Malmö City Library (Malmö Stadsbibliotek)
Light‑filled landmark library on the edge of Slottsparken, blending bold glass architecture, rich multilingual collections and lively cultural programmes.
Wrapped in glass and greenery beside Malmö’s Slottsparken, Malmö City Library is far more than a place to borrow books. This striking complex combines a historic castle-like wing with the light‑filled “Calendar of Light” atrium, housing extensive multilingual collections, children’s areas, study zones and creative spaces for young people. Exhibitions, talks, language cafés and festivals keep the atmosphere lively, while big windows frame leafy park views that make reading here feel both urban and serene.
A brief summary to Malmö City Library
- Kung Oscars väg 11, Malmö, 211 42, SE
- +46406608500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 8:30 am-8 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-8 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-8 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Head for the glass “Calendar of Light” wing to enjoy some of the best park views while you read or work; seats by the windows go first on sunny days.
- Explore the children’s and youth areas even if you are not travelling with kids; their design, artwork and graphic novel shelves are among the building’s most atmospheric corners.
- Check the current programme of talks, language cafés and cultural events in the entrance area so you can time your visit with an author conversation or exhibition.
- Use the quieter historic wing if you need deep concentration, and the central atrium or park‑facing zones if you prefer a livelier study environment.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Slottsparken and along the nearby canal to appreciate how the library connects architecture, water and greenery.
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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Local bus from Malmö Central Station
From Malmö Central Station, take a city bus towards the Triangeln or Slottsstaden area; several lines stop near Slottsparken and the county museum, about a 10–15 minute ride. Buses typically run every 5–15 minutes during the day, and a single adult ticket within Malmö costs roughly 30–40 SEK when bought via app or ticket machine. From the nearest stop, expect a short, level walk through park surroundings to reach the library entrance; pavements are generally suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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On foot from central Malmö
If you are staying in the central districts around Gustav Adolfs torg or the main station, walking to the library takes around 15–25 minutes depending on your starting point. The route leads along broad pavements and through or alongside the parkland around the canal, with only gentle gradients and frequent benches. This option is free, gives you a good feel for the city’s compact centre, and is comfortable in most seasons except during heavy rain or winter ice, when footwear with good grip is advisable.
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City bike or e‑scooter within Malmö
Malmö is flat and well equipped with cycle lanes, making a city bike or app‑based e‑scooter a convenient way to reach the library from districts like Västra Hamnen, Triangeln or Möllevången in about 10–20 minutes. Short‑term bike hire or scooter unlock and per‑minute charges usually add up to around 20–70 SEK for a typical ride. Be aware that scooters may be restricted on some park paths and that parking zones are regulated; always leave bikes and scooters in designated areas outside the library to avoid fines.
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Taxi within Malmö
A taxi ride from most central neighbourhoods, such as Västra Hamnen or Möllevången, normally takes 5–10 minutes in light traffic. Typical fares within the city centre range from about 120 to 220 SEK, depending on distance, time of day and company. Taxis can drop you close to the main entrance on Kung Oscars väg, which is useful in bad weather or for visitors with limited mobility, though it is worth confirming in advance that the vehicle can accommodate wheelchairs if needed.
Malmö City Library 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 Malmö City Library
Light, glass and a doorway into Malmö’s green heart
Malmö City Library sits right on the edge of Slottsparken, its broad glass façade reflecting lawns, trees and the changing Nordic sky. Step inside and you move from city streets into a calm interior where natural light pours through floor‑to‑ceiling windows. The setting blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors; in many corners you can read while feeling almost suspended above the park. The address on Kung Oscars väg has long been a cultural anchor in Malmö, but the present building is especially known for its dramatic transparency and generosity of space. Wide staircases, open galleries and long sightlines create a sense of airiness rare in urban libraries, making it as much a place for contemplation as for study.A dialogue between old masonry and modern design
The library’s architecture is a conversation between eras. On one side stands the older brick wing, which has the feeling of a dignified civic institution, with higher ceilings, classic reading rooms and rows of shelving that suggest a traditional temple of knowledge. Attached to it is the striking modern volume often called the "Calendar of Light", a glass cube that glows warmly after dusk. Inside, this contrast continues. The historic section offers quieter nooks, wood details and a more intimate scale, while the contemporary atrium opens up vertically, lined with balconies and walkways. Moving between them you sense how Malmö has evolved from industrial port to innovative cultural city, yet kept learning and literature at its core.Collections that mirror a multilingual city
Malmö’s diversity is reflected on the shelves. Beyond extensive Swedish and English holdings, you find books, newspapers and media in many other languages, ranging from large European tongues to smaller community languages. This makes the library a key hub for newcomers seeking both practical information and stories from home. There are dedicated areas for children and young people, with picture books, graphic novels and teen fiction set out at inviting heights. Study areas integrate print material with digital access, so laptops and tablets share space with encyclopedias and journals. The overall impression is of a living collection, constantly adjusted to the city’s changing needs.Spaces for imagination, language and young creativity
Several named zones inside the library focus on young visitors and storytelling. Spaces like Krut and Jardin are designed for creative projects, writing, gaming and reading, giving teenagers and children their own territory within the larger building. Workshop rooms can host everything from comic‑drawing sessions to podcast experiments, reinforcing the idea that stories are something you also make, not only consume. Language has a special place here. Dedicated rooms support language learning with easy‑to‑read material, grammar resources and conversation meet‑ups. Initiatives such as language cafés bring together residents and new arrivals for informal practice, helping the building function as a bridge into Swedish society as well as a home for world literature.Events, exhibitions and everyday rhythms
Across the year, the library becomes a stage for author talks, debates, film screenings and cultural festivals. Special programmes invite Nordic and international writers, while themed events highlight topics from climate to democracy. Temporary exhibitions appear in the atrium and side halls, often using the generous wall space and natural light to show photography, illustration or design. Even outside headline events, the daily rhythm is rich: mornings of quiet reading, afternoons filled with school groups, and early evenings when students, families and remote workers settle into corners with laptops and notebooks. Long opening hours on most days make it a dependable refuge in all seasons, whether you want to dive into research, browse magazines or simply watch park life drift by through the glass.A civic living room in all kinds of weather
Malmö City Library functions as a shared living room for the city. In winter it is a warm, bright shelter where you can sit for hours with a book; in summer, visitors flow between the shelves and the lawns just outside. The building’s many seating options—from individual desks to soft armchairs—encourage lingering rather than rushing. For travelers, it offers a revealing cross‑section of local life: families choosing bedtime stories, students revising for exams, language learners practicing new phrases. Free entry, clear information points and helpful staff make it easy to orient yourself, while the surrounding park and nearby canal provide a scenic complement to indoor exploration.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stortorget 8
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Peberholm
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Krudhuset
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Marvel at St. Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen’s ornate Russian Orthodox landmark crowned by golden onion domes, blending history, artistry, and spiritual serenity.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
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Nyholm Central Guardhouse
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Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Sankt Annæ Gade
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Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Arne Jacobsens Allé 12
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Explore Arne Jacobsens Allé 12 in Copenhagen, a modernist architectural icon reflecting Denmark's rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit.
Inderhavnsbroen
26.5 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
Christianshavns Kanal
26.5 km
Baroque grandeur and natural beauty meet at Denmark's Ledreborg Park, home to stately gardens, forested trails, cultural events, and peaceful countryside escapes.
Ofelia Plads
26.6 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
I am Queen Mary
26.6 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
The Kissing Stairs
26.6 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Larsens Pl.
26.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
26.7 km
Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Christianshavn
26.7 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Unmissable attractions to see
Malmö old cemetery
0.3 km
Historic green refuge at the edge of Gustav Adolfs torg, where tree‑lined paths, old gravestones and quiet stories of Malmö’s 19th‑century citizens meet city life.
Kungsparken, Malmö
0.4 km
Malmö’s oldest park, Kungsparken, blends English-style landscapes, myth-laced fountains and castle-side canals into a tranquil green escape in the heart of the city.
Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge
0.4 km
A modest Malmö canal bridge transformed into a poetic trail of bronze footsteps, celebrating the city’s creative souls above the waters of Södra Förstadskanalen.
Disgusting Food Museum
0.4 km
A playful Malmö museum where 80 of the world’s most reviled dishes invite you to sniff, squirm, taste and rethink what “disgusting” food really means.
Slottsträdgården
0.5 km
An organic urban sanctuary where passionate gardeners transformed a fortress island into a thriving ecological oasis.
Form/Design Center
0.6 km
Historic half-timbered granary turned free design hub, blending contemporary exhibitions, curated shopping and a relaxed café around a cobbled Malmö courtyard.
Malmö Castle
0.6 km
A red-brick Renaissance fortress turned museum hub, Malmö Castle weaves royal power, prison stories and Nordic culture into one moat-ringed city landmark.
Södergatan
0.6 km
Södergatan — Malmö’s iconic pedestrian avenue, renowned for historic architecture, vibrant shopping, street life, and the dynamic spirit of southwestern Sweden.
Lilla torg
0.6 km
Cobbled, compact and full of life, Lilla torg weaves four centuries of Malmö history into one intimate square of cafés, courtyards and characterful façades.
Malmo Museum
0.7 km
A Renaissance castle turned all-in-one museum complex, where Malmö’s history, nature, art, technology and an aquarium come together beside a tranquil city moat.
Stortorget
0.8 km
Malmö’s grand 16th‑century main square, where Renaissance power, shifting borders and everyday city life all play out on a single open stage.
Malmo Live Concert AB
0.8 km
Waterfront concert and congress hub where Malmö Symphony Orchestra, bold architecture, and a full spectrum of music and culture share one sculptural urban block.
Fiskehoddorna
0.8 km
Heritage-listed wooden fish huts on Banérskajen where Malmö’s coastal traditions, fresh seafood and smoky harbor aromas come together in a colorful quay-side market.
Teknikens och Sjöfartens hus / Malmö museum
0.8 km
Explore Malmö’s story of machines, ships and science in a vast 1960s brick hall, from a real Swedish submarine to immersive 360° dome journeys into space.
Ebbas hus / Malmö museum
0.9 km
Malmö's tiniest museum preserves a 1910s working-class home frozen in time, offering intimate glimpses into ordinary urban life.
Essential places to dine
Malmö Saluhall
0.9 km
A vibrant industrial‑chic food hall where Malmö’s local flavors, global street food and artisan producers come together under one historic brick roof.
Noma
25.8 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
La Banchina
26.0 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Alchemist
26.0 km
Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.
Restaurant Lola
26.2 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Restaurant Barr
26.4 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Restaurant Kanalen
26.5 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Cafe Wilder
26.6 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Kadeau
26.7 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Khun Juk
26.7 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.
Skipperkroen
26.9 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.
Cap Horn
26.9 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
No. 2
26.9 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
à terre
27.0 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Nyhavns Færgekro
27.0 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
26.8 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
26.8 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.
The Crown souvenir
26.8 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
27.0 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.
Zane
27.0 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Magasin du Nord
27.1 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
27.2 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
The Wilde Shop
27.2 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
27.2 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
27.2 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
27.2 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Urban Outfitters
27.3 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Danish Souvenirs
27.4 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
ILLUM
27.4 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Storm - design art fashion
27.4 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whammy Bar
25.0 km
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Lassie Bar
25.9 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Eiffel bar
26.6 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
26.9 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
27.0 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Black Swan
27.3 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
27.3 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
27.3 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
27.3 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.
Ved Stranden
27.3 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
1105
27.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
K-Bar
27.3 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Pier5 Bar
27.4 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
The Moose
27.5 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
27.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
27.3 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.
Mini Bar
27.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
27.4 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.
Culture Box
27.5 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Chateau Motel
27.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Club Mambo
27.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Hive
27.8 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mirror
27.9 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
27.9 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
27.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
27.9 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
28.0 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Arch
28.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
28.0 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Cosy Bar
28.1 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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
