhavn 47C), open 24 hours all year, and a staffed toilet at Nyhavn 1F by Kongens Nytorv, closed at night. None of them has step-free access; the nearest accessible public toilet is at Havnegade 20, about 400 m south, open 24 hours. Restaurant toilets are mostly for guests. (City of Copenhagen toilet register, checked October 2026.)

How far is Nyhavn from the Little Mermaid?

About 1.7 km, or 20–25 minutes' walk along the harbour past Amalienborg and Kastellet. The Mermaid is smaller than most people expect, but the walk out there is worth it on its own.

Are there hot dog stands in Nyhavn?

Yes. On Kongens Nytorv by Magasin du Nord, a couple of minutes' walk from Nyhavn 1, there's a classic pølsevogn selling grilled and red sausages and French-style hot dogs. We couldn't find fixed opening hours, so don't count on it late at night.

When is the Nyhavn Christmas market open?

In 2025 from 31 October to 28 December, Sunday–Thursday 11:00–19:00 and Friday–Saturday 10:00–20:00. The 2026 dates haven't been announced yet (checked October 2026).

What are the sunny and shade sides in Nyhavn?

The sunny side is the odd house numbers (1, 3, 5, …, 71) — the colourful, iconic row where most restaurants and tourist life is. The shade side is the even numbers — the opposite quay, quieter, fewer venues. It's a natural consequence of the canal's orientation.

What does a beer cost in Nyhavn?

Expect 65–80 DKK for a draught beer at the restaurants on the quay; most charge 65–76 DKK, usually for 40–50 cl. A few pour a small glass (25–30 cl) from about 50–54 DKK. Check the size on the menu — it varies from place to place. (Menus at 17 places, checked October 2026.)

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