Øksnehallen
Vast former cattle hall turned industrial-chic cultural venue, where ever-changing fairs, festivals and exhibitions animate historic architecture in vibrant Vesterbro.
Once a bustling cattle market hall, Øksnehallen is today one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive event and exhibition venues, set just off Halmtorvet in edgy Vesterbro. The vast 5,500 m² space is a single, cathedral-like hall supported by iron columns and flooded with daylight from long rows of roof windows. Hosting everything from design fairs and comic festivals to history gatherings and photo exhibitions, it blends raw industrial character with flexible, contemporary facilities.
A brief summary to Øksnehallen
- Halmtorvet 11, Copenhagen, København V, 1700, DK
- +4533298000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Check the event calendar in advance; the experience depends entirely on which fair, festival or exhibition is running during your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the 5,500 m² hall involves plenty of walking, and many events encourage browsing stands and installations at length.
- Bring layers; the large industrial space can feel cooler near entrances and warmer under strong exhibition lighting, depending on the season.
- Combine a visit with a meal or drink in the surrounding Meatpacking District, which offers a wide choice of restaurants and bars in converted warehouses.
- If you prefer quieter browsing, aim for weekday or early opening hours, as some festivals and fairs get lively by midday and mid-afternoon.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and walking
From Copenhagen Central Station, Øksnehallen is roughly a 5–10 minute walk through the Vesterbro side of the station area, on mostly flat, paved surfaces suitable for wheeled luggage and mobility aids. There is no extra fare beyond your train ticket, and frequent regional, intercity and S-trains serve the station throughout the day, typically every few minutes on core lines.
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City bus
Several city bus routes stop within a 5–10 minute walk of Halmtorvet, offering a convenient option if you are coming from neighbourhoods like Nørrebro, Østerbro or Amager. Typical travel times from central areas are 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. A single zone ticket within central Copenhagen usually costs in the range of 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or transport apps.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s cycling infrastructure makes Øksnehallen easy to reach by bike from most inner-city districts in about 10–20 minutes. Dedicated bike lanes lead into Vesterbro, and there are usually informal bike parking options around Halmtorvet and the nearby Meatpacking District. Be prepared for busy commuter traffic on weekdays and respect local cycling rules and signals.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from central Copenhagen locations such as City Hall Square to Øksnehallen typically takes 5–10 minutes outside peak rush hours. Fares usually fall in the range of 80–140 DKK depending on distance and traffic. Taxis can drop passengers near the square by the hall, but be aware that vehicles may need to navigate event-related congestion during major fairs or festivals.
Øksnehallen 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 Øksnehallen
From Cattle Hall to Cultural Powerhouse
Originally built in 1901 as a covered market hall for beef cattle, Øksnehallen was part of a wider complex serving Copenhagen’s meat industry at the edge of the then city center. Its name derives from the Danish word for ox, a reminder of the days when livestock and traders filled the building with noise, smells and commerce. As the meat trade moved elsewhere and Vesterbro transformed, the hall was gradually repurposed rather than demolished, becoming a flagship example of adaptive reuse in the district. Today, Øksnehallen stands as a key cultural and exhibition venue, used for large-scale fairs, conferences, festivals and art events. Instead of cattle pens you will find temporary stands, stages and installations, while the building’s robust structure continues to carry heavy loads of equipment, lighting rigs and crowds of visitors.Architecture of Light and Iron
The building is a single, elongated hall of about 5,500 m², defined by its repetitive rhythm of cast-iron columns and a lofty roof punctuated by long bands of skylights. These overhead windows wash the interior in soft natural light on bright days, creating an atmospheric backdrop that exhibitors and designers often use as part of their scenography. At ground level, the floor is deliberately kept simple and robust, a reminder of its industrial past and a practical surface for setting up stands, vehicles or large installations. The brick and steel construction, with its straightforward geometry, allows the space to be subdivided with drapes, temporary walls or lighting zones, turning one big room into many more intimate environments when needed.Events That Redefine the Space
Øksnehallen has become known for hosting a wide range of events, from design and lifestyle fairs to major cultural happenings. Comic festivals transform the hall into a colourful universe of artists, cosplayers and book stalls, while history festivals fill it with reenactors, stages for talks and interactive exhibits stretching across different eras. Photography, art and design exhibitions often take advantage of the generous ceiling height to hang large-format works or build immersive installations. Trade fairs and conferences bring a more business-oriented atmosphere but still benefit from the building’s character, which gives even corporate events a distinctive setting. The calendar changes frequently, so the experience you have here can be dramatically different from one visit to the next.In the Heart of Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District
Set on Halmtorvet, just behind Copenhagen Central Station, Øksnehallen lies at the edge of the city’s former Meatpacking District. The surroundings mix converted warehouses, creative offices, bars and restaurants with traces of the area’s working-class past. Outside the hall, broad paved areas often host food trucks or smaller outdoor activities connected to what is happening inside. This location places Øksnehallen within easy reach of many of Copenhagen’s central neighbourhoods while still feeling slightly removed from the busiest shopping streets. The combination of industrial heritage and contemporary urban life makes it a natural anchor for festivals that spill out into nearby courtyards and side streets.Visitor Experience Inside the Hall
A visit to Øksnehallen is shaped by whatever event is taking place, but certain characteristics are constant. The hall’s scale creates a sense of openness; even during busy events there is usually plenty of room to move around, and clear sightlines help you orient yourself. Organisers typically introduce their own catering stands, seating clusters and information points tailored to each event’s needs. The raw materials and high ceiling can make acoustics lively, which adds to the energy of fairs and festivals, while lighting design varies widely—from bright, functional setups to dramatic, coloured atmospheres. Cloakrooms, restrooms and other basic facilities are integrated into the complex around the main hall, and staff from the broader DGI Byen complex often support the logistics of larger gatherings.Why Øksnehallen Matters
Beyond its practical role as a large, flexible venue, Øksnehallen represents Copenhagen’s approach to preserving and reimagining industrial heritage. Instead of erasing its past, the building openly shows its origins, allowing each new event to write another chapter into its history. It bridges the gap between culture, commerce and community by hosting events that range from niche hobby gatherings to major professional conventions. For travelers, Øksnehallen is less a traditional sightseeing stop and more a place to step into the living cultural rhythm of the city. If your timing coincides with an exhibition, fair or festival that interests you, a few hours here offer an engaging glimpse of Copenhagen’s creative scene set inside one of Vesterbro’s most evocative historic structures.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.4 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.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.4 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.
Frihedsstøtten
0.5 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
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Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Cykelslangen
0.7 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.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.8 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.
Havneholmen 33
0.8 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Lur Blowers
0.9 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.
Vandkunsten Springvand
1.1 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Danish Architecture Centre
1.1 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.
Frederiksholms Kanal
1.1 km
Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
The Stable Boy's House
1.1 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.
Magstræde
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Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Lille Langebro
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Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
Nytorv
1.1 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Freddys Bar
0.2 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime heritage and cutting-edge architecture at Helsingør’s award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, set in a stunning subterranean dry dock near Kronborg Castle.
Mikkeller Bar
0.4 km
Stændertorvet is Roskilde’s historic central square, bustling with markets, events, and iconic views of the UNESCO-listed cathedral at the city’s vibrant core.
Istedgade
0.4 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Fermentoren
0.4 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime legacy at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør, where innovative architecture meets interactive storytelling and rich seafaring history.
Model train display
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting Model Train Display in Copenhagen, showcasing intricate landscapes and charming miniature railways for all ages.
The Tube
0.5 km
Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.
Red Sightseeing Copenhagen
0.5 km
Hands-on science, vintage vehicles, and maritime history come together in this interactive, family-friendly branch of Malmö Museum, housed in an iconic industrial building.
Rutschebanen
0.5 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Himmelskibet
0.5 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
0.5 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
0.6 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.
Tivoli Gardens
0.6 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Planetarium
0.6 km
Immerse yourself in razor‑sharp journeys through the cosmos beneath Europe’s largest tilted dome at Copenhagen’s lakeside Planetarium, a family‑friendly hub of space science.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.8 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Statue of Andersen
0.8 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Essential places to dine
Fleisch
0.2 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.
Paté Paté
0.2 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
0.2 km
Industrial-chic seafood in Copenhagen’s former Meatpacking District, where ultra-fresh Nordic fish, natural wines and a buzzing bar scene meet under one concrete roof.
Ristorante Buono
0.3 km
Cozy Vesterbro Italian with candlelit tables, generous pasta and risotto, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Copenhagen’s evening dining scene.
Cofoco
0.3 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
LUN restaurant & winebar
0.4 km
Andalusian-inspired tasting menus, serious wine and cocktails, and a warm candlelit atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district.
MASH Penthouse
0.4 km
Skyline steakhouse on the 12th floor of Tivoli Hotel, blending premium cuts, crafted cocktails and sweeping Copenhagen views in a chic, velvety penthouse setting.
Smagsløget
0.4 km
Discover Smagsløget in Copenhagen: where traditional Danish flavors meet innovative culinary experiences in an inviting atmosphere.
Maple Casual Dining
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
Retour Vesterbro
0.5 km
Relaxed French-inspired bistro in the heart of Vesterbro, serving generous steaks, classic comfort dishes and cocktails in a warm, urban Copenhagen setting.
Delphine
0.5 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.5 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Je t'aime
0.5 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
Madklubben Vesterbro
0.7 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.
Spisestedet FEED
0.7 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
Funky Junky
0.5 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
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.7 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.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
0.8 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Artikel København
0.8 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.9 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
1.0 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.
Viking Souvenirs
1.0 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.
Carmen Copenhagen
1.1 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.
København K
1.1 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.
Souvenir Shop
1.1 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Wasteland
1.1 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Quirky Lane
1.1 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Spunk
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
1656 Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
Jolene Bar
0.2 km
Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
0.3 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
Jernbanecafeen
0.3 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
CUBE bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Curfew
0.5 km
Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.
Library Bar
0.5 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
0.7 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Pier5 Bar
0.7 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Lidkoeb
0.8 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
The Shamrock Inn
0.8 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Proud Mary Pub
0.8 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.
Riesen Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
The Marble Bar
0.8 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Baggen
0.2 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
CristalClubCopenhagen
0.3 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
The Union
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
0.4 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
0.4 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.
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.
Module
0.7 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Club Mambo
0.9 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Dorsia
1.0 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
1.1 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Zefside
1.1 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Miami Bar
1.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
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
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
