Amalienborg Palace and Museum

Amalienborg Palace at Amalienborg Slotsplads 5 in the Frederiksstaden district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is the winter residence of the Danish royal family. It consists of four identical rococo palaces facing each other across an octagonal square, designed by Nicolai Eigtved in the 1750s as part of a new district planned under King Frederik V. At the centre stands an equestrian statue of Frederik V, and the square opens toward the harbour in one direction and toward the Marble Church (Frederik's Church) in the other, forming one of the finest architectural axes in the city. The square is open at all hours and free to enter, while the Amalienborg Museum, housed in Christian VII's Palace, displays the private rooms, studies and reception rooms of monarchs from the late 19th century to the present, along with royal costumes and jewellery. The main spectacle is the changing of the guard, when the Royal Life Guards march from Rosenborg Castle through the streets to Amalienborg, arriving at noon. A flag on the palace shows whether the royal family is in residence, and the full ceremony is performed when they are. Visitors usually spend one to one and a half hours, including the museum and time in the square. Crowds gather in the square from about 11:30 and the best viewing positions fill quickly, so it is worth arriving early for the guard change or watching the march along its route. The most atmospheric photographs are taken from the square looking toward the Marble Church dome, or from the harbour-side gardens with the Opera House across the water. The surrounding streets contain embassies and fine townhouses, and the Designmuseum Danmark and the Amalie Garden are both nearby. Quiet moments in the morning or late afternoon make the square pleasant for a stroll.