Den Blå Planet – National Aquarium Denmark
Dive into Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, where sleek whirlpool architecture, sharks overhead, rescued sea otters and rainforest heat create an immersive marine world.
Den Blå Planet, National Aquarium Denmark, is a striking whirlpool-shaped aquarium on the Øresund waterfront in Kastrup, just outside central Copenhagen. Housing millions of liters of water and thousands of marine and freshwater animals, it blends cutting-edge architecture with immersive exhibits, from a tunnel through a vast ocean tank with sharks and rays to a steamy indoor rainforest and playful rescued sea otters. Interactive touch pools, kids’ zones, and a sea-view café make it an engaging stop for all ages, in any season.
A brief summary to Den Blå Planet
- Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, Kastrup, 2770, DK
- +4544222244
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Buy timed-entry tickets online in advance, especially for weekends, school holidays and summer evenings, to avoid sold-out slots and save a little on the gate price.
- Plan at least 2–3 hours so you can linger at the Ocean Tank, catch one or two feedings or talks, and still have time for the rainforest zone and sea otter habitat.
- Arrive earlier in the day or later in the afternoon for a calmer atmosphere; Monday evenings and off-season weekdays are often the quietest times inside.
- Bring a light layer: some galleries are cool and dim, but the rainforest section is warm and humid, and you may move between indoor and outdoor areas.
- If visiting with children, seek out the touch pools and outdoor water play area in good weather, and check the day’s schedule for otter feeds and special activities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M2 metro line towards the airport and get off at Kastrup Station; trains run every few minutes and the ride from Kongens Nytorv takes about 10–15 minutes. From Kastrup, it is an easy walk of just over a kilometer along paved paths to the aquarium, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. A standard single metro ticket within the city–airport zones typically costs around 20–30 DKK, and the metro operates from early morning until late at night.
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Regional train and metro from Greater Copenhagen
If you are staying in the suburbs or elsewhere on Zealand, take a regional or S-train to Copenhagen Central Station, then change to the M2 metro towards the airport. The combined journey usually takes 25–45 minutes depending on your starting point, with frequent departures. Expect to pay roughly 36–60 DKK for a through ticket covering train and metro within the wider Copenhagen zone system. All stations on this route have level platforms and lifts, making it practical for travelers with luggage or reduced mobility.
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Car or taxi within the Copenhagen area
Driving from central Copenhagen to Den Blå Planet generally takes 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic, following main arterial roads towards the airport and Kastrup. There is paid parking near the aquarium; typical parking fees in this area range around 12–18 DKK per hour, and spaces can be limited on busy weekends and holidays. A taxi from the city center or from the cruise terminals usually costs in the region of 150–250 DKK one way, with journey times similar to driving yourself.
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Cycling along the waterfront
For a scenic option during milder months, cycle from central Copenhagen or Amager along marked bike routes towards Kastrup and the airport area. Depending on your starting point, the ride might take 20–40 minutes at a relaxed pace, mostly on segregated bike lanes and coastal paths with gentle gradients. Standard city bike rentals are widely available and typically cost around 100–150 DKK for a day, making this a pleasant, low-impact way to reach the aquarium while enjoying the Øresund shoreline.
Den Blå Planet location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Den Blå Planet
An underwater universe on the edge of Copenhagen
Den Blå Planet rises from the Kastrup shoreline like a swirling whirlpool of metal and glass, its fluid curves inspired by the movement of water and schools of fish. Inside, the building opens into a dramatic central hall where different “water worlds” spiral outwards, drawing you deeper into a self-contained marine universe. With around 7 million liters of water across its tanks and thousands of animals from Denmark and far beyond, this is one of Northern Europe’s largest and most ambitious aquariums. From the moment you step in, there is a sense of immersion. Low lighting, shimmering reflections and the constant play of ripples on the walls create the feeling of being just beneath the surface. The design is intuitive: follow the flow and you move from cold northern seas to tropical oceans, freshwater lakes, and humid rainforest zones without quite noticing the transitions.Signature tanks, sharks overhead and swirling schools
The star of Den Blå Planet is the enormous Ocean Tank, a vast space where sharks, rays and large schooling fish glide through blue depths. A long tunnel cuts through the water, so you can watch animals pass above and alongside you, a favorite moment for children and adults alike. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal shifting scenes: rays “flying” over the sand, groupers lurking in rocky crevices, silvery shoals moving as a single living cloud. Elsewhere, smaller but carefully themed tanks showcase coral reefs in vivid color, with clownfish, moray eels and other tropical species weaving through branching corals. Nordic habitats highlight cod, flatfish and local marine life, connecting the aquarium directly to the waters of the Øresund just outside. Informative displays, models and digital screens explain ecosystems, adaptations and conservation challenges in clear, accessible language.Rainforest heat, rescued sea otters and hands-on encounters
One wing recreates a warm, misty rainforest. Here you step into a dense green world of dripping foliage, where birds call from branches and tanks hold everything from piranhas and armored catfish to freshwater rays. The air is noticeably humid, a sensory contrast to the cool northern sea galleries. Look closely and you may spot reptiles or amphibians hiding among roots and leaves, emphasizing how water shapes life far from the coast. Outside, one of the aquarium’s most distinctive residents takes the stage: sea otters. Den Blå Planet is among the few places in Europe where you can see these charismatic animals, all of them rescues that could not survive in the wild. Their pool and rocky shoreline-style habitat invite lingering, as the otters tumble, groom and play with enrichment toys. Touch pools and hands-on stations, where staff often present crabs, starfish or other hardy species, give younger visitors the thrill of safe, supervised contact with marine life.Architecture, seafront setting and everyday atmosphere
Beyond the tanks, Den Blå Planet’s architecture is an attraction in itself. Seen from above, the building’s wings spiral around a central hub like eddies in a current, and the exterior cladding mirrors the color of the sea and sky. Large glazing opens onto views of the Øresund Strait, and on clear days you can see planes descending towards Copenhagen Airport while fish glide past behind the glass. The aquarium’s location on the waterfront means that the experience naturally spills outdoors. In warmer months, families gravitate to the water playground and shallow pools where children can splash, while adults appreciate the fresh sea breeze and open horizon. Indoors, the atmosphere is generally lively but manageable, with quieter corners near smaller exhibits and in the café, which overlooks the strait and makes a convenient pause between galleries.Planning your visit and making the most of your time
Den Blå Planet is open year-round, typically from mid-morning to late afternoon, with extended evening hours on Mondays and during peak holiday periods. Tickets are timed, and buying in advance is strongly encouraged, especially on weekends and school holidays when time slots can sell out. Standard admission places the aquarium in a mid to upper price range for Copenhagen attractions, but you can stay as long as you like once inside. Most visitors allow around two to three hours to explore the main exhibits at a comfortable pace, but enthusiasts can easily spend longer watching feedings and scheduled talks. The building is fully accessible, with level access, lifts and wide walkways suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. On site you will find restrooms, changing facilities, lockers, a shop and café. Located close to the airport and metro, and right by the water, Den Blå Planet slots easily into a day of urban sightseeing while offering a complete escape into the underwater world.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Krudhuset
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The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
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Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
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Circle Bridge
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Lille Langebro
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Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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Copenhagen Opera House
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Black Diamond
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Ofelia Plads
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Børsen
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Danish Architecture Centre
6.2 km
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Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
6.2 km
Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
The Kissing Stairs
6.2 km
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Nyhavn
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Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront: pastel townhouses, maritime history, and lively canal-side dining.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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Unmissable attractions to see
Amager Beachpark
1.9 km
Copenhagen's 4.6 km urban beach with lagoons, artificial island, and Øresund Bridge views.
Amager Beach Park
2.8 km
Copenhagen’s long, sandy front porch on the Øresund, where dunes, lagoons and a city promenade turn everyday life into a seaside escape.
St. Anne's Church
3.5 km
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Amager
4.4 km
Copenhagen’s all‑in‑one island: wild grasslands, long sandy beaches, bold architecture and easygoing waterfront life, all just minutes from the historic city centre.
DR Koncerthuset
4.8 km
Copenhagen’s bold blue concert house, where world-class acoustics, striking Jean Nouvel architecture and Denmark’s national ensembles meet under one dramatic roof.
Bella Center Copenhagen
4.9 km
Copenhagen’s powerhouse convention and exhibition centre, combining vast flexible halls, sleek Nordic design and direct metro access in the modern Ørestad district.
Dragør havn
5.0 km
Historic Dragør Havn blends centuries of maritime heritage with a working waterfront, cosy quayside cafés and wide Øresund views just south of Copenhagen.
Field's
5.0 km
Scandinavia-scale shopping, dining and entertainment under one sleek roof in Copenhagen’s modern Ørestad district, from fashion and design to cinema, trampolines and a vast hypermarket.
Arne Jacobsens Allé 12
5.1 km
A vast, light-filled shopping town under one roof in Copenhagen’s Ørestad district, mixing fashion, daily essentials, dining and shelter from the Danish weather.
Amager Fælled
5.2 km
Semi-wild meadows and wetlands brushing against Copenhagen’s skyline, Amager Fælled is the city’s closest taste of open Danish nature.
Lille Mølle
5.3 km
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Operaen
5.3 km
Innovative cocktails in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
5.4 km
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Christiania
5.4 km
A self-governing “freetown” of murals, lakeside paths and experimental living, tucked behind Copenhagen’s old ramparts in the heart of Christianshavn.
Church of Our Saviour
5.5 km
Copenhagen’s Baroque landmark with a daring spiral spire, soaring views over canals and rooftops, and a luminous interior rich in music, symbolism and royal history.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Lola
5.3 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Kadeau
5.7 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Cafe Wilder
5.7 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Noma
5.7 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Restaurant Kanalen
5.7 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.
Restaurant Barr
5.8 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.
No. 2
5.9 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Khun Juk
6.1 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.
à terre
6.2 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.
Skipperkroen
6.3 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
6.3 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
La Banchina
6.4 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Nyhavns Færgekro
6.4 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.
King Hans Cellar
6.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Kanal-Caféen
6.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
6.2 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
6.2 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.
Magasin du Nord
6.4 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Zane
6.4 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
6.5 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
6.5 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
6.5 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
6.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
6.5 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Danish Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Urban Outfitters
6.6 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
The Wilde Shop
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A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Royal Souvenir Shop
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ILLUM
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ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Læderstræde
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Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whammy Bar
4.1 km
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Lassie Bar
4.7 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Eiffel bar
5.7 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Pier5 Bar
6.2 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
TATA Cocktail Bar
6.2 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
6.4 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
The Marble Bar
6.4 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Ved Stranden
6.5 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.
K-Bar
6.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Balthazar
6.6 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.
Ruby
6.6 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Bird and The Churchkey
6.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Bar Deco
6.6 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
6.6 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Zefside
6.6 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
6.6 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.
Club Mambo
6.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
The Zoo
6.7 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mini Bar
6.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Chateau Motel
6.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
6.9 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
KB3
6.9 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Dorsia
6.9 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Miami Bar
6.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
6.9 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
6.9 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Baggen
6.9 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Module
7.0 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Culture Box
7.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
La Terraza
7.0 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
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
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Weekend Getaway
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
- LGBT Friendly
