Attraction
Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen's amusement park and pleasure garden, open since 1843 beside the Central Station, with historic rides, gardens, concerts, restaurants and seasonal Halloween and Christmas events.
Amalienborg
The Danish royal family's home since the 18th century: four Rococo palaces around an octagonal square, with a daily changing of the guard and a museum of royal rooms.
At a glance
- Type
- Royal palace complex and museum
- Area
- Frederiksstaden, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Official site
- denkongeligesamling.dk
Good to know
- Changing of the guard
- Amalienborg Museum
- Step-free museum access
- Online tickets
Why we recommend it
Amalienborg is the official home of the Danish royal family and one of the finest Rococo ensembles in Europe. Four almost identical palaces face each other across an octagonal square, built between 1750 and 1760 to designs by the royal architect Nicolai Eigtved as the centrepiece of the new Frederiksstaden district. They were originally built for noble families, and each still carries the name of a king. Today King Frederik X and Queen Mary live in Frederik VIII's Palace, while Queen Margrethe II lives in Christian IX's Palace.
In the middle of the square stands the equestrian statue of Frederik V by the French sculptor Jacques Saly, unveiled in 1771. Look along the axis of Frederiksgade and you see the dome of the Marble Church on one side and, across the harbour, the Copenhagen Opera House on the other, a deliberate line that makes this one of the most photographed views in the city.
The main free spectacle is the changing of the guard. The Royal Life Guards march from Rosenborg Castle through the streets at 11:30 and change the guard in front of the palaces at noon. When the monarch is in residence, the King's Guard marches with a band, which makes the ceremony larger. Arrive a little early to find a place at the edge of the square.
Inside Christian VIII's Palace, the Amalienborg Museum shows rooms used by the royal family, including the Gala Hall, which is still used on special occasions, former royal offices and a Fabergé chamber with gifts exchanged within Europe's royal families. Part of the main floor is used for special exhibitions. The museum is fully accessible, with platform lifts and a conventional lift linking the levels, which is unusual for a historic building in Copenhagen. Tickets are cheaper online, and the Royal Palace Pass combines the museum with Rosenborg and Christiansborg.
Amalienborg suits anyone with an interest in royal history, and families enjoy the guards and the open square. Allow about an hour for the museum, plus time for the ceremony. The palaces lie between Nyhavn and Kastellet, so you can walk on to the Marble Church, the harbourfront and, further north, the Little Mermaid. Kongens Nytorv metro station is a short walk away.
Amalienborg FAQs
What time is the changing of the guard at Amalienborg?
The Royal Life Guards leave Rosenborg Castle at 11:30 and the changing of the guard takes place in front of Amalienborg at noon.
Who lives at Amalienborg?
King Frederik X and Queen Mary live in Frederik VIII's Palace, and Queen Margrethe II lives in Christian IX's Palace.
Can you go inside Amalienborg?
Yes. The Amalienborg Museum in Christian VIII's Palace shows royal rooms including the Gala Hall and a Fabergé chamber.
Is the Amalienborg Museum accessible?
Yes. Platform lifts and a conventional lift give wheelchair users access to every part of the museum.
Is the palace square free to visit?
Yes, the square and the changing of the guard are free. Only the museum is ticketed.
Who designed Amalienborg?
The palaces were designed by Nicolai Eigtved and built between 1750 and 1760.
Should I buy museum tickets online?
Yes. The museum says you save a small amount per ticket by booking online.
What is nearby?
The Marble Church, Nyhavn, the harbourfront and, a little further north, Kastellet and the Little Mermaid.