Christiansborg Palace
Where medieval castle ruins, royal state rooms and Denmark’s modern parliament all share one imposing palace on a small island in the heart of Copenhagen.
Rising over the tiny islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, Christiansborg Palace is Denmark’s modern seat of power and a showcase of 800 years of history. Today it uniquely houses Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister’s Office while also containing the Royal Reception Rooms, palace chapel, royal stables, historic kitchen and atmospheric ruins from earlier castles, all wrapped in imposing neo‑Baroque stone and crowned by Copenhagen’s tallest tower.
A brief summary to Christiansborg Palace
- Prins Jørgens Gård 1, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1218, DK
- +4533926492
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 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 2–3 hours if you want to see the Royal Reception Rooms, the ruins, the kitchens and the Royal Stables on a combined ticket without feeling rushed.
- Arrive near opening time to enjoy the Great Hall and throne rooms before group visits, then head to the tower later in the day when skies are clearest.
- Check in advance for days when state events may close some areas of the palace, especially the Royal Reception Rooms and the chapel.
- Bring a light layer: the underground ruins can feel noticeably cooler and more humid than the palace rooms above.
- Look closely at Bjørn Nørgaard’s tapestries in the Great Hall and see how many historical figures and events from Danish history you can identify.
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, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Gammel Strand Station, which is on the same small island as Christiansborg Palace. The ride from major hubs like København H or Kongens Nytorv takes about 3–8 minutes, with departures every few minutes throughout the day. A standard adult single-zone ticket costs around DKK 24 and can be bought from station machines or via local transport apps.
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City bus
Several city bus routes serve the streets around Slotsholmen from districts across Copenhagen, with typical travel times of 10–25 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Use buses that stop near Højbro Plads or along the main thoroughfares by the canals, then walk a short distance to the palace. A single bus journey on the standard tariff is about DKK 24 for adults, and buses run at least every 10–15 minutes during the day.
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Bicycle
Cycling is one of the most convenient ways to reach Christiansborg Palace from neighbourhoods such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro, with most journeys taking 10–20 minutes on Copenhagen’s dedicated bike lanes. There is bicycle parking around Slotsholmen, though spaces closest to the palace fill up at busy times. The route is flat and suitable for most riders; use a rented city bike if you do not have your own.
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On foot from the historic centre
If you are already staying within the inner city, plan a 10–20 minute walk through the pedestrian streets and across one of the low bridges to reach Christiansborg Palace. The terrain is flat and paved, making it accessible for most visitors and manageable with strollers or wheelchairs, though cobblestones in some areas may be uneven. This option costs nothing and allows you to approach the palace while enjoying views of the canals and nearby historic buildings.
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
A seat of power on Slotsholmen
Christiansborg Palace dominates the small island of Slotsholmen, right in the historic heart of Copenhagen. For more than eight centuries this patch of ground has been the political centre of Denmark, evolving from medieval fortress to royal residence and, today, the hub of a modern parliamentary democracy. The present palace, with its deep stone façades and copper‑clad tower, forms a dramatic backdrop to the surrounding canals and bridges, making it one of the city’s defining silhouettes. Step into the spacious outer courtyards and you immediately sense the formality of a working seat of government. Vehicles and bicycles share space with tour groups, while security posts, flags and official cars underline that this is not a frozen monument but an active power centre. Yet amid the bustle there is an air of ceremony, especially when the royal horses cross the cobbles on their way to the stables.Layers of castles, palaces and fires
Long before the current palace, this site was home to a fortified stronghold built in the 12th century by Bishop Absalon, often regarded as the founder of Copenhagen. That fortress was destroyed in the 14th century, replaced by Copenhagen Castle, which became the main royal residence and seat of government. In the 1700s King Christian VI swept aside the aging castle to create the first Christiansborg Palace, a lavish baroque complex that briefly ranked among northern Europe’s grandest. Fire reshaped the site again and again. The first Christiansborg burned in 1794, prompting the royal family to move permanently to Amalienborg. A second Christiansborg rose in the early 1800s, only to be devastated by another blaze in 1884. The current palace, completed in 1928, was designed to house democratic institutions rather than a resident monarch, but it still nods to its predecessors in its historicist blend of baroque and neoclassical elements.Gilded halls and royal ceremonies
Much of the palace’s enduring fascination lies in the Royal Reception Rooms, which the monarchy still uses for state occasions. Approaching via the grand King’s Staircase, you emerge into a sequence of richly decorated salons, each with its own colour scheme, chandeliers, stucco and portraits. The Abildgaard and Alexander Rooms preserve paintings and sculptures rescued from earlier palaces, creating a sense of continuity despite the fires. At the heart of this suite is the Great Hall, a 40‑metre gallery famous for its series of modern tapestries by artist Bjørn Nørgaard. Woven in vivid colours between 1990 and 2000, they depict a thousand years of Danish history in a dense tapestry of kings, battles and cultural milestones. Nearby, the Oval Throne Room leads to the balcony from which new monarchs are traditionally proclaimed to the people gathered below, giving this otherwise quiet space a powerful symbolic weight.Ruins, stables and chapel
Below ground, a different world awaits. Here, atmospheric ruins reveal foundations and walls from Absalon’s fortified castle and later Copenhagen Castle. Dim lighting, exposed stone and interpretive displays bring to life sieges, demolitions and centuries of rebuilding, offering a tangible link to the city’s medieval origins. It is one of the most evocative parts of any visit, especially for those fascinated by archaeology and urban history. In the palace’s outbuildings, the Royal Stables maintain the tradition of ceremonial horse‑drawn carriages. Stalls, harness rooms and carriages illustrate how royal transport has evolved, while the scent of hay and the sound of hooves contrast sharply with the formality of the state rooms. The neoclassical palace chapel, reconstructed in the 1800s, has hosted royal christenings, weddings and lying‑in‑state ceremonies, its restrained interior providing a calm, echoing counterpoint to the ornamented halls nearby.The tower and today’s visitor experience
Crowning the complex is Christiansborg Tower, the tallest in Copenhagen. A lift ride brings you to a viewing platform with sweeping panoramas of the inner city’s spires, rooftops and waterways, making it a favourite spot for orienting yourself in the capital. On clear days you can trace the line of canals to the harbour and pick out landmarks like the stock exchange spire and the domes of other royal palaces. A visit typically weaves between these varied spaces: from open‑air courtyards into formal interiors, down into the cool semi‑darkness of the ruins and up again to light‑filled views. Interpretive panels and changing exhibitions explain both the architectural story and the ongoing political role of the complex. Combined tickets allow access to several areas, and it is easy to spend a good part of a day exploring the many layers of Christiansborg Palace.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
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
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
