ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
A three‑meter scrap‑metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses industrial leftovers and big ideas into one striking, waterfront sculpture.
Perched on Copenhagen’s Nordre Toldbod waterfront, **ZinkGlobal** is a striking 3‑meter scrap‑metal figure by Danish artist Kim “The Zinker” Michael. Assembled from old machine and car parts, the contemplative humanoid sits on a giant key, symbolising the “key to the future” and nodding to Rodin’s The Thinker. Since its 2012 debut, this raw, industrial sculpture has sparked debate amid the elegant harbor architecture, becoming a quirky urban landmark, photo stop, and informal meeting point just a short stroll from the Little Mermaid.
A brief summary to ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
- Nordre Toldbod 12, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1259, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit for early morning or late evening to enjoy softer light on the metal surface and fewer people in your photos.
- Walk a slow circle around the sculpture to spot familiar car and machine parts that have been reimagined into muscles and joints.
- Combine a brief stop here with a longer harborfront stroll taking in nearby monuments and waterfront viewpoints.
- Dress for changeable harbor weather; wind and drizzle can make the exposed quayside feel colder than the rest of the city.
- If you enjoy photography, experiment with low angles that frame the sculpture against the sky or with boats passing behind it.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and walking from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken Station, a frequent high‑capacity service with trains roughly every 3–6 minutes during the day. The ride from major transfer hubs in the city center usually takes 3–6 minutes, and a standard adult single ticket within the central zones generally costs around 20–30 DKK. From Marmorkirken, allow about 10–15 minutes on foot along mostly flat sidewalks and harbor promenades; the route is suitable for most visitors but can feel exposed in windy or wet weather.
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Harbor bus (boat) and short walk
Copenhagen’s harbor buses operate like floating city buses along the inner harbor. Services typically run every 15–30 minutes during the day, with slightly reduced frequency in the evening and on some winter days. A single journey normally costs the same as a regular city bus ticket, around 20–30 DKK, and tickets are valid across buses, metro, and harbor boats within the same zones. Depending on your starting point along the waterfront, travel time ranges from about 10 to 25 minutes. Disembark at a stop near Nordre Toldbod and expect a 5–10 minute level walk on paved quayside surfaces; be prepared for strong wind and colder temperatures than inland.
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Cycling along the harborfront
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle network makes reaching Nordre Toldbod by bike straightforward from most central districts. Riding time from the city center is typically 10–20 minutes at a moderate pace, almost entirely on dedicated cycle lanes or shared harborfront paths. Visitors without a bike can use common city bike schemes or standard rentals, which often cost in the range of 75–150 DKK per day depending on type and season. Surfaces are mostly flat, but be aware of gusty winds along the open water and increased traffic during weekday rush hours. Bicycle parking is informal along nearby railings and bike stands, and the approach is generally manageable for casual cyclists.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
A contemplative figure on Copenhagen’s working waterfront
ZinkGlobal sits on the edge of Copenhagen’s inner harbor at Nordre Toldbod, where old quays, ferry terminals, and promenades meet busy shipping lanes. Here, against a backdrop of water, passing boats, and monumental harbor buildings, the three‑meter metal figure perches on a massive key, chin resting on its hand in a pose that immediately recalls Rodin’s The Thinker. Instead of smooth bronze, though, every limb is a lattice of gears, axles, pipes, and welded scraps, catching the light in an intricate patchwork of textures. From a distance, the silhouette looks almost classical; up close, it becomes a tangle of recognizable machine parts, hinting at engines, industry, and urban infrastructure. The setting is deliberately open: no railing, no high plinth, just a low base at promenade level. That makes the sculpture feel approachable, part of everyday harbor life, rather than an untouchable monument.From scrap heap to symbol of a technological age
Created by Danish artist Kim Michael, who also works under the name “The Zinker,” the sculpture was completed and installed in 2012. Rather than casting fresh metal, the artist sourced discarded car and machine components, welding them together into a single, contemplative figure. The choice of material is central to the work’s meaning: it suggests a world built on mechanical progress now pausing to reflect on where that progress is taking us. The key under the figure’s feet is not just a visual prop but a clear part of the narrative. Described as the “key to the future,” it invites readings around responsibility, innovation, and the human role in steering technology. The human form, constructed from industrial leftovers, seems to be both product and master of the machinery it is made of, pondering its own next move.A controversial arrival among dignified neighbors
When ZinkGlobal first appeared on this polished stretch of waterfront, surrounded by classical statuary, royal pavilions, and corporate headquarters, its rough‑hewn look raised eyebrows. The piece did not come through conventional public‑art commissioning channels; instead, it was financed through private support, with the artist arranging to rent the patch of paving where it stands. This independent route sparked debate about who gets to decide what appears in such a prominent public‑private space. Some critics questioned whether a scrap‑metal figure belonged amid historic architecture and carefully curated monuments. Others focused on its unorthodox funding and installation, seeing it as a challenge to traditional art committees. The discussion around the work quickly became part of its identity, reflecting tensions between established cultural institutions and more grassroots, self‑driven artistic projects.Street‑level encounter rather than distant monument
Experiencing ZinkGlobal is less about a formal museum‑style viewing and more about a casual encounter on a harbor walk. The sculpture stands at roughly eye level, encouraging you to wander around it, trace the lines of its improvised anatomy, and spot where a gear becomes a kneecap or a crankshaft forms part of the spine. Because there is no fencing or pedestal separating art from passerby, the piece feels woven into the everyday rhythm of joggers, commuters, and cyclists. The harbor setting adds constant motion: ferries come and go, the light shifts across the water, and the metal surface changes character with sun, cloud, and rain. On bright days, the welded parts gleam; in overcast weather, the figure looks moodier, almost brooding. Photography‑minded visitors find countless angles, from close‑up details of bolts and weld seams to wide shots that frame the thinker‑figure against the harbor skyline.Connections to nearby icons and hidden narratives
Although it occupies its own stretch of quay, ZinkGlobal also sits within a constellation of Copenhagen landmarks. Not far away, the famous Little Mermaid draws crowds, offering a more traditional bronze take on the solitary figure at the water’s edge. Seen together, the two works highlight different eras of public art: one finely cast, mythic, and official; the other improvised from scrap, industrial, and self‑initiated. The sculpture has picked up informal nicknames over time, including comparisons to cinematic cyborgs, which suit its metallic skeleton and reflective gaze. These playful associations soften its harder industrial edges and underline how readily the human mind projects stories onto an anonymous, thinking figure. Whether you read it as a visionary, a warning about over‑mechanization, or simply an eye‑catching piece of harbor art, it rewards a few unhurried minutes of looking.A small stop with big visual impact
In practical terms, ZinkGlobal is a compact, open‑air stop that fits easily into a wider wander along the water. There is no ticket office or formal entrance; you simply step off the promenade and stand alongside it. Many visitors pause here briefly, but those intrigued by contemporary sculpture or urban design may linger, returning at different times of day to see how the metal and harbor light interact. Because it is freely accessible around the clock, the experience shifts with the hour: early mornings feel quiet and reflective, daytime brings a steady stream of foot traffic, and evenings cloak the welded contours in atmospheric shadows from nearby lighting. For anyone exploring Copenhagen’s harborfront beyond its postcard icons, ZinkGlobal offers a compact but memorable encounter with a more experimental side of the city’s public art.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.1 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
Horn mine
0.2 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Our Fallen
0.3 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
I am Queen Mary
0.4 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.4 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Maritime Monument
0.5 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Larsens Pl.
0.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.8 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
St. Paul's Church
0.8 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.9 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.
The Kissing Stairs
1.0 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
1.0 km
Aarhus University Park blends stunning natural scenery with iconic Danish architecture, creating a lush urban haven and cultural centerpiece in the heart of Aarhus.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
1.0 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Ofelia Plads
1.0 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Langelinie
1.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's iconic waterfront promenade, home to the Little Mermaid, historic landmarks, and stunning harbor views, offering a captivating blend of culture and maritime charm.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gefion Fountain
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Langelinie Park
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Langelinieparken
0.2 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
St Alban's Church
0.2 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.2 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.2 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.3 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
The Little Mermaid
0.4 km
Historic harbor district ablaze with color, culture, and canals—Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic waterfront destination.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.4 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Kastellet
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.6 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Inugsuk
0.6 km
Discover one of Europe's oldest and most innovative zoos, home to over 4,000 animals and award-winning habitats in the leafy heart of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
Amaliegade
0.6 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Medicinsk Museion
0.6 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Essential places to dine
La Banchina
0.7 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Veve
0.9 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
Kokkeriet
0.9 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Aoc
1.0 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Noma
1.0 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Alchemist
1.0 km
A boundary-pushing Copenhagen icon where fine dining, art installation and social commentary fuse into a five-hour, 50-course immersive experience under a vast projected dome.
Restaurant Rebel
1.0 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
1.1 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
1.1 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Khun Juk
1.2 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.
Skipperkroen
1.2 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
1.2 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Den Lille Fede
1.2 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.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.2 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.
Goldfinch
1.2 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.3 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.8 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.
Maritime Antiques &
1.1 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
1.1 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
The Wilde Shop
1.2 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Zane
1.2 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.4 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
1.4 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.4 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
1.4 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Storm - design art fashion
1.4 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.
Magasin du Nord
1.5 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.5 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.
Norse Projects
1.6 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.8 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.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.3 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
1.3 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Brønnum
1.4 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
1.4 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.
Trykbar
1.4 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.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.4 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
1105
1.5 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Moose
1.5 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.
Charlie's Bar
1.6 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
1.6 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Gejser Bar
1.6 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Chevy's
1.7 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
Søernes Ølbar
1.7 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
1.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
1.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.4 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
1.5 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.
Operaen
1.7 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Mirage
2.0 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
2.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
2.0 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
2.1 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
2.1 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
2.1 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
2.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
2.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
2.3 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
2.3 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
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
