Copenhagen Zoo
A historic city zoo where cutting‑edge design, conservation and over 4,000 animals turn a day in Frederiksberg into a journey across the planet.
Copenhagen Zoo in Frederiksberg is one of Europe’s classic city zoos, blending 19th‑century charm with cutting‑edge animal habitats. Home to more than 4,000 animals from around the world, it lets you wander from Arctic Ring polar bears and Nordic wildlife to savannah giraffes, lions and hippos, plus tropical rainforests and a hands‑on children’s zoo. Architectural highlights like the Norman Foster–designed Elephant House and BIG’s Panda House, plentiful playgrounds and varied dining make this an all‑day, family‑friendly escape in the heart of Copenhagen.
A brief summary to Copenhagen Zoo
- Roskildevej 32, Frederiksberg, 2000, DK
- +4572200200
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 6 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Arrive for opening time to enjoy the Arctic Ring and savannah areas before they become busy, and to catch early feeding sessions.
- Bring layered clothing: many exhibits are outdoors but the tropical houses are warm and humid, making it easy to overheat in winter gear.
- Plan meal stops around the Panda House or main squares, where you will find the widest choice of restaurants, cafés and snack stalls.
- If you want city views, factor in time and a small extra fee for climbing the historic Zoo Tower, which has 182 steps to the top platform.
- Families with children should allow at least half a day to include the children’s zoo, playgrounds and a slower pace between highlights.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and bus from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the metro (M1, M2 or M3 depending on your starting point) to Copenhagen Central or Frederiksberg Allé, then connect to bus 7A towards the zoo area. The combined journey typically takes 20–30 minutes, with buses running frequently throughout the day. A standard adult single ticket for zones covering the city centre and Frederiksberg costs around 24–36 DKK, and services operate year‑round, though evening frequencies are lower.
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S‑train and short walk from Valby
Board an S‑train to Valby Station, a major suburban stop west of the city centre. From there, it is roughly a 15–20 minute walk through residential streets and parkland to the zoo’s main entrance, mostly on flat, paved surfaces suitable for strollers. The S‑train ride from Copenhagen Central takes about 5–10 minutes, using the same ticketing zones as the metro; expect to pay around 24–36 DKK for an adult single if you do not have a travel pass.
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City bus 7A direct to the entrance
Bus 7A runs between key central stops and Frederiksberg, stopping directly by the zoo gates on Roskildevej. Travel time from Copenhagen Central Station is usually 15–20 minutes, though it can be longer in peak traffic. Buses are low‑floor and generally accessible for wheelchairs and prams. A single adult ticket for the relevant zones is around 24–36 DKK, and the service runs daily with reduced frequency late in the evening.
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Taxi or rideshare within Copenhagen
Taxis and app‑based rides are widely available and provide the most direct option from hotels in the inner city or surrounding districts. The drive from the historic centre to Frederiksberg typically takes 10–20 minutes outside rush hour. Fares within central zones usually fall in the 150–250 DKK range depending on distance and traffic. Drop‑off is possible close to the entrance, which is convenient for families, visitors with limited mobility or those arriving with luggage.
Copenhagen Zoo location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Copenhagen Zoo
A historic zoo on Frederiksberg’s green hill
Copenhagen Zoo sits on Frederiksberg Hill, woven into a belt of parks and gardens that feel a world away from the city streets just beyond the gates. Founded in 1859, it is one of Europe’s oldest zoos, and you sense that heritage in the wooden entrance buildings, the classic Zoo Tower that rises above the treetops, and winding paths that have been trodden for generations. Despite its age, the zoo feels distinctly contemporary. Exhibits are arranged by global regions, so in a single circuit you can drift from Nordic pine forest to African savannah and on to lush Asian bamboo. It is large enough to offer discovery around each corner, yet compact enough that families with children can manage it comfortably in a day.Animals from Arctic ice to African savannah
The headline draw for many visitors is the Arctic Ring, where glass tunnels and panoramic windows bring you face to face with swimming polar bears and seabirds diving all around you. Nearby, a section devoted to northern species showcases musk oxen, brown bears, wolves and reindeer, setting a distinctly Scandinavian tone. Further on, the mood switches to the warmth of Africa. The savannah area is home to towering giraffes, zebras and antelopes, often moving together across a broad, sandy landscape. Lions and hippos occupy neighbouring enclosures, creating that classic safari mix within sight of Copenhagen’s rooftops.Architectural showpieces among the enclosures
Copenhagen Zoo is as much about design as it is about animals. The striking Elephant House, created by architect Sir Norman Foster, combines sweeping glass and curving concrete to give both elephants and guests a sense of openness and light. Inside, raised walkways let you look out across the herd and down into their bathing pools. Equally celebrated is the Panda House, designed by local architecture studio BIG. Its yin‑yang layout shapes hills, bamboo groves and indoor viewing spaces into an elegant loop around the resident giant pandas. Elsewhere, the Hippopotamus House and the historic red Zoo Tower add still more variety, from water‑level viewing of wallowing hippos to sweeping skyline views from above.Tropical encounters and hands‑on family zones
When Danish weather turns cool or wet, the zoo’s indoor zones come into their own. Tropical halls recreate rainforest conditions with warm, humid air, dense foliage and the calls of free‑flying birds. Butterflies, reptiles, crocodiles and small primates fill these spaces, offering slow, close‑up encounters that contrast with the big outdoor enclosures. Families gravitate to the children’s zoo and playgrounds, where goats, pigs and other farm animals can be met at eye level. Activity zones and climbing frames give younger visitors a chance to burn off energy between viewing animals, making the zoo feel as much like a play destination as a wildlife park.Eating, relaxing and learning across the grounds
Food is an integral part of a day here, with choices ranging from quick snack stalls to full restaurants. Bistro PanPan at the Panda House pairs views of the animals with Asian‑tinged dishes, while more traditional Danish meals and casual café options are scattered across the grounds. Ice‑cream stands, churros and coffee carts ensure there is always something to refuel with between exhibits. Throughout the zoo, signage and displays highlight conservation projects, breeding programmes and the role of modern zoos in protecting endangered species. The emphasis on education is gentle but pervasive, turning a leisurely wander among enclosures into an introduction to global biodiversity and the challenges it faces. Combined with its parkland setting, this makes Copenhagen Zoo both an escape from the city and a window onto the wider natural world.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Storm P. Museum
0.6 km
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.
Elefantporten
0.7 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.
Frederiksbergmuseerne
0.8 km
Explore Frederiksberg's cultural gems: Cisternerne, Bakkehuset, STORM, and Møstings, each offering unique art and history experiences.
Møstings Hus
0.8 km
Explore contemporary art in a historic neoclassical villa at Møstings Hus, Frederiksberg's cultural gem.
Frederiksberg Town Hall
0.9 km
Brick-clad beacon of Frederiksberg’s independence, this 1950s functionalist town hall blends civic power, mid‑century Danish design and views across leafy Copenhagen.
CWGC Krigsgrave, CWGC Graves
1.1 km
Scandinavia's largest cemetery: a 54-hectare landscape of history, architecture, and remembrance in Copenhagen.
Enghaveparken
1.3 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Frihedsstøtten
2.5 km
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 Visitor Service
2.6 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Copenhagen Central Station
2.6 km
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.
Cykelslangen
2.6 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Folkets Park
2.6 km
Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Rutschebanen
2.7 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.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
2.8 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.
Nørrebroparken - Playground
2.8 km
Vivid and multicultural, Nørrebroparken Playground is Nørrebro’s lively green heart—offering creative play, open lawns, and vibrant local community energy year-round.
Unmissable attractions to see
Frederiksberg Palace
0.1 km
Renaissance splendor, regal treasures, and royal intrigue await within Rosenborg Castle, set amid the enchanting King’s Garden in central Copenhagen.
Søndermarken
0.2 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.
Cisterns in Søndermarken
0.2 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.
Frederiksberg Gardens
0.4 km
Royal waterways, baroque palaces, and pacifier traditions in Copenhagen's most romantic green escape.
The Hill House Museum
0.7 km
Step into a preserved Danish Golden Age home where intimate rooms, a romantic garden and literary memories of Hans Christian Andersen bring 19th‑century Frederiksberg to life.
Carlsberg Brewery Tours
0.9 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.
Frederiksberg Walk of Fame
1.1 km
Explore the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame, where Denmark's cultural legends are celebrated along a historic, tree-lined avenue.
Frederiksberg Allé
1.2 km
Copenhagen’s historic royal boulevard, where linden trees, theatres and elegant facades lead from city bustle to the green calm of Frederiksberg Gardens.
Falkonerbrønden
1.5 km
A star-studded stroll in Copenhagen: the Frederiksberg Walk of Fame celebrates Danish legends along one of the city’s most iconic boulevards.
Landbohøjskolens Have
1.6 km
A 19th‑century university horticultural garden in Frederiksberg, where scientific plant collections and everyday park life blend into a calm green refuge.
Værnedamsvej
1.7 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.
Folkehuset Absalon
1.8 km
Copenhagen's beloved community gathering space where strangers share meals, create art, and build genuine connections.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
1.9 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.
Det Ny Teater
2.0 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.
Istedgade
2.0 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Essential places to dine
Hansens Gamle Familiehave
0.5 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.
Enomania
0.5 km
Intimate Italian restaurant in Frederiksberg celebrated for expertly paired wine menus, exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, and an atmospheric, welcoming dining experience.
Restaurant Frederiks Have
0.8 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.
Ewalds Brasserie
0.9 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.
Café Lindevang
1.1 km
A beloved Frederiksberg institution, Café Lindevang serves up hearty Danish classics and authentic smørrebrød in cozy, vintage surroundings steeped in local charm.
Frederik the VI
1.3 km
Discover culinary delights at Frederik the VI - a vibrant restaurant and pub serving authentic Danish cuisine in Frederiksberg C.
Restaurant Polly København
1.5 km
A modern Nordic brasserie in the heart of Frederiksberg, blending Danish produce, creative cuisine, and relaxed elegance for a memorable city dining experience.
Bevi Bevi
1.7 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Spuntino
1.8 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Spuntino in Copenhagen - where flavors meet ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.
Madklubben Vesterbro
1.9 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
2.0 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Maple Casual Dining
2.2 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
Cofoco
2.2 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
Paté Paté
2.2 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
2.2 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Copenhagen - Outlet
0.7 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.
Frederiksberg Centret
1.2 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.8 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
1.8 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Funky Junky
1.9 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
2.5 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
2.6 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.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
2.6 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Perfectly Worn Vintage
2.7 km
Discover handpicked vintage gems and timeless fashion in the heart of Nørrebro’s creative district at Perfectly Worn Vintage, Copenhagen’s haven for unique style.
Tivoli Gift Shop
2.8 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
PRAG Nørrebro
2.9 km
PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
København K
2.9 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.
Wonderful Souvenirs
3.0 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
McKorman
3.0 km
Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
Danish Souvenirs
3.0 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cafe Intime
0.8 km
Discover the charm of Cafe Intime, a cozy bar and cafe in Frederiksberg offering delightful drinks and a warm ambiance for every visitor.
Berlin Bar
1.1 km
Experience the eclectic vibe and creative mixology at Berlin Bar, the perfect spot for memorable nights in Frederiksberg.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Frederiksberg
1.2 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.
JOJO
1.3 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.
Märkbar
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Märkbar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets an eclectic atmosphere and affordable drinks.
bird
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Bird, where unique cocktails and a laid-back ambiance await you.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
1.4 km
Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
La Fée Verte
1.5 km
Discover La Fée Verte, a charming bar in Frederiksberg, offering exquisite cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
Tap 21 Craft Beer
1.7 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.
Riesen Bar
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
Lidkoeb
1.8 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
Amigo Bar
1.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg at Amigo Bar, where affordable drinks and a friendly atmosphere await you.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
1.8 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Gensyn Bar
1.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Frederiksberg C at Gensyn Bar, known for its innovative cocktails and inviting atmosphere.
Frederiksberg Ølbar
2.0 km
Experience the best of Denmark's brewing heritage at Frederiksberg Ølbar, a cozy bar with a fantastic selection of local craft beers.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Haven - Events
0.7 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
1.7 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
2.1 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.
The Union
2.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
2.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
KB3
2.2 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
CristalClubCopenhagen
2.3 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Baggen
2.3 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Moon Club
2.5 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
2.5 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Never Mind
2.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Module
2.7 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
2.8 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Temple Bar
2.9 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Cosy Bar
2.9 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
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
