Amalienborg Palace
Working royal residence and museum in Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden, where four rococo palaces, daily guards, and intimate interiors bring Danish monarchy to life.
Amalienborg Palace is the elegant winter residence of the Danish royal family and the ceremonial heart of modern monarchy in Copenhagen. Four near-identical rococo palaces frame an octagonal cobbled square, anchored by an equestrian statue of King Frederik V and guarded by the Royal Life Guards. One wing houses the Amalienborg Museum, where richly furnished rooms, royal portraits, and glittering regalia trace 150 years of royal history. Outside, daily guard changes and the grand urban axis to the Marble Church create one of the city’s most memorable royal settings.
A brief summary to Amalienborg Palace
- Amalienborg Slotsplads, København K, København K, 1257, DK
- +4533153286
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Time your visit for just before noon to find a good spot in the square for the changing of the Royal Life Guards, then head into the museum once the ceremony ends.
- Allow extra time in Christian VIII’s Palace to read room labels carefully; many small objects and portraits reveal family connections across European royal houses.
- Visit on a clear day to fully appreciate the visual axis from the equestrian statue through the palace façades to the Marble Church dome and the harbor beyond.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating 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 in the Frederiksstaden district. The ride from the main interchange stations typically takes 5–10 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. A single zone 2 ticket costs around 20–25 DKK and is valid across metro, bus, and S‑train within its time limit. From the station, expect a short, level urban walk on paved surfaces to reach the palace square; the route is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers in most weather conditions.
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City Bus
Several city bus routes serve the area around Amalienborg Palace from other central neighborhoods, with journey times of roughly 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Standard bus tickets fall within the same 20–25 DKK range as metro fares and use the same zone system. Buses generally run every 5–15 minutes during the day, less frequently in late evenings. Stops are located on nearby main streets; from there you walk a few minutes on flat, paved sidewalks. In peak tourist season, buses may be crowded near the harbourfront.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make cycling to Amalienborg a straightforward option from most inner‑city districts, usually taking 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point. You can use public bike‑share schemes or hire a standard city bike, with typical rental costs around 100–150 DKK for a full day. Cycle lanes lead close to the palace, but you must dismount and walk your bike within the square itself. Surfaces are mostly smooth, though cobblestones near the palaces can feel uneven under narrow tires.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi from central Copenhagen areas such as the main station or City Hall Square generally takes 10–15 minutes to reach the streets bordering Amalienborg, depending on traffic and roadworks. Typical fares fall in the 120–180 DKK range for these short city journeys, with surcharges in late evening or at busy times. Vehicles cannot drive into the palace square, so drop‑off is on adjacent streets, followed by a brief walk across level pavements. This is the most convenient choice if you prefer door‑to‑door comfort or are traveling with limited mobility.
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
Discover more about Amalienborg Palace
A royal heart in the Frederiksstaden district
Amalienborg Palace sits at the center of Frederiksstaden, the 18th‑century quarter created to celebrate the Danish royal house. Four almost identical rococo palaces stand around a spacious, cobbled octagonal square, their cream façades and mansard roofs forming a perfectly balanced stage for royal ceremony. In the middle rises the equestrian statue of King Frederik V, the monarch who envisioned this ensemble and turned the district into a showcase of royal power and urban planning. Originally, these were aristocratic mansions for some of Denmark’s wealthiest families. When Christiansborg Palace burned in 1794, the royal family bought the buildings and moved in, transforming Amalienborg into the primary royal residence. Today it remains the home of the Danish monarch and their immediate family, making this one of Europe’s rare palatial complexes where living royal apartments and museum spaces stand side by side.Four palaces, one working monarchy
Each side of the square bears the name of a king. Christian VII’s Palace, the most lavishly decorated, hosts important state functions and ceremonial events. Christian VIII’s Palace houses the Amalienborg Museum and reception rooms used by members of the extended royal family. Christian IX’s Palace has long served as a principal royal residence, while Frederik VIII’s Palace is the private home of the reigning sovereign and their family. Despite the formal uniformity of their exteriors, the interiors differ markedly in style and period detail. Over the centuries, successive monarchs have refitted their apartments in fashions ranging from French‑inspired classicism to late‑Victorian comfort and modern Scandinavian understatement. Together the four palaces illustrate how a working monarchy has adapted to changing times while retaining carefully maintained tradition.Inside the Amalienborg Museum
The Amalienborg Museum, entered through Christian VIII’s Palace, offers an unusually intimate look at royal life. Period rooms are preserved much as their occupants left them, with personal belongings, portraits, uniforms, and everyday objects placed where they were once used. Exhibitions trace the family tree from Christian IX and Queen Louise, known for their far‑reaching dynastic links, through to modern generations. Display cases and galleries highlight ceremonial regalia, orders of chivalry, and glittering gifts exchanged with other courts. Side by side with these treasures, you encounter objects that feel almost domestic: children’s toys, travel mementos, and handwritten notes. The contrast underlines how this is both a symbol of state and a family home. Interpretive panels carefully situate each room within broader Danish history, from constitutional change to world wars and social reforms.Ceremony on the cobblestones
Outside, Amalienborg’s broad square functions as an open‑air stage for royal ritual. The Royal Life Guards, in their dark uniforms and bearskin hats, stand sentry at the palace fronts. Around midday, their changing of the guard brings movement and music to the space, with marching formations and the rhythmic echo of boots on stone. On days when the monarch is in residence, the ceremony grows more elaborate, underscoring the palace’s role as an active seat of power. The setting itself amplifies the sense of occasion. One axis runs directly to the domed Marble Church, whose green copper cupola seems to hover above the palace roofs. The opposite line opens toward the harbor and the modern opera house, dramatically linking the 18th‑century royal project to the contemporary waterfront. At different times of day, light plays across the stone façades, from crisp morning clarity to soft evening glow.Experiencing the palace and its surroundings
Visitors typically split their time between the museum interior and the square. Inside, you move through a sequence of furnished rooms at your own pace, with space to linger over displays or step close to inspect fabric, ornament, and portraits. Audio and written explanations help decode royal symbolism, etiquette, and everyday rhythms. The route is compact but layered, rewarding an unhurried visit. Stepping back outside, the palace square invites you to pause rather than rush through. There are no fences between you and the façades; you stand in the same space used for royal arrivals, state visits, and historic announcements. From here it is easy to appreciate Amalienborg as part of a larger urban composition, aligned with the church dome and the waterfront beyond. Whether you stay briefly for the changing of the guard or explore the museum in depth, the palace offers a clear, tangible introduction to Denmark’s continuing royal story.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
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- 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
- Day Trip
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
