Rigensgade originates in the 1649 plan for New Copenhagen, the large area which was included in the fortified city when the old East Rampart along present day Gothersgade was decommissioned and a new one was built in a more northerly direction.

According to the plan, the streets in the area were to be named after Danish territorial possessions, royalty and the upper classes.

[1] The shape of the Nyboder development indicates that the original intention was to create a street parallel to Adelgade and Borgergade at the site.

13 is part of a complex fronting Øster Voldgade which was originally built for the College of Advanced Technology.

30) was built to provide free and affordable housing for widows in difficult circumstances, Caroline Amalies Asyl at No.