Photoshoot in Copenhagen

The 17th-century canal with its row of ochre, red and blue townhouses and moored wooden ships is the picture most visitors have of Copenhagen. The north side, with the restaurants and colourful façades, gets the sun; the south side is quieter and gives you the classic frame across the water. See our separate page on Nyhavn for timing in detail.

Best time

Sunrise to about 8:30, before the cafés set out tables. Blue hour in winter, when the windows are lit.

Access

Two minutes from Kongens Nytorv metro station. Cobbled quays, flat.

Christianshavn’s canal, lined by Overgaden Oven Vandet and Overgaden Neden Vandet, has houseboats, small bridges and old warehouses, and far fewer people than Nyhavn. The black-and-gold spiral spire of the Church of Our Saviour rises above the rooftops and makes a recognisable backdrop from several bridges.

Best time

Morning and late afternoon; the narrow canal gives soft, even light for much of the day.

Access

Christianshavn metro station is on the canal. Walking between bridges takes a few minutes.

A 17th-century star-shaped fortress with grassy ramparts, a moat, a windmill and long rows of red-painted barracks. Walking the top of the ramparts gives you open sky, water on one side and green slopes on the other. It is still a working military area, so behave as you would in a park and respect any closed zones.

Best time

Golden hour on the western ramparts; early morning for empty paths.

Access

About 15 minutes on foot north of Amalienborg, or from Østerport station. Grass slopes: bring shoes with some grip.

Four identical rococo palaces frame an octagonal square with an equestrian statue at its centre. Stand in the middle and you have the green copper dome of the Marble Church on one side and the Opera across the harbour on the other. The Royal Guard changes at noon, which brings crowds.

Best time

Early morning for an empty square. Avoid the half hour around noon.

Access

Ten minutes’ walk from Kongens Nytorv; five from Nyhavn along the harbour.

The three rectangular Lakes run along the edge of the inner city, with a footpath all the way round. Dronning Louises Bro, the bridge between Nørrebro and the centre, is where locals sit on summer evenings; the paths on either side give you water, swans and wide views with very little traffic noise.

Best time

Late afternoon and evening; early morning for mist on still water in autumn.

Access

Ten minutes’ walk from Nørreport station. Flat gravel path around the water.

A small, enclosed garden behind the old Royal Library, a few steps from Christiansborg, with a pond, a fountain and tall trees. It feels like a private courtyard in the middle of the city and suits calm portraits, couples and elegant outfits.

Best time

Morning or late afternoon; much of it is in shade at midday, which helps on bright days.

Access

Five minutes on foot from Christiansborg or the Black Diamond library on the harbour front. Gates close in the evening; check current hours.

A long urban park in Nørrebro in three zones: a bright red square, a black square with white curving lines, and a green park. It is graphic, colourful and very different from the historic centre, which makes it popular for personal branding and fashion-style sessions.

Best time

Any time with dry weather; late afternoon for warmer light on the red surfaces.

Access

Nørrebro station or a short bike ride from the Lakes. It is a busy local park, so expect people around.

On the Amager side of the inner harbour, the lawns and boardwalks of Islands Brygge face west across the water, so the evening sun lands directly on you. In summer the harbour bath is full of swimmers, which gives you lively, very Copenhagen frames; out of season it is calm and open.

Best time

The last hour before sunset, from spring to early autumn.

Access

Islands Brygge metro station, or across the Bryggebroen footbridge from the city side.