How to Visit Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen: Tickets, Hours & Tips

Palaces and castles are some of our favorite places to explore. There’s nothing quite like waddling through grand halls, gazing at richly decorated rooms, and imagining what life must have been like centuries ago. Christiansborg Palace, located in the heart of Copenhagen, is extra special because it’s not just a historic treasure; it’s still in active use today. Pretty unique, right? This one palace houses the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court, all under one roof. Additionally, it boasts over 800 years of royal history and has once served as the residence of Denmark’s kings and queens.

There’s a lot to see here, from the elegant Royal Reception Rooms and atmospheric Royal Kitchens to the hidden Ruins beneath the palace, and much more. Get ready for quite the waddle! Read our complete blog guide to prepare for your visit and make sure you don’t miss any of the palace’s highlights.

How to Get to Christianborg Palace

There are several options for getting to the palace. First, you can waddle there as we did. 

• If you are not as much into waddling, take the metro or bus and get off at the Gammel Strand Metro Station.
• There is also a harbor bus that goes to the palace, stopping at a stop called The Royal Library. 
• Alternatively, you can take the train and waddle from there. There are two train stations to get off at: Copenhagen Central Station and Nørreport Station.
• The most obvious way to get around Copenhagen is by bike. 
• In case you come by car, note that there are a limited number of parking places available in the area around Christiansborg.

Christianborg Palace Opening Hours

First, please note that some attractions at Christiansborg Palace may be closed from time to time due to the Royal Family’s use of the palace. You can find updated information on special closing days here – link.

The palace is generally open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, there are exceptions and seasonal changes — for example, from October to May, the palace is closed on Mondays. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website here – link.

Christianborg Palace Tickets

Christiansborg Palace has five main attractions open to explore:

• The Royal Reception Rooms
• The Royal Kitchen
• The Ruins under Christiansborg
• The Royal Stables
• The Palace Chapel

You should aim to visit them all; there’s a combo ticket that grants access to all and saves you up to 40 %.

Here are recent official rates:

• Adults: ~ DKK 215
• Students: ~ DKK 150
• Children under 18: free entry
• Plushies: still free, of course

The combo price is included with the Copenhagen Card, which includes entrances to The Royal Reception Rooms, The Royal Kitchen, The Ruins, and The Royal Stables. You have to show the card upon arrival, and there is no need to book anything in advance.

If you prefer to visit individual attractions, ticket prices vary. For example, the Ruins alone cost DKK 80 for adults, DKK 55 for students; children under 18 are free. Also, the Tower is free to access.

Before you go, always check the official website for the latest prices and opening hours — things change.

You can buy tickets both online in advance and directly at the Christiansborg Palace ticket office. Payments are accepted by credit/debit card as well as cash (DKK). Buying online can save time during busy days, while on-site tickets are convenient if you decide to waddle in spontaneously.

Facilities & Amenities at Christiansborg Palace

• Restrooms are available inside the palace grounds.
• Gift Shop to pick up royal-themed souvenirs and books about Danish history.
• Cloakroom/Lockers. A place to store backpacks and larger items during your visit.
• Accessibility. Elevators and ramps are available in most areas, making it easier for visitors with limited mobility.

🐧 Pro Penguin Tip: Book a table at the Tower restaurant if you want to pair your waddle through history with a meal and stunning skyline views.

How long do you need at Christiansborg Palace

Plan to spend 2–3 hours if you want to explore the main highlights, including the Royal Reception Rooms, the Ruins, the Royal Kitchen, and the Tower. If you’re a history lover and want to take your time reading the displays, wandering through the stables, or enjoying a meal at the Tower restaurant, allow half a day.

🐧 Pro Penguin Tip: If your schedule is tight, prioritize the Royal Reception Rooms and the Tower; they’re the most impressive parts of the palace.

Waddling Through Christiansborg Palace 

Due to security, fragile interior, and delicate floors, oversized bags, backpacks, suitcases, strollers, and umbrellas are not allowed in The Royal Reception Rooms.

Also, before entering the Reception Rooms, you must put on the shoe covers that are provided. We didn’t mind any of it, as convenient lockers are available where you can safely store your belongings. Once our things were tucked away, we slipped into the protective shoe covers provided at the entrance and were ready to begin the tour.

First, you waddle up the Queen’s Staircase, a marble staircase that has long been used as the official entrance for royal events. Even today, it’s where guests of honor, from foreign presidents to monarchs, make their grand arrival. Walking up these very steps feels like following in the footsteps of history, setting the perfect stage for what’s to come.

Waddling into the Alexander Hall

The stairs take you to the beautiful Alexander Hall, named after Alexander the Great, who is depicted here as he triumphantly drives into Babylon in the 300s BC. This grand space is one of the largest rooms in Christiansborg Palace, often used for banquets, state dinners, and official events hosted by the Danish Royal Family. What makes it even more fascinating is the way the hall blends ancient inspiration with modern Danish history.  While the walls celebrate a legendary conqueror, the hall itself has welcomed world leaders, royals, and dignitaries from across the globe. Standing here, you can’t help but imagine the echo of footsteps, clinking glasses, and grand celebrations that have taken place beneath its chandeliers.

The Queen’s Library

From Alexander Hall, we waddled into our favorite part, the Queen’s Library. This room holds around 80,000 books, many of them dating back to the 18th century, making it one of the most impressive royal collections in Denmark. The library belongs to Queen Margrethe II, but it’s often “borrowed” by the Prime Minister to host private lunches and dinners for visiting foreign guests. What makes the Queen’s Library even more fascinating is its atmosphere: quiet, refined, and lined with shelves that seem endless. And yes, there’s even a hidden door tucked into the woodwork, used to move between rooms during events discreetly. No wonder it felt like stepping into a royal fairytale.

Other Rooms in Christiansborg Palace

The Throne Room

After the Queen’s Library, you waddle into the Throne Room, one of the most majestic spaces in Christiansborg Palace. This is where the Danish monarch receives foreign ambassadors and where important royal ceremonies are held. The twin thrones, designed in pure silver, are stunning centerpieces, a reminder that this room is still very much a place of power.

The Knight’s Hall

The Knight’s Hall is the largest room in the Royal Reception Rooms, and it feels like stepping into a grand banquet scene. What makes it truly special is the collection of modern tapestries that line its walls, gifted to Queen Margrethe II on her 50th birthday. Each tapestry tells a piece of Denmark’s history, from Viking battles to contemporary events, a fascinating blend of old traditions and modern artistry.

The Abildgaard Room

The Abildgaard Room is named after the Danish painter Nicolai Abildgaard, who decorated it in the neoclassical style. While smaller than the Knight’s Hall, it feels intimate and elegant, and is often used for smaller receptions. It’s a lovely contrast to the grandeur of the larger rooms, showing off refined details and softer colors.

The Oval Throne Room

Next, you reach the Oval Throne Room, where the monarch officially receives foreign ambassadors. The symmetry and design of this room are striking, making it one of the most photographed spots in the palace. Standing here gives you the sense of being part of centuries of diplomatic tradition.

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The Great Hall: A Tapestry of Danish History

Every room is breathtaking, and the Great Hall will truly knock your socks off. This enormous space can host up to 400 guests for banquets and state visits, making it the most impressive hall in the palace. What immediately catches your eye are the modern tapestries by artist Bjørn Nørgaard, gifted to Queen Margrethe II for her 50th birthday. In total, there are 17 vibrant tapestries covering the walls, each telling a part of Denmark’s story across 1,000 years of history, from the Viking Age to the present day. Standing here feels like stepping inside a living timeline.

The tapestries were officially inaugurated on Queen Margrethe II’s 60th birthday, on 16 April 2000. Many of the palace’s grand rooms are still used for banquets and state events, and one can only imagine how dazzling they must look in full glory. As for me, I can’t help but wonder how to snag an invitation to such an evening. Then again, as a penguin, I’m already perfectly dressed for the occasion.

Exploring the Ruins Under Christiansborg Palace

What makes Christiansborg Palace even more fascinating is that it literally stands on 800 years of history. Beneath the grand halls and reception rooms, you can explore the ruins of Absalon’s Castle, the very first fortress built here in 1167 by Bishop Absalon, founder of Copenhagen. Wandering through these underground passages feels like stepping back in time, and it’s cool down here, a refreshing break on a summer day.

The castle was constructed using limestone from the famous Cliffs of Stevns, stones that you can still see and waddle past today. As you move through the dimly lit ruins, you’ll notice remnants of walls, foundations, and old arches that whisper stories of medieval battles, sieges, and fires. It’s a striking contrast: above ground, the palace still hosts royal events and political debates, while below, the silent stones remind you where it all began.

Pro Penguin Tip: Don’t rush. Take your time waddling through the ruins, reading the signs, and soaking in the atmosphere. This is the oldest part of Copenhagen you can actually waddle through!

Down here, you can wander through dark passages and cellars and even spot the outlines of old houses once hidden within the castle walls. A detailed model of Copenhagen Castle helps you imagine how the fortress once looked in its full glory.

To our surprise, we also stumbled upon something unexpected, monsters from old Danish legends and folklore! These mythical creatures were displayed alongside the ruins, with stories explaining their origins. Some of them even moved slightly and made eerie sounds, which added to the atmosphere. It was fun, fascinating, and just a little bit scary; a few of them looked almost too realistic. We’re not sure if this is a permanent exhibition, but it was definitely one of the highlights of our waddle underground.

A Peek Inside the Royal Kitchen at Christiansborg Palace

A kitchen is always a fun place to visit, after all, there might be cake! Sadly, not in this one. Instead, the Royal Kitchen at Christiansborg Palace has been carefully restored to showcase what it once looked like in its heyday.

Here, you’ll find one of Europe’s largest collections of copperware, gleaming on the shelves and giving you a real sense of royal culinary grandeur. The kitchen itself no longer cooks meals but serves as a fascinating window into history.

One particularly impressive moment to imagine is the grand royal banquet on 15 May 1937, when this very kitchen catered for 275 guests, the largest feast ever held at Christiansborg. Standing among the copper pots and enormous stoves, you can almost picture the hustle and bustle of royal chefs preparing a meal fit for kings and queens.

The Palace Chapel

Dating back to 1826, the Palace Chapel is still used today for important royal events such as weddings, baptisms, and anniversaries. Its very first major event was the magnificent wedding of Frederick VII and Princess Vilhelmine in 1828. Unlike some of the palace’s grander rooms, the chapel’s interior has a warmer and more relaxed atmosphere, making it both regal and welcoming.

The Royal Stables

We didn’t manage to visit the Royal Stables during our tour, as we were told there were no horses on that day. Still, it’s a place worth seeing — not only for the elegant horses but also for the beautiful royal coaches on display. Even without the horses, the stables hold a timeless charm and remain a fascinating glimpse into the palace’s traditions.

The Tower

Too exhausted for the climb today, we contented ourselves with admiring Christiansborg Palace’s tower from the ground, but when we return, it’s first on our agenda. From the top, you’ll get a 360° view of Copenhagen.

Standing at 106 metres (347 ft), it’s the tallest tower in Copenhagen, just 40 cm higher than the City Hall tower. 

The current tower was built as part of the third (and current) Christiansborg Palace. 

Here’s the best part: the tower is free to access, even if you’re not entering the rest of the palace, though it’s always wise to double-check that info on their website just in case things change.

If you’re hungry up there, there’s a restaurant in the tower where you can stop for lunch or dinner with views. 

Also, there is an elevator that takes you up, so you don’t have to climb all the way on foot.

What’s the best time to visit the Tower at Christiansborg Palace to avoid crowds

The Tower is one of Copenhagen’s most popular free attractions, so it can get busy, especially on weekends and during midday hours. The best time to visit is in the morning right after opening or later in the afternoon, about an hour before closing. Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends. And if you want photos without the crowds, aim for a weekday morning and head straight up the elevator before exploring the rest of the palace.

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The Christiansborg Palace quickly became our favorite spot in Copenhagen. There’s a certain magic in the way it blends royal history, political power, and living traditions all under one roof. Every waddle through its grand halls, hidden ruins, and soaring tower felt like stepping into a different chapter of Denmark’s story.

If you’re visiting Copenhagen, this is one place you shouldn’t skip. Even if time is short and you can only choose one palace to explore, let it be Christiansborg. It’s the only palace in the world where you can walk in the footsteps of kings and queens, peek into parliament, and then head up to the tower for the city’s best free view, all in one visit.

And give yourself enough time, there’s so much more to waddle through here than you might expect.

Pack your bag and waddle through Christiansborg Palace!

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