National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet), Copenhagen
Denmark’s past comes alive in a Baroque palace where Viking treasures, bog bodies and hands‑on exhibits tell 14,000 years of history in the heart of Copenhagen.
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. Across several floors you move from Stone Age finds and Viking treasures to royal salons, global ethnographic collections and thought‑provoking modern exhibits such as “The Viking Sorceress” and “KA-CHING!”. A hands‑on Children’s Museum, café Smör and a well‑stocked shop make it an engaging stop for all ages.
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
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least three hours if you want to follow the full historical route from prehistory through the Viking Age to modern Denmark without rushing key exhibits.
- Families should prioritise the Children’s Museum early in the visit, when energy levels are highest, and then explore one or two main galleries rather than trying to see everything.
- Check current exhibition information in advance for special shows such as “The Viking Sorceress” or “KA-CHING!”, which can shape how you structure your time here.
- Travel light; use the available lockers for coats and bags so you can move freely through narrow passages and historic rooms.
- If visiting in winter, remember the museum is typically closed on Mondays and busiest on weekend afternoons; a late morning arrival often feels more relaxed.
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 central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 Cityringen metro to Rådhuspladsen or Gammel Strand; trains typically run every few minutes and the ride is about 3–6 minutes from major hubs like Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv. A level walk of around 10–15 minutes on paved sidewalks brings you to Ny Vestergade 10. Standard single metro tickets within the city centre usually cost about 20–30 DKK, and all stations on this route have lifts or escalators, making the journey suitable for most visitors with limited mobility.
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S-train to Copenhagen Central Station plus walk
If you are arriving from the wider region, take any S-train line that stops at København H (Copenhagen Central Station). Trains from suburbs such as Hellerup or Valby typically take 10–15 minutes, with regular departures throughout the day and standard single tickets in the range of 24–36 DKK depending on zones. From the station, allow about 15 minutes to walk on broad, mostly flat pavements toward the museum area. This route is straightforward but can be busy at peak commuter times.
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City bus services
Several city bus lines serve the streets around the National Museum, with stops along H. C. Andersens Boulevard and nearby central corridors. Travel times from inner districts such as Østerbro, Vesterbro or Nørrebro are typically 10–25 minutes depending on traffic. A single bus ticket within the central zones usually costs about 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses are low-floor with space for wheelchairs and prams, but they can be crowded during weekday rush hours and on rainy days.
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Bicycle from within Copenhagen
For a very local option, use a city bike or rental bicycle to reach Ny Vestergade via Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes. From districts such as Nørrebro, Vesterbro or Østerbro, you can expect a comfortable 10–20 minute ride on segregated or clearly marked bike lanes almost the entire way. Many bike-share schemes price rides at roughly 15–30 DKK for short trips, with additional cost if you keep the bike longer. This option is best in dry weather and requires confidence cycling in moderate city traffic.
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
Palatial Home of Denmark’s Story
Step through the doors of the Prince’s Palace on Ny Vestergade and into the official museum of Danish history. Behind the restrained Baroque façade lie lofty halls, stuccoed ceilings and grand staircases that once signalled royal prestige and now frame the country’s most important cultural collection. The building itself, dating from the 18th century, gently reminds you that Copenhagen has long been a seat of power, trade and design. The museum’s layout leads you chronologically through time, so you can literally walk Denmark’s story from the earliest settlers to today’s welfare state. Light-filled courtyards, glimpses of the city through tall windows and the contrast between ornate palace rooms and minimalist exhibition architecture give the visit a rich sense of place.From Prehistoric Treasures to Viking Power
On the lower floors, galleries devoted to prehistoric Denmark showcase some of Europe’s most celebrated archaeological finds. Here you encounter the gleaming Bronze Age Sun Chariot, the intricate silver Gundestrup Cauldron and the well‑preserved Egtved Girl, whose burial has become an icon of Nordic prehistory. Nearby, bog bodies such as the Huldremose Woman offer an intimate, if haunting, connection to Iron Age lives. The story then flows into the Viking Age, when Denmark emerged as a maritime force. Cases of swords, hoards of silver, amulets and everyday tools surround you with the material world of raiders, traders and farmers. In the immersive exhibition “The Viking Sorceress,” staging, sound and objects combine to explore belief, prophecy and fate through the figure of a völva – a seer whose staff and grave goods anchor myth in archaeology.Everyday Denmark and a Changing World
Higher levels turn to later centuries, tracing Denmark through absolutist monarchy, industrialisation and the modern era. Period rooms recreate town interiors and bourgeois parlours, while displays of uniforms, posters and household objects reveal how war, reform and technology reshaped daily life. The playful “KA‑CHING!” exhibition invites you to consider money itself: you can follow the evolution of coins, credit and consumer culture, and even try interactive games that show how fortunes can be made – and lost. Alongside national history, global collections highlight Denmark’s long‑standing connections beyond its borders. Arctic material tells of encounters with Inuit communities, while ethnographic holdings from Asia, Africa and the Americas frame Denmark as part of wider imperial and trading networks, prompting reflection on exchange, representation and responsibility.History at Child Height
For families, the Children’s Museum turns the idea of “do not touch” on its head. Here young visitors can clamber into a Viking ship, hoist sails and imagine voyages across cold northern seas. In a reconstructed medieval kitchen they can pretend to stir pots over an open hearth, while a 1950s classroom invites them to sit at wooden desks and experience stricter schooldays. Costumes, role‑play and tactile props make abstract periods feel immediate and fun. Scattered throughout are playful surprises: buttons that trigger unexpected sounds or light effects, drawers to open and smell, and small challenges that encourage children and adults to explore together. This hands‑on approach turns the museum into a lively learning space rather than a quiet gallery of glass cases.Café, Shop and Practical Comforts
When it is time to pause, café and restaurant Smör serves modern interpretations of classic Danish fare, with a focus on seasonal, often organic ingredients. Open‑faced sandwiches, cakes and hot drinks can be enjoyed with views back toward the historic courtyard. If you prefer, you are welcome to bring your own food and use the dedicated lunch room. Before you leave, the shop offers everything from design objects and books to jewellery and Viking‑inspired souvenirs, including mead and locally themed delicacies. The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, with lifts and level routes throughout, and wheelchairs or walkers can be borrowed on site. Service dogs are admitted, and clear information boards help you navigate exhibitions, facilities and temporary displays with ease.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
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
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
