Royal Danish Playhouse (Skuespilhuset)
Contemporary Danish drama in a hovering waterfront landmark, where sharp Scandinavian architecture meets a broad wooden pier and sweeping views of Copenhagen’s inner harbour.
Set on Copenhagen’s inner harbour at Sankt Annæ Plads, the Royal Danish Playhouse is a striking modern theatre dedicated to spoken drama. Opened in 2008 as part of the Royal Danish Theatre, it pairs contemporary Scandinavian design by Lundgaard & Tranberg with a broad wooden pier that wraps around the building, creating a public promenade over the water. Inside, three stages host Danish and international plays, while floor‑to‑ceiling glass, warm timber and harbor views make it as much an architectural attraction as a cultural venue.
A brief summary to The Playhouse
- Sankt Annæ Pl. 36, Indre By, Indre By, 1250, DK
- +4533696969
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Even if you do not see a play, walk the wooden pier around the building for some of the best, uncrowded views toward the Copenhagen Opera House and the inner harbour.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain time to enjoy the foyer’s atmosphere, find your seat without rush and perhaps have a drink with a harbor view.
- Check the Royal Danish Theatre’s program in advance; most productions are in Danish, but occasional performances, talks or surtitled shows are more accessible for non‑Danish speakers.
- Dress in layers—large glass façades and proximity to the water mean the foyer can feel warm in sunshine and noticeably cooler on windy or winter days.
- Combine a visit with a stroll from Kongens Nytorv via Nyhavn to appreciate how the Playhouse fits into Copenhagen’s broader cultural waterfront.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
From Kongens Nytorv metro station in central Copenhagen, the Playhouse is typically reached on foot in about 10–15 minutes via level pavements through Nyhavn and Sankt Annæ Plads. The route is well lit and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Using a standard city public‑transport ticket or city card, a single metro journey within the central zones generally costs around 20–30 DKK and trains run every few minutes throughout the day.
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Harbour bus along the inner harbour
The inner harbour bus line connects several quays along Copenhagen’s waterfront, including stops near Nyhavn and the Opera House, with a pier close to the Royal Danish Playhouse. Travel time from stops around the city centre is usually 10–20 minutes, depending on direction. Regular public‑transport tickets and city cards are valid, with fares in the 20–30 DKK range. Services run at set intervals and can be less frequent in late evenings or on certain public holidays.
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City bus services to Sankt Annæ Plads area
Several city bus routes serve the Sankt Annæ Plads and Nyhavn area, from where the Playhouse is about a 5–10 minute walk on flat, paved streets. Typical bus journeys within central Copenhagen take 10–25 minutes depending on starting point and traffic. Standard single tickets cost roughly 20–30 DKK, and buses usually operate from early morning until late evening, with reduced frequency at night and on weekends.
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Bicycle access via harbourfront cycle paths
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle network makes it easy to reach the Playhouse by bike, following dedicated cycle lanes and harbourfront routes from districts such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro in roughly 10–25 minutes. Terrain is flat, but waterfront sections can be exposed in windy weather. Visitors without their own bike can use local bike‑share schemes, where short hires commonly cost from around 20–40 DKK for a half hour, with additional charges for longer rides.
The Playhouse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about The Playhouse
Modern drama on Copenhagen’s inner harbour
The Royal Danish Playhouse, known locally as Skuespilhuset, anchors the tip of Kvæsthusbroen on Copenhagen’s inner harbor, a short stroll from colorful Nyhavn yet set in its own calm pocket of waterfront. Purpose‑built for spoken drama within the Royal Danish Theatre family, it opened in 2008 to give contemporary plays a dedicated home separate from the historic Old Stage and the grand Copenhagen Opera House. From the city side, the building reads as a low, elongated volume, but as you approach the harbor edge the architecture reveals its complexity: a deep overhanging roof, long horizontal lines and a dark, compact body that seems to hover above the water. Large panes of glass expose the foyer and bar, turning the interior into a glowing lantern after dusk and signaling that this is a house for performance and public life.Architecture that floats above the water
Designed by Danish studio Lundgaard & Tranberg, the Playhouse quickly became a reference point in contemporary Scandinavian architecture. Its façade is clad in deep brown brick and coppery tones, which echo traditional Copenhagen materials while feeling distinctly modern. Most striking are the irregular, almost Venetian‑style angled columns that support the volume as it projects over the harbor, giving the impression that the theatre lightly rests on the water. A wide wooden deck wraps around the building, blurring the line between pier, plaza and promenade. This generous public space invites you to wander along the water’s edge, sit with your feet dangling above the waves, or frame photographs of the harbor and the mirrored glass of the Opera House across the channel. On bright days, the contrast between the dark building and the glittering water is particularly dramatic.Inside the house of spoken theatre
Behind the glass façade, the foyer is a long, linear space lined with timber, soft lighting and clusters of seating. Bars and café counters make it as much a social hall as a circulation area, filling with pre‑show anticipation and the comfortable murmur of intermission conversations. From here, staircases and corridors lead to three different stages, each with its own personality and size, allowing the theatre to present large‑scale dramas, intimate chamber plays and experimental work under one roof. The main auditorium is designed for clarity of speech and close connection between actors and audience. Seating tiers wrap the stage in a gentle arc, and carefully tuned acoustics ensure that even whispered lines carry to the back rows. Backstage, the building is a compact machine for theatre‑making, with rehearsal spaces, workshops and technical facilities arranged to support a constant cycle of productions.A harbourfront cultural hub, day and night
Even if you are not attending a performance, the Playhouse serves as an accessible cultural landmark. The waterfront café and restaurant, with large windows facing the channel, make the most of the location, turning the theatre into an all‑day meeting place for locals and visitors. On sunny afternoons, the outdoor seating spills onto the pier, where people linger over drinks while watching ferries, kayakers and harbor buses glide by. The building forms part of a broader cultural axis that links the Royal Danish Theatre’s historic Old Stage at Kongens Nytorv with the modern Opera House across the water. Seen from the opposite bank, the Playhouse’s low profile, glowing foyer and sharp lines compose a distinctive silhouette that anchors this side of the harbor. As light changes through the seasons—from winter dusk to late Nordic summer evenings—the atmosphere of the pier shifts, offering fresh perspectives on the architecture and the city.Planning your visit to the Playhouse
The Royal Danish Playhouse operates primarily as a working theatre, with a program of Danish‑language drama and occasional international productions. Performances typically take place in the evening, with some matinees, and tickets are sold through the Royal Danish Theatre’s booking channels. While much of the repertoire is in Danish, the building alone is worth a detour for anyone interested in architecture or contemporary urban waterfronts. You can explore the exterior and pier at any time, and the foyer, café and restrooms are generally accessible when the building is open for rehearsals or shows. The flat timber decks and spacious interior circulation make it relatively easy to navigate for most visitors, and large windows ensure that even a brief visit offers generous views of the harbor. Combined with nearby Nyhavn, Amalienborg and the Opera House, the Playhouse fits naturally into a half‑day exploration of central Copenhagen’s cultural waterfront.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.2 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.3 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.4 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Larsens Pl.
0.5 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.7 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
I am Queen Mary
0.7 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Knippelsbro
0.7 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Christiania
0.8 km
Explore Christiania, Copenhagen's alternative lifestyle hub, filled with vibrant street art, unique shops, and a rich cultural experience.
Operaen
0.8 km
A striking harbourfront landmark where cutting-edge architecture, golden interiors and world-class opera meet amid sweeping views of Copenhagen’s historic skyline.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.8 km
Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.8 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Christianshavn
0.8 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Church of Holmen
0.8 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Church of Our Saviour
0.8 km
A striking palace on Slotsholmen island, Christiansborg is where Copenhagen’s history, royal splendor, and political power converge in one unforgettable landmark.
Børsen
0.8 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ofelia Plads
0.1 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
Hey Captain
0.1 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
The Kissing Stairs
0.1 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.2 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.2 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Nyhavn
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s storybook harbour, where colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés bring the city’s maritime history to life in one vivid canal.
North Atlantic House
0.3 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.4 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Havnepromenade
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
Amaliehaven
0.4 km
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.4 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.4 km
UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør, famed as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', with iconic spires, lavish halls, and sweeping views across the Øresund Strait.
Bredgade 18
0.4 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
Rytterstatuen
0.5 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Memorial Anchor
0.5 km
Explore one of Europe’s oldest zoos, home to over 3,000 animals, award-winning architecture, immersive habitats, conservation programs, and engaging family activities.
Essential places to dine
Khun Juk
0.1 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Restaurant Barr
0.3 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Skipperkroen
0.3 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
0.3 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.4 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
à terre
0.5 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Aoc
0.5 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Goldfinch
0.5 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Rebel
0.6 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.
Restaurant Vita
0.6 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Den Lille Fede
0.6 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.
Bistro Royal
0.6 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Marchal
0.6 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.7 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Maritime Antiques &
0.2 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Copenhagenglass
0.2 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.6 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
The Wilde Shop
0.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Magasin du Nord
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Viking Souvenirs
0.6 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.7 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
0.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
The Crown souvenir
0.8 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Urban Outfitters
0.8 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Storm - design art fashion
0.8 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.
ILLUM
0.9 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.9 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
0.5 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.7 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
0.7 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Eiffel bar
0.7 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Balthazar
0.7 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.
1105
0.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Black Swan
0.9 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.
The Moose
0.9 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.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
K-Bar
0.9 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
0.9 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
Trykbar
0.9 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.
The Dubliner
1.0 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.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
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.
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.
The Zoo
0.9 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.
Culture Box
1.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Chateau Motel
1.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Arch
1.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
La Terraza
1.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Club Mambo
1.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Dorsia
1.5 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
1.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- 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
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
