Pedestrian Street

Pedestrian Street

Introduction This 1.2-kilometer-long pedestrian street is located in the heart of Copenhagen. Built in the 17th century, it is the longest pedestrian street in the world. Stretching through the “heart” of Copenhagen’s most important buildings and political and commercial centers, it holds significant importance in Denmark.

It’s not just a street—its two ends, sides, and center connect one square, famous building, and specialty shop after another. There are about 200 shops along the entire street, lined up one after the other, each with its own unique character, offering an overwhelming variety. These include century-old shops, royal stores, as well as many quaint small boutiques.

The pedestrian street starts in the east at King’s New Square and ends in the west at Copenhagen City Hall Square, with a large open-air square — Amagertorv — in between. Starting from King’s New Square into the pedestrian street, the first street is Østergade, featuring many historic buildings; walk along to reach the heart of the pedestrian street, Amagertorv. At the center of the square stands a stork fountain built during the Dutch Renaissance, often used as a gathering spot for events. Number 6 on Amagertorv is a Dutch Renaissance-style building constructed in 1606, serving as the sales headquarters for world-renowned companies such as Royal Copenhagen, Georg Jensen silverware, and Holmegaard glassware. The display windows showcase a dazzling array of Danish arts and crafts for visitors to admire. To the right of Amagertorv is another old pedestrian street mall, and to the left is close to Hojbro Plads, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Slotsholmen, home to Christiansborg Palace.

After passing Amagertorv, the pedestrian street becomes “Vimmelskaftet,” and further ahead is “Nygade.” Nygade intersects with a long square, the right half of which is called “Gammeltorv” (Old Square), and the left half “Nytorv” (New Square). The pedestrian street runs right through the middle of these two squares. Gammeltorv is Copenhagen’s oldest market and was once the city center during the Middle Ages. The area between these two squares was once the site of Copenhagen’s old town hall. The pedestrian street finally leads straight to Copenhagen City Hall Square. Crossing the square and walking a short distance further brings you to the famous Tivoli Gardens.

In addition, there is a Tobacco Museum built in 1864 located on Østergade (Street 9). Today, while a small portion of the building is still used to sell tobacco, the rest is dedicated to showcasing tobacco culture. The museum is hailed as the most beautiful tobacco collection museum in Europe.

On the pedestrian street, shops sit shoulder to shoulder, where visitors can find almost anything they want. Restaurants line both sides, and when you’re tired from strolling, you can easily find a coffee shop to sit down, relax, and enjoy the beautiful views of Copenhagen.

Tip: The Pedestrian Street is not an actual street name in Copenhagen, so you won’t find “Pedestrian Street” on any map. But ask any local Copenhagener, and you’ll get a clear answer.

Copenhagen, Denmark