National Museum of Denmark
Denmark’s past under one roof: from Stone Age sun chariots and Viking sorcerers to Arctic lifeways and playful, hands-on history in a former royal palace.
Housed in the elegant 18th-century Prince’s Palace in central Copenhagen, the National Museum of Denmark is the country’s flagship museum of history and culture. Inside, 14,000 years of stories unfold across three floors, from Stone Age tools and Bronze Age sun chariots to Viking treasures, Arctic life, modern Denmark and an imaginative Children’s Museum where history is hands-on. Temporary exhibitions add fresh perspectives, while a restaurant and well-stocked shop round out a full, absorbing visit.
A brief summary to National Museum of Denmark
- Ny Vestergade 10, København K, København K, 1471, DK
- +4533134411
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Allow at least 2–3 hours and choose one or two themes—such as Prehistoric Denmark and Vikings or the Children’s Museum—rather than trying to see every gallery.
- Arrive close to opening time for quieter galleries and start on the lowest floor, working your way up chronologically to avoid doubling back.
- Admission is free for visitors under 18; adults pay around 150 DKK, so consider this when planning a family day out in the city.
- Use the free audio guide or pick up a highlights map to make sure you find key objects like the Sun Chariot, Egtved Girl and Gundestrup Cauldron.
- Take a break in the café or the indoor lunch room; the collections are dense and short rests help you appreciate the later sections.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
From Nørreport or Copenhagen Central area, take the M1, M2, M3 or M4 metro lines to Rådhuspladsen or Gammel Strand; trains run every few minutes and the ride is about 3–5 minutes. A standard single city zone ticket costs around 20–25 DKK, or you can use a travel card. From either station it is an easy, mostly level 5–10 minute walk through the inner city to the museum entrances, suitable for most mobility levels.
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S‑train and walk from Copenhagen Central Station
If you arrive at Copenhagen Central Station by regional or S‑train, allow 10–15 minutes to walk to the museum through the city centre on broad pavements. The route is flat but can be busy at peak times. This option is convenient if you already hold an S‑train ticket or rail pass, as the museum lies within comfortable walking distance and avoids additional public‑transport costs.
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City bus from wider Copenhagen
Several city bus lines run along H. C. Andersens Boulevard and nearby streets, stopping within a 5–8 minute walk of the museum. Travel times from residential neighbourhoods are typically 15–30 minutes depending on distance and traffic. A single bus ticket within the central zones costs about 20–25 DKK, and services are frequent during the day but reduced in the late evening and on some holidays.
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Bicycle or e‑bike within the inner city
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach the museum by bike from most central districts in 10–20 minutes. You can use your own bicycle or rent a city bike or e‑bike from numerous stands, with typical rental costs starting around 30–50 DKK per hour. Cycle lanes are generally flat and well‑marked, but be prepared for heavy bike traffic during rush hours.
National Museum of Denmark 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 National Museum of Denmark
A palace filled with Denmark’s stories
The National Museum of Denmark occupies the former Prince’s Palace, an 18th‑century rococo residence whose grand halls, stucco ceilings and chandeliers offer a fitting backdrop to the country’s most important collections. Step through the entrance on Ny Vestergade and you move directly into a narrative that stretches from the first humans in Denmark to the present day, arranged across three main floors that are easy to follow chronologically. As you move deeper into the building, the contrast between ornate palace interiors and carefully lit galleries underlines how power, wealth and everyday life have changed over the centuries. Historical rooms from the 1700s are preserved almost as time capsules, allowing you to imagine courtly life while just a few steps away, exhibitions explain how ordinary Danes lived, worked and travelled.Icons of prehistory and the Viking world
The museum is especially renowned for its prehistoric and Viking Age treasures. In the Prehistoric Denmark galleries, you encounter finely worked stone tools, amber carvings and grave goods that trace daily life from around 4000 BC onwards. Star objects include the Bronze Age Sun Chariot, the delicate remains of the Egtved Girl’s burial and the richly decorated silver Gundestrup Cauldron, each displayed with clear context to make their stories understandable without specialist knowledge. Moving forward in time, the Viking sections showcase weaponry, runestones, ship models and hoards of silver that illustrate Denmark’s era as a maritime power. Recent exhibitions delve into beliefs and rituals through the figure of the völva, or Viking sorceress, exploring magic, prophecy and concepts of fate in a way that combines archaeology with imaginative scenography.Global collections and Arctic perspectives
Beyond Denmark’s borders, the museum holds extensive ethnographic and world culture collections. Galleries on ancient civilizations display Egyptian, Roman and other Mediterranean objects, while other sections explore cultures encountered through trade, exploration and colonial expansion. Together they place Danish history within a wider global web of exchange and influence. A distinctive feature is the attention paid to Greenland and the Arctic. Exhibits on Inuit life combine traditional tools, clothing and kayaks with contemporary perspectives, underlining Denmark’s long political and cultural ties to the region. These displays foreground climate, adaptation and resilience, offering a different angle on what “Danish history” means in a kingdom that spans far beyond continental Europe.Hands-on history for children and families
The Children’s Museum within the complex transforms the collections into a playground of ideas. Here, young visitors can clamber into a Viking ship, haggle in a recreated bazaar, stir pots in a medieval kitchen or sit in a 1950s classroom, complete with period details. Everything is designed to be touched and tried, turning abstract eras into memorable scenes. Interactive installations in other exhibitions keep the experience lively for all ages. Money‑themed galleries invite you to experiment with historical currencies and modern finance, while multimedia stations provide short, digestible stories for those who prefer audio and visual explanations over long text panels.Practical comforts and ways to explore
The museum combines its scholarly role with practical visitor facilities. A restaurant and café serve modern takes on classic Danish dishes, from open‑faced sandwiches to coffee and cake, often with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. A spacious lunch room allows you to eat food you have brought yourself, making longer visits easy to manage. Accessibility has been carefully considered: lifts, ramps and level floors enable wheelchair users to move through the majority of the building, and wheelchairs or walkers can be borrowed on site. Free audio guides help structure a visit around themed highlights, while the museum shop offers books, replicas of famous artefacts, design objects and Nordic delicacies that connect the displays to everyday life.Planning your time inside the museum
The scale of the collections means a brief stop can easily extend into a half‑day visit. Many visitors focus on a single strand—prehistoric Denmark, Vikings, world cultures or the Children’s Museum—while others prefer to follow the chronological route through three floors to grasp the full sweep of Danish history. Temporary exhibitions on themes such as witchcraft, money or contemporary issues add another layer, rewarding repeat visits. Whether you are drawn by glittering hoards, Arctic stories, palace interiors or hands‑on family activities, the National Museum of Denmark functions as a one‑stop introduction to the country’s past and its connections to the wider world, set right in the historic heart of Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.3 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Stable Boy's House
0.3 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.3 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Lur Blowers
0.3 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
The Danish Parliament
0.4 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Tivoli Gardens
0.4 km
Discover the magic of Tivoli Gardens, a historic theme park in Copenhagen that offers thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, and captivating performances.
Gammel Strand
0.4 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Gammeltorv
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Frederik VII
0.5 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Højbro
0.5 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.5 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Strøget
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Rutschebanen
0.5 km
Iconic 1914 wooden roller coaster in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, offering nostalgic thrills and hands-on history amid the city’s legendary amusement park.
Bishop Absalon
0.5 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Unmissable attractions to see
Museum of Copenhagen
0.1 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Marmorbroen
0.1 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.2 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Magstræde
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.2 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Rainbow Square
0.3 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.3 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.3 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.3 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.3 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.3 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.3 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Slotsholmen
0.3 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.4 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Karla
0.1 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Rio Bravo
0.1 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Kanal-Caféen
0.1 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Puk
0.2 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Noi
0.2 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Restaurant 1733
0.2 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.4 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.5 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Spisestedet FEED
0.5 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Krebsegaarden
0.6 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.6 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Souvenir Shop
0.4 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.4 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Viking Souvenirs
0.4 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Audrey Vintage
0.4 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.4 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Duck Haven
0.5 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
& Other Stories
0.5 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.5 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Læderstræde
0.5 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.5 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Hygge Original
0.5 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Rooftop Bar
0.1 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.1 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Zefside
0.2 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Southern Cross Pub
0.2 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
The Marble Bar
0.2 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.3 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Godt Øl
0.3 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Ruby
0.3 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Centralhjørnet
0.3 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Musen & Elefanten
0.4 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Proud Mary Pub
0.5 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.2 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Miami Bar
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mirror
0.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.6 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
La Terraza
0.6 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Never Mind
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
0.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Arch
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Zoo
0.8 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
