Located close to the Marble Church, Amaliehaven, Nyhavn and the harbourfront, it is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Danish history, architecture and royal traditions.
Visit Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen
Amalienborg Palace is the Copenhagen residence of the Danish Royal Family and one of the city’s most famous attractions. The palace complex consists of four grand palaces arranged around an octagonal square, with the equestrian statue of King Frederik V at the centre.
If you are arriving at Copenhagen Airport, booking car rental through Terminal3.dk gives you a flexible way to reach your hotel, travel with luggage and explore more of Denmark beyond the city centre. For Amalienborg Palace itself, the best approach is usually to park nearby and explore the palace district on foot.
Why Amalienborg Palace is worth visiting
Amalienborg is one of the best places to experience royal Copenhagen. The palace square is open and elegant, surrounded by historic façades, uniformed Royal Life Guards and views toward the Marble Church on one side and the harbour on the other.
Unlike many royal palaces that feel removed from everyday city life, Amalienborg sits directly within Copenhagen’s historic centre. Visitors can walk through the square, watch the changing of the guard, visit the Amalienborg Museum and continue easily to nearby attractions such as Nyhavn, Amaliehaven and the Copenhagen Opera House waterfront view.
The four palaces at Amalienborg
Amalienborg is made up of four palaces built around the same square. Together, they create one of Copenhagen’s most impressive architectural spaces.
- Christian VII’s Palace, often used for official events and royal representation
- Christian VIII’s Palace, home to the Amalienborg Museum
- Frederik VIII’s Palace, associated with the current Royal Family
- Christian IX’s Palace, also used by the Royal Family
The palaces were originally built for noble families in the 18th century, but became the royal residence after Christiansborg Palace burned in 1794. Today, Amalienborg remains closely connected with Denmark’s monarchy and national ceremonial life.
Visit the Amalienborg Museum
The Amalienborg Museum is located in Christian VIII’s Palace and gives visitors a closer look at Danish royal history. The museum includes royal interiors, personal objects, portraits, historic rooms and exhibitions connected with the Danish monarchy.
It is a good choice if you want more than a photo stop in the palace square. Inside, you can learn about royal life, see elegant rooms and understand how Amalienborg has functioned as a royal residence over time.
Opening hours, tickets and special exhibitions may change, so check current visitor information before planning your visit.
Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg
The changing of the guard is one of the most popular things to see at Amalienborg Palace. The Royal Life Guard marches through Copenhagen before the guard change takes place in the palace square.
The ceremony is free to watch and is especially atmospheric when the guards arrive in full formation. It can be busy around noon, so arrive early if you want a good view. The size and style of the ceremony can vary depending on whether members of the Royal Family are in residence and which type of guard is on duty.
Best things to see around Amalienborg
Amalienborg is perfectly located for a classic Copenhagen sightseeing route. Once you have parked nearby, you can explore several major attractions on foot.
The Marble Church
The Marble Church, officially Frederik’s Church, stands close to Amalienborg and forms a dramatic backdrop to the palace district. Its large dome is one of the most recognisable sights in Copenhagen.
Amaliehaven
Amaliehaven is a small public garden between Amalienborg and the harbour. It offers fountains, sculptures, seating areas and views across the water toward the Copenhagen Opera House.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is a short walk from Amalienborg and is one of Copenhagen’s most photographed places. With colourful harbour houses, canal tours, restaurants and old ships, it is easy to combine with a royal Copenhagen route.
The Copenhagen Opera House
The Opera House sits across the harbour from Amalienborg and can be viewed from the waterfront near Amaliehaven. Its modern architecture creates a striking contrast with the royal and historic buildings around the palace district.
The Royal Danish Playhouse
The Royal Danish Playhouse is another important waterfront cultural venue nearby. It is worth seeing for its architecture, harbour views and cultural programme.
Should you drive to Amalienborg Palace?
Amalienborg is located in central Copenhagen, where traffic can be busy and parking may be paid, limited or restricted. The palace district itself is best explored on foot, especially because several major attractions are close together.
If you are visiting with a rental car, drive to a suitable parking area nearby, check local parking signs carefully and continue on foot. This gives you the convenience of Copenhagen Airport car rental for your wider trip while still letting you enjoy the historic centre in the most practical way.
Why rent a car at Copenhagen Airport?
For short distances inside central Copenhagen, walking, cycling and public transport are often convenient once you have parked. However, renting a car at Copenhagen Airport is useful if you are travelling with luggage, children or a group, staying outside the city centre, visiting family or planning day trips beyond Copenhagen.
With a rental car from CPH Airport, you can combine Amalienborg Palace and the city centre with castles, museums, coastal towns and other destinations around Zealand.
Easy day trips after visiting Amalienborg
After exploring Amalienborg Palace and royal Copenhagen, your rental car gives you the freedom to continue beyond the city.
- Dragør for a charming old fishing town close to Copenhagen Airport
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art for art, architecture and sea views
- Kronborg Castle in Helsingør for Danish history and coastal scenery
- Roskilde for the cathedral, Viking Ship Museum and historic town centre
- Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød for royal history, gardens and impressive architecture
- Malmö in Sweden via the Øresund Bridge, if your rental agreement allows cross-border travel
Suggested Amalienborg Palace itinerary from CPH Airport
Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your hotel or a convenient parking area near the city centre.
Late morning: Walk to Amalienborg Palace and explore the palace square before the changing of the guard.
Noon: Watch the changing of the guard at Amalienborg if it fits your schedule.
Lunch: Continue toward Nyhavn, Kongens Nytorv or the harbourfront for lunch, coffee or Danish pastries.
Afternoon: Visit the Amalienborg Museum, the Marble Church, Amaliehaven or the Royal Danish Playhouse.
Evening: Return to your rental car and drive to your hotel, a restaurant outside the centre or your next Copenhagen stop.
Practical tips for visiting Amalienborg Palace
- Arrive early if you want a good view of the changing of the guard.
- Check current opening hours and ticket information for the Amalienborg Museum.
- Respect the palace square as an active royal residence and ceremonial space.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking between Amalienborg, Nyhavn and the Marble Church.
- Use official parking areas if arriving by rental car.
- Check Copenhagen parking signs carefully before leaving your vehicle.
- Combine Amalienborg with Amaliehaven, the Marble Church and Nyhavn for an easy walking route.
Why book Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk?
With Terminal3.dk, you can search and compare car rental at Copenhagen Airport before you travel. This helps you choose the right vehicle for your itinerary, whether you need a compact city car, an automatic rental car, a family vehicle, an SUV or extra luggage space.
The CPH Car Rental Centre is connected to Copenhagen Airport, making it convenient to continue your journey after landing. From there, you can drive to your accommodation, visit Copenhagen’s royal landmarks and plan day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
Book your CPH Airport car rental and explore royal Copenhagen
Amalienborg Palace is one of Copenhagen’s essential attractions. With its royal history, elegant palace square, daily guard ceremony, museum and location near the Marble Church, Amaliehaven and Nyhavn, it is a perfect starting point for discovering the historic heart of the city.
Book your Copenhagen Airport car rental with Terminal3.dk, park near the city centre and enjoy the freedom to explore Amalienborg Palace, royal Copenhagen and the best day trips around Denmark at your own pace.
