Christiansborg Palace
Seat of power, royal ritual and 800 years of history gathered on one compact island in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Rising over the tiny island of Slotsholmen, Christiansborg Palace is Copenhagen’s powerhouse of politics and pageantry. The current palace, completed in 1928, blends neo-Baroque heft with traces of earlier castles and palaces that have stood here for more than 800 years. Today it uniquely houses Denmark’s Parliament, Supreme Court and Prime Minister’s Office, while its glittering Royal Reception Rooms, medieval ruins, royal kitchens, tower and stables open a rare window onto the inner workings of the Danish state.
A brief summary to Christiansborg Palace
- Prins Jørgens Gård 1, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1218, DK
- +4533926492
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least three hours if you want to see the Royal Reception Rooms, the ruins, kitchens, stables and tower without rushing.
- Check which parts of the palace are open on the day of your visit, as state events can close the Royal Reception Rooms at short notice.
- The free tower viewpoint can attract queues; arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon for shorter waiting times.
- Combine your visit with a quiet break in nearby gardens on Slotsholmen to contrast the palace’s grandeur with a more intimate city atmosphere.
- Interior temperatures can vary between the cool ruins and warmer halls; layered clothing makes it easier to stay comfortable.
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 M1 or M2 metro line to Kongens Nytorv and continue on the M3 Cityringen one stop to Gammel Strand. The journey typically takes 5–10 minutes once you board. A standard single-zone ticket costs roughly 20–30 DKK and is valid on metro, bus and local trains for a limited time. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and from Gammel Strand the walk to Christiansborg is short and level, suitable for most visitors and wheelchairs.
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City Bus
Several city bus routes stop near Slotsholmen, providing a straightforward option if you are already moving around the inner districts. Typical travel times from central hubs range between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on traffic and waiting time at the stop. A standard bus ticket within the central zones usually costs about 20–30 DKK, and low-floor buses offer easy boarding for wheelchairs and strollers. Services run regularly during the day, with reduced frequency late at night.
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Bicycle
Cycling is one of the most convenient ways to reach Christiansborg Palace from neighbourhoods like Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro. Expect 10–20 minutes of riding time along well-marked cycle lanes on mostly flat terrain. City bikes and rental shops across Copenhagen offer hourly and daily rates, typically starting around 50–100 DKK for a few hours. Be prepared for busy bike traffic at rush hours and remember that cobbled sections around the palace can feel slightly uneven under your wheels.
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Walking in the inner city
If you are staying in the historic centre, walking to Christiansborg is both practical and rewarding. Distances from major squares and harbourfront areas in Indre By usually translate into 10–25 minutes on foot. The route is generally flat and follows paved streets and squares, though some parts are cobbled and may feel bumpy for wheelchairs or small-wheeled strollers. Weather can change quickly in Copenhagen, so bring a rain layer or warm clothing outside the summer months.
Christiansborg Palace location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Christiansborg Palace
Island of Power at the Heart of Copenhagen
Christiansborg Palace dominates Slotsholmen, the small island that has served as Denmark’s centre of power for more than eight centuries. Long before the present granite colossus, Bishop Absalon raised a fortified castle here in the 12th century, anchoring the emerging town that became Copenhagen. Successive castles and palaces rose and fell on the same footprint, each reflecting the changing balance between monarch, church and state. The current Christiansborg, finished in 1928, was designed as the architectural expression of a modern constitutional monarchy. Its copper-clad central tower, Denmark’s tallest, has become a key feature of the city skyline, while the building’s heavy stone façades deliberately project stability and authority. Yet beneath this monumental exterior, visitors can trace layers of history literally from the ruins up.From Royal Residence to Democratic Stage
For centuries, the rulers of Denmark lived and ruled from Christiansborg’s predecessors, making decisions that shaped the kingdom and its overseas territories. Two devastating fires, in 1794 and 1884, destroyed earlier palaces, forcing the royal family to move their residence permanently to Amalienborg. What rose in their place on Slotsholmen was no longer a royal home, but a combined stage for democracy and ceremonial monarchy. Today Christiansborg uniquely gathers Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister’s Office under the same roof as the Royal Reception Rooms. This rare arrangement means the palace is both a working seat of government and a ceremonial backdrop for state visits, royal audiences and national celebrations. Walking its corridors, you move between the symbols of people’s power and the enduring rituals of the crown.Gilded Halls and Royal Rituals
The Royal Reception Rooms form the most opulent part of a visit. Reached via grand staircases and anterooms, they unfold in a sequence of salons lined with stucco, silk wall coverings, crystal chandeliers and polished parquet floors. Here foreign heads of state are received, orders are bestowed and lavish banquets mark national milestones. The Great Hall is dominated by a cycle of modern tapestries depicting 1,100 years of Danish history, weaving Vikings, reformers and contemporary scenes into a single narrative. In the Oval Throne Room, twin thrones face a balcony from which new monarchs are traditionally proclaimed. These spaces are still used, so their availability can change with the state calendar, adding a sense that the palace is very much alive.Ruins, Kitchens and Stables Below the Surface
Beneath the palace, the Ruins reveal foundations and walls from Absalon’s medieval fortress and later castles. Down here, explanatory panels and atmospheric lighting bring siege stories, demolitions and rebuilding projects into focus, showing how each new Christiansborg literally rose on the bones of the last. It is one of the few places in the city where you can stand inside the physical timeline of Copenhagen’s power base. Elsewhere in the complex, the historic Royal Kitchen is set up as if awaiting a grand dinner, with copper pots, towering dessert stands and cleverly staged soundscapes suggesting the controlled chaos of a royal banquet in full preparation. The Royal Stables, when open, add another layer, with ceremonial horses and antique carriages under lofty timber roofs, evoking an era when statecraft moved at the pace of hooves and wheels.Views from the Tower and Moments of Stillness
Crowning the palace is its tower, which offers wide views across the copper roofs, spires and waterways of Copenhagen. On clear days you can trace the city’s evolution from medieval core to modern harbourfront, with the Øresund and, on the horizon, Sweden beyond. The tower is also a powerful vantage point for understanding how tightly knit Copenhagen’s major sights are around Slotsholmen. Despite its institutional role, Christiansborg has quieter corners. The courtyards and nearby gardens on the island provide pockets of calm between explorations of the interiors. Stepping back outside to look up at the tower and sculptural decoration, it becomes easier to read the palace as a stone chronicle of Denmark’s journey from fortress monarchy to open, parliamentary society.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Frederik VII
0.1 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
The Danish Parliament
0.1 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.1 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Holmens Bro
0.1 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Højbro
0.2 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.4 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.4 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
National Museum of Denmark
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.5 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Gråbrødretorv
0.5 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Knippelsbro
0.5 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Circle Bridge
0.5 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Unmissable attractions to see
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.1 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.1 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.1 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Ved Stranden
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Bishop Absalon
0.2 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Gammel Strand
0.2 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Church of Holmen
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Højbro Plads
0.2 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Højbro Pl.
0.2 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Læderstræde
0.2 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Essential places to dine
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Maven
0.3 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Tight
0.3 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Puk
0.4 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Llama
0.4 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.5 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Wining and Dining
0.5 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
à terre
0.5 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.3 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Hygge Original
0.3 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Audrey Vintage
0.3 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Akimbo
0.3 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Magnolias
0.3 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
ILLUM
0.4 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
0.4 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Magasin du Nord
0.4 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Duck Haven
0.5 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ruby
0.2 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Godt Øl
0.3 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
The Dubliner
0.3 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Balderdash
0.4 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.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.5 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Luke's Bar
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Charlie's Bar
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
1105
0.5 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Balthazar
0.5 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.
The Jane
0.5 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- 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
- Mindfulness
- Myth & Legends
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
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
