Manchester City Council at the Historic Town Hall, Albert Square
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Manchester City Council operates from the iconic Manchester Town Hall located in Albert Square, a masterpiece of Victorian Neo-Gothic architecture completed in 1877. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the Grade I listed building features a striking 280-foot clock tower, grand ceremonial rooms adorned with murals, and rich historical significance as the city's administrative heart. Currently undergoing refurbishment, it is a symbol of Manchester’s industrial heritage and civic pride.
A brief summary to Manchester City Council
- Town Hall, Albert Square, Manchester, M2 5DB, GB
- +441612344343
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays when the Town Hall offices are open to experience the building’s working civic atmosphere.
- Explore Albert Square around the Town Hall to appreciate the surrounding historic monuments and pedestrian-friendly space.
- Look out for the Great Abel bell in the clock tower, named after the mayor who opened the building in 1877.
- Check for guided tours or special events after the refurbishment reopening in 2026 to access the restored interiors.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the Manchester Metrolink tram to St Peter’s Square stop, approximately 10 minutes from Piccadilly Station. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk through the city center to Albert Square. Trams run every 6-12 minutes with tickets costing around £3-£5 GBP.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve stops near Albert Square, including routes 1, 2, and 3 from Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations. Travel time ranges from 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Single fares cost about £2.50 GBP.
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Taxi
Taxis from Manchester city center to Albert Square typically take 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £5 and £10 GBP. Taxi ranks are available at major stations and throughout the city.
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Walking
From Manchester Piccadilly Station, a flat and accessible 20-minute walk through the city center leads to Albert Square, passing notable landmarks such as the Central Library and St Ann’s Square.
Manchester City Council 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
Discover more about Manchester City Council
Architectural Grandeur and Historical Significance
Manchester Town Hall, completed in 1877, stands as a premier example of Victorian Neo-Gothic architecture in the United Kingdom. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the building was conceived to accommodate the expanding administrative needs of Manchester during the Industrial Revolution. Its striking façade, built from Spinkwell stone and 14 million bricks, features Gothic elements such as tall arched windows and rib-vaulted ceilings, embodying a 13th-century style adapted for the 19th century. The 280-foot clock tower, crowned by the Great Abel bell, dominates Albert Square and serves as a landmark visible across the city.Interior Splendor and Artistic Heritage
Inside, the Town Hall houses grand ceremonial spaces including the Great Hall, renowned for its 12 murals by Ford Madox Brown that vividly depict Manchester’s rich history. These murals, alongside gilded chandeliers, marble statues, and intricate mosaic floors featuring the symbolic busy bee, celebrate the city's industrious spirit. The building’s layout ingeniously balances office functionality with ceremonial grandeur, incorporating offices, reception rooms, and the Lord Mayor’s quarters, all linked by cloistered corridors.Civic Role and Cultural Importance
As the seat of Manchester City Council, the Town Hall has been central to the city's governance for over a century. It has hosted numerous dignitaries, including British Prime Ministers and royalty, and has been a backdrop for significant civic events. The building's Grade I listing underscores its exceptional architectural and historic value. Despite proposals to replace it in the mid-20th century, the Town Hall remains a cherished symbol of Manchester’s heritage and resilience.Albert Square and Urban Context
Albert Square, laid out in the 1860s to complement the Town Hall, provides a grand public space adorned with the Albert Memorial and surrounded by other historic buildings. The pedestrianisation of the square in 1985 enhanced its role as a civic and cultural hub. The Town Hall’s triangular site, bounded by Albert Square, Lloyd Street, and Princess Street, showcases Waterhouse's skill in maximizing a challenging urban plot.Restoration and Future Prospects
Closed for refurbishment since 2018, the Town Hall is undergoing extensive restoration to preserve its architectural integrity and modernize its facilities. Scheduled to reopen in 2026, the project aims to ensure the building continues to serve as a vibrant center for local government and public engagement, maintaining its status as a Manchester icon.Legacy and Popular Culture
The Town Hall’s dramatic Gothic style has made it a popular filming location, doubling for the Houses of Parliament in films such as 'Sherlock Holmes' and 'The Iron Lady'. Its architectural grandeur and historical resonance continue to inspire admiration, making it a must-see landmark for visitors and a proud emblem for Mancunians.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Manchester City Council
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Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
St. Peter's Square
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Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Albert Memorial
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A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
John Bright Statue
0.1 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Mulberry Passage
0.2 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Dalton Entry
0.2 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Connaught Building
0.2 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Free Trade Hall
0.2 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Arch of Chinatown
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Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
0.3 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Canada House, Manchester
0.4 km
Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
Historic England
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Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.5 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.6 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Hotspur House
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Historic Hotspur House blends Manchester’s industrial past with bold modern redevelopment, preserving heritage amid vibrant urban renewal.
Unmissable attractions to see
Manchester Albert Square
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Discover Manchester Albert Square, a stunning Victorian civic space where history, architecture, and vibrant culture converge in the city’s heart.
Manchester Central Library
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Discover Manchester Central Library’s iconic neoclassical dome, vast collections, and vibrant cultural spaces in the city’s historic heart.
Albert Square
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Manchester’s grand civic heart, framed by Gothic spires and alive with markets, monuments, and city life.
2 Albert Square
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Historic Albert Square in Manchester showcases Victorian Gothic grandeur with its iconic Town Hall and Prince Albert Memorial.
Emmeline Pankhurst Statue
0.1 km
Celebrate the legacy of Emmeline Pankhurst, Manchester’s pioneering suffragette leader, through this inspiring statue in St. Peter’s Square.
Manchester Art Gallery
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Explore centuries of art and design in Manchester’s historic and dynamic city-centre gallery with free entry and family-friendly spaces.
St Mary's RC Church
0.2 km
Discover St Mary's RC Church, Manchester's historic 'Hidden Gem' blending Victorian artistry and deep Catholic heritage since 1794.
Chinatown
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Discover Manchester Chinatown’s vibrant streets filled with authentic Asian cuisine, rich culture, and festive charm in the city’s heart.
Abraham Lincoln Statue
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A powerful bronze tribute in Manchester honoring Abraham Lincoln and the city’s courageous support for abolition during the American Civil War.
Landmark, St Peter's Square
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A central corporate hub in Manchester’s St Peter's Square, blending modern office facilities with urban vitality.
The Portico Library
0.3 km
Discover Manchester’s historic Portico Library, a Greek Revival architectural gem and vibrant cultural hub since 1806.
Albert Hall, Manchester
0.3 km
Historic Wesleyan chapel turned iconic music venue with stunning stained glass and vaulted ceilings in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Grey Horse Inn
0.3 km
Experience the heart of Manchester at the Grey Horse Inn, where delicious food, local brews, and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
0.3 km
Discover the thrilling cocktail experience at Alcotraz Manchester, where immersive storytelling meets masterful mixology in a unique prison-themed bar.
DNA VR Manchester
0.3 km
Step into Manchester’s premier VR arcade where immersive games, escape rooms, and free-roam adventures bring virtual worlds to life.
Essential places to dine
Armenian Taverna & Restaurant
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Manchester's authentic Armenian culinary institution, recently modernized yet rooted in five decades of tradition.
Adam Reid at The French
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Experience innovative Northern British fine dining with theatrical flair in Manchester’s iconic Midland Hotel.
10 Tib Lane
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A refined French-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar in Manchester’s historic core, blending seasonal small plates with natural wines and crafted cocktails.
Mount Street Dining Room & Bar
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Classic British dining with northern flair in the elegant, historic setting of Manchester’s Midland Hotel.
Fumo by San Carlo - Manchester
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Sophisticated Italian dining with an art deco flair, vibrant bar scene, and shareable dishes in Manchester’s lively St Peter’s Square.
Don Giovanni - Italian Restaurant Manchester
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A lively Italian restaurant in Manchester’s city centre blending traditional flavours with modern style and vibrant atmosphere.
Kala
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Modern European bistro blending classic and contemporary flavours in Manchester’s vibrant King Street district.
Miller & Carter Manchester
0.2 km
Classic British steakhouse on Manchester’s King Street, serving expertly aged premium steaks in a warm, elegant setting with attentive service.
Grand Pacific
0.3 km
Experience Manchester’s gothic-inspired Pan-Asian cocktail bar with stunning décor, lively atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks in the city center.
Albert's Schloss - Manchester
0.3 km
A lively Bavarian-inspired beer hall in Manchester blending hearty food, live music, and vibrant nightlife in a unique social setting.
El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester
0.3 km
Stylish Spanish tapas in a historic Manchester townhouse with a vibrant bar, open kitchen dining, and a stunning rooftop terrace.
MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE
0.3 km
Historic Manchester chophouse serving hearty British classics in a warm, inviting setting since 1867.
Browns Manchester
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Victorian elegance meets contemporary British cuisine in Manchester's most distinguished brasserie.
Gusto Italian
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Experience elegant Italian dining in Manchester’s historic Elliot House, where 1920s charm meets fresh, contemporary cuisine.
Sam's Chop House
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Experience traditional British chophouse dining with locally sourced ingredients in Manchester’s cozy, historic atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
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A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
Stare Society
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Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
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Authentic Manchester souvenirs and gifts with local charm, plus convenient luggage storage in the heart of Deansgate.
Pulse
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Discover unique local treasures and artistic gifts in the heart of Manchester’s historic St Anne’s Square at Pulse.
Søstrene Grene
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Discover Danish-inspired creativity and cozy home treasures in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Manchester Souvenirs & Convenience Store
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Discover authentic Manchester souvenirs and essentials in the heart of the city, blending culture, convenience, and community spirit.
Menkind
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Discover quirky gadgets and unique gifts at Menkind, Manchester Arndale’s vibrant destination for fun and innovative presents.
Rams Gift World
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Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Rams Gift World, Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic souvenir shop on Market Street.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Discover playful Danish design and quirky everyday essentials at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant Market Street.
TVSeriesJackets
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Explore TVSeriesJackets in Manchester, where iconic TV show jackets come to life, blending style with your favorite characters' adventures.
Catch my Thrift
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Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.
Amazonas Gifts
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Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Amazonas Gifts, nestled in the heart of Manchester Markets Piccadilly.
The Manchester Shop
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Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.7 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Red and Blue Umbrella
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Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
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Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Manchester’s Albert Square, perfect for lively brunches, evening drinks, and social celebrations.
Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
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Dive into Salt Dog Slim's Manchester for bold cocktails, American-style hot dogs, and a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of the city.
Speak In Code
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Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
All Bar One Manchester
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Stylish wine bar on Manchester’s King Street offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a lively, modern atmosphere for casual dining and drinks.
The Alchemist New York Street
0.3 km
A captivating cocktail theatre and dining experience blending molecular mixology with global cuisine in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Arcane
0.3 km
Discover Arcane, a cozy Victorian-inspired cocktail bar in Manchester’s city centre, blending inventive drinks with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Corbieres Bar
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Discover Corbieres Bar, Manchester’s cozy underground spot famed for its eclectic jukebox, vegan-friendly pizzas, and welcoming vibe.
The Gas Lamp
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Discover Manchester’s atmospheric basement pub with a rich history, exceptional craft beers, and a cozy, characterful vibe beneath Bridge Street.
Three Little Words
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A stylish gin distillery and cocktail bar under historic arches, blending craft cocktails, seasonal food, and immersive experiences in Manchester’s heart.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
0.5 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
MOJO
0.5 km
Eclectic cocktail bar in Manchester’s heart, blending creative drinks with a lively, urban nightlife vibe.
Be At One - Manchester
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Lively cocktail bar on Deansgate with 100+ drinks, private hire rooms, and unbeatable happy hour deals in the heart of Manchester nightlife.
The Britons Protection
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Historic Manchester pub famed for its vast whisky selection, traditional charm, lively atmosphere, and welcoming community spirit.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
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Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
Gorilla
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Manchester's ultimate hybrid haunt: brunch by day, beats by night in a funky bar-club fusion with live gigs and roasts.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Venue Nightclub
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Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Club Liv Manchester
0.3 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
42's
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Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Satans Hollow
0.4 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
History Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
Royal Vida Night Club
0.5 km
Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
Club Tropicana
0.5 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.5 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
Viva Manchester
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Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Popworld Manchester
0.6 km
Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
Ark Manchester
0.6 km
Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.
Kable
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A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Cargo
0.7 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.7 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
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Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Victorian Gothic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- 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
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
