Designmuseum Danmark
Denmark’s leading design museum in a rococo former hospital, blending iconic chairs, PH lamps and contemporary exhibitions around a tranquil Copenhagen courtyard.
Housed in an elegant 18th‑century former hospital in Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden district, Designmuseum Danmark is the country’s flagship museum for design and applied arts. Inside the rococo complex you move from iconic Danish chairs and PH lamps to contemporary experiments in sustainability, fashion and digital design. Calm courtyards, a leafy Grønnegården garden, a design‑focused shop and café make it an inspiring place to linger, whether you’re a dedicated design professional or simply curious about the objects that shape everyday life.
A brief summary to Designmuseum Danmark
- Bredgade 68, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1260, DK
- +4533185656
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-8 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least two hours if you are interested in design history; the museum advises that even a brisk visit takes a minimum of one hour to see the core collections.
- Consider visiting on a weekday morning or Thursday late afternoon for a calmer atmosphere, as weekends and midday hours tend to be busier.
- Access to the museum shop, café and the inner garden is typically free, so you can enjoy the architecture and atmosphere even without a full exhibition ticket.
- Look out for furniture and lighting by Kaare Klint, Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner and Poul Henningsen to trace the roots of classic Danish modern design.
- Bring a light layer; gallery temperatures are kept cool to protect objects, and stone floors and high ceilings can feel chilly on cooler days.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and walking from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro to Kongens Nytorv; trains run every few minutes and the ride from Nørreport or the central station area takes about 3–6 minutes. A single zone ticket costs around 20–25 DKK, and City Pass or Copenhagen Card holders travel within the same zones at no extra cost. From Kongens Nytorv it is an easy, mostly level 10–15 minute walk through the historic centre to the museum, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers in most weather.
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City bus from wider Copenhagen
Several city bus lines run along or near Bredgade and Frederiksstaden, connecting with hubs such as Nørreport, Østerport and the central station in roughly 10–25 minutes depending on traffic. Standard bus tickets within the inner zones cost about 20–25 DKK, with contactless payment and travel cards widely accepted. Buses are low-floor and generally accessible, though they may be crowded at rush hour, and journey times increase in peak traffic and during major events.
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Bicycle within the city
Designmuseum Danmark is on a bike‑friendly route between Nyhavn and Østerbro, making it straightforward to reach by bicycle from most central districts in about 10–20 minutes. You can use the city’s public bikes or regular rentals, typically from 80–150 DKK for a day depending on the provider. The terrain is flat and there are dedicated cycle lanes on main approaches, but be prepared for busy intersections and obey local cycling rules, especially at commuter times.
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Taxi or rideshare from central areas
From Copenhagen Central Station or similar central locations, a taxi ride to Bredgade usually takes 10–20 minutes, varying with traffic through the inner city. Fares typically range from 120–200 DKK one way, with surcharges in late evening or on holidays. Taxis can drop passengers close to the entrance on relatively smooth surfaces, which is convenient for those with limited mobility, though availability can tighten during peak commuter hours or heavy rain.
Designmuseum Danmark location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Designmuseum Danmark
Design at the heart of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden
Designmuseum Danmark sits on Bredgade, a grand boulevard linking royal squares and embassies in the historic Frederiksstaden quarter. Step through the gates and you enter a broad forecourt framed by pale 18th‑century facades, where outdoor installations often showcase contemporary pieces against the rococo backdrop. Beyond, vaulted passageways lead you into a carefully choreographed museum world, where signage, seating and even wardrobe hooks subtly demonstrate the very design principles the museum explores. Inside, light-filled corridors connect a sequence of galleries arranged around the central Grønnegården garden. The atmosphere is calm and ordered, with pale walls, wooden floors and restrained typography letting the objects do the talking. It feels less like a dusty storehouse and more like a three-dimensional handbook to how form, function and craftsmanship meet in everyday objects.From royal hospital to temple of design
Long before it became a design museum, this complex was the Royal Frederik’s Hospital, opened in 1757 as Denmark’s first public hospital. Architects Nicolai Eigtved and Lauritz de Thurah laid out four wings around a square garden, giving patients light, air and views of greenery, ideas that feel strikingly modern. In the 1920s the buildings were transformed for museum use by Ivar Bentsen and Kaare Klint, pioneers of functional Danish architecture. Klint’s approach still shapes your experience today. Former wards became long galleries whose proportions were governed by human scale and the dimensions of furniture and display cases. Purpose-designed benches and cabinets, along with early PH lamps, turned the building itself into a manifesto for thoughtful design. Walking these halls, you sense how carefully the architects balanced respect for the rococo shell with an insistence on clarity, order and usability.Iconic chairs, everyday objects and global inspirations
The museum’s collections span Danish and international design, from centuries-old porcelain and silver to modern textiles, graphics and industrial products. One of the most engaging strands is furniture: rows of chairs by Kaare Klint, Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner and many others show how small shifts in curve, joinery and proportion radically change how a chair feels. Elsewhere, lamps trace the evolution from early electric experiments to sculptural contemporary lighting. Temporary and permanent exhibitions explore different themes: the rise of Scandinavian modernism, playful post-war plastics, or present-day concerns like circular design and material reuse. Everyday objects—cutlery, radios, posters, packaging—sit beside handcrafted ceramics and fashion pieces, underlining how design permeates all corners of life. Labels are concise and visual, inviting you to compare, question and look more closely, rather than simply reading your way through.Grønnegården garden, library and quiet corners
At the heart of the complex lies Grønnegården, the square garden that once provided recuperative air for hospital patients. Today its clipped hedges, trees and gravel paths form a tranquil courtyard where you can pause between galleries. In warmer months the space doubles as an outdoor exhibition room, with installations or large-scale works punctuating the greenery. Around the garden are more intimate spaces: a design library with specialist books and periodicals, and a café and shop that extend the visit. The shop foregrounds Danish and Nordic design objects, from poster reprints and books to ceramics and textiles, many echoing pieces seen in the collections. The café draws in both museum-goers and locals, turning the building into a lived-in cultural hub rather than an isolated institution.Experiencing the museum, from quick visit to deep dive
You can walk through the core galleries in about an hour, but design enthusiasts often linger far longer, tracing the evolution of a single object type or returning to compare historic pieces with current experiments. Families typically gravitate toward tactile or interactive stations where children can sketch, build or test how materials behave. Quiet alcoves and seating in several rooms invite you to sit and absorb details, from joinery on a chair leg to the way light falls on a porcelain glaze. The museum regularly refreshes its exhibitions, bringing in international collaborations or thematic shows that highlight pressing questions such as sustainability, urban living or digital craft. This means each visit can feel different, while the building’s strong architectural character and the core emphasis on Danish design heritage provide a reassuring sense of continuity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
I am Queen Mary
0.3 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Horn mine
0.3 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Larsens Pl.
0.3 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Our Fallen
0.3 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
St. Paul's Church
0.4 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.4 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.6 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.6 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.7 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Memorial Anchor
0.7 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Indre By
0.7 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Nyhavn
0.7 km
Copenhagen's iconic 17th-century harbor where colorful townhouses, maritime history, and vibrant waterfront culture converge.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.8 km
Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.8 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Kongens Nytorv
0.8 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.1 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Medicinsk Museion
0.1 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.2 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Amaliegade
0.2 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.2 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Frederik's Church
0.3 km
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.3 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
Amalienborg
0.3 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Rytterstatuen
0.3 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Nyboder
0.3 km
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Amaliehaven
0.4 km
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.4 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
St Alban's Church
0.4 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Gefion Fountain
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.5 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Essential places to dine
Aoc
0.4 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Kokkeriet
0.5 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Vita
0.6 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.6 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Den Lille Fede
0.7 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.7 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Cap Horn
0.7 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Goldfinch
0.7 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Skipperkroen
0.7 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Khun Juk
0.7 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Bistro Royal
0.8 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Alouette
0.8 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.8 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Frank
0.8 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.2 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.3 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
The Wilde Shop
0.7 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Maritime Antiques &
0.7 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Zane
0.7 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagenglass
0.7 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.9 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
0.9 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.9 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Storm - design art fashion
0.9 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.9 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.0 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Norse Projects
1.0 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.3 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.8 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
0.8 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Brønnum
0.9 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
0.9 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Trykbar
0.9 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
1105
0.9 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.0 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Moose
1.0 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Charlie's Bar
1.0 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
1.1 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Balderdash
1.2 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
K-Bar
1.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Bar'Vin
1.2 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.6 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
0.9 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
1.0 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mirage
1.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
1.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Operaen
1.5 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Chateau Motel
1.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.6 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.6 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.6 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
1.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
1.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
