Copenhagen · Nyhavn & Indre By

Amalienborg

Four identical rococo palaces form a perfect octagon around a cobblestone courtyard where Denmark's royal family still lives and works.

About Amalienborg

Four identical rococo palaces form a perfect octagon around a cobblestone courtyard where Denmark's royal family still lives and works. You'll see the changing of the guard ceremony at noon daily (free), explore the Amalienborg Museum's royal apartments with original furnishings from the 1800s, and walk the same courtyard where Crown Prince Frederik jogs. The museum displays actual royal regalia, including ceremonial swords and crowns, while the palace exteriors showcase some of Copenhagen's finest 18th century architecture.

The courtyard feels surprisingly intimate for a royal residence, with guards in tall bearskin hats standing perfectly still until the noon ceremony begins. Tourists gather in clusters, phones ready, as the new guard marches from their barracks with military precision. Inside the museum, you'll walk through Princess Louise's drawing room, King Christian IX's study, and see personal items like Queen Margrethe II's gala gowns. The contrast between the formal state rooms and quirky personal touches makes royal life feel tangible.

Most visitors only come for the changing of the guard and miss the museum entirely, which is a mistake. The museum costs 125 DKK but offers genuine insight into how Danish royalty actually lives. Skip the audio guide (overpriced at 40 DKK) and read the English placards instead. The ceremony happens rain or shine, but on windy days the guards struggle with their massive hats, which is oddly entertaining.

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The place

Getting there

Address

Amalienborg Slotsplads, 1257 København K, Denmark

Neighborhood

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Good to know

Tips, answered

Enter the courtyard from the Frederiksgade side and position yourself near the statue of Frederick V for an unobstructed view of both the incoming and outgoing guards during the ceremony

The museum is nearly empty between 2pm and 4pm on weekdays, giving you peaceful access to rooms that are packed with tour groups in the morning

Check the flagpole above Christian IX's Palace before visiting: when the royal flag flies, the Queen or Crown Prince is in residence, and you might spot their cars entering through the side gates

Plan for about 1h 30m. Morning visits are typically less crowded.

Amalienborg is in the Nyhavn & Indre By neighborhood of Copenhagen. The address is Amalienborg Slotsplads, 1257 København K, Denmark. The area is well-served by metro.

Morning visits, especially early, mean fewer crowds and better light for photos. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends.

Comfortable shoes are recommended. Parts are outdoors, so bring a light layer.

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