Ærø Island
Storybook streets, gentle Baltic seascapes and a quietly ambitious island community make Ærø a slow-travel haven in Denmark’s South Funen Archipelago.
Ærø is a small, storybook Danish island in the South Funen Archipelago, known for its cobbled-town charm, bright beach huts, and gently rolling farmland framed by the Baltic Sea. Three compact towns—maritime Marstal, fairytale Ærøskøbing and working harbour Søby—anchor a landscape of cliffs, cycling lanes, beaches and centuries-old churches. With big skies, long light evenings and a relaxed, lived-in feel, it is as much a thriving island community as it is a holiday escape.
A brief summary to Ærø
- Ærø Municipality, DK
- Duration: 4 to 72 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Rent a bicycle for at least a day: the island’s gentle hills, quiet roads and short distances are ideal for slow exploration between towns, beaches and viewpoints.
- Pack for changeable coastal weather, even in summer; layers, a light waterproof and windproof jacket make walks and bike rides more comfortable.
- Aim for early morning or late evening in Ærøskøbing’s old streets to enjoy softer light and emptier lanes for photos without harsh midday contrasts.
- Bring swimwear and a quick-drying towel in your daypack; inviting beaches and bathing jetties appear unexpectedly along coastal walks and cycle routes.
- If you are sensitive to sun or wind, carry sunscreen and sunglasses; the island’s big, open skies and reflective sea can intensify both glare and exposure.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Ferry from Svendborg (to Ærøskøbing)
From the town of Svendborg on Funen, car and passenger ferries sail to Ærøskøbing several times a day. The crossing usually takes around 1 hour 10–20 minutes. Tickets for a foot passenger typically cost in the range of 80–130 DKK one way, with higher prices for cars and bicycles. Services run year-round but may have fewer departures in winter and on some public holidays, so it is wise to check schedules in advance.
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Ferry from Fynshav (to Søby)
If you are coming from Southern Jutland, ferries run between Fynshav on Als and the harbour town of Søby on Ærø. The sailing time is generally about 1 hour. A one-way ticket for a foot passenger is usually around 80–120 DKK, with supplements for vehicles. This route is convenient for travellers arriving by car from mainland Denmark or Germany. Services can be busier in summer and may require advance booking for vehicles.
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Ferry from Faaborg (to Søby)
From Faaborg on Funen, a smaller ferry service connects to Søby. The crossing typically takes 1 hour 15–30 minutes. Passenger fares are broadly similar to other regional ferries, often around 80–130 DKK one way, plus additional charges for bicycles or cars. Sailings are more frequent in the main holiday months and may be reduced in the shoulder seasons or during severe weather, so checking the timetable before you travel is recommended.
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On-island transport by bus, bicycle and on foot
Once on Ærø, three main towns—Ærøskøbing, Marstal and Søby—are linked by local buses, cycling routes and walkable stretches. Public buses generally coordinate with ferry arrivals and can be used without a car; check current timetables for operating hours and any seasonal changes. Hiring a bicycle is a popular way to move between towns, with journeys of 30–60 minutes common on relatively gentle terrain. Walking between smaller villages and beaches is straightforward but can be exposed in windy or wet weather.
Ærø location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Ærø
An island of big skies and small-scale charm
Ærø sits in the South Funen Archipelago, a narrow, 20km-long strip of green land surrounded by the soft blues of the Baltic Sea. Fields, hedgerows and wind-shaped trees roll gently towards 167km of coastline, where pebble beaches, shallow bays and low cliffs alternate in quick succession. The light feels expansive here, with long Northern evenings in summer and wide, cloud-brushed skies at any time of year. Despite its modest size, the island feels self-contained and complete: you pass from open countryside to village to harbour within minutes, yet the views out over scattered islets and passing ferries make it feel surprisingly vast. This is classic Danish island scenery—orderly, cultivated, but never over-manicured.Fairytale streets and a skipper’s harbour
Ærøskøbing, on the island’s north coast, is its postcard face: a lattice of cobbled lanes lined with 18th-century houses painted in mustard, rose and soft green, many with half-timbering, low doorways and hollyhocks climbing around crooked windows. Church towers, small squares and tiny courtyards break the pattern just enough to invite aimless wandering and quiet photography. Across the island, Marstal has a different character: a historic seafaring town where shipowners’ houses, maritime memorabilia and a busy harbour tell of centuries of trade, fishing and long voyages. You still sense the working rhythm of boats coming and going, from small yachts to island ferries. Søby, to the northwest, is more compact, dominated by its harbour and boatyard; from here rural roads pull quickly back into farmland and open seascapes.Coastal paths, cliffs and countryside lanes
Away from the towns, Ærø is ideal for slow travel under your own steam. Quiet country roads and signposted cycling routes knit together villages, farms and stretches of open coast, with relatively gentle gradients that suit most fitness levels. Walkers can trace clifftop paths, particularly near Voderup Klint, where layered coastal bluffs rise around 30m above the sea and long views unfold across the archipelago. Along the shores near Marstal and Ærøskøbing, colourful wooden beach huts stand in neat lines, reflecting in the shallow water on calm days. In summer, swimmers share the sea with kayakers, paddleboarders and small sailing boats, while anglers work the rocks and groynes in quieter coves. In cooler seasons the same spots feel windswept and peaceful, good for bracing walks and birdwatching.Layers of history in churches and manors
Ærø’s rural churches reveal much of the island’s past prosperity and piety. Interiors often hold richly carved altarpieces and ship models suspended from the ceiling, reminders of the local bond with the sea. At Bregninge, the church stands on higher ground, surrounded by views and memorials that connect maritime stories, faith and family histories. Scattered across the countryside are old manors and farmsteads, some linked to noble families and local dukes who once ruled the island as a patchwork of small estates. Their silhouettes—tile roofs, barns, tree-lined drives—add a touch of aristocratic history to what is otherwise a very human-scale landscape of fields and villages.Living island culture and everyday life
Ærø is not only a holiday escape but a year-round community of just under 6,000 people, with its own schools, services and cultural calendar. Traditional festivals, local music events and seasonal markets bring residents together in town squares and harbours. Island produce, from small-scale farms and artisans, appears in shops and eateries, reflecting the surrounding fields and waters. In recent years, the municipality has also become known for its focus on renewable energy and sustainable living, experimenting with green ferries, local energy initiatives and climate-conscious planning. That modern mindset sits easily alongside the heritage architecture and slow rhythms of island life, giving Ærø a distinctive mix of nostalgia and new ideas.A gentle place to slow down and stay a while
Days on Ærø tend to stretch rather than rush. You might linger over a harbourfront coffee, then cycle a loop through villages and shoreline, stopping to swim or sit above the cliffs with a thermos. Long evenings encourage lingering on jetties and beaches as the light softens over the Baltic. Whether you base yourself in cobbled Ærøskøbing, maritime Marstal or a farmhouse in the interior, the island’s scale keeps everything within easy reach. Yet there is enough variety in townscapes, coastline and weather to make longer stays rewarding, especially for those who enjoy unhurried exploration, subtle scenery and the feeling of being part of a small, well-knit community.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Rise Kirke
1.0 km
A quietly beautiful 12th‑century countryside church on Ærø, where whitewashed walls, historic graves and open fields tell the island’s rural and seafaring story.
Andelen Guesthouse
3.5 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Danish Island Weddings
3.6 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
På Torvet
3.6 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Hotel Ærøhus
3.7 km
Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.
Ærøfærgerne
3.9 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
3.9 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
3.9 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Forladt skorsten
4.8 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Bregninge Kirke
6.3 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
8.6 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
20.7 km
A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Saint Nicolai's Church
26.3 km
Svendborg’s oldest church and a quiet seafaring sanctuary, where red-brick medieval walls and a calm, whitewashed interior meet just off lively Gerritsgade.
Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum
26.5 km
Explore Denmark's social welfare history at Danmarks Forsorgsmuseum in Svendborg, the best-preserved poorhouse in the Nordic countries, offering a poignant journey into the lives of the marginalized.
Anne Hvide's House
26.5 km
Svendborg's oldest house: a ochre-yellow Renaissance gem where nobility, hospitality, and history converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ærø Bryggeri
1.0 km
Craft beer, island heritage, and authentic Danish hospitality in a historic microbrewery.
Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
1.3 km
Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.
Coast Gallery
2.4 km
A small seaside studio-gallery on Ærø’s south coast, where artist Henrik Thorsøe weaves the island’s shifting light, music and poetry into intimate coastal paintings.
Mindesten for Edvard Biering
2.6 km
A modest roadside memorial on Ærø, honouring district doctor Edvard Biering and offering a quiet glimpse into the island’s everyday history.
Naturlegepladsen & shelters
3.2 km
A modest island playground and shelter spot on Ærø’s edge, blending simple outdoor fun, family-friendly space and back-to-basics overnight stays under open skies.
Voderup Klint
3.5 km
Terraced coastal cliffs where Ice Age geology, open sea views and tranquil island farmland meet in one of Ærø’s most distinctive natural landscapes.
God badestrand
3.5 km
A peaceful Baltic beach where Danish coastal simplicity meets island tranquility.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
3.6 km
Island-crafted single malt whisky with complete grain traceability and legendary local oak maturation.
Ærøskøbing Church
3.6 km
An 18th‑century island church with medieval roots, blue maritime pews and hanging model ships, offering a quiet window into Ærø’s seafaring soul.
Hammerich House • Aero Museum
3.6 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
3.7 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Flaske-Peters Samling
3.8 km
An intimate maritime museum in Ærøskøbing’s old poorhouse, filled with Flaske-Peter’s extraordinary ships in bottles and miniature seafaring worlds in glass.
Ærø Jazzfestival
3.9 km
An intimate summer jazz festival in an old island shipyard, where harbour history, Nordic light and live music blend into long, atmospheric nights.
Det Gamle Værft
3.9 km
A working harbor shipyard turned hands-on maritime hub, where traditional crafts, nautical style, and Ærø’s seafaring heritage come together by the quayside.
Ærø Flyveplads
4.4 km
A small grass airfield in Ærø’s countryside, where island tranquillity meets light aircraft, scenic flights and colourful community events under wide open skies.
Essential places to dine
Dunkær Kro
2.4 km
Roadside inn, workers’ pub and countryside stop rolled into one, Dunkær Kro serves hearty Danish fare and local atmosphere on the quiet back roads of Ærø.
Vindeballe Kro
2.5 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Restaurant MUMM
3.5 km
Candlelit steaks, fresh Ærø fish and thoughtful vegetarian dishes served in a cosy, long-loved dining room on cobbled Søndergade in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Den Hemmelige Café
3.6 km
A cosy “secret” café hidden behind a shopfront in fairytale Ærøskøbing, serving quality coffee, home-baked cakes and light lunches wrapped in pure Danish hygge.
Landbogården
3.6 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Cafe På Torvet
3.6 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
3.7 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Hotel The Monica
3.7 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Badehotel Harmonien
3.7 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
3.7 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Kraut & Koala
3.9 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
3.9 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
3.9 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Restaurant Udsigten Marstal
8.3 km
Coastal Danish cuisine in a cosy seaside hotel setting, with sweeping views over the South Funen Archipelago from dining room, conservatory and terrace.
Hotel Udsigten Marstal
8.3 km
Laid-back waterfront hotel on Ærø where nearly every room faces the Baltic and Marstal’s maritime charm is just a shoreline stroll away.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Neli Garnet
1.3 km
Award-winning destination wedding photographer capturing love stories on Ærø island and beyond.
Galleri Strandesen
2.0 km
Intimate island gallery in Ærøskøbing where sea light, harbour life and quiet streets are transformed into contemporary paintings you can linger over—and take home.
Bjarne Folmer Vikings Mini Market
2.2 km
Characterful village mini market on Ærø, blending historic købmands charm with modern groceries and a notably large wine and spirits selection.
Blåbær Gårdbutik
3.4 km
Historic 1850s island farm turned cosy lifestyle shop, blending Scandinavian design, organic treats and a relaxed courtyard with animals on Ærøskøbing’s rural edge.
Red Cross Op Shop
3.4 km
Volunteer-run island thrift shop where gently used furniture and housewares fund Red Cross work and add character to life in charming Ærøskøbing.
Zac N Grey
3.5 km
A cosy Ærøskøbing lifestyle store where Danish, French and Italian design meet in a carefully curated mix of gifts, homeware and accessories.
Reloved with Other Stories
3.5 km
Sustainable vintage fashion in the heart of Denmark's most enchanting island town.
stil & hygge
3.5 km
Curated Danish design and artisanal hygge in the heart of Ærøskøbing's creative quarter.
LINEN BY KREBS Ærø
3.5 km
A cosy Ærøskøbing boutique where slow-fashion linen, Danish design and coastal essentials come together in a calm, carefully curated island setting.
Donna & Miss Daisy
3.5 km
Intimate island boutique in Ærøskøbing’s old town, blending whimsical Scandinavian fashion, thoughtful accessories and personal styling in a cosy, cobbled-street setting.
Blandede Bolcher
3.5 km
A tiny Søndergade shop where antiques, toys and curiosities spill from every corner, offering a nostalgic, treasure-hunt pause in fairytale Ærøskøbing.
Tøjshoppen
3.5 km
Practical island clothing and home textiles in the heart of Ærøskøbing’s cobbled old town, ideal for topping up your wardrobe or holiday cottage essentials.
Creutz Boghandel
3.5 km
A historic island bookshop where curated reads, quality toys, stationery and select wines meet old‑fashioned kiosk charm in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Den Gamle Isenkram
3.5 km
Historic boutique blending Danish tradition with contemporary style in Ærøskøbing's charming heart.
Verdens Mindste Stormagasin
3.6 km
A delightfully tiny “world’s smallest department store” in Ærøskøbing, brimming with island-made crafts, nostalgic curiosities and small-town Danish charm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Arrebo
3.8 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
8.1 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Skipperkroen
8.3 km
Cosy skipper’s bar in central Marstal, serving inexpensive drinks and simple fare in a relaxed, maritime small‑town atmosphere close to the harbour.
Foley's Pub
8.4 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
8.6 km
Cozy harborfront cocktail bar and woolly boutique in Marstal’s old ferry waiting room, blending inventive drinks, Nordic knitwear and intimate island atmosphere.
Bar & Café MF Egeskov
8.7 km
Cozy harborfront bar and café on Marstal’s working quay, blending maritime atmosphere, dockside views, and relaxed drinks in the spirit of Ærø’s seafaring life.
Rådhuskælderen
11.7 km
Cosy cellar bar in Søby’s former town hall, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere and a low‑key glimpse of everyday life on the island of Ærø.
Havnekiosken 6kanten
22.2 km
Quirky octagonal harbour kiosk turned cosy café-bar, serving simple Danish fare and cold beer with front-row views of Rudkøbing’s boats and Langelandsbroen.
Havnekiosken v/Ole Damgaard Hansen
22.2 km
A tiny historic kiosk-bar on Rudkøbing’s harbor front, serving simple drinks and snacks with big maritime views and the easy rhythm of island harbor life.
Dybendal
22.4 km
Easygoing local bar on Rudkøbing’s main square, blending billiards, darts and drinks with small‑town atmosphere and summer concerts on the cobbled Torvet.
Sukker
22.4 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
22.5 km
A classic Rudkøbing bodega where locals gather for cold beer, warm conversation, and an authentic slice of island everyday life from morning to late evening.
No. 10
22.7 km
Cozy, adults‑only lounge bar in a former butcher’s shop, serving Champagne, craft beer and cocktails with island hygge and a colourful courtyard in central Rudkøbing.
Langelands Jazzklub
23.1 km
Tiny island jazz hub in Rudkøbing, blending close-up concerts, seasonal outdoor gigs and decades of Danish jazz heritage in a warm, community-run setting.
Basicbigband
23.1 km
Local big band headquarters in a quiet Rudkøbing neighbourhood, where brass, reeds and rhythm bring Langeland’s intimate jazz scene to life on select evenings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ommel
6.5 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
26.5 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Old Danish Pub
38.7 km
Central Sønderborg institution blending classic Danish pub ambiance, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere—perfect for experiencing Southern Denmark’s warmth and social life.
Kaizen ApS
38.8 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
39.0 km
Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.
Dance All Over
44.7 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
CLUB ZANZI
47.7 km
High‑energy waterfront nightclub bringing big‑city beats, flashing lights and late‑night dancing to the heart of coastal Nakskov.
Muzirkus
55.5 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
56.3 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
KJ's bodel
56.6 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Carlsens Kvarter
59.1 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
Den Brølende And
59.6 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
59.6 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
Dansebar Odense
59.7 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Grand Bar & Lounge
59.9 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Remote
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
