H. C. Andersens Boulevard, Copenhagen
A bustling central boulevard where Copenhagen’s traffic, Tivoli’s towers and Hans Christian Andersen’s bronze likeness meet in the shadow of City Hall.
H. C. Andersens Boulevard is one of Copenhagen’s main arteries, cutting through the historic Indre By and skirting the lively City Hall Square and Tivoli Gardens. Named for Denmark’s beloved fairy-tale writer, the broad boulevard blends heavy city traffic with classic architecture, statues and monuments, including the famous seated bronze figure of Hans Christian Andersen gazing toward Tivoli. It is less a single sight than an urban corridor: a place you pass, cross and pause along while exploring central Copenhagen’s theatres, museums and squares.
A brief summary to H. C. Andersens Blvd.
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a stop at H. C. Andersens Boulevard with a visit to City Hall Square and Tivoli Gardens; everything is within a short, easy walk once you are at the boulevard.
- For photographs with the Hans Christian Andersen statue, visit early in the morning or in the evening when foot traffic around City Hall Square is lighter.
- Use the boulevard as a navigation aid: it runs roughly north–south along the western edge of Indre By, making it a reliable reference line during city walks.
- Take care when crossing; traffic is heavy and fast-moving, but designated crossings with signals make it straightforward if you wait for the lights.
- In colder months, the wind can funnel along the wide street; dress in layers and consider a windproof jacket if you plan to linger outdoors here.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
From most central Copenhagen locations, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Rådhuspladsen Station, which typically takes 5–10 minutes from other inner-city stops. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day, and a single-zone ticket costs roughly 20–25 DKK. The station exits open directly onto City Hall Square, a short, step-free walk from H. C. Andersens Boulevard, with lifts available for wheelchair users.
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City Bus
Several city bus lines run along or near H. C. Andersens Boulevard from different districts of Copenhagen, with journey times usually between 10 and 25 minutes depending on distance and traffic. Standard bus tickets cost about 20–25 DKK for travel within the central zones and can be purchased via ticket machines or travel apps. Buses are low-floor and generally accessible, but at peak commuter times they can be crowded and may be slower due to congestion on the boulevard.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle network makes it practical to reach H. C. Andersens Boulevard by bike from most inner neighbourhoods in 10–20 minutes. The boulevard itself has marked cycle lanes, but traffic is fast and dense, so this option suits riders comfortable with busy urban cycling. Public bike-share schemes and rental shops across the city offer bicycles for a daily fee, typically starting around 100–150 DKK per day, often including lights and locks.
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On Foot from Central Copenhagen
If you are already in the central city around Strøget, the Latin Quarter or the main railway station, reaching H. C. Andersens Boulevard on foot usually takes 5–15 minutes. Pavements are generally wide and level, with signal-controlled crossings at the boulevard itself. The area is suitable for most walkers, though those sensitive to noise should be aware that this is a particularly busy and traffic-heavy street.
H. C. Andersens Blvd. location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about H. C. Andersens Blvd.
A Grand Boulevard in the Heart of Copenhagen
H. C. Andersens Boulevard slices through central Copenhagen, forming a wide ribbon of asphalt between the old town streets and the brick bulk of City Hall. This is one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, carrying streams of buses, bikes and cars past landmark buildings and open squares. Yet despite the traffic, it is also a handy reference line for orienting yourself in Indre By: follow it and you brush past Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen City Hall and the edge of the lakes that frame the inner city. The boulevard’s generous width, central tram- and bus-friendly design, and flanking pavements create an urban stage where everyday life plays out. Cyclists glide in dedicated lanes, office workers hurry to meetings, and visitors pause at crossings with guidebooks in hand. The constant motion is part of its character, making it feel more like a living spine than a static monument.Hans Christian Andersen in Bronze and Stone
The boulevard’s namesake is never far from view. Near City Hall Square, a larger-than-life bronze statue of Hans Christian Andersen sits on a low plinth, book in hand and cane by his side, looking across toward Tivoli’s fanciful towers. The pose captures the writer at rest yet alert, as if he has paused mid-tale to observe the city that shaped him. This corner acts as an informal meeting point and photo stop. Visitors often perch on the statue’s knee or cluster at its base for group shots, while school groups gather around to hear stories of The Little Mermaid or The Ugly Duckling. The juxtaposition of the calm, seated figure and the roaring boulevard behind him underlines how thoroughly Andersen has been woven into Copenhagen’s modern identity.City Hall, Squares and Urban Landmarks
Running alongside the boulevard is Rådhuspladsen, City Hall Square, a broad plaza framed by the red-brick City Hall on one side and commercial buildings on the other. From the pavement you can admire the City Hall’s tall clock tower, ornate façade and sculpted details, all typical of Denmark’s turn-of-the-20th-century civic architecture. Around this hub cluster a handful of other civic and cultural markers: fountains, clocks, advertising signs and flagpoles that change with the season. The wide open space of the square contrasts sharply with the channeled movement of the boulevard. Step a few metres away from the traffic and you can watch buskers, demonstrations, or simply crowds flowing between shops, attractions and side streets.Gateway to Tivoli and the City’s Attractions
For many visitors, H. C. Andersens Boulevard is their first encounter with central Copenhagen as they emerge from nearby stations or city buses. Tivoli Gardens sits just across from the boulevard’s western edge, its gates, domes and rides peeking above fences and façades. Follow the line of the road and you are only a short walk from museums, theatres, shopping streets and the waterfront. Rather than being a destination in its own right, the boulevard functions as a gateway and connector. Its crossings shepherd you between neighbourhoods, its sidewalks deliver you to attractions, and its constant traffic reminds you that this is a working capital as well as a historic centre. From here, it is easy to branch off toward the lakes, the Latin Quarter, or further down to the harbour.Experiencing the Atmosphere at Street Level
What makes time on H. C. Andersens Boulevard memorable is the sensory mix: the low rumble of buses, the soft hiss of bike tyres, the chiming of the City Hall clock and, on breezy days, the rustle of flags overhead. On clear evenings the façades glow in warm light, while the neon and arches of Tivoli flicker to life just across the way. In daylight, you can pick out architectural details on the surrounding buildings or watch locals navigating the cycle lanes with casual confidence. After dark, the boulevard feels more dramatic, with headlights, streetlamps and illuminated towers giving the scene a cinematic quality. It is rarely tranquil, but it offers an authentic slice of Copenhagen’s urban rhythm.Practical Pause Point on a City Walk
Despite the traffic, the pavements and corners along H. C. Andersens Boulevard serve as convenient pause points when exploring the inner city on foot. Benches and low walls on or near City Hall Square offer somewhere to sit and plan your next move, while clear sightlines make it easy to reorient yourself. From here, you can thread into quieter side streets, dive into Tivoli, or head toward other Hans Christian Andersen-related sites scattered across the city. Even if you treat the boulevard mainly as something to cross, its scale, name and landmarks ensure it remains one of the most recognisable axes on the map of Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.0 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Lur Blowers
0.1 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.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.3 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
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
0.4 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 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.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.6 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Stable Boy's House
0.6 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.
Gammel Strand
0.6 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Strøget
0.6 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.6 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.
Gråbrødretorv
0.7 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
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.
The War Museum
0.7 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Unmissable attractions to see
Statue of Andersen
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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.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.1 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
City Hall Square
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Rainbow Square
0.1 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.1 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.2 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Tivoli Gardens
0.2 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.2 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.2 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Rutschebanen
0.3 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
0.3 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.3 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.3 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
National Museum of Denmark
0.3 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
The Tube
0.3 km
Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.
Essential places to dine
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.2 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Spisestedet FEED
0.2 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Rio Bravo
0.2 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.3 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Restaurant Karla
0.3 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
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.3 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.4 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Restaurant Noi
0.4 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.4 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Krebsegaarden
0.4 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Restaurant 1733
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Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Kanal-Caféen
0.5 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Vækst
0.5 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.2 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
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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
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Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.3 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.3 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.
Souvenir Shop
0.3 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.3 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
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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.
Wasteland
0.4 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.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
0.4 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Quirky Lane
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Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.5 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Notre Dame
0.5 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.5 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Southern Cross Pub
0.2 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Taphouse
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Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
The Rooftop Bar
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Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Proud Mary Pub
0.2 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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.2 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Scottish Pub
0.2 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
Centralhjørnet
0.3 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
The Shamrock Inn
0.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Musen & Elefanten
0.3 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Library Bar
0.3 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Zefside
0.4 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
The Marble Bar
0.4 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Floss Bar
0.4 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.2 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Module
0.2 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Dorsia
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.3 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Never Mind
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Miami Bar
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
0.4 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
0.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Mirror
0.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Chateau Motel
0.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
0.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Hive
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Arch
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
