It extends south from the major shopping street Strøget to Holmens Kanal.

Together with Kristen Bernikows Gade, its extension to the north, it forms one of only two places where car traffic crosses pedestrianized Strøget on its way from Kongens Nytorv to the City Hall Square, the other being at Gammeltorv-Nytorv.

The small square Magasins Torv is located in front of one of the entrances to the department store Magasin du Nord at the beginning of the street The area where Bremerholm runs today was originally a shallow-watered area called Dybet (the Deep, the Abyss), as commemorated in the name of the intersecting street Dybensgade, which separated mainland Copenhagen from the small isle Bremerholm where a naval dockyard was established in about 1510.

The new area, which became part of the city's East Quarter (Østre Kvarter), was used for the construction of row houses for naval personnel.

Ulkegade and the surrounding neighbourhood developed an infamous reputation for prostitution and its many bars which were frequented by seamen.

The street was completely destroyed in the Copenhagen Fire of 1795 which began at Gammelholm and lasted for two days.

The name Bremerholm was introduced in 1932 when Holmensgade was widened and extended from Dybensgade all the way to Østergade.

Opposite the Danske Bank complex is Overformynderiet's former building which fronts Holmens Kanal.