Nyhavn

Nyhavn is probably the most photographed stretch of waterfront in Scandinavia, and standing in front of those narrow, brightly coloured townhouses reflected in the canal, it is easy to understand why. The row of 17th-century merchant buildings — painted in ochre, red, and cobalt — lines the north side of the canal and has become the defining image of Copenhagen.

What surprises many visitors is how compact it all is; the canal is only about 400 metres long, yet it packs in an enormous amount of atmosphere, especially on a clear afternoon when the light off the water turns everything golden.

The area draws crowds year-round, and in summer the outdoor terraces fill fast with locals and tourists alike.

Prices at the canalside restaurants and bars sit noticeably higher than elsewhere in the city, so if your budget is tight, grab a beer or an ice cream from a kiosk and find a spot on the old stone quay with the locals — it is genuinely one of the better free experiences Copenhagen offers.

Hans Christian Andersen lived at three separate addresses along Nyhavn during his lifetime, and small plaques mark the buildings, which adds a quiet layer of history beneath the lively surface.

Getting here is straightforward. The Metro stop Kongens Nytorv sits at the western end of the canal, roughly two minutes on foot. From the central station, buses also run directly. For photographers, the north-facing row of coloured houses catches the best light in the morning; the south side, lined with older ships and sailboats, rewards a slower wander.

Winter visits have their own charm — fairy lights, fewer tourists, and occasional frost on the cobblestones — though you will want warm, waterproof layers given the bitter wind off the water.

Go on a weekday morning in early May or late September to avoid the worst of the summer crowds.