Kong Hans Kælder (King Hans Cellar)
Two‑Michelin‑star decadence in a 700‑year‑old cellar, where classic French cuisine meets Nordic terroir beneath candlelit stone vaults in central Copenhagen.
Hidden beneath one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings, Kong Hans Kælder is a two‑Michelin‑star fine dining restaurant set in a 700‑year‑old vaulted cellar just off central Strøget. Candlelit arches, stone walls and crisp white linens frame a kitchen that marries classic French technique with Nordic produce under chef Mark Lundgaard. With an intimate, almost chapel‑like atmosphere, elaborate tasting menus and a deep wine cellar, this is one of Denmark’s most storied gastronomic addresses.
A brief summary to King Hans Cellar
- Vingårdstræde 6, Copenhagen, København K, 1070, DK
- +4533116868
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours
- Luxury
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 6 pm-12 am
- Thursday 6 pm-12 am
- Friday 6 pm-12 am
- Saturday 6 pm-12 am
Local tips
- Reserve well in advance, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings, as the restaurant only serves dinner Wednesday to Saturday with limited seating.
- Opt for the full tasting menu and wine pairing if you want the complete experience; plan for at least three to four hours at the table.
- Dress smartly—there is no rigid code, but the historic cellar, white linens and formal service suit elegant evening wear.
- Mention any dietary requirements, such as vegetarian preferences, when booking so the kitchen can adjust the menu in advance.
- Arrive a little early to acclimatise to the cellar’s low lighting and soak up the atmosphere before the first course arrives.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
King Hans Cellar 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
Discover more about King Hans Cellar
A medieval cellar transformed into a culinary sanctuary
Step down from the cobbled Vingårdstræde into one of Copenhagen’s oldest cellars and you enter another age entirely. Kong Hans Kælder is housed beneath a historic building whose foundations reach back more than seven centuries, once linked to the reign of King Hans and later associated with Hans Christian Andersen. The space is all low stone vaults, heavy beams and thick walls that feel as if they have absorbed centuries of stories. Despite the age of the room, the atmosphere is carefully curated rather than museum-like. Soft pools of warm light pick out the curve of each vaulted ceiling, while the gentle echo of conversation carries across the stone floor. The transition from the bright streets above to this cocooned cellar heightens the sense that dinner here is an occasion, not just a meal.From Danish trailblazer to two‑star institution
When Kong Hans Kælder opened in 1976, ambitious fine dining was still new territory in Denmark. The founders set out to create a restaurant that could stand alongside the great European dining rooms of the time, and within a few years it became the first in the country to receive a Michelin star, awarded in 1983. That distinction marked a turning point in the national food scene and established the cellar as a benchmark for haute cuisine. The kitchen’s leadership has passed through only a handful of chefs, each adding their own ideas while preserving the restaurant’s classic backbone. Under current chef Mark Lundgaard, the restaurant has reclaimed and expanded its standing, earning a second Michelin star in 2021. The emphasis remains on precision, depth of flavour and polished service, with an almost old‑world sense of ceremony.Classic French technique with a Nordic heartbeat
The cooking at Kong Hans Kælder is rooted in French tradition—silky sauces, rich reductions, meticulously prepared stocks—yet it draws heavily on Scandinavian produce. Tasting menus might thread together shellfish from cold northern waters, seasonal vegetables from Danish farms and game or aged meats, each dish composed with architectural care. Plates often juxtapose intense savoury components with bright, finely judged acidity. Bread and butter are treated with as much seriousness as the main courses. Cheese is presented on an abundant trolley, with selections from French affineurs alongside other European favourites. Desserts lean toward refined indulgence rather than austere minimalism, echoing the restaurant’s broader preference for pleasure over restraint.Wine, pairings and the rhythm of the evening
Beneath the dining room lies a wine philosophy as considered as the food. The cellar holds classic Old World labels, mature vintages and carefully chosen bottles from newer regions, with a focus on pairings that follow the arc of the menu. Guests can opt for set pairings designed to track each course or explore the list with guidance from the sommelier. Service follows a steady, unhurried tempo: courses arrive with quiet choreography, cloches lifted in sync, sauces finished at the table when needed. The team moves easily between attentive explanation and discreet distance, allowing you to settle into the cadence of a long evening.Atmosphere, dress and the sense of occasion
Dining here is inherently formal, though there is a Nordic understatement that keeps the room from feeling stiff. Expect white tablecloths, carefully spaced tables and an ambience more suited to conversation than spectacle. Many diners choose smart evening wear—jackets, dresses and polished shoes feel natural in the surroundings. Because seating is limited and dinner is the only service, reservations are essential, often secured weeks in advance for weekends or special dates. Once seated under the stone arches, time seems to contract; a meal can easily stretch to three or four hours as the sequence of courses, wines and petits fours unfolds, ending with the slow climb back up to street level and the modern city outside.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Holmens Bro
0.3 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Højbro
0.3 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Frederik VII
0.3 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
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A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.3 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
The Danish Parliament
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Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Varehuset Messen
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A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Havnepromenade
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Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
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Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
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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.
Knippelsbro
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Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Gråbrødretorv
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Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
The War Museum
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Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Unmissable attractions to see
Guinness World Records Museum
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Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s national theatre in two acts: a gilded 19th‑century Old Stage on Kongens Nytorv and a bold modern playhouse rising directly above the harbour waters.
Kongens Nytorv
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
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Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Church of Holmen
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Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Ved Stranden
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Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Højbro Pl.
0.3 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.3 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Højbro Plads
0.3 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Bishop Absalon
0.3 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.3 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.3 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Stork Fountain
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Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Memorial Anchor
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Explore one of Europe’s oldest zoos, home to over 3,000 animals, award-winning architecture, immersive habitats, conservation programs, and engaging family activities.
Indre By
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A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Essential places to dine
King Hans Cellar
0.0 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
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Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Maven
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Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Marchal
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Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
à terre
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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.
l’Alsace
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Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Frank
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A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Bistro Royal
0.3 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Goldfinch
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Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Grønnegade
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Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Nyhavns Færgekro
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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.
Cap Horn
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Den Lille Fede
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Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Skipperkroen
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Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Restaurant Vita
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Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Magasin du Nord
0.1 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
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Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Viking Souvenirs
0.2 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.2 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Urban Outfitters
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Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
0.2 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
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.
Magnolias
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A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
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Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Storm - design art fashion
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Zane
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Hygge Original
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A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
The Wilde Shop
0.4 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Norse Projects
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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
Brønnum
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An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
0.2 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.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
1105
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Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
K-Bar
0.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Bar Deco
0.3 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.3 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Charlie's Bar
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Dubliner
0.3 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
The Moose
0.3 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.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Trykbar
0.5 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.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Ruby
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An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.2 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
0.3 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
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Chateau Motel
0.6 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.7 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
0.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
0.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
0.8 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Culture Box
0.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Club Mambo
0.9 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Dorsia
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Arch
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.9 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Cosy Bar
1.0 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
- Romantic
- Honeymoon-worthy
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
