Garden of the Royal Library (Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have)
A former royal naval harbor turned tranquil courtyard garden, where philosophers in bronze and an hourly water column watch over one of Copenhagen’s calmest green oases.
Tucked between the Royal Library and Christiansborg Palace on Slotsholmen, the Garden of the Royal Library is one of central Copenhagen’s loveliest small green oases. Laid out in the 1920s on the site of Christian IV’s old naval harbor, it blends clipped lawns, blossoming flowerbeds and tall shade trees with a reflective pool, hourly water sculpture and a contemplative statue of Søren Kierkegaard. Open long hours and free to enter, it’s a peaceful pocket of calm for reading, picnics and quiet moments amid the city’s historic heart.
A brief summary to Garden of the Royal Library
- Proviantpassagen 1, Copenhagen, København K, 1218, DK
- +4533954200
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 6 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
- Thursday 6 am-10 pm
- Friday 6 am-10 pm
- Saturday 6 am-10 pm
- Sunday 6 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Aim for a weekday morning or late afternoon for the quietest atmosphere, when office traffic is light and you can often find a bench right by the pond.
- Bring something to read and use the garden like an open‑air reading room; the statue of Søren Kierkegaard and the neighboring library give the perfect intellectual backdrop.
- Visit on the hour and pause by the pool to see the tall copper column send a spout of water skyward as part of its hourly fountain display.
- Look for the old mooring ring set into the masonry at the garden’s edge as a subtle reminder that this peaceful spot was once a bustling harbor.
- Combine a short break here with nearby sights on Slotsholmen, such as Christiansborg Palace, the Tøjhus Museum and the Black Diamond extension of the Royal Library.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Gammel Strand Station, which typically takes 3–6 minutes from hubs like Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv. A single city‑zone ticket usually costs around 24–28 DKK for adults. From Gammel Strand, allow 8–12 minutes on foot along level, cobbled streets and bridges; the route is step‑free but some surfaces are uneven for wheelchairs and strollers, especially in wet weather.
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City bus connections to Slotsholmen area
Several city bus routes serve stops near Christiansborg Palace and the Royal Library area, with journey times of about 10–20 minutes from most inner‑city districts depending on traffic. Standard bus tickets within the central zones generally cost 24–28 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently during the day, less often late at night, and most vehicles are low‑floor with space for wheelchairs and prams, though stop announcements may be in Danish only.
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Cycling through Copenhagen’s bike network
If you are already in the inner city, expect a 5–15 minute ride along Copenhagen’s dedicated cycle lanes to reach Slotsholmen. You can use the city’s rental or share bikes, with typical costs from about 15–25 DKK for a short 20–30 minute ride depending on provider. Bike parking stands are usually available on nearby streets outside the garden entrances, but they can fill up in peak office hours, so allow a few extra minutes to secure a space.
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Walking from Strøget and the historic centre
From the main pedestrian shopping street Strøget and the surrounding historic core, plan on a 10–18 minute walk to the Garden of the Royal Library. The route passes through older quarters with cobblestones, small squares and occasional mild inclines. It is suitable for most visitors with average mobility, but those using wheelchairs or pushing strollers may prefer to allow additional time to navigate uneven paving and busy crossings near major junctions.
Garden of the Royal Library location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Garden of the Royal Library
A quiet oasis hidden in Copenhagen’s power quarter
The Garden of the Royal Library feels like a secret courtyard slipped between some of Denmark’s most important institutions. Hemmed in by the red-brick Royal Library, the Tøjhus Museum and Christiansborg Palace on Slotsholmen, it offers a surprising hush just steps from parliament and busy canals. Enclosed walls and mature trees create a sheltered bowl of green where the city’s sounds fade to a low murmur and time seems to slow. Paths curve around manicured lawns, structured beds and clusters of benches, inviting you to sit with a book, a takeaway coffee or simply your thoughts. Office workers drift through on their lunch break, students revise under the trees, and wedding parties occasionally slip in for photographs, all sharing the same sense of retreat at the very centre of Copenhagen.From naval harbor to literary garden
Beneath the neatly clipped grass lies a very different past. In the 17th century this was Tøjhushavnen, a working naval harbor serving Christian IV’s fleet, with quays, warehouses and mooring rings lining the basin. By the early 1900s the harbor had outlived its purpose, and in 1920 the area was reshaped into a public garden by landscape gardener Jens Peder Andersen and castle architect Thorvald Jørgensen. The designers kept subtle traces of the maritime story. At one end of the garden an original mooring ring has been reset into the masonry, a small but tangible reminder that ships once tied up where today ducks paddle. The central pond echoes the form of the old basin, its still surface now reflecting trees and brick gables instead of masts and rigging, turning a site of royal logistics into a space for quiet contemplation.Art, ideas and the written word in bronze and water
Art gives the garden much of its character. On a low terrace, a 1918 bronze statue of Søren Kierkegaard sits deep in thought, coat wrapped around him as he gazes toward an unseen point. The placement is no accident: the philosopher’s manuscripts are preserved in the Royal Library just beyond the hedge, binding the garden to Denmark’s intellectual history. At the centre of the pool rises an eight‑metre copper column by sculptor Mogens Møller, a modernist monument to the written word. Once an hour a jet of water shoots from the top and cascades down its sides in shifting patterns, a fleeting performance that draws the eye without disturbing the overall calm. Around these focal points, smaller details – an inscribed stone here, a carefully clipped hedge there – reward slow wandering rather than hurried sightseeing.Seasonal color and everyday city life
The garden’s planting is designed for rhythm rather than spectacle. In spring, flowering trees and bulbs bring soft colour against the brick facades; in high summer the lawns are dappled with shade and the borders fill out with perennials; autumn brings deep golds and russets that match the historic buildings surrounding the space. Even on a grey winter day, the geometry of paths, hedges and water keeps the garden visually engaging. Benches and moveable chairs line the gravel paths and look toward the pond, making it an easy place to pause between visits to nearby sights. A small seasonal café kiosk sometimes operates at the edge of the garden, adding the gentle clink of cups to the soundscape. Yet even then, the overall feeling remains unhurried: this is a garden for lingering, sketching, talking quietly or simply watching light move across brick and water.A flexible pause in a day’s exploring
The long opening hours and free access mean the Garden of the Royal Library can fit almost anywhere in a Copenhagen itinerary. Early in the morning it feels almost private, with just the splash of the fountain and birds in the trees. Around midday, students, civil servants and visitors share the space without crowding it, giving a sense of local daily rhythms surrounding the nearby ministries and courts. Because it is compact, most visitors spend under an hour here, yet it also works as a base for a leisurely afternoon of reading or conversation. Whether you step in as a brief detour while exploring Christiansborg Palace or plan it as a deliberate moment of calm during a busy city stay, the garden’s blend of history, design and stillness makes it a small but memorable stop on Slotsholmen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Danish Parliament
0.1 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Frederik VII
0.2 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.2 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.
The Stable Boy's House
0.2 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Circle Bridge
0.3 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.3 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
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.
Kopenhagen
0.4 km
Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Højbro Pl.
0.4 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.5 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
Stork Fountain
0.5 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Amagertorv
0.5 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Strøget
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.0 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Slotsholmen
0.1 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
The War Museum
0.1 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.1 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Black Diamond
0.2 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.2 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Christiansborg Palace
0.2 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Børsen
0.2 km
Explore Copenhagen’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—an imaginative museum of fascinating oddities, curiosities, and interactive wonders at City Hall Square.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Church of Holmen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Marmorbroen
0.3 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.3 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
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.
Essential places to dine
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
No. 2
0.3 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Marv & Ben
0.4 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Maven
0.4 km
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.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant Puk
0.5 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Tight
0.5 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
King Hans Cellar
0.5 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Noi
0.5 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Rio Bravo
0.5 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.5 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Københavner Cafeen
0.5 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Kadeau
0.6 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.
Llama
0.6 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.4 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Audrey Vintage
0.5 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Hygge Original
0.5 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Akimbo
0.5 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.5 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
& Other Stories
0.5 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Magasin du Nord
0.5 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.
Magnolias
0.5 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
ILLUM
0.5 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Urban Outfitters
0.5 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.6 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Duck Haven
0.6 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.6 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
0.4 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ruby
0.4 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
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.
Godt Øl
0.4 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Zefside
0.4 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
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.
The Dubliner
0.5 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 Rooftop Bar
0.5 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
The Marble Bar
0.5 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Southern Cross Pub
0.6 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Centralhjørnet
0.6 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.6 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
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.
Lusso
0.7 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
0.7 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.
Miami Bar
0.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.7 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.7 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Dorsia
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
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.
Mini Bar
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Cosy Bar
0.9 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Module
0.9 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Arch
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- 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
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
