National Museum of Denmark
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Housed in the elegant 18th-century Prince’s Palace in central Copenhagen, the National Museum of Denmark offers a sweeping journey through more than 14,000 years of history. From Stone Age finds and Viking hoards to royal salons, Arctic cultures and playful, hands-on galleries for children, its exhibitions bring Denmark’s story – and its links to the wider world – vividly to life. A café, restaurant and well‑stocked museum shop round out a full day of discovery.
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 see both the major highlights and the Children’s Museum without rushing; the collections spread across several floors.
- Arrive close to opening time to enjoy the most famous objects, like the Sun Chariot and Viking treasures, before the galleries become busier in late morning.
- Use the free audio guide or a themed highlights map to structure your visit; the museum is extensive and it helps to focus on a few eras that interest you most.
- Families should head straight to the Children’s Museum section first; it sets a playful tone and you can then mix hands-on areas with calmer exhibition rooms.
- The café can be busy at lunchtime; consider an early or late meal, or bring your own food and use the designated lunch room for a budget-friendly break.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- 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 Nørreport or Copenhagen Central metro stations, take the M3 or M4 line to Gammel Strand or Rådhuspladsen; trains run every few minutes and the ride is about 2–4 minutes. From either station, it is a level walk of roughly 10–15 minutes through the inner city. A single metro journey within the central zones typically costs around 20–30 DKK when bought as a standard ticket or via a travel card.
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Regional train to Copenhagen Central Station plus walk
If you are coming from elsewhere on Zealand, travel by regional or intercity train to Copenhagen Central Station. Trains from nearby cities like Roskilde or Høje Taastrup usually take 15–25 minutes and run several times per hour. From the station, allow 15–20 minutes to walk on mostly paved, urban streets to reach the museum. Standard one-way regional fares vary by distance but often fall in the 40–80 DKK range.
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City bus within Copenhagen
Several inner-city bus routes stop on or near H. C. Andersens Boulevard, a few minutes’ walk from the museum. Buses generally run every 5–15 minutes during the day, with slightly reduced frequency in the evening. Travel time from central hubs such as Nørreport or Copenhagen Central is usually 10–20 minutes depending on traffic, and a city bus ticket within the core zones typically costs about 20–30 DKK.
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Cycling through the inner city
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach the museum by bike from most central neighbourhoods in about 10–20 minutes. The terrain is flat and routes are well signed, but be prepared for busy commuter traffic at peak hours and always use lights and reflectors in low light. Numerous bike-share schemes and rentals operate in the city, with typical short-term hires starting from roughly 75–150 DKK per day.
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
Denmark’s story under one historic roof
Set in the former Prince’s Palace on Ny Vestergade, the National Museum of Denmark brings together the country’s most significant historical collections in one grand, Baroque residence. Ornate stucco ceilings, tall sash windows and glittering chandeliers frame galleries that move chronologically from the first humans in Denmark to the present day, so you can literally walk through the nation’s past floor by floor. The building itself is part of the experience. As you move along wide staircases and through high-ceilinged halls, you step into rooms once designed for courtly life. Today they hold treasures that define Danish heritage, but the palace character is still visible in decorative panels, creaking parquet floors and views across the inner city.From sun chariots to Viking sorcerers
The museum’s archaeological collections are a highlight. In the prehistoric galleries you encounter iconic objects such as the Bronze Age Sun Chariot, the finely worked Gundestrup Cauldron and the remarkably preserved Egtved Girl, whose grave goods reveal intimate details of life more than 3,000 years ago. Nearby, bog bodies like the Huldremose Woman quietly testify to ancient rituals and harsh fates. Viking Age rooms are packed with swords, silver hoards, ship models and amulets that illuminate a seafaring society stretching its influence far beyond today’s Danish shores. Recent exhibitions such as the Viking Sorceress focus on the völva, a seeress whose staff, charms and stories offer a window onto Norse beliefs about fate, magic and the unseen world.Everyday Denmark and a connected world
Beyond prehistory, the National Museum follows Denmark through the Middle Ages, absolute monarchy, industrialisation and the welfare state. Period rooms recreate bourgeois parlours, rural interiors and urban shops, showing how fashions, technology and social structures changed over time. Displays on money and trade explore how coins, credit and consumer culture shape daily life, inviting you to reflect on your own relationship with wealth. The museum also looks far beyond Denmark’s borders. Collections from the Arctic, Asia, Africa and the Americas show how Danes have interacted with other cultures through exploration, trade and colonial encounters. Ethnographic pieces – from Inuit tools to ceremonial dress – are presented with context, highlighting both craftsmanship and the human stories behind each object.Hands-on history for curious children
The Children’s Museum occupies a special area where younger visitors are encouraged to touch, climb and play. Here, you can step aboard a reconstructed Viking ship, dress up in historical clothing or try your hand at life in a medieval kitchen. School desks, shop counters and interactive installations bring past childhoods into reach, making complex historical periods accessible through role play and simple, tactile activities. Playful elements continue elsewhere in the museum, where games, soundscapes and digital stations let you test your knowledge, handle replicas or follow themed trails. Families can easily spend several hours moving between immersive spaces and quieter display galleries, adjusting the pace to suit attention spans.Café comforts, audio guides and practical details
When you need a break, the on-site restaurant and café serve modern takes on classic Danish dishes, from open-faced sandwiches to cakes and hot drinks. Large windows and a relaxed atmosphere make it a pleasant pause between exhibition floors. The museum shop, near the entrance, offers everything from high-quality replicas and design items to books, toys and Viking-inspired gifts that echo the objects you have just seen. Audio guides, often included with admission, help you navigate key highlights in a structured way, while information panels are generally available in multiple languages. The entire museum is designed to be wheelchair accessible, with lifts and accessible routes between levels. Central opening hours typically run from late morning to late afternoon, and adults pay an admission fee while visitors under 18 can usually enter free, making it a strong value option for multi‑generational groups.A calm cultural anchor in the city centre
Despite its central location close to busy streets and canals, the National Museum offers a surprisingly calm interior world. High windows soften the sound of traffic, while thick walls and deep galleries create pockets of quiet where you can spend time with a single object or story. Whether you are a dedicated history enthusiast or simply seeking an overview of Denmark before exploring the rest of the country, the museum acts as an ideal starting point. With its combination of national treasures, engaging storytelling, child-friendly zones and historic surroundings, the National Museum of Denmark is more than a collection of artefacts. It is a place to understand how the country became what it is today – and how its past continues to shape both Danish identity and its connections to the wider world.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
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
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
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
