North Atlantic House (Nordatlantisk Hus), Odense Harbour
A waterfront cultural village in Odense Harbour, where striking Nordic architecture, North Atlantic art, storytelling and cuisine meet beside the water’s edge.
Set on Odense’s revitalised harbour, North Atlantic House (Nordatlantisk Hus) is a contemporary cultural hub dedicated to the cultures of Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Behind its dramatic zinc-clad roofs and concrete landscape you’ll find changing exhibitions, talks, concerts and community events, plus a superb Nordic-inspired restaurant and a design shop showcasing crafts and delicacies from across the North Atlantic region.
A brief summary to North Atlantic House
- Nordatlantisk Promenade 1, Odense Municipality, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4566137085
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the current exhibition and event programme in advance so you can time your visit with a concert, talk or film screening focused on Iceland, Greenland or the Faroe Islands.
- Combine your gallery visit with brunch or dinner at Restaurant Nordatlanten to experience North Atlantic flavours while looking out over the harbour.
- Leave time for the on-site shop, which stocks distinctive North Atlantic crafts, design pieces and delicacies that make meaningful, regionally rooted souvenirs.
- Stroll along the surrounding quays after your visit; the building’s zinc roofs and concrete landscape are especially photogenic in late-afternoon or evening light.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Walk from Odense city centre
From central Odense, reaching North Atlantic House on the harbour is an easy urban walk of about 15–25 minutes, depending on your starting point and pace. The route follows paved streets and harbour promenades with only gentle inclines, suitable for most visitors and prams. Surfaces are largely smooth, although occasional cobblestones and exposed areas by the water can feel breezy in cooler months, so dress for wind and changing weather.
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City bus and short walk
Several city buses run between Odense train station and stops near the harbour, with typical journey times of 10–20 minutes including a short walk. A single adult ticket within the city generally costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently during daytime and early evening on weekdays, with reduced frequency later at night and on weekends, so check timetables if you plan a late return.
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Bicycle from wider Odense
Odense is very cycle-friendly, and North Atlantic House is easily reached by bike in roughly 10–20 minutes from most central neighbourhoods, using marked cycle lanes for the majority of the way. Riding is mostly flat and suitable for casual cyclists. If you use a rental or bike-share service, expect to pay from about 30–80 DKK for up to a few hours, depending on the provider and bike type. Remember that harbourfront sections can be windy, and be prepared for rain showers in unsettled weather.
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Car or taxi within Odense area
By car or taxi, the harbour area is typically 5–15 minutes from central Odense, traffic permitting. There is usually short-term parking available near the quays, sometimes with free or time-limited spaces; check local signs for current rules and possible fees. A taxi ride within the city often falls in the 80–160 DKK range depending on distance and time of day. In busy periods or during large events at the harbour, parking close to the building can be tighter, so allow extra time to find a space.
North Atlantic House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about North Atlantic House
A harbourfront gateway to the North Atlantic
North Atlantic House rises at the edge of Odense Harbour like a small Nordic village, its dark zinc roofs and angular silhouettes reflected in the water below. Conceived as a meeting place between Denmark and the North Atlantic, the cultural centre shines a spotlight on the art, stories and everyday life of Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Glass fronts open onto the quayside so the boundary between city, sea and culture feels deliberately blurred. Inside, white walls and generous windows create a bright, maritime feel. Exposed concrete and timber details nod to working harbour warehouses, while subtle design touches – from textiles to materials – hint at distant islands and cold northern seas. It is at once a sleek contemporary building and a warm, human-scale place where you can linger, learn and eat.Architecture shaped by northern landscapes
The building was designed by Danish architects Cornelius + Vöge as a cluster of three house-like volumes lifted on pillars above a sculpted concrete landscape. This raised "rocky" plinth evokes the cliffs and shorelines of the North Atlantic, while the steep saddle roofs recall traditional wooden houses from northern fishing towns. Walking around the exterior, you can trace these references in the sharp gables, deep eaves and carefully framed harbour views. Look closer and you notice the play of textures: black zinc cladding catches the weather, pale concrete terraces step down to the water, and warm interior woods soften the overall composition. The architecture is intentionally narrative – it tells a quiet story of distant coasts, harsh climates and resilient communities, translated into a contemporary Danish harbour setting.Cultural life from Iceland, Greenland and the Faroes
At the heart of North Atlantic House is its programme of exhibitions and events focusing on the three North Atlantic societies. Gallery spaces host rotating shows of contemporary art, photography, design and crafts, often exploring themes such as Arctic nature, island identity, language and climate. Alongside visual art, the house regularly stages lectures, author talks, film screenings and concerts that bring musicians and speakers from across the region to Odense. Community associations linked to Greenlandic, Faroese and Icelandic culture also use the centre, so you may encounter everything from storytelling evenings to cultural festivals. Information material and small displays help unpack geography, history and modern life in these remote territories, making the house both a cultural stage and an informal learning space.Food, fellowship and design with a Nordic touch
On the ground floor, Restaurant Nordatlanten anchors the building’s social life. Here the menu celebrates ingredients from the North Atlantic – think ultra-fresh seafood, Icelandic-inspired dishes, Greenlandic specialities and seasonal Nordic produce. Large windows frame the harbour, so dining feels closely connected to the maritime setting that shaped these cuisines. At weekends, a generous brunch often combines familiar breakfast dishes with more adventurous northern flavours. Nearby, a small shop showcases design pieces, jewellery, textiles, ceramics and delicacies from the North Atlantic countries. Browsing the shelves, you move from books and art prints to woollen accessories and gourmet products, each item telling its own story of craft traditions and island resources. Together, restaurant and shop turn the cultural centre into a place where taste, touch and conversation are central to the experience.Harbour atmosphere and student life
North Atlantic House was one of the early keystones in the transformation of Odense Harbour into a lively urban district. Around the building, broad quays and open plazas invite you to sit with a coffee and watch small boats, paddleboarders and passing cyclists. In the upper levels, a cluster of student apartments adds everyday life to the complex; lights in the gables at night underline that this is not just a venue but a living community. The atmosphere shifts gently with the seasons. On bright summer evenings, the outdoor terraces buzz with conversation and the low sun glints off the zinc roofs. In winter, the building feels like a lantern on the water, drawing you into warm interiors where art, stories and shared meals offer a different kind of North Atlantic warmth.Planning your visit
A visit to North Atlantic House can be as short or as in-depth as you like. You might simply step in to see the current exhibition and enjoy a coffee with a harbour view, or plan a longer stay that combines gallery visits, a leisurely lunch and time in the design shop. Event listings change throughout the year, from intimate concerts and literary evenings to thematic cultural days, so returning at different times can reveal new facets of the North Atlantic world. The centre is compact enough to navigate easily yet varied in content, making it suitable for families, solo travellers and small groups. With its combination of striking architecture, waterfront setting and carefully curated cultural programme, it serves as a distinctive northern outpost within Odense’s broader cultural landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Odense St.
0.9 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
0.9 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
1.2 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
visit
1.3 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Oceania
1.4 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
1.6 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
2.2 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
TheDoorOdense
2.4 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
The Funen Village
4.6 km
Experience Denmark's rural past at The Funen Village, an open-air museum in Odense featuring authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings and traditional crafts.
Det gamle vandtårn
5.1 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Sortehusene
6.2 km
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.
7.9 km
An immersive, architecturally acclaimed underground museum in Helsingør, bringing Denmark’s rich maritime history to life beside the legendary Kronborg Castle.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
11.4 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
The Glavendrup Stone
12.6 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Rolfshøj
14.4 km
A quiet Neolithic long barrow in the fields near Ferritslev Fyn, where a simple stone chamber and grassy mound bring Funen’s prehistoric past close at hand.
Unmissable attractions to see
Promenaden Treppe
0.1 km
A simple waterside staircase where Odense’s fjord path dips towards the water, inviting you to sit, slow down, and soak in big skies and quiet coastal scenery.
Odense Havnebad
0.2 km
Ship-shaped, free-to-use and open year-round, Odense Havnebad brings outdoor swimming, sauna warmth and harbour views together in the heart of urban Odense.
H. C. Andersen skulptur i havnen
0.2 km
A half-submerged Hans Christian Andersen rises from Odense Harbour, blending literary legend, protest art and waterfront atmosphere in one striking sculpture.
Street Art - Odense Havn
0.5 km
Colossal black‑and‑white animals climb old grain silos at Odense Harbour, turning raw industrial concrete into a striking, free open‑air artwork by the water.
Thriges Kraftcentral
0.5 km
A fully operational 1916 power station where vintage diesel engines roar to life monthly, preserving a century of industrial innovation.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
0.7 km
Explore Denmark's railway heritage aboard historic locomotives and vintage carriages in an authentic 1954 depot.
The City's Bridge
0.8 km
Stunning coastal headland at Funen’s northern tip, offering wild landscapes, panoramic sea views, rare birdlife, and serene walking trails in a pristine Danish nature reserve.
Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen
0.8 km
A compact urban nook in central Odense where a sculptural storytelling swing and stepped seating invite you to pause, daydream and weave your own city tales.
Banegårdspladsen
0.8 km
A busy railway forecourt where commuters, cyclists and an eight‑metre Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculpture share the same lively urban stage.
King's Garden
0.9 km
Odense’s historic royal garden – a formal yet welcoming green gateway of lawns, sculptures and summer concerts beside the city’s castle.
Hermes (gud for handlende) vandskulptur
1.0 km
A monumental Hermes of granite and water marks the gateway to Odense’s main shopping street, weaving myth, Viking history and urban everyday life into one sculpture.
Odense Castle
1.0 km
Step into Denmark’s Gothic heart at Odense Cathedral—site of St. Canute’s martyrdom, renowned Renaissance art, and centuries of royal and religious history.
Danaë
1.1 km
A serene bronze heroine from Greek myth, Gerhard Henning’s Danaë reclines quietly in Odense’s King’s Garden, bridging baroque greenery and modern city life.
Kvægtorvet
1.1 km
A former cattle market turned national broadcast hub, Kvægtorvet quietly links Odense’s industrial past with Denmark’s modern media present.
Saint Hans Church
1.1 km
A medieval monastic church of red brick and quiet light, Saint Hans links Odense’s castle, sacred history and old-town charm in one compact, atmospheric stop.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Nordatlanten ApS
0.0 km
Refined North Atlantic cuisine and harbour views meet under one roof at Odense’s Nordatlantisk Hus, where seasonal ingredients and Nordic design shape a memorable meal.
Den Lille Kabys
0.4 km
Hearty Danish comfort food in a former harbour weighing station, serving generous weekday lunches steps from the water at Odense Havn.
Restaurant Næsbyhoved Skov
0.5 km
Woodland restaurant by Odense Harbour, pairing classic Danish cuisine and seasonal menus with leafy views, bright banquet rooms and easy access to forest paths.
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
0.8 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Giraffen
0.8 km
Hearty Danish comfort food and a casual bar atmosphere right inside Odense’s main station, ideal for hungry travelers and locals on the go.
Pinsame Odense ApS
0.9 km
Roman-style pinsa in an unfussy Odense neighborhood setting, serving long-fermented, crisp-yet-airy bases with both classic and creative toppings for dine-in or takeaway.
GOMA
1.1 km
Refined omakase-inspired Japanese dining in the heart of Odense, blending Nordic ingredients, meticulous sushi and crafted drinks in an intimate urban setting.
Restaurant HOS
1.1 km
Intimate Nordic dining in central Odense, serving elevated smørrebrød by day and seasonal set menus by night in a calm, minimalist setting on lively Kongensgade.
Restaurant Flammen - Odense
1.1 km
Big-flavour grill buffet, glowing open kitchen and family-friendly feasts in the heart of Odense’s bustling Kongensgade.
Bone's Odense
1.1 km
Family-friendly American barbecue in the heart of Odense, with saloon-style interiors, slow-cooked ribs, salad and soft-ice bar, and space for relaxed group dinners.
Brasserie Bordeaux
1.1 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Bar Tapas
1.1 km
Cosy Nordic-Spanish tapas in central Odense, serving a curated ten-course evening of shared plates, Spanish wines and sangria in a warm, candlelit setting.
Restaurant Mam
1.1 km
Intimate French-inspired dining in central Odense, where seasonal Danish ingredients, local culinary heritage and thoughtful service come together over unhurried dinners.
I Pupi Siciliani
1.2 km
Intimate Sicilian restaurant in central Odense, serving seasonal tasting menus, handmade pasta and robust southern Italian flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
1.2 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Nordatlanten i Odense
0.0 km
Small but beautifully curated harbour shop in Nordatlantisk Hus, showcasing design, crafts and delicacies from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
ButikZoom
0.6 km
Industrial-chic furniture and décor in a former Odense industrial setting, blending raw materials, moody lighting and Nordic restraint into a compact design showcase.
Veda Womenswear Denmark
0.8 km
A cozy neighborhood womenswear boutique in Odense C, offering a curated rack of wearable Danish-style pieces in a calm, morning-only shopping atmosphere.
Dorthe Riber - Trend of Wear
0.8 km
Owner-run Odense boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion, warm personal service and carefully chosen pieces on lively Skibhusvej.
Klassisk Design
0.9 km
An intimate Odense showroom dedicated to restored Danish design classics, where mid‑century furniture by iconic architects finds a new life in contemporary homes.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
0.9 km
A small Odense atelier where Asian tailoring craft, careful alterations and garment repair give your favourite clothes a better fit and a longer life.
Cadenhead's Whisky Shop, Denmark
1.0 km
A spacious, lounge‑like whisky specialist in central Odense, pairing rare independent bottlings with relaxed tastings and knowledgeable, down‑to‑earth guidance.
Living Nice / Café Kleist
1.1 km
Stylish hybrid café and design store in Odense’s Odeons Kvarter, where Scandinavian interiors meet French–Italian café indulgence in a relaxed, home-like setting.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
1.1 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
Baggårdsbutikken
1.1 km
Curated vintage and secondhand fashion in the heart of Odense's city center.
Klods Hans
1.2 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Faraos Cigarer
1.2 km
A vast 600 m² universe of comics, games, miniatures and cosplay, Faraos Cigarer Odense is the city’s colourful hub for Nordic geek culture and tabletop fun.
House of Amber Odense
1.3 km
A warm, glowing boutique in central Odense where millions of years of Baltic amber meet clean Danish jewellery design and thoughtfully curated gifts.
Look At This
1.3 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
1.4 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ungarsk Vinstue
1.0 km
A warmly worn, dog-friendly brown bodega in central Odense, where cheap beer, local regulars and analog pub life keep a slice of old Denmark quietly alive.
Sir Club
1.1 km
Long‑running Odense beer bar with 27 taps, quiz nights and a relaxed, lived‑in atmosphere where specialty brews and come‑as‑you‑are evenings take the spotlight.
Bar Rar Ltd.
1.1 km
Intimate, candlelit cocktail bar in central Odense, pairing Nordic simplicity with carefully crafted drinks and a relaxed, late-night neighbourhood vibe.
Pianobar odense
1.1 km
Lively late-night piano bar in the heart of Odense C, mixing sing-along classics, casual drinks and a compact, buzzing atmosphere on Kongensgade.
Viggos
1.1 km
Lively, wallet-friendly brown bar in central Odense, pouring cold draft beer, simple pub food and long, sociable nights for students, locals and night owls.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
1.2 km
Smoky, old-school Danish pub energy in the heart of Odense’s main shopping street, with cheap beers, loud nights and a lived-in, brown-bar charm.
Grand Bar & Lounge
1.2 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
The Boat House
1.3 km
A cozy, spirits-focused bar in central Odense, famed for its extensive whisky shelves, creative cocktails and laid-back themed evenings in soft, lounge-like surroundings.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
1.3 km
Urban craft beer sanctuary on Odense’s Gråbrødre Plads, pouring rotating specialty brews, free popcorn and laid-back good times from afternoon until late night.
Lørups Vinstue
1.3 km
Old‑school Odense pub with red‑checked tablecloths, cheap beers and sing‑along classics, where students, locals and night owls start – and often finish – a night out.
June Bar
1.3 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
1.3 km
Basement tequila shots, loud beats and a young crowd turn this Odense city‑centre bar into a compact late‑night party zone on weekend nights.
Christian Firtal
1.4 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
The Old Irish Pub
1.4 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Kick Off - Sportspub
1.4 km
Buzzing Odense sports pub with wall-to-wall screens, cold beer and classic bar games, perfect for catching the big match in relaxed, local surroundings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
1.0 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Boogie Dance Café
1.2 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Dansebar Odense
1.3 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
BUTCHERS Odense
1.4 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
6.6 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
Muzirkus
27.3 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
28.0 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
41.5 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
AHA Livestage
42.9 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Falkecenter Samsø ApS
46.6 km
Witness awe-inspiring live falconry shows and get up close with eagles, owls, and hawks at Samsø’s premier raptor center, blending living heritage with wilderness spectacle.
Vinkapellet Samsø
47.7 km
Experience the finest organic and natural wines at Vinkapellet Samsø, a cozy haven for wine enthusiasts in the heart of Brundby.
Samsø Island Distillery
49.1 km
Experience authentic Danish craftsmanship at Samsø Island Distillery, where local botanicals and sustainable practices fuse to create distinctive gin and aquavit on scenic Samsø.
Ræven
49.2 km
Island spirit and Danish hospitality await at Ræven, Samsø—a cozy neighborhood bar with local brews, lively evenings, and a real taste of authentic island life.
Ærø Golf Klub
50.0 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Garagen
50.0 km
Garagen is Samsø’s beloved island bar, famed for live music, a rustic woodland setting, and its welcoming, laid-back vibe—a true hub for locals and travelers alike.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Lively
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly