Visit Amalienborg Palace – one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful attractions

Photo by: Thomas Høyrup Christensen | Source: Visit Copenhagen

Amalienborg is more than just a palace – it is the heart of the Danish monarchy and home to King Frederik and Queen Mary. Located in the center of Copenhagen, Amalienborg offers magnificent architecture, a rich history, and the opportunity to get closer to the Danish monarchy.

Whether you are fascinated by the daily life of the royal family or want to experience the beautiful palace square and the daily changing of the guard, Amalienborg is a must-see for anyone visiting Copenhagen.

History of Amalienborg

Amalienborg consists of four palaces surrounding the octagonal palace square. The palace complex was built in the early 1750s and was originally constructed for noble families of Copenhagen, but the Royal Family took over the palaces after the fire at Christiansborg Palace in 1794. The palaces are named after the monarch who first lived in them.

In the middle of Amalienborg's palace square, you'll find the majestic equestrian statue of King Frederik V, symbolizing the king's significant role in the construction of the palace. The statue was created by the French sculptor Jacques Saly and has been a central feature of the square since its installation in 1771.

Today, King Frederik and Queen Mary live in Frederik VIII's Palace, where they carry out both their private lives and official duties.

Who lives where at Amalienborg?

The four palaces at Amalienborg form the setting for both the private homes and official activities of the royal family. Here is an overview of who lives where:

Frederik VIII's Palace: This is the official residence of King Frederik and Queen Mary and their children.
Christian IX's Palace: This palace is used for official royal events and representational purposes.
Christian VII's Palace: This is where larger ceremonies, state visits, and royal events take place.
Christian VIII's Palace: Houses the Amalienborg Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the royal family through a series of exciting exhibitions. Today, H.R.H. Prince Joachim, H.R.H. Princess Marie, and H.R.H. Princess Benedikte use Christian VIII's Palace when staying in Copenhagen.

Visit the Amalienborg Museum

In Christian VIII's Palace, you will find the Amalienborg Museum, where you can visit, among other things, King Frederik IX's study and Queen Louise's salon. The museum offers a unique insight into the history of the royal family and its importance to Denmark.

Here, you can see changing exhibitions covering everything from royal events to more personal stories about the family's daily life.

Learn more about opening hours

The daily changing of the guard

Every day at 12 noon, you can witness the traditional changing of the guard in Amalienborg's palace square. The Royal Life Guard marches through the streets of Copenhagen and arrives at the palace to perform the ceremonial change in front of Frederik VIII's Palace.

It is a major tourist attraction and a proud tradition that is just as fascinating for locals as for visitors.

Are you considering a hotel stay in Copenhagen?

At Phoenix Copenhagen, we offer the perfect base for your visit to Amalienborg. Our beautiful hotel is just a stone’s throw from the palace, housed in a building from the late 1600s that exudes historic charm.

Like Amalienborg, our decor is inspired by the Rococo and Louis Seize styles, creating an authentic, elegant atmosphere. With our high level of service and luxurious rooms, you are guaranteed a stay beyond the ordinary. We look forward to welcoming you to Phoenix Copenhagen, close to Copenhagen's most iconic attractions.