Musikkens Hus – House of Music
A soaring fjord-side concert hall where cutting-edge architecture amplifies world-class music.
Musikkens Hus (House of Music) is a striking modern concert venue on Aalborg's waterfront, designed by internationally renowned architects Coop Himmelb(l)au. Opened in 2014, this architectural landmark houses four concert halls with seating ranging from 200 to 1,298 people, hosting everything from classical symphonies to contemporary performances. The building also contains practice facilities for the Aalborg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Academy of Music, and Aalborg University's music departments, plus an on-site restaurant with fjord views.
A brief summary to House of Music
- Musikkens Pl. 1, Aalborg, Aalborg Centrum, 9000, DK
- +4560203000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive early to explore the five-story foyer and observation windows overlooking the Limfjord and Culture Square—the architecture itself is as much an attraction as the performances.
- Check the event schedule in advance; popular concerts often sell out quickly. The venue hosts diverse programming from classical symphonies to jazz, contemporary dance, and family-friendly productions.
- Book a table at Musikkens Spisehus or Operacaféen for a meal with fjord views; dining here extends your cultural experience and offers a relaxed way to enjoy the waterfront setting.
- Visit the building even if you're not attending a concert—the exterior and foyer are open to the public and offer exceptional photography opportunities, especially during golden hour.
- If staying in central Aalborg, the venue is within walking distance along the scenic waterfront promenade; the walk itself is part of the cultural experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Musikkens Hus with stops within 100–200 meters of the venue. Journey times from central Aalborg typically range from 5–15 minutes depending on your starting point. Buses are frequent during daytime hours (every 10–20 minutes on main routes) and less frequent in evenings and on Sundays. Single tickets cost approximately 24–30 DKK; day passes and multi-journey cards offer better value for multiple trips.
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Walking from City Center
Musikkens Hus is within walking distance of central Aalborg (approximately 1–1.5 kilometers), reachable in 15–20 minutes via the scenic waterfront promenade. The walk is flat, well-lit, and passes through the revitalized harbor district with shops, cafes, and other cultural venues. This is the most pleasant approach, especially during daylight hours or mild weather.
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Paid Parking
Q-Park Kulturen operates a 275-space parking facility directly adjacent to Musikkens Hus. Parking rates vary by duration; typical costs range from 30–60 DKK for 1–2 hours and 80–120 DKK for full-day parking. Weekday rates (07:00–18:00) may differ from evening and weekend rates. Disabled parking spaces are available with appropriate permits. Reservations are recommended during major events.
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Bicycle
Aalborg has extensive cycling infrastructure, and Musikkens Hus is accessible via dedicated bike lanes from most city areas. Journey times from central Aalborg are typically 5–10 minutes by bicycle. Bike parking facilities are available near the venue entrance. This is an excellent option for fair-weather visits and offers flexibility in timing.
House of Music location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about House of Music
A Modern Architectural Masterpiece on the Fjord
Musikkens Hus stands as one of Denmark's most celebrated contemporary buildings, perched on the waterfront of Aalborg with panoramic views across the Limfjord. Designed by the Vienna-based architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au following an international competition, the building opened on March 29, 2014, with an official ceremony attended by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. The structure's striking cubic exterior contrasts dramatically with its flowing interior spaces, creating a visual and spatial dialogue between form and function. Rising seven stories with a footprint of 5,508 square meters, the building integrates seamlessly into Aalborg's revitalized harbor district, anchoring the new cultural center area and serving as a symbol of the city's commitment to world-class arts infrastructure.Four Halls, Infinite Acoustic Possibilities
The building contains four distinct concert halls, each designed for specific musical purposes and audience sizes. The main Concert Hall seats 1,298 people and features world-class acoustics developed in collaboration with Arup's acoustic specialists. Below the foyer, three additional halls serve different functions: the Intimate Hall with 200 seats for close-contact performances and lectures, the Classical Hall with 200 seats for chamber music and conservatory events, and the Rhythmic Hall, also seating 200, dedicated to contemporary and experimental music. The foyer itself is a five-story vertical public space that can accommodate 2,150 people for receptions and informal gatherings. Every seat in the orchestra and curved balconies is positioned to optimize both acoustics and sightlines to the stage, ensuring an exceptional listening experience from any vantage point.A Living Hub for Musical Education and Performance
Musikkens Hus functions as a permanent home for multiple prestigious institutions. The Aalborg Symphony Orchestra maintains its administrative offices, practice rooms, and performance schedule within the building. The Royal Academy of Music operates its education department and concert facilities here, while Aalborg University's Institute of Music and Danish JazzCenter occupy dedicated spaces. Orchestra Norden also uses the halls for rehearsals and performances. This concentration of musical talent and institutional presence creates a vibrant daily environment where students, professionals, and visitors encounter live music, rehearsals, and performances throughout the day. The building's design deliberately facilitates this synergy through observation windows and open sightlines that allow people in the foyer and practice areas to witness performances and rehearsals in real time.The Foyer as Social and Cultural Nexus
The soaring five-story foyer serves as the building's heart and primary public gathering space. Flooded with natural light through expansive window walls, it opens directly onto the adjacent Culture Square and offers unobstructed views of the Limfjord and harbor. The foyer's vertical organization—with stairs, observation balconies, and multiple levels—creates a dynamic, lively atmosphere where students, artists, teachers, and visitors naturally mingle and interact. This design inverts the traditional concert hall typology of separated front-of-house and back-of-house spaces, instead creating a unified social environment where the boundary between performer and audience becomes fluid. The foyer also hosts receptions, informal performances, and community events, extending the building's cultural mission beyond formal concert presentations.Dining and Waterfront Experience
Musikkens Spisehus (the Music's Eating House), a new-Nordic restaurant, occupies a two-floor section of the building with direct views across the Limfjord. The venue also features Operacaféen, offering French delicacies and lunch service with live musical accompaniment. These dining facilities allow visitors to experience the building's cultural atmosphere while enjoying meals in a setting that celebrates both culinary and musical arts. The waterfront location transforms dining into a multisensory experience, with the fjord's natural beauty complementing the building's architectural drama.Sustainability and Cultural Recognition
In 2020, Musikkens Hus achieved DNGB Gold sustainability certification, becoming Denmark's first concert hall to receive this prestigious designation. The building's design incorporates sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems without compromising its acoustic or aesthetic qualities. This recognition underscores the institution's commitment to environmental responsibility alongside its cultural mission. The venue has also established itself as a center for musical community through specialized membership clubs: Musikkens Jazzklub, Musikkens Børneklub (Children's Club), and Musikkens Kammerklub (Chamber Club), each offering members exclusive benefits and access to curated programming.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old City Hall
0.7 km
Aalborg’s tiny Baroque town hall on Gammeltorv, where a vivid yellow façade, royal motto and intimate interiors tell the story of centuries of civic life.
Limfjordsbroen
1.1 km
Historic bascule bridge linking Aalborg and Nørresundby, offering everyday Danish life, harbor views, sea air and classic Limfjord light in all seasons.
Aalborgtårnet
1.8 km
A classic 1930s steel tower lifted above a wooded hill, Aalborgtårnet combines a thrilling outdoor elevator ride with 360° views and a cosy sky-high bistro.
Limfjordstunnelen
1.8 km
Denmark's pioneering underwater motorway tunnel connecting North Jutland's vital regions since 1969.
Selskabet for Aalborgs Historie
2.7 km
Architectural marvel and musical powerhouse in Ørestad, DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and performances from Copenhagen’s cultural heart.
Rold Storkro
25.4 km
Discover tranquility at Rold Storkro, nestled between Denmark's largest forest and scenic hills, offering a blend of historic charm and modern comfort for an unforgettable escape.
Troldeskoven
25.5 km
Discover the mystical allure of Troldeskoven near Skørping, where ancient, gnarled beech trees create a magical landscape steeped in Danish folklore and natural beauty within Rold Skov.
Rold Forest
25.8 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore unique geological formations, and uncover the legends of Rold Forest near Skørping.
Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest
26.1 km
Explore Denmark's best-preserved Cold War bunker at Koldkrigsmuseet REGAN Vest: an immersive journey into a secret world hidden beneath the forest, revealing a pivotal era in history.
Naturstyrelsen
26.4 km
Explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Rold Skov and Rebild Bakker with guidance from Naturstyrelsen Himmerland, your gateway to outdoor adventures in Northern Jutland.
Midt inde i Rold Skov
26.6 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore hidden springs, and experience the tranquility of Rold Skov, a natural treasure trove in Himmerland.
Madum Lake
27.0 km
Discover the pristine beauty of Madum Lake in Himmerland, Denmark: swim in crystal-clear waters, hike through ancient forests, and explore a haven for nature and history.
Springkilden
27.0 km
Discover the mesmerizing Springkilden in Rold Forest: an artesian spring offering a tranquil escape into nature's beauty near Skørping, Denmark.
Rold Skov
27.2 km
Discover Denmark's largest forest: Hike through ancient woodlands, explore rolling hills, and uncover the captivating history and folklore of Rold Skov.
Flyverstenen i Torstedlund
29.4 km
A solemn forest memorial to eleven RAF airmen lost in 1945, carved by local hands.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nordkraft
0.1 km
Industrial heritage transformed into Aalborg's beating cultural heart—where experimental theatre, cinema, and community converge.
Church of Our Lady
0.5 km
Thousand-year faith on a city square: a Romanesque Revival church with medieval carvings, noble chapels and a calm interior in the heart of old Aalborg.
Aalborghus Castle
0.5 km
Half-timbered fortress, leafy park and atmospheric dungeons at the heart of Aalborg’s historic waterfront.
Honnørkajen ved Aalborg Slot
0.6 km
Ceremonial fjordside quay at the foot of Aalborghus Castle, blending royal cruise berth, open water views and relaxed public waterfront life in central Aalborg.
Østre Anlæg
0.6 km
Leafy lakeside park east of central Aalborg, where everyday city life, rich birdlife and relaxed green space come together around calm waters and mature trees.
Hjelmerstald
0.6 km
A short, cobbled lane of colourful houses and quiet courtyards, Hjelmerstald offers an intimate glimpse of old Aalborg life hidden in the city centre.
Gråbrødrekloster Museum
0.6 km
Step three metres beneath Aalborg’s busiest shopping street into an in situ medieval monastery, where ruins, burials and artefacts reveal the city’s deep past.
Nytorv
0.7 km
A historic crossroads square where Aalborg’s trading past, busy shopping streets and everyday city life come together in one open, welcoming space.
Fontana - Toldbod Plads
0.7 km
Denmark’s first musical fountain, where Aalborg’s historic customs house meets a lively waterfront square and jets dance to Handel’s “Water Music.”
Bispengade
0.7 km
Aalborg’s wide, bustling shopping artery, lined with fashion, outdoor gear and gadgets, linking central squares and side streets full of food and nightlife.
Street Art Mural - Nändo Väzquez
0.7 km
A vivid Nändo Väzquez mural splashes bold color across a central Aalborg streetscape, turning an ordinary wall on Danmarksgade into a small but striking urban landmark.
Apotekersamlingen
0.7 km
Step into a creaking attic above Jens Bang’s Stone House and explore centuries of pharmacy history in Aalborg’s atmospheric Apotekersamlingen.
Jens Bangs Stonehouse
0.7 km
Aalborg’s grand Dutch Renaissance mansion, where a wealthy merchant’s 17th‑century ambitions still dominate the old town’s skyline in carved stone and gables.
Jørgen Olufsens House
0.7 km
Aalborg’s finest Renaissance merchant’s house, where sandstone, brick and half‑timbering reveal the city’s 17th‑century wealth and waterfront history.
Klostertorvet
0.7 km
Aalborg’s cherished Kildeparken combines historic gardens, musical installations, and year-round events into a vibrant green oasis at the center of the city.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Fauna
0.1 km
Contemporary Nordic dining with Limfjord views inside Musikkens Hus, from relaxed bistro plates and lavish Saturday brunch to refined multi-course concert evenings.
Wildebeest Gastropub
0.2 km
Modern Aalborg gastropub pairing creative sliders, hearty burgers and serious drinks with a relaxed, social atmosphere near the Nordkraft cultural hub.
Restaurant Textur
0.2 km
Inventive seasonal Nordic menus and thoughtful pairings in a relaxed, modern bistro setting on Aalborg’s revitalised Østre Havn waterfront.
Alimentum
0.3 km
Fine-dining Nordic tasting menus in a discreet Aalborg corner spot, where local North Jutland produce and thoughtful pairings create an intimate, slow-paced experience.
Pingvin
0.3 km
Stylish harbourfront tapas in Aalborg, serving globe‑spanning small plates, curated wines and relaxed Scandinavian ambience ideal for dates, groups and long evenings.
Restaurant JØRN
0.5 km
Light-filled Nordic lunch and brunch restaurant in the Utzon Center, pairing Limfjord views with seasonal Danish cooking and clean, contemporary design.
Hos Henius
0.5 km
Classic Danish smørrebrød, beer and schnapps served with warm hygge and aquavit heritage in a cozy lunchtime restaurant in the heart of Aalborg.
Bistro V
0.6 km
Contemporary Nordic bistro on Aalborg’s Toldbod Plads, blending relaxed Scandinavian design, lively city-center buzz and seasonal French-inspired comfort food.
Mortens Kro Restaurant & Boutique hotel
0.7 km
Fine dining and intimate suites under one roof in central Aalborg, where contemporary Nordic cuisine and spa-touched boutique comfort create a full gourmet getaway.
Restaurant Flammen - Aalborg
0.7 km
Hearty all-you-can-eat grill buffet in a former Aalborg cinema, serving abundant meats, salads and sides in a warm, group-friendly setting on Østerågade.
Restaurant Grillen Burgerbar Aalborg
0.7 km
Flame-grilled burgers and thick shakes by the Limfjord, served in a warm, industrial-style space at the heart of Aalborg’s lively waterfront district.
El Mariachi Gastro Pub
0.7 km
Lively Mexican gastropub in central Aalborg, where shared plates, 15 beer taps and tequila-laced cocktails turn dinner into a social evening out.
Caféministeriet
0.7 km
Casual all‑day café and restaurant on Mølle Plads in central Aalborg, known for generous brunches, modern comfort food and a lively, laid‑back urban atmosphere.
Duus Vinkjælder
0.7 km
Historic 1918 wine cellar blending Nordic cuisine, live jazz, and immersive dining experiences in atmospheric Aalborg.
Café Peace
0.7 km
Lively all‑day café and restaurant on Aalborg’s Boulevarden, serving generous brunches, casual bistro dishes and drinks with prime street‑side terrace seating.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Boutique Chové
0.3 km
Intimate party boutique in central Aalborg, filled with balloons, décor and creative ideas for turning everyday gatherings into polished, memorable celebrations.
Mekong Market
0.3 km
Compact Asian grocery in central Aalborg, packed with hard-to-find ingredients, flavors and snacks from across Southeast and East Asia.
Monki
0.4 km
Trendy women's fashion with bold, expressive style in Aalborg's vibrant city center.
NORMAL Aalborg, Friis Shoppingcenter
0.4 km
A bright, budget-friendly variety shop in Friis Shoppingcenter, packed with branded everyday essentials, beauty bargains and quirky finds in central Aalborg.
Friis Shopping Center
0.4 km
Modern Aalborg shopping hub blending retail, dining, and urban culture in Denmark's vibrant city centre.
SEPHORA MAGASIN AALBORG
0.4 km
A polished, fashion-forward beauty hub inside Magasin at Nytorv, where international makeup, skincare and fragrance brands meet Aalborg’s city-center shopping buzz.
Filuca V
0.4 km
Intimate Aalborg boutique blending luxury vintage with contemporary Scandinavian womenswear, where curated rails and personal styling help you uncover a distinctive, lasting look.
Magasin Aalborg
0.4 km
A sleek, three-level department store in central Aalborg, blending Scandinavian style, curated brands and calm interiors for an easy, all-in-one shopping stop.
Butik Kraes
0.4 km
Intimate Aalborg boutique blending Scandinavian women’s fashion with curated home accents in a calm, design-led setting on central Nørregade.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.5 km
A bright, budget‑friendly Danish design store in central Aalborg, packed with playful gifts, colorful homeware and quirky everyday essentials.
Kilo Vintage Sale Aalborg
0.5 km
Playful weight-based vintage shopping in central Aalborg, where European second-hand style, sustainability and treasure-hunt browsing all come together by the kilo.
Billig-Billy. Costumes and dollar store
0.5 km
A lively central Aalborg discount and costume shop packed with party gear, decorations and quirky bargains, ideal for quick themed fixes and fun, low-cost finds.
Sinnerup Aalborg
0.5 km
Stylish Danish lifestyle store on Aalborg’s Nytorv, uniting Nordic furniture, home décor and women’s fashion in a single inspiring multi-level design universe.
Sirup
0.5 km
Central Aalborg women’s fashion boutique offering curated Scandinavian style, personal service and a relaxed shopping pause on lively Nytorv square.
MSCH Copenhagen
0.6 km
A modern Scandinavian womenswear boutique in the heart of Aalborg, blending minimalist design, versatile wardrobe staples and relaxed, downtown shopping vibes.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Basement Beer Bar
0.3 km
Aalborg's craft beer sanctuary with 20 rotating taps and weekly discoveries.
Hjerter Dame ApS
0.3 km
Cosy brown-bar charm in the heart of Aalborg, where local beer, fair prices and intimate, wood-panelled surroundings create an easy-going evening retreat.
Douro Wine Bar
0.5 km
Cozy Portuguese wine hideaway in central Aalborg, pairing hand-picked Douro bottles with relaxed tapas, candlelight and unhurried evening conversations.
John Bull Pub Aalborg
0.7 km
Classic English-style pub in central Aalborg, pouring a huge range of beers and whiskies with live music, sports and a spacious terrace facing the Limfjord.
The Irish House
0.7 km
Authentic Irish pub in Aalborg with live music, traditional cuisine, and an extensive beer and whiskey selection.
Gedulgt
0.7 km
Dimly lit, discreet and devoted to serious cocktails, Gedulgt brings speakeasy charm and Nordic flair to a tucked-away corner of Aalborg’s city center.
Cozy Bar Aalborg
0.7 km
A snug, no‑nonsense bar in central Aalborg, perfect for relaxed drinks, conversational evenings and a budget‑friendly pause between the city’s livelier nightspots.
Old Games Pub ApS
0.7 km
Cozy weekend pub in central Aalborg mixing cold beers, retro-style fun and live music for laid-back, late-night socializing by the waterfront.
London Pub
0.8 km
Classic British-style pub in central Aalborg pouring dozens of beers, ciders and whiskies in a cosy, wood-panelled setting from lunchtime until late.
Quist Wine v/Lene Quist Berggreen
0.8 km
Authentic Italian wines in Aalborg's historic heart, curated by passionate wine experts.
Kontiki Bar
0.8 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Ågade offering inexpensive drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed, central Aalborg hangout from midday to late night.
Heidi's Bier Bar Aalborg
0.8 km
High-energy Alpine-style beer hall in Aalborg’s nightlife lane, serving big steins, loud party tunes and late-night table dancing in a rustic lodge setting.
Zwei Grosse Bierbars Aalborg ApS
0.9 km
High-energy alpine-style beer bar bringing après-ski vibes, big steins and party soundtracks to Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade nightlife strip.
Proud Mary Pub Aalborg
0.9 km
Lively pub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing classic bar charm, sport on big screens, live music and late-night drinks in the city’s most famous party street.
The Drunken Flamingo
0.9 km
Neon-pink tiki vibes, flamingo-themed cocktails and late-night dancing on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade – a playful, party-ready bar with tropical flair.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Night Cirque
0.4 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Aalborg, where pulsing beats, bold lighting and a stylish crowd keep the dance floor alive late into the night.
CLUB MOONLIGHT Aalborgs dansested for voksne
0.8 km
Compact, nostalgic and unapologetically dance‑focused, Club Moonlight brings 80s, 90s and today’s hits to a mature over‑21 crowd in central Aalborg.
Rocken
0.8 km
Aalborg's premier basement rock and metal nightclub, hosting live bands and DJ sets Friday through Sunday.
Casino Aalborg
0.9 km
Compact, adult-only casino in the heart of Aalborg, pairing classic table games and slots with a relaxed Nordic nightlife atmosphere inside a city-center hotel.
ESCAPE CLUB & Shisha Lounge
0.9 km
Intimate nightclub and shisha lounge in the heart of Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, mixing DJ-driven dancing, drinks and hookah corners late into the night.
C Night Club
0.9 km
Craft cocktails meet dance floor energy on Aalborg's premier nightlife street.
Club Wolf
0.9 km
Compact, late-night nightclub on Aalborg’s Jomfru Ane Gade, blending chart hits, strong weekend energy and a tightly packed dance floor in the city’s bar street hub.
LouLou Aalborg
0.9 km
Polished cocktails and high-energy club vibes collide at this compact, late-night hotspot on Aalborg’s legendary Jomfru Ane Gade.
Club Stygge
0.9 km
Compact, late-night Aalborg nightclub with loud party hits, simple cocktails and a tightly packed dance floor on bustling Vesterå.
Mjølner
24.0 km
Small-town Nibe’s late-night heartbeat, where a compact dance floor, loud party tunes and local crowds turn a quiet fjord town into a lively night out.
Mariager Fjord Golf
41.2 km
Mariager Fjord Golf blends a challenging 18-hole course with spectacular fjord views, laid-back Danish charm, and a welcoming clubhouse overlooking North Jutland’s scenic waters.
Mariager Sejlklub
43.9 km
Experience the laid-back maritime charm of Mariager Sejlklub, where local sailing culture meets tranquil fjord views on Denmark’s scenic Mariager Fjord.
Buddy Holly
46.2 km
Late-night disco hub in central Hobro, where locals and visitors pack the dance floor to chart hits, lights and drinks until the early hours.
Jazz Hobro
46.4 km
Experience the soulful melodies of live jazz in the heart of Hobro at Jazz Hobro.
Flying Hirsch
56.4 km
Experience the unique après-ski atmosphere at Flying Hirsch, Frederikshavn's vibrant bar with live music and diverse drinks.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Lively
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
