Amalienborg Palace
Home of the Danish royal family, Amalienborg Palace pairs working monarchy with rococo elegance, daily guard ceremonies and intimate museum interiors.
Amalienborg Palace is the working home of the Danish royal family and the ceremonial heart of Copenhagen’s monarchy. Around an octagonal cobbled square stand four near-identical rococo palaces, watched over by the Royal Life Guard and an equestrian statue of King Frederik V. One palace houses the Amalienborg Museum, where preserved royal apartments, glittering jewellery and the famed Fabergé chamber offer a rare, intimate look at royal life over the last 150 years, especially around the daily noon Changing of the Guard.
A brief summary to Amalienborg Palace
- Amalienborg Slotsplads, København K, København K, 1257, DK
- +4533153286
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive by 11:30 am if you want a good position to watch the noon Changing of the Guard without standing too far back in the crowd.
- Combine a museum ticket with nearby Rosenborg Castle for better value if you plan to dive deeper into Danish royal history in one day.
- Plan at least one full circuit of the square to appreciate the subtle differences between the four palaces and the axial views to the church and harbour.
- In winter, dress warmly and wear shoes with good grip; the exposed square can feel extra chilly and the cobbles may be slippery.
- Photography is welcomed in the square; inside the museum, check signage for any restrictions in specific rooms before taking pictures.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken Station, which is about one stop from Nørreport and three from København H. The ride typically takes 3–8 minutes depending on your starting station, and a single zone ticket costs around 20–25 DKK. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day. From Marmorkirken it is a short, mostly level walk on paved surfaces to Amalienborg Palace, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers in most weather conditions.
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City Bus
Several city bus routes run through central Copenhagen towards the Frederiksstaden and harbourfront area, with stops within walking distance of Amalienborg Palace. Typical journey times from the inner city range from 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. A standard bus ticket costs about 20–25 DKK and is valid across buses, metro and trains within the same zones. Buses are low‑floor and generally accessible, though at peak hours they can be crowded and boarding with large prams or wheelchairs may take extra time.
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Walking
From central Copenhagen landmarks such as Kongens Nytorv, Amalienborg Palace can be reached on foot in roughly 10–20 minutes, depending on your pace. The route passes through historic streets and is almost entirely flat, with cobbled sections around the palace square that may feel uneven for wheelchairs, mobility aids or thin‑wheeled prams. Walking is free and flexible, but in wet or icy weather the cobblestones can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
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Bicycle
Using Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes, you can reach Amalienborg Palace from most central districts in about 5–15 minutes by bike. Public rental bikes and hotel bikes are widely available, with typical day rental prices from around 100–150 DKK and app‑based bikes often billed per minute. Cycling offers direct access but requires confidence in city traffic, especially during commuter peaks. Near the palace you will need to dismount and park in designated racks before entering the square on foot.
Amalienborg Palace location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Amalienborg Palace
Royal heart of Copenhagen
Amalienborg Palace forms the living core of Denmark’s monarchy, set in the elegant Frederiksstaden district between the Marble Church and the waterfront. The complex is arranged around a spacious octagonal square where an equestrian statue of King Frederik V anchors the view and underscores the palace’s 18th‑century origins. This is not a museum frozen in time but an active royal residence, where state limousines pull up to doors that guards have watched over for centuries. From the cobbles you look onto four almost identical rococo palaces, their honey‑coloured façades softened by ocean light and often framed by fluttering Dannebrog flags. The setting feels grand yet surprisingly intimate, with the sound of boots on stone, flagpoles creaking in the wind and the distant hum of the harbour mixing into the atmosphere.Four palaces, one royal square
Each of the four palaces carries both an original aristocratic name and the name of a king. Christian VII’s Palace, originally Moltke’s, now hosts official guests and grand festivities. Christian VIII’s Palace, once Levetzau’s, contains the Amalienborg Museum and provides a carefully curated window into royal interiors. Frederik VIII’s Palace, formerly Brockdorff’s, is the private home of the current king and queen and their family, while Christian IX’s Palace, once Schack’s, is closely associated with Queen Margrethe II. The architectural language is pure rococo: restrained ornamentation, mansard roofs, pilasters and elegant window rhythms rather than overwhelming mass. Seen from the centre of the square, the symmetry is striking, yet small differences in detailing and rooflines reveal that these were once separate noble residences, united into a single royal ensemble after a fire at the previous Christiansborg palace.Inside the Amalienborg Museum
The Amalienborg Museum, housed in Christian VIII’s Palace, traces about 150 years of royal history from Christian IX and Queen Louise to the present day. Rooms are preserved much as their royal occupants left them, from intimate studies and nurseries to formal salons lined with portraits and orders. Each suite reflects the fashions and personalities of its time, shifting from Victorian heaviness to lighter 20th‑century tastes. Among the highlights is the Fabergé chamber, where intricate Russian jewellery and objects recall dynastic ties that once linked Copenhagen with St Petersburg and other European courts. Display cases mix personal gifts, official regalia and everyday items, making the monarchy feel both distant and unexpectedly human. On many days visitors can also step into the Gala Hall and other piano nobile rooms still used for receptions, standing in spaces that regularly feature in state photographs.Changing of the Royal Guard
Every day at noon the Royal Life Guard stages the Changing of the Guard in the palace square, a ceremony that has become one of Copenhagen’s defining spectacles. Guards in dark blue uniforms and tall bearskin hats march in precise formations, often accompanied by a brass band whose music echoes between the façades. The ritual links back to the 17th century and visually underlines the continuity of the Danish state. Arriving a little before midday allows time to find a good spot along the barriers or near the statue. The mood is a mix of formality and curiosity: cameras click, children count the guards, and for a few minutes the square is given over entirely to polished military choreography before everyday city life resumes around the edges.Neighbouring cityscape and atmosphere
Beyond the palaces themselves, Amalienborg is woven into one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric urban vistas. Standing in the square you can look along the axis that connects the domed Marble Church on one side with the waterfront and modern opera house on the other, a straight line of stone, water and copper roofs. Just behind the palaces, Amaliehaven garden offers fountains, clipped hedges and views across the harbour. The experience here is as much about lingering as ticking off sights: watching light shift on sandstone walls, listening to the echo of footsteps on cobbles, or imagining royal processions crossing the square. Whether you step inside the museum or simply wander the exterior, Amalienborg captures the blend of ceremony, design and lived‑in history that defines Denmark’s constitutional monarchy.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.2 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Larsens Pl.
0.2 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.3 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
I am Queen Mary
0.4 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.5 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Horn mine
0.5 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
St. Paul's Church
0.6 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Our Fallen
0.6 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.6 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.6 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
Gefion Fountain
0.7 km
A powerful Norse creation myth cast in bronze and spray, the Gefion Fountain unites legend, sculpture and harbor light on the edge of Churchillparken.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.7 km
Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Havnepromenade
0.8 km
Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.
Kastellet
0.8 km
Explore Kastellet, Copenhagen's historic fortress showcasing stunning architecture, lush greenery, and a glimpse into Denmark's rich military past.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.8 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rytterstatuen
0.0 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.1 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Amaliegade
0.1 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.1 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Amaliehaven
0.1 km
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.2 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Frederik's Church
0.2 km
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
Medicinsk Museion
0.2 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.3 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
The Kissing Stairs
0.3 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Hey Captain
0.4 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Bredgade 18
0.4 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
Ofelia Plads
0.4 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
The Playhouse
0.5 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
Essential places to dine
Aoc
0.3 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Skipperkroen
0.5 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
0.5 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Khun Juk
0.5 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.5 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.5 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Den Lille Fede
0.5 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Goldfinch
0.5 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Bistro Royal
0.6 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Kokkeriet
0.6 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Frank
0.7 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Marchal
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.7 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
0.4 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
The Crown souvenir
0.4 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Copenhagenglass
0.4 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
The Wilde Shop
0.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.8 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Storm - design art fashion
0.8 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.8 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Urban Outfitters
0.9 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.4 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.6 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Brønnum
0.6 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Bar Deco
0.7 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Balthazar
0.7 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
1105
0.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Trykbar
0.8 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
The Moose
0.8 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
1.0 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
K-Bar
1.0 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
1.0 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
Balderdash
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.6 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Lusso
0.7 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Mini Bar
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.8 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Operaen
1.2 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Chateau Motel
1.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Arch
1.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.4 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Rumors
1.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
1.6 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
1.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
