The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s most famous bronze mermaid, a small yet iconic storyteller of sea, longing and legend, watching over the harbor from her rock at Langelinie.
Perched on a waterside rock along Copenhagen’s Langelinie promenade, The Little Mermaid is a small bronze statue with a huge symbolic presence. Unveiled in 1913 and inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, Edvard Eriksen’s 1.25 m figure gazes out over the harbor, embodying longing, transformation, and Denmark’s maritime identity. Free to visit at any hour, it’s an essential stop on a stroll past Kastellet and the harborfront, best enjoyed in soft early morning or evening light.
A brief summary to The Little Mermaid
- Langelinie, København Ø, København Ø, 2100, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive before 9 am or near sunset for softer light and fewer people clustered around the statue, which also makes photography and quiet viewing easier.
- Manage expectations on size: the mermaid is only about 1.25 m tall, so focus on details like her expression, patina and the harbor backdrop rather than grandeur.
- Stay on the rocks and shoreline; avoid climbing onto the statue or wet stones, which can be slippery and are protected as part of a valued city landmark.
- Combine your stop with a loop through nearby Kastellet fortress and the Langelinie promenade to turn a brief photo stop into a scenic hour-long walk.
- Dress for wind and changeable weather, especially outside summer, as the exposed harbor location can feel cooler than inner-city streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and walk from central Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, take an S-train to Østerport Station, a ride of about 5–10 minutes depending on line. From Østerport it is typically a 10–15 minute walk on mostly flat, paved paths through or around Kastellet to reach Langelinie and the statue. Regular tickets within the central zones usually cost around 20–30 DKK one way, and trains run frequently throughout the day.
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City bus from inner Copenhagen
Several city buses run toward the harbor near Langelinie; routes such as 27 commonly stop at or near Indiakaj, from where you can walk 5–10 minutes along the waterfront to The Little Mermaid. Expect a journey of 15–25 minutes from the inner city depending on traffic and starting point. A standard city bus ticket is typically in the 20–30 DKK range per ride, and services run at regular intervals during the day and early evening.
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Bicycle from city center
Cycling from central Copenhagen to Langelinie usually takes 10–20 minutes, following dedicated bike lanes for most of the route and only gentle gradients. You can use city bikes or rental shops; typical short-term rentals start around 75–150 DKK for a few hours. This option suits confident cyclists comfortable with urban traffic and is available year-round, though wind and winter conditions can make the ride more demanding.
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Harbor or canal boat tour
Many canal and harbor tours departing from areas such as Nyhavn include a pass by The Little Mermaid, offering a waterside view rather than direct access. Tours commonly last 1–2 hours, with prices often in the 90–150 DKK range per adult. Boats run more frequently in the warmer months and may be limited in harsh winter weather, so check seasonal schedules and be prepared for windchill on open decks.
The Little Mermaid 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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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about The Little Mermaid
A fairy tale figure on Copenhagen’s waterfront
The Little Mermaid sits on a rounded boulder at the edge of Copenhagen’s harbor, where the Langelinie promenade curves toward the open water. Just 1.25 meters tall, the bronze figure is often smaller than visitors expect, which only heightens the intimacy of meeting her at eye level from the shoreline. Her body twists ever so slightly toward the city, while her face is turned seaward, capturing a moment of quiet tension between two worlds. This is Denmark’s most recognizable sculpture, a compact landmark framed by views of passing ferries, naval vessels and harbor tour boats. The constant movement of the water around her rock, together with the salt-tinged air and the cries of gulls overhead, gives the scene a distinctly maritime atmosphere that feels inseparable from Copenhagen’s identity as a port city.From brewery patron to bronze icon
The statue owes its existence to brewer Carl Jacobsen, who commissioned it in the early 20th century after being moved by a ballet adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s story. Sculptor Edvard Eriksen created the figure in bronze, unveiling her in 1913 as a gift to the city. The head was modeled on the ballerina who danced the role on stage, while Eriksen’s wife posed for the body, lending the mermaid a distinctly human presence. Over time, the sculpture has become a shorthand for Copenhagen itself, appearing in films, on stamps and in promotional images around the world. For more than a century she has remained on this exposed perch in all seasons, a fixed point as the harbor transformed from an industrial zone into a more recreational, pedestrian-friendly waterfront.The bittersweet story behind the statue
Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, first published in the 19th century, is far more melancholic than many modern retellings. It tells of a sea princess who longs for a human soul and a life on land, sacrificing her voice and enduring pain for love that is never fully returned. The statue captures this suspended moment of yearning: the mermaid’s tail subtly folds beneath her as her upper body becomes human, an in-between state filled with both hope and loss. Standing in front of the sculpture, it is easy to trace elements of the story in her expression and pose. There is no grand gesture or dramatic movement, just a contemplative gaze toward the horizon. That restraint, combined with the smooth modeling of the bronze, invites a slower look and rewards visitors who linger beyond a quick photograph.Harbor setting and surrounding landmarks
The Langelinie promenade offers a broad, paved walkway with benches, trees and open views across the water. Cruise ships and naval installations often anchor nearby, giving the area an almost theatrical backdrop. A short walk away lies the star-shaped earthworks of Kastellet, one of Europe’s best-preserved fortresses, and the grassy ramparts there provide additional vantage points back toward the statue and the harbor. Because the mermaid sits right at the water’s edge, the experience shifts noticeably with the weather and time of day. On clear evenings, the low sun can turn the bronze a warm gold, while overcast or misty days emphasize cooler steel and slate tones of sea and sky. Winter brings a more austere beauty, with bare trees and stiff winds, while summer can feel almost festive as cyclists and walkers flow constantly along the promenade.Living artwork with a turbulent past
Despite her serene expression, The Little Mermaid has had a surprisingly dramatic history. Over the decades she has been vandalized multiple times, losing her head and an arm on separate occasions and being doused in paint during political protests. Each time, careful restoration has returned her to the rock, underscoring the city’s commitment to preserving this symbol. The statue has even traveled abroad, spending several months in Shanghai during a world exposition before being returned to Langelinie. Discussions about moving her slightly farther into the harbor to protect against damage have surfaced periodically, but she remains, for now, close enough for visitors to stand within a few meters and appreciate details of the modeling and patina.Experiencing the mermaid up close
Visiting The Little Mermaid is as much about the setting as the sculpture itself. The approach along Langelinie builds anticipation, with the statue gradually coming into view against the curve of the shoreline. At busy times the area can feel lively, with cameras clicking, snippets of many languages and the occasional street performer nearby. Those who arrive early in the morning or closer to sunset often find a quieter scene: the slap of waves on the stones, the soft hum of city traffic in the distance, and the bronze figure keeping her silent watch. Whether you stay for a brief stop or a longer pause on the benches overlooking the harbor, the encounter offers a compact but evocative insight into Denmark’s storytelling tradition and its enduring relationship with the sea.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Maritime Monument
0.2 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.2 km
A soaring tribute to Danish heroism, the Iver Huitfeldt Memorial stands sentinel over Copenhagen’s harbor, blending history, artistry, and breathtaking waterfront views.
Our Fallen
0.5 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Horn mine
0.5 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.6 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
I am Queen Mary
0.7 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Larsens Pl.
1.0 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
St. Paul's Church
1.0 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Rytterstatuen
1.1 km
A towering bronze king on horseback, Rytterstatuen anchors Amalienborg’s royal square, uniting art, power and urban design in the heart of Copenhagen.
Amalienborg Palace
1.1 km
Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.
Frederik's Church
1.1 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
Copenhagen Opera House
1.2 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
1.2 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
The Kissing Stairs
1.3 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
1.3 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.2 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.2 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Langelinieparken
0.2 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
Langelinie Park
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Inugsuk
0.3 km
Discover one of Europe's oldest and most innovative zoos, home to over 4,000 animals and award-winning habitats in the leafy heart of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
Kastellet
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.4 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Gefion Fountain
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
St Alban's Church
0.4 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.4 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.6 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
0.6 km
Industrial harbour vibes meet global street food, live events and a glowing winter ice rink at Copenhagen’s most atmospheric container village.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
0.6 km
A darkly playful harbourfront sculpture that twists Copenhagen’s fairytale mermaid into a sharp, bronze critique of genetics, icons and postmodern life.
Segway Cruise Copenhagen
0.6 km
Discover St Alban’s Church, Copenhagen’s only Anglican church, where neo-Gothic architecture and lush parkland meet Danish and British history near the city's harbor.
Langelinie
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s classic harbourfront promenade, where sea air, green parkland, and iconic sculptures like The Little Mermaid meet at the edge of the Øresund.
Essential places to dine
Veve
0.6 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
La Banchina
0.8 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Alchemist
0.9 km
A boundary-pushing Copenhagen icon where fine dining, art installation and social commentary fuse into a five-hour, 50-course immersive experience under a vast projected dome.
Kokkeriet
1.1 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Dag H
1.2 km
Stylish Østerbro brasserie offering classic bistro plates, all-day dining, and a cosmopolitan terrace in Copenhagen’s embassy quarter.
Aoc
1.3 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
1.3 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Noma
1.3 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Restaurant Koefoed
1.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Vita
1.4 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Den Lille Fede
1.5 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Khun Juk
1.5 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.5 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Skipperkroen
1.5 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
1.5 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.6 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
1.1 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Maritime Antiques &
1.4 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
The Wilde Shop
1.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Red Cross Op Shop
1.5 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Zane
1.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagenglass
1.5 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.6 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
1.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Storm - design art fashion
1.7 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.7 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
1.8 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
1.0 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Chevy's
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
1.4 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Østerbros Perle Pub
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
ØB
1.5 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
Trianglen 7
1.6 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
Søernes Ølbar
1.6 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.6 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
1.6 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Trykbar
1.7 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Brønnum
1.7 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
1.7 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
1105
1.7 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Moose
1.8 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.8 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
1.2 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
1.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.7 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
1.7 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.
Operaen
2.1 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Mirage
2.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
2.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
2.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
2.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
2.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
2.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
2.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
2.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Zefside
2.4 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Dorsia
2.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- 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
