Originally dug by Swedish war prisoners in 1670, ships used the canal in Nyhaven (New Harbour) to handle cargo and unload fishermens' catch. Today it's a tourist hub and entertainment district, serving as the launching point for canal tours and lined with restaurants and bars.

I really try to make the most of my time when traveling. Oftentimes I eat breakfast as soon as the hotel breakfast opens and then head right out. In this case, that meant I made it to Nyhaven at around 7:30am, early enough that most people were on their way to work (by car or by bike) on a Tuesday morning. Being pretty early, the area was pretty quiet, but the colorful townhomes were still quite striking.

Townhouses and ships line the canal in Nyhaven.