What is Amalienborg?
Four identical rococo palaces built in the 1750s around an octagonal square in the Frederiksstaden district, with an equestrian statue of King Frederik V in the middle. Since 1794, it has been the main residence of the Danish royal family. When the monarch is in residence, the flag flies over the palace.
The Amalienborg Museum in Christian VIII's Palace shows royal apartments and studies of the Glücksborg kings from the 19th and 20th centuries, plus state rooms.
Tickets
Prices are set by the Royal Danish Collection. Check the official site for current prices and hours.
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The changing of the guard
Every day, the Royal Life Guards march from their barracks at Rosenborg Castle through the city streets, arriving at Amalienborg for the changing of the guard at noon. When the monarch is in residence, the ceremony is bigger, with a band. It's free, and the best spots around the square fill from about 11:30 am.
Best viewing spot
Arrive by 11:40 am and stand near the palace where the guards change, or follow the march from Rosenborg for a less crowded view along the route.
How busy is Amalienborg?
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Plans and tips
- Rosenborg at opening, follow the guards' march at about 11:30 am, the changing of the guard at noon, then the Amalienborg Museum.
- Walk to the Marble Church (Frederik's Church), on the axis behind the square. Its dome can sometimes be climbed.
- Continue to the Little Mermaid and Kastellet, 15 minutes north.
- Nyhavn is 10 minutes south for lunch.
Getting there
Metro to Marmorkirken (M3 City Circle), 2 minutes' walk, or Kongens Nytorv, 10 minutes' walk via Nyhavn.
Mistakes to avoid
- Planning a Monday museum visit in winter.
- Arriving at 11:59 am for the guard change.
- Buying separate Rosenborg and Amalienborg tickets.
What's inside the museum
Amalienborg is four identical rococo palaces around an octagonal square, built in the 1750s for noble families and taken over by the royal family after Christiansborg burned in 1794. The Danish royal family still lives here, so most of the complex is private. The Amalienborg Museum, in Christian VIII's Palace, shows royal rooms from the 19th and 20th centuries: studies, drawing rooms and private apartments of kings and queens, with their furniture, portraits and personal objects. Some rooms are used for exhibitions on the royal family's history.
Guided tours of the state rooms in Christian VII's Palace, used for official receptions, are offered on certain days, usually in summer. Check the Royal Danish Collection's site for dates.
History
The square was designed by Nicolai Eigtved as the centrepiece of Frederiksstaden, a new district laid out by King Frederik V. His equestrian statue stands in the middle of the square. The palace axis lines up with the Marble Church on one side and the Copenhagen Opera House across the harbour on the other.
Combining it with nearby sights
Amalienborg is close to several of Copenhagen's highlights. The Marble Church, with its huge dome, is just behind it. Nyhavn's colourful harbour is a 10-minute walk south. The Little Mermaid and the Kastellet fortress are 15-20 minutes north along the waterfront. A good morning: Nyhavn, the changing of the guard at Amalienborg at noon, the Marble Church, then Kastellet and the Little Mermaid.
With children
Children enjoy the changing of the guard, with its bearskin hats and band, and the museum's stories of royal childhoods. The museum is small enough for a short visit. The square is open, traffic-free and good for strollers. For more royal treasure, combine Amalienborg with Rosenborg Castle, where the crown jewels are kept, using the combination ticket.
Best time to visit
Visit the museum at opening or after the changing of the guard, when the crowds move on. The square is busiest from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Summer brings cruise passengers and tour groups, while winter is quiet but the museum has shorter hours and is closed on Mondays. When the King is in residence, the guard is larger and accompanied by the band.
Hour-by-hour crowds, live status and weather: daily crowd forecast for Amalienborg Palace →
Is Amalienborg worth it?
The square and the changing of the guard are essential and free. The museum is worth it for royal history fans, especially on the Rosenborg combo.
FAQs
How much is the Amalienborg Museum?
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About DKK 125, or DKK 215 combined with Rosenborg Castle.
When is the changing of the guard at Amalienborg?
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Daily at noon.
Is the Amalienborg square free?
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Yes. Only the museum has a ticket.
Is the Amalienborg Museum open on Mondays?
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Not in winter: it's closed on Mondays from November. Check the seasonal hours.
What's the best time to visit?
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At opening, before the noon crowds. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
