A Local Photographer’s Guide to the 24 Best Photography Spots in Copenhagen

Ever since I first visited Copenhagen in 2016, I’ve held the belief that it’s Europe’s best city for photography. Since moving here in 2020, my opinion has only grown stronger; wandering around or hopping on my bicycle with my camera handy is my favorite weekend activity. 

Denmark’s capital city has so many photography opportunities, and you’ve got access to most of them even when traveling on a budget. On the one hand, you have the cute colorful houses that belong on those tins you think have biscuits but are actually full of sewing equipment. On the other side of the coin, you have innovative modern Scandinavian design. 

Street and architectural photographers will especially have a field day here. Bicycles zip along picturesque canals, even when the rain falls and the wind howls. And whether you walk, cycle, take the boat, or hop on the metro, getting from place to place is a breeze. 

Following nine years of research (including seven visits before moving to Copenhagen in 2020), I’ve seen more sides to the Danish capital than many. And now, I’m going to share with you my top photography spots in Copenhagen. These are my unbiased favorites; they include both popular places and hidden gems. 

1. Gråbrødretorv

Gråbrødretorv is, in my opinion, Copenhagen’s most beautiful square. It’s tucked away among several shopping streets, so it’s quite difficult to find; I honestly just aimlessly walk until I find it instead of opening Google Maps. 

Lined with colourful buildings, Gråbrødretorv is Copenhagen how you always imagined it. Today, the square has a selection of cafés and bars—along with various apartments. 

Tips for Photographing at Gråbrødretorv 

1. Try to Avoid Harsh Lighting

For some reason, I’ve found Gråbrødretorv especially difficult to photograph in harsh lighting. It’s probably because of how the light reflects off the buildings. I would recommend visiting either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. 

2. Gråbrødretorv in the Winter Is Still Pretty Nice 

I recommend visiting Copenhagen in the winter for several reasons; it’s more “hygge” for starters, but you’ll also enjoy fewer crowds. On the rare occasion that you see the winter sun, Gråbrødretorv is beautiful at golden hour. We also don’t get much snow, but it’s a wonderful place to be when the square is covered in the stuff. 

Best for: Street and architectural photography 

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2. Nyhavn

I know that Nyhavn is the most touristy spot in Copenhagen, but let’s be honest: It’s pretty nice. This beautiful canal deserves all the attention it gets, and I have probably taken *at least* 4,000 pictures here. Nyhavn looks different each time you go, and the photography opportunities are endless. 

While most visitors snap the standard postcard photo and leave, you can get really creative in Nyhavn. For example, the arched doorway at Kunsthal Charlottenborg offers a unique perspective. I’ll provide some extra tips in a moment, but I recommend also checking out my comprehensive Nyhavn photography guide article for all the best ones.  

Tips for Photographing at Nyhavn 

1. Time Your Visit Depending on Your Preferred Types of Photography 

If you want to capture Nyhavn’s beautiful architecture and scenic canal, I suggest visiting early in the morning. If you can, it’s even better to visit in the winter or on a weekday. The crowds are significantly lower than on a weekend, and the lighting in the morning—especially when the sun rises later—is stunning.

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I would also suggest visiting Nyhavn early in the morning for portraits or doing so in the middle of the week, as you’ll have much more space to capture your shots. 

However, if you want to capture street-style shots, visit in the evening during spring and summer (or late afternoon in autumn and winter). Nyhavn is busy with locals and tourists at these times, and if I’m passing through, I try to avoid it. But for street photography, it’s heavenly. 

Related Reading 📚:

• A Local’s Guide to Copenhagen, Denmark

2. Don’t Forget the Side Streets

Nyhavn is best known for the streets lining either side of the canal, but you should also explore the side streets. You get unique vantage points from these spots, and I like to experiment with including the roads and buildings here in my photos. The crowds also drop significantly, which is a nice bonus 🙂. 

3. Consider a Wide-Angle Lens 

When I had a Fujifilm camera, I used a 16-80mm lens for photography in Nyhavn because I liked the versatility. However, I have had some success with wide-angle lenses in the past. My all-time favorite was the 23mm XF f/2 lens by Fujifilm until I got Nikon’s NIKKOR Z 28-70mm (f/2.8) S lens, but you try whichever focal length and brand that you like. Your smartphone camera will also work pretty well here. 

4. Capture Nyhavn From a Boat 

Nyhavn is scenic from the shore, but I also love looking at its architecture from the water. I took a boat tour on my first-ever trip to Copenhagen in 2016, and I’ve done a few more since moving here. 

Tours run year-round, and you’ll get to see Copenhagen’s other famous waterways while you’re at it. If you’ve only just arrived, boat tours are also a great way to get your bearings in the Danish capital. 

Best for: Street, architecture, portrait, documentary 

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3. Kastellet 

Kastellet is a military fort that dates back to 1626 and is still in use today. However, you’re allowed to walk around the fortress and take pictures—and I thoroughly recommend doing so. 

Kastellet is particularly scenic in autumn, and I also enjoy visiting in the evening. The fort is close to Amalienborg Palace, and it’s completely free to visit. 

Best for: Architecture 

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4. Gammel Strand

Gammel Strand stretches past Slotsholmen and goes beyond Christiansborg Palace, and it’s one of the most popular hangout spots for locals in the summer. I often zip past here without noticing, but it’s a great place for photography and worth wandering around.

Besides Christiansborg Palace, you’ll also find several beautiful old houses lining the canal. And if you go toward the bridge close to the Metro station, you’ll get a great view of the water with the city hall in the background. 

Best for: Landscape, architecture

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5. Cirkelbroen

Copenhagen’s obsession with cycling is very clear in its many innovative designs that aim to accommodate two wheels. Cykelslangen is well-known, but my favorite bike bridge in Copenhagen is undoubtedly Cirkelbroen. 

Cirkelbroen opened in August 2015 and is used by pedestrians and cyclists alike. The bridge is located in Christianshavn, and you get a fantastic view of the Black Diamond—another architectural marvel—from the shore. 

The bridge is open at all hours. I’d actually recommend photographing the bridge from one of the canal’s shores and getting the Black Diamond in the background. 

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6. Slotsholmen

Slotsholmen is where you’ll find Christiansborg Palace, which is the Danish Prime Minister’s workplace. It’s a fantastic area for photography; my personal favorite is looking towards the Marble Bridge and back into the city center. 

The hallways around Christiansborg Palace feature interesting arches; don’t forget to check out the garden behind the Royal Library, too. It’s one of the best places to get a moment of peace among the city life surrounding it. 

I would also suggest standing on the opposite side of Frederiksholms Kanal and taking pictures of the bridge leading to Christiansborg Palace. 

Best for: Architecture, portrait

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7. Dronning Louises Bro

If I were to pick one place in Copenhagen that’s a microcosm of what life is like in the Danish capital, I would undoubtedly pick Dronning Louises Bro. This beautiful bridge spans across The Lakes and connects Nørrebro with the inner city. It’s one of the world’s busiest biking routes, and millions of Copenhageners cycle across it each year. 

Dronning Louises Bro is especially great during the summer. More than just a thoroughfare, this bridge is a meeting spot for locals. Expect to see Copenhageners lining the bridge drinking warm cans of Tuborg on a summer evening and friends catching up with their day-to-day lives. 

I’d also recommend visiting Dronning Louises Bro at rush hour. In addition to the photography opportunities, it’s also a great place to observe the cycling culture that has helped make Copenhagen so famous. 

Best for: Street photography

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8. Magstræde

Magstræde is one of the best-known colorful streets in Copenhagen, and it’s not too far from the city hall. If I were to pick any street to live on in the city center, this would certainly be up there. The street dates back to the 16th century, and while primarily residential, there are also a few restaurants and cafés. 

Both ends of the street are beautiful, and I suggest wandering through the entire area. I normally come here for street photography, but it’s also a fantastic place for portraits, and I’d love to take more of those here. 

The street is sometimes quite busy with tourists, so you may have to wait before you can get your desired photos. I suggest visiting this street during overcast weather, but it’s pretty whenever you go. 

Best for: Street, architecture, portrait, documentary

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9. The Lakes 

The Lakes are my favorite place in Copenhagen. I love coming here for walks and runs, and they’re also one of the Danish capital’s best places for photography. The Lakes consist of three artificial lakes that sit between the city center and Østerbro, Nørrebro, Frederiksberg, and Vesterbro. 

You can visit The Lakes year-round, and they’ll always look different. They’re always beautiful in autumn when the trees lining them turn orange, and if you’re lucky, you may see some of them freeze over during the winter (though this is quite rare). In 2021, for example, it was so cold that we were able to ice skate on them. 

I love visiting The Lakes around sunrise or sunset, and they’re a great place to capture life in Copenhagen during the summer. It sometimes feels like locals are permanently perched alongside its shores from June to September. 

Best for: Street photography

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10. ILLUM Rooftop

ILLUM is Copenhagen’s fanciest department store, and you’ll find a café on its rooftop. Here, you can get a great view of Strøget—the main shopping street in the city. 

From the ILLUM Rooftop, you can also glance over to Christiansborg Palace. Højbro Plads, the square on the left-hand side of Strøget looks particularly cool in November and early December when one of the city’s Christmas markets is set up here. 

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It’s free to visit ILLUM Rooftop during the shop’s opening hours, but it’s often quite crowded. 

Best for: Architecture and landscape photography 

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11. Store Kannikestræde

Okay, so I actually discovered this photography spot by accident when I was on an evening walk a few weeks before writing this article. Store Kannikestræde is very close to the Round Tower and Strøget, and it leads to the Church of Our Lady. 

The square at the end of the street, where you’ll find the church, is also scenic. This is a fantastic spot for street photography, but it’s also great if you want to get a unique view of the aforementioned church.

Best for: Street and architecture 

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12. Marmorkirken

Marmorkirken is a strong contender for the most beautiful church in Copenhagen. It looks like it was plucked straight out of Rome and transported 1,500 kilometers north. The church is particularly beautiful around sunset, and I love capturing the details on its statues outside. 

I’d recommend going to the Opera House on the other side of the water and viewing the church from a unique perspective there. The streets around Marmorkirken are also some of the nicest in Copenhagen, with the houses surrounding it looking very Parisian. 

You can visit the tower at Marmorkirken, but it’s only open on Saturdays and Sundays at 13:00 (from mid-June to late August, the church tower is open every day at 13:00). Tickets cost 50 DKK, and you have to purchase them at the church. It’s also closed if the weather is bad or during services and concerts. 

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13. Kartoffelrækkerne 

Kartoffelrækkerne means “The Potato Rows” in English, and they’re one of the best examples of row houses that are popular throughout Denmark. Walking here feels like you’ve entered a small village, and I’d recommend spending an hour or so wandering through these streets. 

The houses are right next to The Lakes and are some of Copenhagen’s most sought-after properties. I think that this area looks particularly beautiful on an overcast day when the fog is hanging low, which is quite common in the autumn and winter. 

Best for: Architecture

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14. Kildevældsgade

Kildevældsgade is a street on the outer edges of Østerbro with very similar architecture to Kartoffelrækkerne. However, the street is more spacious than many around the houses near The Lakes. Moreover, it’s less crowded. 

I’d also suggest exploring the different side streets while you’re here. It’s best to visit by bike, and these houses make for a great quick stop before exploring the coastal suburbs just north of Copenhagen.

Best for: Street, portrait

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15. The Round Tower 

The Round Tower dates back to the 17th century and offers a great view over Copenhagen. You can see all of the city’s main spires, including Christiansborg Palace, the city hall, and Sankt Peders Kirke. 

When you’re making your way to the top of the tower, don’t forget to grab some shots of the spiraling walkway. I suggest coming here around sunset on a sunny winter’s day, and I’d really like to photograph here on a cloudy day. I don’t like visiting around midday in the summer because it’s too bright. 

You can buy your tickets at the tower. It can get quite crowded at times, so I’d suggest visiting as soon as the Round Tower opens at 10:00. 

Best for: Architecture 

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16. Church of Our Savior 

The Church of Our Savior, known as Vor Frelsers Kirke in Danish, offers the best view over Copenhagen and some fantastic photography opportunities. The church, located in Christianshavn, is known for its spiralling staircase—and I recommend including these in your pictures. 

You’ll get a complete view of the Danish capital and its surrounding areas on all sides. On a clear day, you can see the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden. The church tower is closed in January and won’t be open in windy or slippery conditions, but it’s well worth visiting if you’re lucky enough to avoid those. 

The Church of Our Saviour is included in the Copenhagen Card, but you’ll need to book a free spot in advance. If you don’t have the Copenhagen Card, tickets cost 69 DKK and can be purchased online. 

Best for: Architecture, landscape 

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17. Sankt Annæ Gade

Christianshavn is pretty small, but I love exploring its streets. The neighborhood has a unique feel, and it sometimes feels like you’re wandering around Amsterdam. My favorite street in Christianshavn is Sankt Annæ Gade. 

There’s one particular yellow building here that’s great for photography, but you’ll also get a great view towards Vor Frelsers Kirke. This place is great to take photos in year-round. 

Best for: Street photography 

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18. Kongens Have 

Kongens Have is the park in which you’ll find Rosenborg Castle, and it’s a popular spot for picnics in the summer. I love going for walks here, and it’s a nice place to take a book and just read on summer evenings. 

If you’re visiting Copenhagen in the autumn, Kongens Have is even more pleasant in my opinion. There’s a boulevard of trees in the middle of the park that make for great framing, whether you want a picture of yourself or simply want to capture the overall vibe. 

Best for: General photography 

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19. Frederiksberg Allé

I’d love to live on Frederiksberg Allé if it wasn’t so noisy, but I still enjoy going there to take photos. It’s one of the most elegant streets you’ll see on your Copenhagen visit, and it’s lined with trees, bars, and cafés. 

Frederiksberg Allé is at its best in summer and autumn, and it’s a great place for street photography in particular. At the end of the street towards Vesterbrogade is a nice square that’s both nice to photograph and also to sit with a cup of coffee. At the other end of the street is Frederiksberg Have, which I’ll also talk about shortly. 

Best for: Street photography 

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20. Christianshavns Kanal 

Although Nyhavn is much more popular than Christianshavns Kanal, I’d argue that the latter is just as photogenic. The canal is very close to Nyhavn, so it makes sense to visit both of them at the same time.  

Christianshavns Kanal is just as scenic from both sides, and I recommend doing a full loop. The canal sometimes freezes over in the winter, but this is rare. I’d recommend photographing the canal from a boat tour and land, and you’ll also get a great view of the canal from the bridge connecting Nyhavn and Christianshavn. 

Best for: Architecture 

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21. Landemærket and Åbenrå

Åbenrå and Landemærket are two small streets close to Kongens Have and Rosenborg Castle, and they’re easy to miss if you aren’t looking for them. They’re two of the city’s most underrated streets, but they are difficult to photograph because there isn’t much space. 

I’d actually recommend standing on the other side of the street (close to Kongens Have) for one angle. I also love how the light reflects off the buildings here around sunset, so you should consider visiting for Golden Hour as well. 

If you’re photographing at ground level, I’d recommend a wide-angle lens. However, the street is also visible from the Round Tower—and I’d recommend taking a glance at it from here as well. 

Best for: Architecture and street

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22. Tivoli

Tivoli is one of my favourite places in Copenhagen, and you absolutely should make time for it on your visit (even if you only have a short stay in the Danish capital). Besides being nice to wander around, it’s also one of the best spots in Copenhagen for photography. 

You can visit Tivoli at four distinct times throughout the year, and the amusement park looks different in each season. My personal favorite is around Halloween, but you’ll have a great time regardless of when you visit. An entry ticket doesn’t get you ride access unless you purchase one specifically for that. 

Best for: Street photography 

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23. Nyboder 

Nyboder, instantly noticeable by its bright orange houses, is one of the most scenic quarters in Copenhagen. I’ve spent a lot of time photographing here over the years, and I love how the place feels like a small village in the middle of the city. 

Many of the houses at Nyboder have recently been repainted, and you’ll find a mixture of newer and older styles. Both are nice, but I actually like the older style as it’s more rustic.

Nyboder is particularly beautiful on an overcast or snowy day. You can walk around this area freely, but be respectful as people still live in these houses. 

Best for: Architecture

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24. Islands Brygge 

Islands Brygge is where the locals hang out in the summer, and it’s a great place to sample some authentic Copenhagen living. The waterfront area has a festive atmosphere for the whole summer, especially when the sun is out. 

At Islands Brygge, you can also go swimming (obviously not with your camera, though). It’s also possible to rent boats and explore the Danish capital’s waterways. The area is pretty quiet in the winter, so I would recommend visiting Copenhagen in the summer for the best photography opportunities here (or at golden hour in the winter). 

Best for: Street photography 

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