Point of interest
Nyhavn
in Copenhagen, Denmark
The postcard-perfect 17th-century harbour lined with brightly painted townhouses, old wooden ships and canalside cafés.
Where it is
Nyhavn is a harbour canal in Copenhagen's historic centre, running from Kongens Nytorv square down to the waterfront.
Address: Nyhavn, 1251 Copenhagen
What it is
The pastel-coloured gabled houses from the 17th and early 18th century, with their old wooden ships moored along the quay, form one of the city's most photographed scenes. Today the sunny side is lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, and the popular canal cruises depart from here. It is a lively, touristy but atmospheric spot, especially at sunset.
History
The canal was dug between 1670 and 1675 under King Christian V as a commercial harbour and was long a rough quarter of sailors, beer and prostitution. The fairy-tale author Hans Christian Andersen lived here for several years, including at numbers 67 and 18. After the working port declined, the quay was pedestrianised in 1980 and turned into a promenade.