Nyhavn is a popular entertainment and tourist district in Copenhagen, Denmark (photo by Kenn Stearns)

There’s a certain charm to Nyhavn, a colorful waterfront district of Copenhagen that’s a popular tourist destination. But “colorful” means more than the bright canal-front buildings in the photo above. In its day, Nyhavn was an active harbor best known for pubs, prostitutes, and partying. The infamous reputation has given way to tourism, the old buildings that once housed merchants and brothels are now restaurants, ice cream parlors, and tourist attractions such as canal tour boats. In the summer, music and people are everywhere – the lively atmosphere a stark contrast to the medieval architecture and the wooden boats.

The smell of freshly-baked waffle cones wafts from the open doors of Vaffelbageren, an ice cream shop in Nyhavn where foam and jam can be added to the frozen desserts (photo by Kenn Stearns)