Amalienborg Palace
Copenhagen’s working royal residence, where four Rococo palaces, a cobbled square, and a living monarchy bring 250 years of Danish royal history into focus.
Amalienborg Palace is the Danish royal family’s main residence, an elegant Rococo ensemble of four near-identical palaces surrounding a cobbled octagonal square in Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden district. Built in the 1750s for noble families, it became the royal home after a fire at Christiansborg Palace in 1794. Visitors can watch the Royal Life Guards’ daily changing of the guard at noon and step into Christian VIII’s Palace, where the Amalienborg Museum reveals 150 years of royal interiors, from Victorian salons to modern Danish design.
A brief summary to Amalienborg Palace
- Amalienborg Slotsplads, København K, København K, 1257, DK
- +4533153286
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive before noon and position yourself near the centre of the square to get a clear view of the Royal Life Guards’ changing‑of‑the‑guard ceremony.
- Consider buying a combined ticket with Rosenborg Castle; it is valid for about two days and can be good value if you are exploring royal Copenhagen in depth.
- Inside the museum, look for the preserved rooms of Christian IX and Queen Louise to see how royal taste evolved from Victorian richness to 20th‑century simplicity.
- Photography is usually permitted in the square but may be restricted in some interior rooms; check signage and follow staff instructions.
- In winter, the wind can be sharp across the open square, so dress warmly if you plan to linger outdoors watching the guards or taking photos.
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
-
Metro from central Copenhagen
From Nørreport or Copenhagen Central Station, take the M3 or M4 metro to Marmorkirken Station, which is a short urban walk from Amalienborg. The metro ride typically takes 3–8 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. A single zone‑based ticket within the central area usually costs around 20–30 DKK and is valid across metro, bus, and local trains for a limited time window.
-
City bus to the palace area
Several city bus lines serve the Frederiksstaden and waterfront area around Amalienborg, with stops a few minutes’ walk from the square. Depending on your starting point in central Copenhagen, the journey commonly takes 10–20 minutes. Standard city bus tickets follow the same fare system as the metro, so you can expect to pay roughly 20–30 DKK for a single central journey; services run at regular intervals during the day.
-
Bicycle within central Copenhagen
Cycling is one of the most convenient ways to reach Amalienborg from inner‑city neighbourhoods such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro, or Østerbro. Distances are moderate and the route is mostly on dedicated bike lanes, taking about 10–20 minutes from most central districts. You can use a rented city bike or a private bicycle; expect typical city‑bike rental prices in the range of 75–150 DKK per day, with helmets and lights often available as add‑ons.
-
Harbour boat and short walk
During operating seasons, Copenhagen’s harbour buses stop at piers along the inner harbour, usually within a pleasant walking distance of Amalienborg. The boat ride adds a scenic element and normally takes 10–20 minutes depending on your starting stop. Harbour buses use the same public transport tickets as metro and bus, so a single journey in the central zones generally costs about 20–30 DKK; services may run less frequently in the evening and in colder months.
Amalienborg Palace location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
-
Windy Conditions
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Amalienborg Palace
Royal heart of Frederiksstaden
Amalienborg Palace sits at the centre of Frederiksstaden, the 18th‑century district laid out by King Frederik V to celebrate the Danish monarchy. Designed in refined Rococo style, the complex consists of four almost identical palaces arranged around an octagonal square paved with cobblestones. In the middle stands the equestrian statue of Frederik V, a bronze monarch poised above his horse, underscoring the symmetry and grandeur of the space. Originally built in the 1750s as town mansions for prominent noble families, the palaces only later became a royal residence. When Christiansborg Palace burned in 1794, the royal family acquired the buildings and moved in, reshaping this aristocratic quarter into the living heart of the Danish court. Today, Amalienborg remains both a working royal home and one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric historic areas.Four palaces, one living monarchy
Each of the four palaces bears the name of a Danish monarch and has its own role in royal life. Christian VII’s Palace is used for grand ceremonies and state visits, its interior reserved for official occasions. Christian IX’s Palace has long served as a primary residence for reigning monarchs, while Frederik VIII’s Palace is now home to King Frederik X, Queen Mary, and their children, blending private family life with constitutional duties. Christian VIII’s Palace houses guest apartments and, crucially for visitors, the Amalienborg Museum. Although only one of the four palaces is generally open to the public, knowing that the others are active royal residences lends the whole square a sense of immediacy. Windows may be lit, flags may signal who is in residence, and official cars occasionally sweep across the cobbles.Inside the Amalienborg Museum
Within Christian VIII’s Palace, the Amalienborg Museum offers an intimate look at royal interiors from the mid‑19th century onwards. Rooms associated with Christian IX and Queen Louise, sometimes called the “in‑laws of Europe” because their children married into many European dynasties, are preserved with original furnishings, portraits, and personal objects. Each suite reflects the taste of its era, from richly upholstered Victorian salons to more restrained 20th‑century spaces. Exhibitions trace 150 years of royal history, focusing not only on constitutional milestones but also on everyday life behind palace walls. Displays may include uniforms, gala outfits, gifts, and photographs, alongside decorative arts such as clocks, porcelain, and small works of art. Together they create the impression that the occupants have only just stepped out of the room.Daily ritual on the palace square
The palace square is animated by the Royal Life Guards, whose dark blue uniforms, bearskin hats, and polished rifles provide a strong visual contrast to the pale façades. Every day around noon, the guards perform a changing‑of‑the‑guard ceremony that moves through the square in precise formation. When the monarch is in residence, the parade is at its most elaborate, accompanied by a marching band. Even outside the ceremony, the square is an impressive open space framed by palace wings, colonnades, and a clear sightline to the Marble Church’s copper dome on one side and the modern Copenhagen Opera House across the harbour on the other. Standing here, you see centuries of Danish architecture and urban planning aligned along a single axis.Architecture, atmosphere, and nearby connections
Architecturally, Amalienborg is a textbook example of Rococo classicism: balanced façades, restrained ornament, and careful symmetry. Stone balconies, pilasters, and tall sash windows emphasise verticality, while the curvature of the square softens the ensemble. Despite its ceremonial role, the scale feels human rather than overpowering, especially compared with more monumental European palace complexes. The atmosphere shifts with the seasons and weather. On crisp winter days the stone seems almost silvery, while in summer the square fills with soft light and the sound of footsteps on cobbles. Because the palaces sit within the central city, Amalienborg also links easily with nearby landmarks such as the Marble Church, the waterfront promenade, and the harbour district of Nyhavn, making it a natural anchor point for exploring Copenhagen’s royal and maritime heritage.Planning your visit
Visitors can experience Amalienborg in several ways. Many simply stroll through the square, watch the guards, and absorb the symmetry and vistas free of charge. Those who enter the Amalienborg Museum in Christian VIII’s Palace can expect a structured visit through period rooms and exhibitions, with information available in multiple languages and staff on hand to answer questions about royal history. The museum generally operates daytime opening hours, with last admission before closing; schedules vary slightly through the year, so checking current hours in advance is advisable. Combined tickets with Rosenborg Castle are available and are valid over two days, offering good value for travellers interested in the broader story of Danish monarchy. Allow at least an hour for the museum itself, and longer if you plan to photograph the square and watch the changing of the guard.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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
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
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
