Amalienborg Palace

A trip to Amalienborg Palace starts with a little preparation. Sitting in Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden district, Amalienborg is easy to reach on foot, by bike, or by public transit from anywhere in the city center. Most travelers find the palace busiest during midday, especially in the summer, so early morning or late afternoon provides a quieter experience. The complex is open year-round, but chilly Danish winters bring fewer crowds—and sometimes a special Nordic mood. Families and visitors with mobility needs will find mostly accessible grounds, with clear pathways and ramps leading into main exhibition spaces. Expect a visit to last one to two hours, longer if you linger over the royal artifacts or the lively changing of the guard.

• Best time to visit: Early mornings or late afternoons; shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are quieter
• How to get there: Public buses and the Metro's Marmorkirken Station (a short walk away); bike or walking from central Copenhagen
• Accessibility: Most palace areas are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly; accessible restrooms available
• Average visit duration: 1–2 hours

At Amalienborg, the core experience revolves around its layout of four noble palaces facing a grand cobbled square—each still used by the Danish royal family. The ceremonial Changing of the Royal Guard occurs daily, drawing both crowds and hushed attention. The Amalienborg Museum (housed in Christian VIII’s Palace) opens a window into royal life, from lavish state rooms to everyday family photos. Marble Church’s dome, visible from the square, isn’t part of the palace but makes every panorama dramatic. Not far from the main square, quiet courtyards and side streets invite a slower pace—a chance to notice weathered statues or catch golden-hour light on sandstone facades.

• Key sights: Amalienborg Palace Square, Christian VIII’s Palace and museum, ceremonial Royal Guard
• Unique experiences: Daily Changing of the Guard at noon; guided tours through royal chambers; neighborhood walks in Frederiksstaden
• Photo-worthy locations: The central cobblestone square (with lines of marching guard), ornate palace gates, views across to the Marble Church dome
• Cultural insights: Amalienborg remains an active royal residence—Danish flags signal when the queen is home; exhibits weave together Danish and European history