Christianshavn Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Christianshavn, including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations, and much more.


Introduction to Christianshavn

Christianshavn is a charming neighborhood situated on the eastern side of Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. Its unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions make it a must-visit destination for tourists from all over the world. The canal district and its narrow streets are lined with beautiful old houses, lively cafés, and interesting boutiques.

List of Places to Visit in Christianshavn

  • Christians Church (Vor Frelsers Kirke)
  • The Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke)
  • Christiania
  • Danish Architecture Center
  • Christian’s harbor

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Christianshavn is home to some of the most significant museums and historical sites in Denmark. Here’s a list of must-visit places.

  • Danish Architecture Center: One of the famous museums in Christianshavn that showcases the rich architectural history of Denmark.

  • National Museum of Denmark: The largest museum in Denmark houses exhibits that cover over 14,000 years of Danish history.

  • Danish Jewish Museum: Constructed within one of Denmark’s oldest synagogues, this museum showcases the Jewish culture and history of Denmark.

  • David Collection: Known for its impressive collection of Islamic and Danish art, David Collection is one the finest museums in Denmark.

Natural Attractions of Christianshavn: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Just like the rest of Denmark, Christianshavn is also well known for its natural beauty. Here’s some beautiful places you can find that offer scenic views.

  • The Canals of Christianshavn: Experience Denmark’s beauty by boat and explore the neighborhood’s famous canals.

  • Holmen: Holmen is a fascinating island offering breathtaking views of water, woods, and construction.

  • Amager Strandpark: If you want to spend time near the waters, Amager Strandpark is the perfect place for you.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Christianshavn

Copenhagen is renowned for its bike-friendly culture, and Christianshavn is no exception. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Islands Brygge Cycling Bridge: A long bridge over the city’s harbor that takes you from Vesterbro to Christianshavn.

  • Strandpromenaden: This recreational area runs along the entire waterfront of Copenhagen.

  • Freetown Christiania: Perfect for those who love the offbeat things in life, Freetown Christiania is an experimental community and easily accessible on a bike.

Best Things to Do in Christianshavn: Activities and Tours

Christianshavn has plenty of activities to offer, whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or foodie. Here are some of the best things to do in Christianshavn.

  • Christianshavn Canal Tour: Explore the beautiful canals and historical buildings of Christianshavn from the comfort of a boat.

  • Climb the spiral tower of Vor Frelsers Kirke church: The church tower offers stunning views of the Copenhagen harbor and the surrounding city.

  • Explore Danish handcrafts and Christmas markets: Christianshavn hosts some of the best markets during the holiday season with authentic Danish crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Christianshavn

Here is a week-long itinerary that covers the best way to explore Christianshavn and other interesting places in the city.

Day Activity
1 Christianshavn Canal Tour
Visit the Church of Our Saviour
2 Danish Architecture Center
Walking around Christianshavn
3 Freetown Christiania
Climb the spiral tower of Vor Frelsers Kirke church
4 National Museum of Denmark
Visit Tivoli Gardens
5 Visit The Little Mermaid statue
Relax at Amager Strandpark
6 Explore Copenhagen City Hall
Visit the Rosenborg Castle
7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Christianshavn

Enjoying Danish cuisine and drinking in Christianshavn is a can’t-miss experience. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages that you shouldn’t skip.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Smørrebrød: Traditional Danish open sandwiches, usually topped with cheese, cured meats, and fish.

  • Fiskefrikadeller: A type of fish cake made from cod or another whitefish.

  • Flæskesteg: Pork roasted in the oven, often served with potatoes and gravy.

Local Beverages

  • Carlsberg Pilsner: Denmark’s famous beer, brewed in Copenhagen.
  • Akvavit: A spirit infused with herbs and spices like caraway, dill, or coriander.

Where to Stay in Christianshavn: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Christianshavn offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Christianshavn.

  • Hotel Copenhagen: A Four-star hotel located in a former warehouse, offering luxurious rooms with scenic views and a fantastic bar area.

  • Hotel Christianshavn: A budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable rooms and is located near the canals.

  • Steel House Copenhagen: One the best modern hostels in Copenhagen, it offers well-furnished dorms and a shared kitchen.

What to Buy in Christianshavn: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Want to bring some Danish souvenirs back home? Here are some things you can purchase in Christianshavn.

  • Viking-inspired jewelry
  • Polsevogn T-shirt
  • Colorful Danish designs

Local Culture and Customs of Christianshavn

Denmark is a country with unique cultural values and traditions. Here are some things you should keep in mind while exploring Christianshavn.

Best Time to Visit Christianshavn

Denmark is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Christianshavn is from May to September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Christianshavn

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind while visiting Christianshavn.

Do:

  • Be courteous to the locals.
  • Enjoy the nightlife around the neighborhood.
  • Visit the famous canals.

Don’t:

  • Litter the canals or streets.
  • Disturb the peace in the neighborhood.

Safety and Health

While Denmark is a safe country overall, it’s always better to be cautious. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind while exploring Christianshavn.

Safety in Christianshavn

  • Keep your valuables safe.
  • Be cautious of pickpocketing.

Health in Christianshavn

  • Be aware of food allergies and special dietary needs.
  • Make sure to have some form of travel insurance in case of an accident.

Getting to Christianshavn: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here’s a list of transportation options you can use to get to Christianshavn.

Airports Near Christianshavn

  • Copenhagen Airport

Bus Stations Near Christianshavn

  • Christianshavn Station

Other Options

  • Biking
  • Metro

How to Get Around in Christianshavn

Christianshavn is relatively small, and almost every attraction is within walking distance. Biking is also a popular option, and many hotels provide bikes for their guests.

Where to Go Next from Christianshavn: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some places you could visit after exploring Christianshavn.

  • The Tivoli Gardens
  • The Museum of Copenhagen
  • Rosenborg Castle

Conclusion

Christianshavn is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood that delivers an exceptional overall experience. From the beautiful scenery to must-visit landmarks and incredible food and drink, there is something for everyone in Christianshavn. Plan your visit today to explore one of Denmark’s finest neighborhoods.

Stadsgraven Stadsgraven colourful houses along the main Canal colourful houses along the main Canal Old houses along Amagergade Old houses along Amagergade Lille Mølle Lille Mølle Treschows Stiftelse Treschows Stiftelse Vor Frelser Church Vor Frelser Church Christianshavns Kanal Christianshavns Kanal View from the Vor Frelsers Kirke‎ towards Christianhavns Torv, with the ''Lagkagehuset'' View from the Vor Frelsers Kirke‎ towards Christianhavns Torv, with the ''Lagkagehuset'' Halvandet Halvandet Some very old houses, some of them timber-framed, surround Wilders Plads Some very old houses, some of them timber-framed, surround Wilders Plads