Christiansborg Palace
Seat of Parliament and stage for royal ceremony, Christiansborg Palace layers medieval ruins, fiery rebirths and grand state rooms into one powerful Copenhagen landmark.
Rising over central Copenhagen on the islet of Slotsholmen, Christiansborg Palace is Denmark’s powerhouse of politics and pageantry. Today it uniquely houses the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court and Prime Minister’s Office under the same vast neo‑Baroque roofs, while still serving as a working royal palace for state banquets and ceremonies. Visitors can explore glittering reception rooms, the royal stables and kitchen, and the evocative ruins of earlier castles beneath the present building.
A brief summary to Christiansborg Palace
- Prins Jørgens Gård 1, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1218, DK
- +4533926492
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- 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 two to three hours if you want to see the reception rooms, kitchens, stables and underground ruins without rushing; each area has its own entrance and interpretive displays.
- Check in advance whether royal events are scheduled; parts of the palace, especially the reception rooms, can close at short notice when used for state functions.
- If you are on a tighter budget, consider visiting only one or two paid sections and combining them with a walk around Slotsholmen and views of the palace from the surrounding canals.
- Wear shoes with a decent grip for the ruins and courtyard areas, which can feel uneven and occasionally slippery in wet or wintry weather.
- Use the available information boards and any included audio material to understand the sequence of fires and rebuilds; it makes the underground ruins and architectural details far more meaningful.
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 from central Copenhagen
From major central stations such as Nørreport or Copenhagen Central, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Gammel Strand or Kongens Nytorv and continue on the newer M3/M4 circle line to Gammel Strand if needed. The journey typically takes 5–10 minutes, with trains running every few minutes during the day. A single zone ticket within the city centre generally costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines or apps. All metro stations on these lines have step‑free access, making this the most convenient option in bad weather.
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City bus within the inner districts
Several inner‑city bus routes run to stops on or near Slotsholmen and the adjacent bridges, with journey times of about 10–20 minutes from popular areas such as Vesterbro, Østerbro or Nørrebro depending on traffic. Standard city bus tickets use the same fare system as the metro, so expect to pay roughly 20–30 DKK for a short central ride. Buses usually operate every 7–15 minutes during the day, but can be slower in peak traffic and on weekends. Low‑floor buses offer easy boarding, though they may be crowded at rush hour.
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Bicycle from central neighbourhoods
From central districts like Indre By, Vesterbro or Christianshavn, cycling to Christiansborg Palace typically takes 5–15 minutes, using Copenhagen’s extensive network of segregated bike lanes and bridge crossings. You can use personal bikes or rent city bikes and private share‑bikes, which usually cost from about 20–40 DKK for a short trip depending on provider and duration. The route is mostly flat and suitable for casual cyclists, though you should be confident riding in busy urban traffic, especially at commuter peak times.
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On foot within the historic centre
If you are already in the historic core of Copenhagen, such as Nyhavn, Strøget or City Hall Square, walking to Christiansborg Palace generally takes 5–20 minutes. The terrain is flat and mostly paved, with a mix of pedestrian streets and stone surfaces around Slotsholmen. Surfaces can be uneven in places and slippery in rain or snow, so comfortable footwear is recommended. This option is free and allows you to enjoy canal views and historic façades as you approach the palace.
Christiansborg Palace 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 Christiansborg Palace
The heart of Danish power on Slotsholmen
Christiansborg Palace dominates the small island of Slotsholmen, where Danish rulers have governed for more than eight centuries. The current palace, completed in 1928, is an imposing neo‑Baroque complex in dark granite, crowned by a copper‑clad tower that has become one of Copenhagen’s defining silhouettes. Behind its weighty façade, the building still functions as Denmark’s political core: it houses the national Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister’s Office, placing the country’s executive, legislative and judicial powers side by side under one colossal roof. Despite its present role in democratic governance, Christiansborg remains a royal stage. On select occasions the monarch uses the palace for state visits, banquets, audiences and New Year ceremonials. This dual identity lends the site a rare atmosphere, where the formality of modern politics blends with the ceremonial rituals of a constitutional monarchy.Layers of castles, fires and rebirth
The story of Christiansborg stretches back to around 1167, when Bishop Absalon, the founder of Copenhagen, built a fortified castle here to guard the harbour and control trade routes. That medieval stronghold was later destroyed, replaced by Copenhagen Castle, which became the principal royal residence and seat of government in the 15th century. By the 18th century the old castle was outdated, and King Christian VI ordered it demolished to make way for the first Christiansborg Palace. That first palace, begun in 1733, was an extravagant Baroque statement and, at the time, the largest palace in northern Europe. Its splendour proved tragically short‑lived; a catastrophic fire in 1794 gutted the complex. A second palace rose in early 19th‑century classicist style, but fate struck again when another blaze in 1884 left only fragments standing. The present, third Christiansborg incorporates surviving elements such as the chapel and outer walls, literally building modern Denmark on the stones of its predecessors.Architecture that mirrors authority
The current palace was designed by Thorvald Jørgensen in a historicist style that deliberately echoes both Baroque and Neoclassical predecessors. Heavy granite walls, monumental portals and sculpted copper roofs express solidity and continuity, while the central tower emphasizes state authority in the city skyline. Inside, lavish royal reception rooms contrast with sober parliamentary corridors and courtrooms, a visual reminder that the building must embody both ceremony and everyday governance. Each wing tells its own story. The neoclassical chapel, rebuilt in the 1820s, offers a light‑filled counterpoint to the darker mass of the main palace. The 18th‑century riding grounds and royal stables, with their arcades and baroque lines, recall the age of court pageants and mounted processions. Beneath it all, the foundations of Absalon’s fortress and Copenhagen Castle are preserved as atmospheric ruins, revealing older walls swallowed by later construction.Exploring royal rooms and hidden depths
For visitors, Christiansborg is less a single attraction than a cluster of experiences. The royal reception rooms form the glittering heart of the palace, with gilded stucco, crystal chandeliers and polished parquet floors. Among them, the Great Hall stands out, lined with vast modern tapestries depicting a thousand years of Danish history in vivid colour. Nearby, the Throne Room and balcony evoke images of royal proclamations and formal occasions. Elsewhere in the complex, the royal kitchen preserves the gleam of copper pots and the vast stoves once used to prepare state banquets. The royal stables, when horses are present, showcase elegant white steeds and historic carriages that still roll out on grand occasions. Descending into the undercroft, the mood changes: the ruins exhibit reveals rough stone walls, foundations and remnants of earlier castles, a subterranean maze that turns abstract dates into tangible layers of masonry.An atmospheric window onto modern Denmark
What makes Christiansborg distinctive is not only its history but its continued everyday role. While visitors admire tapestries or peer at castle ruins, legislative debates may be unfolding close by, and legal arguments heard in the neighbouring Supreme Court. This proximity to living institutions gives the palace a certain tension; it is both museum and workplace, symbol and tool. Outside, the courtyards, statues and the broad approaches frame constantly shifting views of the tower and surrounding canals. From various vantage points around Slotsholmen, the palace appears alternately forbidding and inviting, especially when late northern light picks out the copper roofs and dark stone. A visit here offers a concentrated lesson in how Denmark evolved from fortress rule to constitutional democracy, all on a single island in the centre of Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Frederik VII
0.1 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
The Danish Parliament
0.1 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.1 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.
Holmens Bro
0.1 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Højbro
0.2 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.4 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 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.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.4 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
National Museum of Denmark
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.5 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Nytorv
0.5 km
Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Gråbrødretorv
0.5 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Knippelsbro
0.5 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
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.
Circle Bridge
0.5 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Unmissable attractions to see
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.1 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.1 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.1 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Ved Stranden
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Bishop Absalon
0.2 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Gammel Strand
0.2 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.2 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.2 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Church of Holmen
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Højbro Plads
0.2 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Højbro Pl.
0.2 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Læderstræde
0.2 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Essential places to dine
Marv & Ben
0.2 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Maven
0.3 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Tight
0.3 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.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
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 Puk
0.4 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
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.
Llama
0.4 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.5 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
No. 2
0.5 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Wining and Dining
0.5 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
à terre
0.5 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.3 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Hygge Original
0.3 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.
Audrey Vintage
0.3 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Akimbo
0.3 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Magnolias
0.3 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
ILLUM
0.4 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
0.4 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Magasin du Nord
0.4 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
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.
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.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ruby
0.2 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
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.
The Dubliner
0.3 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Balderdash
0.4 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.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.5 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Luke's Bar
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Charlie's Bar
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
1105
0.5 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Balthazar
0.5 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.
The Jane
0.5 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
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.
Hive
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Club Mambo
0.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Lusso
0.5 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
0.5 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.
Mirror
0.6 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.6 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Mini Bar
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
La Terraza
0.7 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Arch
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- Business Friendly
