Christianshavn Copenhagen: A 2026 Guide to the Canal District

TLDR: Christianshavn is Copenhagen's canal district, built by King Christian IV in the 1600s as a Dutch-inspired merchant town. Key attractions include Freetown Christiania and waterfront street food. Less touristy, more charming.

Christianshavn catches you off guard. Cross the Knippelsbro bridge from central Copenhagen and within minutes you're on quiet canal streets lined with colourful old merchant houses and sailboat masts. 

It feels like a separate town, which makes sense because it was one. This former fortified merchant district sits on artificial islands between Zealand and Amager, connected to the city centre but stubbornly holding onto its own character. 

I've spent full days here without running out of things to do, from climbing church spires to eating street food by the harbour.

What is the story behind Christianshavn?

King Christian IV founded Christianshavn in 1639 as an independent merchant town, modelled after Dutch canal cities like Amsterdam. The area was built on reclaimed marshland between 1618 and 1623, originally as part of Copenhagen's southern fortification system with earthen ramparts and bastions.

Competition from Copenhagen proved too strong, and by 1674 Christianshavn was absorbed into the larger city. For much of the 20th century it was a working-class neighbourhood. The bohemian reputation arrived in the 1970s, and today it's a fashionable but still diverse district where old sailor bars sit next to upscale restaurants.

What are the top things to do in Christianshavn?

The top things to do in Christianshavn centre around the canals, the church, and the neighbourhood's alternative side:

• Church of Our Saviour: Climb 400 steps to the top of the spiral spire (the last 150 are outside) for Copenhagen's best panoramic view. 
• Christianshavn Canal: Walk along Overgaden Oven Vandet and Overgaden Neden Vandet, the streets flanking the main canal. 
• Freetown Christiania: Copenhagen's self-governing community, founded in 1971 in abandoned military barracks. 
• The Ramparts: Some of Denmark's best-preserved 17th-century fortifications, now a green park for walking and jogging.

Is Christiania worth visiting?

Freetown Christiania is Copenhagen's fourth-largest tourist attraction with around half a million visitors per year.

Founded in 1971 when squatters occupied abandoned military barracks, it operates as a partially self-governing community of roughly 1,000 residents. You'll find art galleries, music venues, and experimental architecture.

A few things to know: photography is restricted in some areas, so check signs before shooting. The community has its own rules and culture, so be respectful. It's an unusual place that divides opinion, but it's worth seeing for yourself.

What are the hidden gems in Christianshavn?

The best hidden gems in Christianshavn are the spots most visitors walk right past.

Strandgade, the street running along the upper canal, has beautifully restored 17th-century warehouses and merchant houses that tell the story of Denmark's seafaring past. The old ramparts (Christianshavns Vold) are a peaceful green corridor that most tourists skip entirely.

If you want to discover these quieter corners with context, StoryHunt's Personal Tour Guide creates custom audio walks based on your interests, from maritime history to architecture to Copenhagen's alternative culture.

Where are the best places to eat in Christianshavn?

The best places to eat in Christianshavn range from world-class dining to casual harbour food.

Broens Gadekøkken (Bridge Street Kitchen) near the Inner Harbour Bridge serves street food from around the world in a waterfront setting. For something more upscale, the Holmen area nearby is home to several acclaimed restaurants.

The neighbourhood also has traditional Danish bodegas and newer cafes scattered along the canal streets. Prices are generally lower than in Indre By, especially if you stick to the casual spots.

Where is the best coffee in Christianshavn?

The best coffee in Christianshavn tends to come from the smaller independent cafes along the canal and side streets rather than chains.

The neighbourhood has a relaxed cafe culture that matches its laid-back atmosphere. Grab a flat white, sit by the water, and you'll understand why locals are protective of this area's character.

Christianshavns Torv, the main square where the canal meets Torvegade, has a few reliable options within a two-minute walk.

How do you get to Christianshavn?

Christianshavn is a 10-minute walk from Strøget across the Knippelsbro bridge. The Christianshavn Metro station (M1 and M2 lines) sits at Christianshavns Torv.

Copenhagen Harbour Buses also stop here, which is a scenic way to arrive from Nyhavn or other waterfront locations.

Once you're in the neighbourhood, everything is walkable. The canals and ramparts make for natural walking routes that loop back to the main square.

Is it worth visiting Christianshavn?

Yes, especially if you've already seen Indre By's main attractions and want something with more local character.

Christianshavn has the canals and colourful houses that make Copenhagen photogenic, but with fewer tour groups and a more relaxed pace. The Church of Our Saviour climb alone justifies the trip.

Half a day is enough to cover the highlights, but a full day lets you slow down and appreciate the neighbourhood's canal-side atmosphere. It's one of those districts that feels better the less you rush through it.

How to explore Christianshavn your way?

Want to go beyond the main sights and discover Christianshavn's maritime history, canal architecture, and local favourites? StoryHunt's Personal Tour Guide creates custom audio walks with an interactive map, tailored to your interests. 

Explore at your own pace and let the stories guide you through Copenhagen's most characterful canal district - or explore some of the other neighbourhoods of Copenhagen.