Surrounded on both sides by different brightly colored buildings, this canal is small and intimate. There is a strip on either side of the canal with restaurants, bars, and places to sit and relax. The tiniest ray of sunshine on the canal will draw people out to the cafes in an instant. It is very quaint and beautiful and makes you feel like you're a part of Scandinavian culture.

The area is easily accessed by walking from the city. Everywhere in Copenhagen is within walking distance.

Since it is a canal, there are no cars getting in the way of the experience. There is usually a good amount of people there so it feels extremely safe, plus everything is out in the open. The bright colored buildings and boats give it a very inviting, fresh, and vibrant feel.

In summer especially, this place is constantly jammed with tourists. You can eat in the many restaurants lining the canal, have drinks, ride in some of the boats, or simply sit and relax and take in this splendid site that epitomizes Copenhagen.

The mood is extremely relaxed. Everyone is just sitting around, socializing, and taking in the sites.

The canal was dug from 1671-1673 to allow ships access to Kongens Nytorv. Hans Christian Anderson lived here during the early half of the 19th century. Even until 1950, Nyhavn had a bad reputation of being a kind of red light district with seedy bars, tattoo parlours, and strip clubs. Only one strip club now remains and you could not pick it out between all the gorgeous buildings and cute cafes and restaurants.