Since its early days as a fishing port with trades in herring, its harbor is its most important resource. The Nyhavn (New Harbor) was a canal built in the 17th century to facility cargo handling. Franked by colorful 17th-18th century townhouses, it is now the center of tourism trade with piers for flat bottom tour boats. Further out, the inner harbor is lined with historical buildings and new developments. At its northern end is Copenhagen’s most famous tourist sight, the Little Mermaid.