Garden of the Royal Library (Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have)
A tranquil, history-soaked courtyard garden on Slotsholmen where naval heritage, quiet sculpture and library life meet in the calm heart of Copenhagen.
Tucked away on Slotsholmen between the Royal Library and Christiansborg Palace, the Garden of the Royal Library is one of Copenhagen’s most tranquil green pockets. Laid out in 1920 on the site of Christian IV’s old naval harbour, it blends manicured lawns, flowering trees and a central pool with sculptures, historic masonry and mooring rings that quietly recall its maritime past. It is an ideal pause point for reading, reflection and slow wandering in the city’s political and cultural heart.
A brief summary to Garden of the Royal Library
- Proviantpassagen 1, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1218, DK
- +4533954200
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 6 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
- Thursday 6 am-10 pm
- Friday 6 am-10 pm
- Saturday 6 am-10 pm
- Sunday 6 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Bring something to read; the garden effectively serves as an open-air reading room with plenty of benches and grass that invite longer, quieter pauses.
- Aim for early morning or late afternoon to experience the garden at its most tranquil and to enjoy softer light on the brick façades and central pool.
- In spring, check the blossom forecast for Copenhagen; the flowering trees and cherry blooms add extra colour and make for particularly photogenic scenes.
- Use the garden as a calm break between visits to Christiansborg Palace, the Tøjhus Museum or the Royal Library buildings that surround this green space.
- Pack a light snack or coffee; there are no major food outlets inside the garden itself, but it is a pleasant spot for a simple, quiet picnic.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Gammel Strand station, a typical journey of 3–6 minutes from stations such as Kongens Nytorv or København H. A standard single-zone ticket usually costs around 20–25 DKK. From Gammel Strand, allow about 10–15 minutes on foot along mostly flat, paved streets to reach Slotsholmen and the Garden of the Royal Library. The route is step-free but can be busy at peak times.
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Bus connection to Slotsholmen area
Several city buses serve the Slotsholmen vicinity from different neighbourhoods of Copenhagen in roughly 10–25 minutes, depending on distance and traffic. Standard bus fares are typically 20–25 DKK for journeys within the central zones. Alight near Christiansborg Palace or the National Museum and plan for a 5–10 minute walk over even pavements and bridges. Buses run frequently during the day, with reduced frequency late evenings and on weekends.
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Walking from Copenhagen City Hall Square
If you are staying near Rådhuspladsen or the inner city, you can reach the Garden of the Royal Library entirely on foot in about 15–20 minutes. The walk is level and fully paved, passing through historic streets and across canals as you approach Slotsholmen. This option is suitable for most visitors with average mobility, though cobblestones in some sections can be uneven for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
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Cycling through the city centre
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it easy to reach Slotsholmen by bike from many central districts in 5–15 minutes. City bike rentals and shared bikes typically cost from about 20–40 DKK for 30 minutes, depending on the provider. Cycle lanes are generally well-marked and segregated, but traffic is dense at rush hour, so less confident cyclists may prefer quieter times of day. Bicycle parking is available on nearby streets rather than inside the garden itself.
Garden of the Royal Library 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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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Garden of the Royal Library
A secluded oasis on Copenhagen’s castle island
Hidden between the brick facades of the Royal Library, the Tøjhus Museum and Christiansborg Palace, the Garden of the Royal Library feels like a secret courtyard that the city forgot to fill with noise. You step into a rectangle of calm where lawns are trimmed to geometric precision, paths are simple and straight, and the space opens unexpectedly after the dense streets of Indre By. The garden forms a soft green hinge between the older library buildings and the modern waterfront extension, often called the Black Diamond, linking centuries of scholarship with contemporary architecture. Despite its central position on Slotsholmen, the garden is visually enclosed by high walls and surrounding buildings, so traffic and city bustle fade to a muted backdrop. Benches line the paths, inviting you to sit under trees that change character with the seasons, from spring blossom to dense summer shade and crisp autumn colour. For many visitors it becomes an outdoor reading room, echoing the library next door.From naval harbour to literary garden
The garden occupies the former site of Christian IV’s naval harbour, Tøjhushavnen, once a functional basin where warships and supply vessels moored in the 17th and 18th centuries. When the harbour became obsolete, the basin was gradually filled and, in 1920, transformed into a garden designed by landscape gardener Jens Peder Andersen working with architect Thorvald Jørgensen. Their plan kept the long, linear proportions of the old dock and translated them into formal, almost cloister-like greenery. Traces of the maritime past are still quietly present. A small rectangular pond in the centre recalls the harbour water, while an original mooring ring has been set into the masonry at one end as a subtle historical marker. Rather than erasing the site’s previous life, the garden uses these details to tell a story of Copenhagen’s evolution from seafaring stronghold to modern cultural capital.Layout, sculptures and seasonal atmosphere
The design is deliberately restrained: straight gravel walks, flat lawns, clipped hedges and well-placed trees that frame views towards the surrounding façades. This simplicity creates a strong sense of order and makes the water feature and art stand out. A tranquil pool with a fountain provides soft background sound, its surface often reflecting the sky and the brick walls around you. Scattered through the garden are sculptures and memorials that add a contemplative tone. Among them is a statue of philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, captured deep in thought, which underlines the garden’s connection to Denmark’s literary and intellectual life. Modern works, including abstract copper forms, introduce a contrasting contemporary note without overwhelming the quiet setting. Seasonality is a major part of the experience. In spring, flowering trees – including delicate cherry blossoms – turn the space into a pastel canopy above the paths. Summer brings dense, cool shade and picnics on the grass. Autumn light picks out the warm hues of the surrounding masonry and falling leaves, while even in winter the stark lines of trees and hedges give the garden a calm, almost monastic character.A quiet companion to the Royal Library
The garden functions as the Royal Library’s outdoor counterpart, an informal extension of its reading rooms. Students and researchers stroll out with books, office workers slip in with takeaway coffee, and visitors drift between palace courts and museums to pause here. The mood is contemplative rather than playful; this is a place for conversation at low volume, for sketching, journalling or simply watching the fountain. The surrounding institutions shape the atmosphere. To one side, the older library building and arsenal structures speak of royal power and military history. To another, the Black Diamond’s glass surfaces catch glints of light that filter into the garden. This layered architectural frame gives the space a quiet gravitas, yet it remains informal enough that you can sit barefoot on the grass on a warm day.Planning your visit and making the most of the calm
Access is free, and the garden typically keeps long opening hours, often from early morning until late evening, making it easy to fit into almost any itinerary. Many people pair a visit here with time in Christiansborg Palace, the nearby museums or the waterfront promenade, using the garden as a restorative stop between denser cultural experiences. You can comfortably see the whole space in half an hour, but lingering longer reveals its subtler rhythms: the shift of light across the pond, the echo of footsteps on gravel, and the contrast between the quiet interior and the knowledge that ministries, courts and parliament are all operating just beyond the walls. It is this juxtaposition – intensive national decision-making outside and a pocket of stillness inside – that gives the Garden of the Royal Library its distinctive character in the fabric of Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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
0.2 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.
Frederik VII
0.2 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.2 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.
The Stable Boy's House
0.2 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.
Circle Bridge
0.3 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.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.3 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Højbro
0.3 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Kopenhagen
0.4 km
Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Højbro Pl.
0.4 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.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.5 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Stork Fountain
0.5 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.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Amagertorv
0.5 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
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.0 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.
Slotsholmen
0.1 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
The War Museum
0.1 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.1 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Black Diamond
0.2 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Christiansborg Palace
0.2 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Børsen
0.2 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Church of Holmen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Marmorbroen
0.3 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.
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.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.3 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.
Essential places to dine
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.
No. 2
0.3 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 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
0.4 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
0.4 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 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.
Restaurant Puk
0.5 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Tight
0.5 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
0.5 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Noi
0.5 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Rio Bravo
0.5 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.5 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
0.5 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Kadeau
0.6 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Llama
0.6 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.4 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Audrey Vintage
0.5 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
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.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Akimbo
0.5 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.5 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
& Other Stories
0.5 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Magasin du Nord
0.5 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.
Magnolias
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.5 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.6 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
0.6 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.
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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ruby
0.4 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
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.
Godt Øl
0.4 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.
Zefside
0.4 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Dubliner
0.5 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.
The Rooftop Bar
0.5 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 Marble Bar
0.5 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Southern Cross Pub
0.6 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.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Centralhjørnet
0.6 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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.6 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.6 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.7 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Lusso
0.7 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
0.7 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.
Miami Bar
0.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.7 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.7 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Dorsia
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
0.8 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Mini Bar
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Cosy Bar
0.9 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
0.9 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
0.9 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Arch
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
