Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
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Church of St Barbara
One of Cairo’s most impressive and historic Coptic churches wows with ornate interior detail and relics including the remains of the church’s namesake Saint. It’s said that St. Barbara’s Pagan father murdered her after she attempted to convert him to Christianity—her remains, and the remains of several other Saints, can be found in a small alcove left of the main altar. Records of the ancient church have been scattered by time, but many believe the building could date back to the 4th century; an old iron gate connects the church to the Coptic cemetery along its side. Gold‐leafed icons adorn the walls and geometric ebony and ivory paneling serves as a backdrop to the main altar. A number of the church’s more interesting historical artifacts are housed at the off‐site Coptic Museum, including more icons, old manuscripts, textiles and more are just a short walk away—it’s worthwhile to visit both. Today the vaulted ceiling and marble pillared church still hosts mass, with services in both Arabic and Coptic languages—check the entrance placard or with on‐site attendants for dates and times.
Practical Info
The Church of St Barbara is located within the confines of the old Fortress of Babylon off Kasr Al Shama’e in the heart of old Cairo, about 1,000 feet east of the Nile. As this is a place of worship, it’s best to dress conservatively.
Address: Cairo, Egypt
From $ 43
Christiania
Since being taken over by squatters in 1971, Copenhagen’s Christiania neighborhood has become the city’s most infamous district, a self-proclaimed independent state, home to around 1000 permanent residents and notorious for its legal cannabis trade. The unique community was founded by a group of freethinkers, who have run the tax-free, self-governed commune for over 40 years.
Located in an abandoned military barracks, many of the free city’s houses were built by the residents and decorated with colorful murals and sculptures, making the district a vibrant cultural hub and a popular attraction for tourists. Visitors are welcome to stroll the streets of Christiania, take a guided tour led by local residents or relax at the area’s cafés, bars and live music venues, but be careful to follow the self-dictated rules of the area, which include not taking photographs or videos, refraining from using mobile phones, and strict enforcements of anti-violence and hard drug policies.
Despite a long-standing dispute between inhabitants and the government, a deal was stuck in 2012 granting residents legal ownership of part of their land, but while the social experiment might have finally caved to the pressures of Danish law enforcers, the unique, self-sufficient community looks set to survive another 40 years.
Address: Copenhagen, Denmark
From $ 23
Church of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk)
The soaring 400-foot (122-meter) spire-topped brick steeple of the Church of Our Lady – the city’s tallest structure – lends itself to commanding views of Bruges. The spire dominates the Bruges skyline and can be seen from all over the city, while from inside the tower, on a clear day, you can see across Belgium as far as the Netherlands.
The church was built over two centuries (13th-15th) and houses a substantial collection of artworks. The most celebrated of the church’s art collection is a white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child, created by Michaelangelo in the early 16th century – it is one of the very few Michaelangelo pieces that can be seen outside of Italy. The Church of Our Lady also holds an oil painting depiction of the crucifixion by the Flemish Baroque artist Anthony van Dyck, and a rococo pulpit by Bruges artist Jan Antoon Garemijn.
Behind the altar, in the choir space, you will find the twin gilded bronze tomb sculptures of the duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold and his daughter, Mary of Burgundy. A windowpane underneath the tombs offers a view of the 13th- and 14th-century graves of priests.
The church was built over two centuries (13th-15th) and houses a substantial collection of artworks. The most celebrated of the church’s art collection is a white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child, created by Michaelangelo in the early 16th century – it is one of the very few Michaelangelo pieces that can be seen outside of Italy. The Church of Our Lady also holds an oil painting depiction of the crucifixion by the Flemish Baroque artist Anthony van Dyck, and a rococo pulpit by Bruges artist Jan Antoon Garemijn.
Behind the altar, in the choir space, you will find the twin gilded bronze tomb sculptures of the duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold and his daughter, Mary of Burgundy. A windowpane underneath the tombs offers a view of the 13th- and 14th-century graves of priests.
The church is centrally located, close to the Memling Museum, and is open to visitors for limited hours, seven days a week. There is a small fee to enter and see the tombs and artworks.
Address: Mariastraat 8000, Bruges, Belgium
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-5pm; Sat 9am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-4pm; Sun 1:30pm-4pm
Admission: €2.50 adults, €1.50 children
From $ 21
Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola
By Rome's standards, the Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola seems like it isn't very old at all – only consecrated in 1722 – but that's because prior to 1650, it was a private church.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola was the founder of the Society of Jesus – better known as Jesuits – and the original church on this site was built entirely by Jesuit labor in the 1560s on the foundation of an earlier building. That church, built as the private chapel for the Collegio Romano (the first Jesuit university), was expanded slightly in 1580, but by the early 1600s it was already too small for the number of students at the college. Construction on the current church was started in 1626, a mere four years after Saint Ignatius of Loyola was canonized, and it opened to the public in 1650.
The interior reflects the church's Baroque style with heavy ornamentation. There is gold decoration everywhere, enormous frescoes, and Jesuit iconography and stories depicted throughout. There's even an enormous trompe l'oeil ceiling, with an indication on the floor where to stand to get the best view.
Practical Info
The church is open Monday-Saturday from 7:30am-7pm (opens at 9am in August), and Sundays from 9am-7pm. There are guided tours you can take for free on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 3pm-6pm (they don't run in August). Admission is free, and donations are always welcome.
Address: Via del Caravita, 8a, Rome, Italy
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30am-7pm (opens at 9am in August);
Sun 9am-7pm
From $ 3
Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vítā›zn e)
Found in the Baroque streets of Prague’s Malá Strana (Lesser Town) on the west bank of the Vltava River, the Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné) has its origins back in 1611. It was rebuilt in its present, richly Baroque style in the 30 years up to 1669 by a Carmelite order of monks and has an interior of dazzling gilt and marble adornment. However, the church’s main claim to fame is its painted wooden statuette of the Infant Jesus of Prague. At about 20 inches (50 cm) in height, it has a highly stylized head topped with cherubic curls and its right hand is raised in blessing. The Infant Jesus is originally from Spain and was donated to the Carmelites by a princess of the noble Lobkowicz dynasty in 1628; he has an rich wardrobe donated by visiting dignitaries as well as two crowns—one a gift studded with pearls and garnets given by Pope Benedict XVI when he visited Prague in 2009—and his outfits are changed at set points in the church year.
The statue’s bejeweled, fur-lined robes and crowns can be seen in the Museum of the Prague Infant Jesus above the church, which is accessible via spiral staircase.
Practical Info
The church is open from Mon–Sat 8:30am–7pm and the museum portion is open Mon–Sat 9:30am–5:30pm, Sun 1pm–6pm. Admission is free. To access, walk over the Charles Bridge from Prague’s medieval Staré Město (Old Town) or take the tram to Malostranké.
Address: Karmelitská 9, Prague 1, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic
Hours: Church Mon–Sat 8:30am–7pm; Museum Mon–Sat 9:30am–5:30pm; Sun 1pm–6pm
From $ 35
Christoffel National Park
Curacao’s largest nature reserve is Christoffel National Park, the ideal place on the island to see the rare Curacao white-tailed deer, native barn owl and wild orchids.
The best way to explore is by following one of the park’s 8 hiking trails, graded from easy to challenging. The easiest trail is the 20-minute walk through the white-tailed deer sanctuary. If you’re thinking of going on the relatively arduous climb to the top of Mount Christoffel, head off in the early morning so you avoid the heat of the day.
Scenic driving routes lead across the hills to the coastline, or you might like to take a tour of the historic Plantation Savonet within the park’s grounds.
Practical Info
Christoffel National Park runs across the northern tip of Curacao, 40 minutes north of Willemstad in Banda’Bou.
Buses run here from the Otrabanda bus station in Willemstad.
Address: Weg Naar Westpunt, Savonet, Curacao
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Nafl.17.50 for adults
From $ 99
Church of All Nations
The Church of All Nations is a prominent Roman Catholic church perched on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. It is also known as the Basilica of Agony, with its walls golden mosaics depicting the suffering of the world as assumed by Jesus. Tradition has it that Jesus kneeled on a rock here in the Garden on Gethsemane prior to his arrest by the Romans. The slab of rock is now encompassed by a circle of iron thorns.
Historically the site of a Byzantine church, it was converted to a basilica in the 4th century by Crusaders. The present stone structure has domes, walls, and pillars built in Byzantine style although built from 1919 to 1924. Its construction was fueled by donations of Catholic communities from all over the world. Symbols of each nation that donated were built into the glass of the church’s ceiling.
Practical Info
The Church of All Nations is located at the base of the Mount of Olives and is open daily from 8:30 to 11:30 am and 2:30 to 4 pm.
Address: Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 35
Church of Santo Domingo (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)
Dating back to the 16th century when it was first built, the impressive Church of Santo Domingo towers over the historic center of Puebla, Mexico. Painted in deep reds and built with faded gray stone, the Roman Catholic cathedral and square is a major landmark for the town. It was constructed by the order of the Dominicans and was once part of a larger Dominican convent that stretched more than two blocks. The main altarpiece of the church is its most impressive sight, opulently decorated in gold life-size statues of religious figures. The interior stretches four stories from floor to ceiling, with domed ceilings and windows letting in soft, natural light.
Behind the facade lies the Capilla del Rosario, or chapel of the rosary, one of the most ornately decorated interiors in all of Mexico. Its detailed use of gold leaf, tile, and gilded stucco is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Mexican Baroque art and architecture.
Practical Info
The Church of Santo Domingo is located on Calle 5 de Mayo three blocks from the Zocalo, or main square.
Address: Calle 5 de Mayo, Centro, Puebla, Mexico
From $ 59
Chungking Mansions
The Chungking Mansions make up a complex in Nathan Road on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. This 17-story building is divided into five blocks, which are home to numerous budget guest houses, restaurants, shops, money changers, and even residential suites, with around 5,000 people living here permanently.
Built back in 1961, the Chungking Mansions have become something of a tourist attraction over the years, seeing an estimated 10,000 international visitors passing through its doors daily, buying, selling, eating, and sleeping within its walls.
Within Chungking Mansions, you can buy almost everything from electronics to south Asian curry. It’s a chaotic, busy, and often claustrophobic place, but this is all part of the experience and the building’s location and notoriety make it a must-see stop if you find yourself in Kowloon.
Practical Info
The Chungking Mansions are very centrally located, with the nearest MTR stop being Tsim Sha Tsui.
Address: 36-44 Nathan Rd, Hong Kong, China
From $ 57
Church of San Gin es (Iglesia de San Gin es)
As one of the oldest churches in all of Madrid, the Iglesias de San Gines is full of history and art. It is believed to date back to as early as the 9th century, when it was the site of a Mozarabic community in medieval Madrid. Rebuilt in 1645, its walls feature works from artists such as El Greco, Alonso Cano, and Luca Giordano. Famous Spanish figures such as Lope de la Vega and Francisco de Quevedo were born or baptized here.
Several fires have caused for the church to be reconstructed several times over the centuries. The original campanile, however, remains in tact. From its arched entrance visitors can walk through the many naves and side chapels. The high ceilings, ornate altars, and restored artworks are well taken care of. Though the entire church is worth seeing, many come to see the painting “The Purification of the Temple” as it is considered to be one of El Greco’s finest works.
Practical Info
The church can be found on Calle Arenal, which is a pedestrian street just north of Plaza Mayor. It is in the Los Austrias neighborhood of the city.
Though the church is open daily, the El Greco painting is visible only on Saturdays from 12:30-1pm. The nearest metro stops are Callao and Ópera.
Address: Calle del Arenal 13, Madrid, Spain
Hours: Open 24 hours
From $ 53
Church of St Anne
The stunning white and gray façade of St. Anne’s Church is one of the best-preserved Crusader churches in Jerusalem. It’s also recognized as the site of the birthplace of the Virgin Mary, and the original home of Jesus’s maternal grandparents.
This fortress-like structure was built around 450. Religious pilgrims journey to this destination, which provides quiet respite from the energy of the Muslim Quarter, for prayer and contemplation. The uniquely asymmetrical building offers up incredible acoustics, and visitors who are lucky enough to catch the small local choir performing will find their voices sound like a massive crowd inside the halls of the Church of St Anne.
Practical Info
The church is located north of the Temple Mount, just inside St Stephen’s Gate, near the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus is said to have healed the sick.
Address: Church of St Anne, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 80
Christian Heurich House Museum
This distinctive 1892 Victorian home in Dupont Circle, the first fireproof building in the city, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Often referred to as the Brewmaster’s Castle, this ornate concrete and steel fortress was built and owned by the head of the Christian Heurich Brewing Company; this company ran from 1872-1956 and was once the largest employer in D.C.
Christian Heurich, a German immigrant, rose to prominence in D.C. society as a result of his company’s success, and this 31-room mansion was the major showplace of his wealth. State-of-the-art in its day, it features indoor plumbing, heated hot water, and an elevator. Its well-preserved interior is a microcosm of life in a late 19th-century Dupont Circle mansion, which at that time was the “it” address for the city’s rich and famous.
Christian Heurich, a German immigrant, rose to prominence in D.C. society as a result of his company’s success, and this 31-room mansion was the major showplace of his wealth. State-of-the-art in its day, it features indoor plumbing, heated hot water, and an elevator. Its well-preserved interior is a microcosm of life in a late 19th-century Dupont Circle mansion, which at that time was the “it” address for the city’s rich and famous.
Practical Information
The house is only open to visitors via guided tour, arranged in
advance. Only limited street parking is available near the house, but
the Metrorail’s Dupont Circle station, serving the Red Line, is just a
few blocks away.
Address: 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington DC 20036, USA
Hours: Guided Tours Thu-Friday 11:30am - 1:00pm, Sat 11:30am - 1:00pm & 2:30pm. No children under 10 permitted.
Admission: $5.00
From $ 10
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
The name “San Luigi dei Francesi” means Saint Louis of the French, and this church is France's national church in Rome.
It was built in the 1500s at the instruction of a Cardinal in the Medici family who would later become Pope Clement VII. Catherine de Medici had married the French king, contributed to the church's construction, and donated the land on which the church was built – further cementing the French connection. The Church of San Luigi dei Francesi occupies the site of a former church, Santa Maria, which was owned by the Medici family. It was begun in 1518 and consecrated in 1589. The interior is
all Baroque ornamentation, so there's no shortage of stuff to see, but the biggest attraction inside is the series of three St. Matthew paintings by Caravaggio. These paintings were commissioned for the church, so it's a great chance to see artwork in its original home rather than an art museum.
Practical Info
San Luigi dei Francesi is located near Piazza Navona and open Friday-Wednesday 10am-12:30pm and 3pm-7pm, Thursdays 10am-12:30pm. The church is free to enter, but you'll want to bring some coins to light up the fabulous Caravaggio paintings.
Address: Via Santa Giovanna d'Arco 5, Rome, Italy
Hours: Fri-Wed 10am-12:30pm, 3pm-7pm;
Thurs 10am-12:30pm
From $ 52
Christian Quarter
The walled Old City of Jerusalem is divided into four major quarters: the Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, and the Christian Quarter. The city’s Christian Quarter contains around 40 religious sites holy to Christianity, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at its heart. The church is venerated as the site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected and remains a place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world. For many it is regarded as the religion’s holiest site.
Pilgrims often follow the Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion, stopping at shrines and small sites along the way. Many churches, monasteries, schools, and museums are dotted throughout. You’ll also find residences, souvenir shops, cafes, and other pieces of daily life from those presently residing in the area. There is also an iconic, colorful market patched between the stone walls and narrow streets.
Practical Info
The Christian Quarter is situated in the northwest portion of the Old City of Jerusalem, extending from the New Gate past the Jaffa Gate to the Damascus Gate in the east.
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 32
Church of Sao Roque (Igreja de Sao Roque)
The church of São Roque was built at the height of Jesuit power in Portugal in the 16th century; while it has a simple, whitewashed Renaissance exterior, it craftily conceals an interior of awesome Baroque indulgence and beauty. It was built in honor of Portuguese explored Vasco da Gama after he discovered a sea route via the Cape of Good Hope to India in 1498. The exquisite riot of ceiling mosaics and gilded ornamentation in the church and its ornate side chapels were paid for by the profits of overseas trade opened up by Da Gama’s exploration.
Most beautiful of all is the 18th-century Chapel of John the Baptist’s (Capela de São João Baptista), which is studded with mosaics of ivory, gold and silver and has earned the reputation as the world’s most expensive chapel – extraordinarily it was designed in Rome by architects Nicola Salvi and Luigi Vanvitelli and shipped to Lisbon in pieces. Adjoining São Roque is a small museum of sacred art (Museu de Arte Sacra), where outstanding exhibits include liturgical robes threaded with gold, silver reliquaries and panels displaying scenes from the life of St Rocco, who lived in the 12th century and was revered for his ability to heal the sick.
Practical Info
Largo Trindade Coelho, Bairro Alto. The church is open daily 9:30am–5pm and is free to visit, while the museum is open Tue–Sun 10am–5pm and admission is €1.50. Take the Elevador de Santa Justa or the Metro to Baixa-Chiado.
Address: Largo Trindade Coelho, Lisbon, Portugal
Admission: Museum €1.50
From $ 16
Church of Immaculate Conception
The Church of Immaculate Conception is a unique church in Rome, Italy. The church's full name is Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, and it was commissioned in the early 1600s by Pope Urban VIII whose brother was a Capuchin friar. When the church was completed, the monks who moved here took with them the exhumed bodies from their old church. The monks then began transforming bones of these deceased monks, as well as the bones of poor Romans and other deceased, into works of art. The church attracts visitors because of this interesting crypt underneath the church where you can see entire walls covered in bones.
In some places you will also see entire skeletons of monks that were left intact and dressed in Franciscan robes. In other sections of the crypt, you'll see picture frames made of bones, walls covered in skulls, and other elaborate designs. Inside the chapel you will see several works of art including St. Michael the Archangel, Christ Mocked, Transfiguration, Nativity, St. Francis in Meditation, and several paintings of saints. The church also has a small museum.
Practical Info
The Church of Immaculate Conception is located at Via Veneto 27. Opening hours are 9am to 7pm daily except December 25th, January 1st, and Easter Sunday. Admission is 8 euros.
Address: Via Veneto 27, Rome, Italy
Hours: Open 9am to 7pm daily except December 25th, January 1st, and Easter Sunday
Admission: 8 euros
From $ 52
Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone
As a 17th century Baroque church facing Piazza Navona, the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone stands in one of the busiest areas of the in Rome’s historic city center — yet it remains a peaceful sanctuary and renowned Roman church. History tells us that the Early Christian Saint Agnes was martyred on site here in the ancient stadium built by Emperor Domitian. The structure itself was built in 1652 and meant to act as a personal chapel for the family of Pope Innocent X, who lived in the palazzo just beside it. Today it remains a beautiful chapel, known for its frescoed ceilings, many fine sculptures and altars, and impressive marble work. It is also a shrine to Saint Agnes, with her skull still on display to visitors and her body buried in the catacombs. The church’s architecture is characterized by its massive dome, Corinthian columns, and Greek cross plan.
Practical Info
The church is located in Piazza Navona at the heart of Rome, just behind the famous Bernini fountain ‘The Four Rivers.’ It is open during daylight hours daily, but is closed on Mondays. It is free to enter.
Address: Via di Santa Maria dell'Anima, 30/A, Rome 00186, Italy
From $ 21
Christian's Harbor (Christianshavn)
With its colorful painted buildings and boats passing by, Christian’s Harbor (Christianshavn) is one of Copenhagen’s most picturesque areas. Laid out as a town for the merchants that traded goods with other European cities, the area is now a thriving hub with homes, businesses, trendy cafes, and restaurants.
The Basics
With tall, thin houses running alongside canals, Christian’s Harbor reminds many visitors of Amsterdam, and city planners were, in fact, inspired by the Dutch city. The neighborhood is popular with tourists who come to stroll the streets on a city tour or take a boat cruise along the canals. Several popular landmarks, including the famous Church of Our Savior with its twisting spire, the Royal Danish Opera House, and the Overgaden Institute for Contemporary Art, are nearby.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Christian’s Harbor can be reached by walking over the Knippelsbro bridge or cycling along the Inderhavnsbro bridge.
- Bring your camera—the colorful houses make great photo subjects.
- Climbing the 400 steps to the top of the church tower is a popular activity.
- The area is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Christian’s Harbor is located in central Copenhagen and is easy to access from other major points downtown on foot or by bike. The nearest metro stop is Christianshavn. Guided tours also visit the area with transport provided.
When to Get There
A city neighborhood, Christianshavn is open to the public 24 hours a day year-round. The various museums, concert venues, cafés, and restaurants in the area have varying opening times.
Visit the Freetown of Christiania
Christianshavn is also home to Christiania, the partly self-governing Freetown famous for its anarchistic history and famously relaxed attitude to cannabis use. The village is home to around 1,000 residents who reclaimed the land from a military barracks in the 1970s and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. Residents themselves built the many homes, with eco-friendly credentials as an important focus.
Address: Copenhagen 1420, Denmark
Admission: Free
From $ 141
Church of Santa Maria del Popolo
Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is the most important church in Rome’s sweeping Piazza del Popolo. With a 17th-century facade designed by Bernini, chapels by Bramante and Raphael, and museum-quality art by Pinturicchio and Caravaggio, Santa Maria del Popolo is highlight on any tour of Roman art treasures, architecture, or Catholic sights.
The Basics
Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, one of three churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Piazza del Popolo, was rebuilt in the 15th century over a chapel erected in 1099. Gian Lorenzo Bernini reworked the facade in the 1650s, and stunning frescoes, mosaics, and paintings were added over the centuries to decorate the church and its ornate chapels.
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is a highlight of private and small-group tours focused on Rome’s artistic masterpieces of the 16th and 17th centuries, as it contains works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Carracci, and Bernini. Fans of author Dan Brown can join an Angels and Demons tour that visits Roman sites featured in his bestselling novel. Santa Maria del Popolo, one of Rome’s Augustinian basilicas, is also an important house of worship and included in most tours of the city’s Catholic landmarks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if you are visiting the basilica as part of a walking tour.
- Photography without flash is allowed inside the church.
- As in all of Rome’s churches, modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is required to enter.
- The basilica is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo is located on Piazza del Popolo, one of the most important squares in Rome. You can reach the square by taking Metro line A and getting off at the Flaminio stop.
When to Get There
The cool and quiet interior of the church is a welcome respite from the heat and crowds in Piazza del Popolo in the summer, though the church closes for a few hours starting around midday on weekdays and Sundays (open all day Saturday). Tourists are not allowed to enter when Mass is being celebrated, so check the schedule carefully before planning your visit.
Angels and Demons in Rome
Rome was the setting of Dan Brown’s bestselling novel Angels and Demons, published in 2000 and inspired by the secret society known as the Illuminati. The book casts a number of Rome’s most important historic sights as plot points or backdrops for the mystery. Included are the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
Address: Piazza del Popolo, 12, Rome, Province of Rome 00187, Italy
From $ 6
Christiansborg Palace (Christiansborg Slot)
Once the principal residence of Danish monarchs, Christiansborg Palace is now the beating heart of Denmark’s government—home to the country’s parliament, prime minister’s office, and supreme court. Christiansborg is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks, holding over 800 years of Danish history.
The Basics
The Christiansborg Palace (Christiansborg Slot) welcomes visitors by guided tour, allowing you to stroll through the Throne Room, where Danish monarchs are crowned; the richly decorated Queen’s Library; the grand Royal Banqueting Hall; and the Great Hall, where a series of tapestries chronicle Denmark’s past. You can also tour the Royal Stables, Palace Chapel, parliament buildings, and on-site Theatre Museum. Beneath the palace foundations, you can explore a series of ancient ruins that date back to the Middle Ages.
Most Copenhagen city tours include a stop at the iconic palace, whether you want to explore the city on foot, Segway, or bus. Entrance to the palace is by guided tour only. Admission is free with a Copenhagen Card, though you must purchase separate tickets for the Royal Reception Rooms, Royal Stables, Royal Kitchen, and ruins.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Christiansborg Palace is a must for first-time visitors to Copenhagen, especially those who love history, architecture, and all things royal.
- Large bags, strollers, and umbrellas are not allowed in the Royal Reception Rooms. Cloakrooms and lockers are located next to the ticket office.
- There is free Wi-Fi at the palace tower’s viewing platform and upscale restaurant.
- The palace is accessible to wheelchair users. Visitors should call in advance to reserve the use of wheelchairs and walkers.
How to Get There
Christiansborg Palace is located on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen. There is very limited parking in the area around Christiansborg, so it’s best to arrive on foot or via public transportation. Multiple city buses stop at the palace, and the nearest metro station is Kongens Nytorv, located within a 10-minute walk of the palace.
When to Get There
Christiansborg Palace is open year-round but occasionally closes for official political and royal functions. Opt for an early-morning visit to avoid crowds, especially during July and August.
Copenhagen’s Royal Abodes
Although Amalienborg Palace is now the official royal residence, the Danish royal family was based in Christiansborg Palace until 1794. Rosenborg Palace in Copenhagen and Frederiksborg Palace in Hillerød—both built by King Christian IV in the early 17th century—are also former royal residences.
Address: Christiansborg Slotsplads, Copenhagen, Denmark
Admission: DKK 150
From $ 21