Visit Copenhagen City Hall

Situated slap bang in the middle of Copenhagen, the City Hall and square is a must-see for any visitor to Denmark’s capital.

A glance at the skyline of Copenhagen will certainly include the characteristic tower of the City Hall, with its copper roof. Or it might be from Danish TV shows like Borgen or The Killing that you recognize the building.
Whether you are visiting the city for a short period or for a longer stay, the chances are that pretty early on you will pass the City Hall and the vast square beside. It sits a short walk from the Central Station, right next to Tivoli and at the start of the city’s main shopping street: Strøget.

In this short guide, I’ll take you through a bit of the history of this amazing building, and offer you some advice on visiting the City Hall.

A short history of Copenhagen’s City Hall

Built over 13 years between 1892-1905, the City Hall was designed by the architect Martin Nyrop. He was heavily inspired by Siena City Hall in Italy, which is the building the Palio horse race happens outside. Seriously, take a look at it and you’ll see just how much inspiration Nyrop drew from his Italian counterparts!

The City Hall is located at Vesterport, which was the old Western Gate of the old walled city of Copenhagen. As I mentioned in my Tivoli guide, this area was originally heavily fortified from attack with high bastions and manmade moats (which became the lake inside Tivoli).

Climbing the tower

The 105 metre tower makes it one of the highest buildings in Copenhagen. From the top you can see as far as the Oresound Bridge (yes, it is the one in The Bridge TV series!), as well as across to Sweden.

The building itself is an open public building, meaning as a tourist you can come and go as you please during the opening hours. Climbing the tower will need you to be escorted by a guide though.

The Statue of H. C. Andersen beside the City Town Hall - and H. C. Andersen's Boulevard that runs alongside the building - is the longest and broadest street in Copenhagen.

Getting to Copenhagen City Hall

Due to its location, the City Hall is pretty accessible by foot from the centre of Copenhagen. It’s a short stroll north from the central station and Tivoli, although if you are travelling from further afield I’ve noted some of the nearest train and bus stops to the palace below:

• Metro: Rådhuspladsen

• Trains: Copenhagen Central Station

• Bus: H.C Andersens Boulevard