The King’s Garden (Kongens Have), Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s oldest royal garden, where Renaissance geometry, castle views and everyday picnics blend into one timeless green escape in the city centre.
The King’s Garden, or Kongens Have, is Copenhagen’s oldest and most beloved public park, wrapped around fairy‑tale Rosenborg Castle. Laid out in 1606 for King Christian IV as a Renaissance pleasure garden, it now blends formal parterres, long tree‑lined avenues, sweeping lawns and colourful flower borders. Today it’s a relaxed green retreat in the city centre, where history, sculpture, pavilions and picnicking locals share the same elegant royal setting.
A brief summary to The King's Garden
- Øster Voldgade 4A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1307, DK
- +4533954200
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
- Thursday 7 am-5 pm
- Friday 7 am-5 pm
- Saturday 7 am-5 pm
- Sunday 7 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds around the parterre and the long herbaceous border, especially in late spring and early summer.
- Combine your visit with Rosenborg Castle; explore the gardens first, then tour the castle and Crown Jewels to understand how the two were designed as one ensemble.
- Bring a picnic or grab food from nearby bakeries; lawns are generally used for informal picnicking, but respect planted beds and keep to paths where requested.
- If visiting with children, seek out the playground area tucked within the garden so youngsters can play while adults enjoy castle views from nearby benches.
- Dress for the season: shade from large trees makes summer visits pleasant, but in cooler months the open lawns can feel breezy, so layers are useful.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro and walk from Nørreport
From anywhere on Copenhagen’s M1, M2, M3 or M4 metro lines, ride to Nørreport Station, one of the city’s main hubs; journeys within the central zones typically take 5–15 minutes and cost around DKK 20–30 one way with a standard ticket or travel card. From Nørreport it is an easy 8–10‑minute walk on broad pavements to the King’s Garden, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Trains and metro run frequently throughout the day, making this the most convenient option in most weather.
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City bus to Øster Voldgade area
Several city bus lines run through central Copenhagen and stop on streets bordering the King’s Garden, with typical travel times of 10–20 minutes from inner districts depending on traffic. Single tickets within the central zones usually cost about DKK 20–30 and can be bought from ticket machines, apps or contactless payment systems. Buses are low‑floor and generally accessible, but they can be crowded at peak commuter times and during major events near the park.
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Cycling in the city centre
Copenhagen’s dense network of segregated cycle lanes makes reaching the King’s Garden by bike straightforward from most central neighbourhoods in 5–20 minutes. Many visitors use hotel bikes or short‑term rentals, typically priced from around DKK 80–130 per day depending on type and provider. Bike parking racks are located around the garden edges; lock your bicycle only in designated spots and avoid riding inside the park itself, where cycling is restricted to protect paths and lawns.
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Walking from nearby central sights
If you are already in the historic centre, the King’s Garden lies within a pleasant 10–20‑minute walk of major attractions such as Nyhavn, the Round Tower or the city hall area. Pavements are generally even, with some cobbled sections closer to older streets. Walking is free and allows you to link the garden with other sights at your own pace, though in winter or during heavy rain the open areas can feel exposed, so waterproof layers and sturdy footwear are advisable.
The King's Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The King's Garden
Royal green heart of central Copenhagen
The King’s Garden, known in Danish as Kongens Have, unfolds as a 12‑hectare carpet of lawns, trees and flowerbeds in the very centre of Copenhagen. Created in 1606 as the pleasure garden for Rosenborg Castle, it is Denmark’s oldest royal garden and one of the city’s most characteristic green spaces. The castle’s red brick towers rise above treetops and parterres, giving the whole park a storybook backdrop that anchors it firmly in the country’s royal past. Despite its regal origins, the mood today is distinctly relaxed. Wide lawns invite barefoot summer afternoons, students sprawl with books beneath avenues of lime and chestnut, and the mixed herbaceous borders provide a seasonal burst of colour from early spring to late autumn. Sculptures tucked among the greenery, from classical figures to more modern pieces, add a quiet artistic dimension to a simple stroll.From private pleasure ground to public park
The garden was first laid out for King Christian IV, the energetic Renaissance monarch who reshaped much of Copenhagen. He wanted a garden that matched his new summer residence, Rosenborg, then a modest retreat outside the city ramparts. Initially the space combined ornamental beds with productive plots growing fruit, vegetables and flowers for the royal household, all arranged in the geometric style fashionable at the time. Over the following decades, tastes shifted. Baroque influences brought a more theatrical layout: straight tree‑lined avenues, a maze, and a central pavilion that turned the garden into a stage set for courtly life. By the early 18th century, the royal family had largely moved their attention elsewhere, and the grounds slowly opened to the wider public. What began as an exclusive domain became a shared civic asset, a process that helped define the way Copenhageners still use their parks.Design details and hidden corners
Look closely and the layers of design history are still visible. Near Rosenborg Castle, a formal parterre creates graphic patterns in low hedges and seasonal plantings, echoing the original Renaissance vision. Long diagonal paths, historically known as the Knight’s Path and the Lady’s Path, cross the park and frame some of its most photogenic perspectives. In spring, crocus carpets and blossoming trees soften these strict lines with colour. Elsewhere the tone is more English in spirit. A famously long herbaceous border, often cited as one of Northern Europe’s longest, runs in a generous sweep, packed with perennials and shrubs chosen for continuous bloom. In another section, the Krumspringet rose garden reinterprets a historic maze with clipped hedges, roses and a small pavilion, offering quiet corners just a few steps away from busier lawns.Rosenborg Castle and garden pavilions
Although the garden is free to enter, Rosenborg Castle at its centre is a separate attraction with ticketed admission, housing royal treasures including the Danish Crown Jewels. Even without going inside, the castle dramatically shapes the garden experience: reflections in the moat, views along the parterre, and the sense of moving through an extended castle forecourt rather than a generic city park. Scattered around the grounds are smaller architectural highlights. The Hercules Pavilion, refashioned in a neoclassical style and fronted by a statue of the hero, hints at the garden’s long role as both pleasure ground and working landscape. It has served over the centuries as everything from hermitage to café, and today it often functions as a relaxed refreshment point and cultural space, underscoring how the garden continues to adapt to contemporary city life.Everyday rituals in a historic setting
For modern Copenhageners, the King’s Garden is less a formal monument and more a daily living room under open sky. Families gravitate to the well‑equipped playgrounds, where climbing structures sit against a backdrop of castle walls. Office workers take lunchtime walks beneath mature trees; in summer, groups gather with blankets and takeaway picnics, turning the lawns into a patchwork of small social scenes. Seasonality shapes the atmosphere. Early in the year, bulbs and flowering trees lend a delicate, almost ephemeral character. Long summer evenings stretch out in golden light across the grass, while autumn brings rich foliage and a quieter, reflective mood. Even in winter, the symmetrical paths and stark silhouettes of the castle and trees give the garden a graphic elegance, reminding visitors that this is as much a designed landscape as a natural refuge.Planning time and enjoying the surroundings
Most visitors spend an hour or two wandering the paths, pausing at benches or simply sitting on the grass to absorb the surroundings. Combined with a tour of Rosenborg Castle, the garden easily becomes the centrepiece of a half‑day in the area. Nearby, other cultural institutions and city streets extend the experience, but the King’s Garden remains the natural pause point: a place to slow down, read, talk and watch Copenhagen at its most relaxed, framed by four centuries of royal and civic history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Varehuset Messen
0.5 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
St. Paul's Church
0.5 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Fiolstræde 42
0.6 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.6 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.7 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Memorial Anchor
0.7 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Stork Fountain
0.7 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.7 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Amagertorv
0.7 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Strøget
0.8 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Højbro Pl.
0.8 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Højbro Plads
0.8 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Jorcks Passage
0.8 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.8 km
Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rosenborg Castle
0.2 km
Discover Rosenborg Castle—Copenhagen’s Renaissance jewel—home to Denmark’s royal regalia, opulent halls, and centuries of captivating royal history in scenic gardens.
The David Collection
0.2 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Museum of Natural History
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals and living gardens connect deep time with the city’s green heart beside the Botanical Garden.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.4 km
Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Botanical Garden
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Kultorvet
0.5 km
Historic coal market turned buzzing pedestrian square, where colourful façades, cafés and a modern fountain stage capture everyday Copenhagen life.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.5 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
Skaal
0.5 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
The Round Tower
0.5 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Nyboder
0.5 km
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Indre By
0.6 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Workers Museum
0.6 km
Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
Balderdash
0.6 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.6 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
Essential places to dine
Alouette
0.3 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Kokkeriet
0.4 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Rebel
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Den Lille Fede
0.5 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Frank
0.5 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
l’Alsace
0.5 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Bistro Royal
0.5 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Goldfinch
0.6 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Aoc
0.6 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Marchal
0.6 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Selma
0.6 km
Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.3 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.4 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Storm - design art fashion
0.4 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Norse Projects
0.5 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.5 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Fjällräven
0.5 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Norse Store
0.5 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
The Wilde Shop
0.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Time's Up Vintage
0.6 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
0.6 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Studio Arhoj
0.6 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.6 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.6 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Viking Souvenirs
0.6 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
ILLUM
0.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Trykbar
0.3 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Gejser Bar
0.4 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
The Moose
0.5 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.5 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Black Swan
0.5 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
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.
Bar Deco
0.5 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Bar'Vin
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
1105
0.6 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
0.6 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.
Strøm
0.6 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
0.6 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.
Bootleggers
0.6 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.7 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.3 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
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.
Lusso
0.6 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.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Hive
0.9 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Chateau Motel
0.9 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Rumors
0.9 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.9 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
0.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
0.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
1.0 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
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.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
