Amalienborg Palace
The octagonal heart of Danish monarchy where history, art, and royal tradition converge in perfect Rococo harmony.
Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish Royal Family, comprising four identical Rococo palaces arranged around an octagonal square in central Copenhagen. Originally built in the 1750s for noble families, the royal family acquired the complex in 1794 after a fire destroyed Christiansborg Palace. Today, visitors can explore the Amalienborg Museum in Christian VIII's Palace, which showcases royal interiors, priceless artifacts, and 150 years of Danish monarchy history, while the daily changing of the guard at noon remains a beloved tradition.
A brief summary to Amalienborg Palace
- Amalienborg Slotsplads, København K, København K, 1257, DK
- +4533153286
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive shortly before noon to witness the changing of the Royal Danish Life Guards ceremony, a daily tradition that is free to watch and offers excellent photo opportunities in the palace square.
- Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues and secure entry to the Amalienborg Museum. Last tickets are sold 30 minutes before closing, and visitors arriving more than 20 minutes late may have their tickets invalidated.
- Plan 1–2 hours for the museum visit; mornings typically offer a less crowded experience than afternoons. Large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside, so travel light or use nearby storage.
- Consider purchasing a combined ticket with Rosenborg Castle, available at the ticket desk, which offers better value and remains valid for 48 hours, allowing flexibility in your sightseeing schedule.
- Visit the Fabergé chamber to see one of the world's finest collections of Russian imperial jewellery, a highlight that many visitors overlook but represents extraordinary cultural and historical significance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
From Copenhagen Central Station, take the M1 or M2 metro line toward Vestamager or Vanløse. Exit at Kongens Nytorv station, approximately 6 minutes travel time. From the station, walk northeast through Nyhavn district toward Amalienborg Square, approximately 8–10 minutes on foot. Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area around Amalienborg. Routes 1A, 6A, and 14 stop near Amalienborg Square or within a 5-minute walk. Journey time from central Copenhagen is typically 10–15 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Single ticket costs approximately 24 DKK.
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Walking
From Nyhavn (the famous harbor district), Amalienborg Palace is approximately 10–12 minutes walk northeastward along Frederiksgade. The route is flat, well-marked, and passes through pleasant neighborhoods. From Kongens Nytorv square, follow signs toward the Marble Church; Amalienborg Square is immediately adjacent.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen's extensive cycle network connects to Amalienborg. Bike rental stations are located throughout the city; expect to pay 80–100 DKK for a day pass. Journey time from central Copenhagen is 5–10 minutes depending on starting location. Secure bike parking is available in the Amalienborg area.
Amalienborg Palace location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Amalienborg Palace
A Royal Residence Born from Aristocratic Ambition
Amalienborg Palace stands as one of Europe's most distinctive royal residences, a complex of four nearly identical Rococo mansions arranged in perfect symmetry around an octagonal square. Built between 1750 and 1760 under the vision of King Frederik V, the palaces were originally intended as homes for Copenhagen's wealthiest noble families. The architect Nicolai Eigtved designed the masterpiece, though he did not live to see its completion. The formal opening of the complex occurred on March 30, 1754, marking a triumph of 18th-century Danish architecture and urban planning. The four palaces were named after the kings who would eventually inhabit them: Christian VII's Palace, Christian VIII's Palace, Christian IX's Palace, and Frederik VIII's Palace. Each building was constructed for prominent aristocratic families—Moltke, Levetzau, Schack, and Brockdorff respectively—reflecting the wealth and influence of Copenhagen's elite during the Rococo period.From Nobility to Royalty: The Transformation of 1794
The trajectory of Amalienborg changed dramatically in February 1794 when Christiansborg Palace, the primary royal residence, was destroyed by fire. King Christian VII and the royal family, seeking a new home, purchased the first of the four palaces and commissioned architect Caspar Frederik Harsdorff to transform it into a suitable royal residence. By December 1794, the royal family had moved in, beginning a tradition that continues to the present day. Over the following decades, the remaining palaces were acquired and adapted for royal use, with each serving distinct functions within the monarchy. The central octagonal square features a magnificent equestrian statue of King Frederik V, created by French sculptor Jacques Saly and installed in 1771. This bronze monument symbolizes the king's pivotal role in establishing Frederiksstaden, the district that Amalienborg anchors, and remains one of Copenhagen's most iconic public sculptures.The Living Palace: Royal Residence and State Functions
Today, Amalienborg remains the primary residence of the Danish Royal Family. King Frederik and Queen Mary occupy Frederik VIII's Palace with their children, conducting both private and official duties from this historic setting. Christian IX's Palace serves official royal events and representational purposes, while Christian VII's Palace hosts larger ceremonies and state visits. The palaces are guarded by the Royal Danish Life Guards, whose daily changing of the guard ceremony at noon has become one of Copenhagen's most beloved traditions, drawing visitors from around the world. The architectural harmony of the four palaces creates an exceptional urban space. The colonnades connecting the buildings and the carefully proportioned octagonal courtyard demonstrate the refined aesthetic principles of the Rococo period, while the palaces' enduring functionality showcases their practical design. The surrounding Frederiksstaden district, developed to commemorate the tercentenary of the Oldenburg family's ascent to the Danish throne, complements Amalienborg's grandeur with neoclassical churches and elegant townhouses.Treasures of the Amalienborg Museum
Christian VIII's Palace houses the Amalienborg Museum, offering the public a rare glimpse into royal life across 150 years of Danish history. The museum presents the private interiors of recent monarchs, preserved as though their occupants had just departed, creating an intimate connection between visitors and the individuals behind the crown. Personal belongings, furnishings, and decorative arts tell the story of the royal family's daily existence and ceremonial roles. A highlight of the museum is the Fabergé chamber, which contains one of the world's most important collections of Russian imperial jewellery. This extraordinary collection came to Denmark primarily through Empress Dagmar (Maria Fedorovna), daughter of King Christian IX and Queen Louise, who were known as "the in-laws of Europe" due to their children's marriages into royal houses across the continent. The treasury displays world-class jewellery and regalia that document centuries of Danish royal heritage. On most days, visitors may access the Gala Hall and other magnificent rooms on the piano nobile—the principal floor where royal receptions are held. These spaces remain actively used by the royal family for state functions, adding layers of living history to the museum experience.A Monument to Danish History and Culture
Amalienborg Palace Square witnessed pivotal moments in Danish history, particularly during World War II. The square was the scene of intense fighting on April 9, 1940, when Denmark was invaded, and again in 1944 when German forces rounded up the Danish police force. These events underscore Amalienborg's significance not merely as a royal residence but as a symbol of Danish national identity and resilience. The palace complex's location in central Copenhagen, near the Marble Church and within walking distance of the Copenhagen Opera House, positions it as a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape. The Opera House, completed in 2005 as a gift to the Danish state, stands as a modern counterpoint to Amalienborg's historical grandeur, creating a dialogue between centuries of Danish artistic achievement.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
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
