Elefantporten (Elephant Gate and Tower), Carlsberg Byen
Four monumental granite elephants carry a historic brewery tower on their backs, blending whimsy, symbolism and industrial heritage in the heart of Carlsberg Byen.
Guarding the historic Carlsberg brewery district in Copenhagen, Elefantporten is a striking granite gateway supported by four monumental elephants, completed in 1901 as part water tower, part grand entrance. Designed by architect Vilhelm Dahlerup for brewer Carl Jacobsen, the sculptural tower blends industrial function with whimsical symbolism, from Latin mottos to family references, making it one of Carlsberg Byen’s most distinctive landmarks and a magnet for architecture lovers and photographers.
A brief summary to Elefantporten
- Elephant Gate and Tower, 1760, Copenhagen, Vesterbro/Kongens Enghave, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in the early morning or late evening for softer light that brings out the granite texture and makes photographing the elephants and tower much easier.
- Walk slowly around all four elephants to notice the differing poses, balls, inscriptions and small sculptural details that tell stories about the Carlsberg family.
- Combine your stop at Elefantporten with a wider stroll through Carlsberg Byen to see former brewery buildings, malt tanks and the nearby Dipylon Gate.
- If you enjoy industrial heritage, look beyond the elephants to spot surviving brewery infrastructure such as pipes, tanks and brick façades that hint at the site’s working past.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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S-train and walking
From central Copenhagen, take the B, C or H S-train to Carlsberg Station, a ride of around 5–10 minutes. Trains usually run every few minutes during the day, and tickets within the city zones cost roughly 20–30 DKK one way. From Carlsberg Station it is an easy, mostly level urban walk of about 10–15 minutes through the redeveloped brewery district to reach Elefantporten, suitable for most visitors including those with light mobility limitations.
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City bus connection
Several city bus lines run between central Copenhagen and the Valby / Carlsberg area, with typical journey times of 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. A single ticket within the inner zones is usually in the 20–30 DKK range and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses stop along the main roads near Carlsberg Byen, from where you can walk on paved sidewalks for 5–10 minutes to reach the Elephant Gate and Tower.
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Bicycle from central Copenhagen
Cycling from the city centre to Carlsberg Byen generally takes 15–20 minutes along well-marked bike lanes on mostly flat terrain. You can use a rental bike or city bike scheme; expect typical hire costs from about 20–40 DKK for a short session, with day passes priced higher. Traffic is accustomed to cyclists, but be mindful of intersections and pedestrians within the brewery district as you approach the landmark.
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Taxi or rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central Copenhagen to the Carlsberg area usually takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically fall in the 120–200 DKK range one way. Drop-off is possible on nearby streets in Carlsberg Byen; short-term stopping is generally allowed, but long-term parking can be limited and may require paid spaces in local garages or marked zones.
Elefantporten location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Elefantporten
Granite Giants at the Heart of Carlsberg
Completed in 1901 as part of the Ny Carlsberg brewery complex, Elefantporten — also known as the Elephant Tower — forms one of the most recognisable entrances to Carlsberg Byen. Four massive granite elephants stand in pairs on either side of the roadway, their broad backs and raised trunks supporting a compact tower above. The stone comes from quarries on Bornholm, adding a quietly Nordic note to what is otherwise a surprisingly playful structure. The gateway once served as the main entrance from the Valby side of the brewery, signaling that you were passing into Carlsberg’s industrial world. Today the surrounding area has transformed into a mixed urban district of housing, offices and cafés, but the elephants still mark the symbolic threshold between old brewery grounds and the new city quarter built around them.From Water Tower to Urban Icon
Behind the sculptural drama lies a practical purpose: the tower was originally built as a water tower serving the brewery and later converted into a grain silo as production needs changed. This dual life as both industrial infrastructure and exuberant artwork captures the spirit of Carlsberg at the turn of the 20th century, when engineering, architecture and branding were tightly intertwined. Look up and you notice how modest the tower’s footprint actually is, with a relatively small floor area perched on these monumental animals. The façades show rich brickwork and ornamental details characteristic of Danish historicist architecture, yet the compact scale keeps the composition almost playful, as if a child’s fantasy of a castle had been realized in full-size brick and stone.Carl Jacobsen’s Roman Inspiration and Family Symbols
The concept for Elefantporten came from brewer and art patron Carl Jacobsen after a visit to Rome. There he encountered Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s famous sculpture of an elephant carrying an obelisk on its back at Piazza della Minerva. Fascinated by the combination of strength and whimsy, Jacobsen brought the idea home and commissioned a gateway where not one but four elephants would shoulder a tower instead of an obelisk. The elephants themselves were designed by architect Vilhelm Dahlerup and modeled by sculptor H.P. Pedersen-Dan before being carved in granite. Each animal carries symbolic meaning: collectively they represent Jacobsen’s four surviving children, a personal layer of storytelling embedded in the brewery’s architecture. Two elephants are depicted with balls, a playful nod often interpreted as children at play heading towards nearby parkland, while the others face toward the city, hinting at urban life and opportunity.Mottos, Motifs and Subtle Controversies
Inscribed on the tower is the Latin motto "Laboremus pro patria" – "Let us work for the fatherland" – a phrase Jacobsen used in several of his architectural commissions. It speaks to an era when industrial success and national pride were closely linked, and when Carlsberg’s expansion was seen as part of Denmark’s modernisation. The combination of public slogan and private symbolism turns the gateway into a stone manifesto for the brewery’s ambitions and values. If you examine the bases and ornamentation closely, you may spot motifs that reflect the design language of the time, including forms that would later become politically charged in the 20th century. Here they belong to a pre-war decorative vocabulary rather than any later ideology, a reminder that symbols can shift meaning over time while the stone itself quietly endures.A Photogenic Landmark in a Changing District
Today Elefantporten stands within a redeveloped urban quarter where former malt silos, brewhouses and warehouses have been converted into homes, studios and cultural venues. The elephants remain one of the most photographed sights in the area, often framed against red-brick brewery buildings, steel malt tanks and new residential towers. Traffic still passes between the paired elephants, but pedestrian life has claimed much of the surrounding space. Visitors linger beneath the arches to admire the craftsmanship, trace the carved skin folds with their eyes and capture the contrast between heavy granite and the light, often windy Copenhagen sky. In the evenings, gentle lighting emphasizes the contours of the animals and the tower above, keeping Carlsberg’s granite guardians watchful long after the old brewing whistles fell silent.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Elefantporten
0.0 km
Four monumental granite elephants carry a historic brewery tower on their backs, blending whimsy, symbolism and industrial heritage in the heart of Carlsberg Byen.
Enghaveparken
0.6 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
CWGC Krigsgrave, CWGC Graves
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Scandinavia's largest cemetery: a 54-hectare landscape of history, architecture, and remembrance in Copenhagen.
Storm P. Museum
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Delve into the world of Danish humor and satirical art at the Storm P. Museum, where whimsical cartoons, eccentric inventions, and cultural history come alive in Frederiksberg.
Frederiksberg Town Hall
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Brick-clad beacon of Frederiksberg’s independence, this 1950s functionalist town hall blends civic power, mid‑century Danish design and views across leafy Copenhagen.
Frederiksbergmuseerne
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Explore Frederiksberg's cultural gems: Cisternerne, Bakkehuset, STORM, and Møstings, each offering unique art and history experiences.
Møstings Hus
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Explore contemporary art in a historic neoclassical villa at Møstings Hus, Frederiksberg's cultural gem.
Cykelslangen
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Frihedsstøtten
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Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Central Station
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Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Havneholmen 33
2.2 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
2.2 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
2.3 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Statue of Andersen
2.5 km
Denmark's beloved storyteller immortalized in bronze, gazing toward Tivoli's magic in Copenhagen's beating heart.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
2.5 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Carlsberg Brewery Tours
0.3 km
Step into the original 1847 Carlsberg brewery for immersive beer history, interactive exhibits, courtyard drinks and encounters with the brewery’s iconic draught horses.
Cisterns in Søndermarken
0.6 km
Discover Danish celebrity history and culture under the trees of Frederiksberg Allé, where handprints and names honor the stars of Denmark’s stage and screen.
Søndermarken
0.6 km
Former royal hunting grounds turned semi-wild city park, Søndermarken blends forested paths, meadows and an underground art world beneath Frederiksberg’s leafy streets.
Frederiksberg Palace
0.7 km
Renaissance splendor, regal treasures, and royal intrigue await within Rosenborg Castle, set amid the enchanting King’s Garden in central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Zoo
0.7 km
Historic canal in Indre By weaving past royal palaces, stately bridges, and cultural icons—offering tranquil walks and quintessential Copenhagen views.
Frederiksberg Walk of Fame
0.9 km
Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.
Frederiksberg Allé
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s historic royal boulevard, where linden trees, theatres and elegant facades lead from city bustle to the green calm of Frederiksberg Gardens.
Frederiksberg Gardens
0.9 km
Royal waterways, baroque palaces, and pacifier traditions in Copenhagen's most romantic green escape.
Falkonerbrønden
1.1 km
A star-studded stroll in Copenhagen: the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame celebrates Danish legends along one of the city’s most iconic boulevards.
Folkehuset Absalon
1.2 km
Copenhagen's beloved community gathering space where strangers share meals, create art, and build genuine connections.
Værnedamsvej
1.3 km
Copenhagen’s “Little Paris”: a short, atmospheric street where historic food shops, French-inflected cafés and design boutiques create an intimate, everyday city buzz.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
1.4 km
A colourful staffed playground tucked inside a historic walled park in Vesterbro, where giant parrots, paddling pools and lawns turn old shooting grounds into family fun.
Istedgade
1.5 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Fermentoren
1.5 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime legacy at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør, where innovative architecture meets interactive storytelling and rich seafaring history.
Det Ny Teater
1.6 km
Historic Belle Époque playhouse turned musical powerhouse, Det Ny Teater blends gilded grandeur, modern stagecraft and big‑scale productions in the heart of Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
Enomania
0.4 km
Intimate Italian restaurant in Frederiksberg celebrated for expertly paired wine menus, exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, and an atmospheric, welcoming dining experience.
Hansens Gamle Familiehave
0.6 km
Hansens Gamle Familiehave—a historic Frederiksberg garden restaurant famed for classic Danish cuisine, family-friendly charm, and over 170 years of tradition in scenic surroundings.
Frederik the VI
1.0 km
Discover culinary delights at Frederik the VI - a vibrant restaurant and pub serving authentic Danish cuisine in Frederiksberg C.
Bevi Bevi
1.1 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Ewalds Brasserie
1.1 km
Classic Danish-French brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, offering seasonal menus, a cozy atmosphere, and stunning garden views for an authentic local dining experience.
Restaurant Polly København
1.3 km
A modern Nordic brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, blending Danish produce, creative cuisine, and relaxed elegance for a memorable city dining experience.
Restaurant Frederiks Have
1.4 km
Frederiksberg’s cherished fine dining hub, blending Nordic tradition with modern cuisine in a welcoming, neighborhood setting—perfect for an authentic Danish gastronomic experience.
Restaurant Spuntino
1.4 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Spuntino in Copenhagen - where flavors meet ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.
Madklubben Vesterbro
1.4 km
A buzzing, design-forward restaurant in the heart of Vesterbro, known for great value fixed-price menus and a welcoming slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Delphine
1.6 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Je t'aime
1.6 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
Paté Paté
1.7 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Fleisch
1.7 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
1.7 km
Industrial-chic seafood in Copenhagen’s former Meatpacking District, where ultra-fresh Nordic fish, natural wines and a buzzing bar scene meet under one concrete roof.
Cofoco
1.7 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Funky Junky
1.3 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Royal Copenhagen - Outlet
1.4 km
Discover Danish porcelain heritage and timeless design at discounted prices in Frederiksberg’s celebrated Royal Copenhagen Outlet, close to the city’s green heart.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.4 km
Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.
Artikel København
1.5 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Frederiksberg Centret
1.6 km
Frederiksberg Centret offers a sleek, Scandinavian shopping experience with 90+ stores, cafés, and events in the chic heart of Frederiksberg, steps from the Metro.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
2.0 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
2.1 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Souvenir Gift Shop
2.2 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Tivoli Gift Shop
2.3 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Wonderful Souvenirs
2.6 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
København K
2.6 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Danish Souvenirs
2.6 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.
Viking Souvenirs
2.6 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.
Carmen Copenhagen
2.6 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.
Wasteland
2.7 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
JOJO
0.8 km
Colourful neighbourhood cocktail bar in Vesterbro, serving freshly crafted drinks on tap in a relaxed, sociable setting that suits pre-drinks, dates and casual nights.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
0.9 km
Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Märkbar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.
Cafe Intime
1.1 km
Discover the charm of Cafe Intime, a cozy bar and cafe in Frederiksberg offering delightful drinks and a warm ambiance for every visitor.
Riesen Bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
Berlin Bar
1.1 km
Experience the eclectic vibe and creative mixology at Berlin Bar, the perfect spot for memorable nights in Frederiksberg.
bird
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.
La Fée Verte
1.3 km
Discover La Fée Verte, a charming bar in Frederiksberg, offering exquisite cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
1.4 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Lidkoeb
1.4 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
Amigo Bar
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Frederiksberg
1.5 km
Experience the craft of brewing at Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar, Frederiksberg's premier destination for beer lovers with an extensive selection and vibrant atmosphere.
Tap 21 Craft Beer
1.5 km
Explore the vibrant craft beer scene at Tap 21, a cozy Frederiksberg bar offering a wide selection of local and international brews in a welcoming atmosphere.
1656 Cocktail Bar
1.7 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
1.7 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Haven - Events
1.0 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
The Union
1.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
1.6 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
1.7 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
Baggen
1.7 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
CristalClubCopenhagen
1.8 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Falafelberg
2.1 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Den Anden Side
2.2 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Never Mind
2.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Module
2.3 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Moon Club
2.3 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
2.5 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Cosy Bar
2.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Club Mambo
2.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Industrial
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
