Danish Architecture Centre (DAC)
Copenhagen’s living laboratory for architecture and city life, blending bold exhibitions, playful design experiences and harbourfront views inside the BLOX building.
Set inside the striking glass-and-steel BLOX complex on Copenhagen’s inner harbour, the Danish Architecture Centre is Denmark’s national hub for architecture, design and urban culture. Exhibitions like “So Danish!” trace a thousand years of building history, while changing shows explore sustainability, cities of the future and global design icons. Families are drawn to hands-on workshops, LEGO universes and the 40‑metre spiral slide, while the café and roof terraces serve Nordic dishes with sweeping harbour views.
A brief summary to Danish Architecture Centre
- Bryghusgade 10, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1473, DK
- +4532571930
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-9 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 1.5–2 hours to explore “So Danish!”, one or two temporary exhibitions and the rooftop café, especially if you also want to try the DAC Slide.
- If you hold a city pass such as a Copenhagen sightseeing card, check whether entry to DAC is included to save on admission.
- Visit on a Monday or Thursday evening when the centre stays open later; galleries are often calmer and the harbour views feel especially atmospheric after dusk.
- Families should time their visit for weekends or school holidays, when the family workshop and LEGO building areas usually run with extended activities.
- Head to the roof terraces even if you are short on time; they offer some of the best panoramas of Copenhagen’s inner harbour and skyline.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Gammel Strand or Kongens Nytorv and continue on to the station serving the harbourfront near BLOX; the total metro journey from many inner-city stops is around 5–10 minutes, followed by a short, step-free walk. Standard single tickets within the central zones typically cost around 20–30 DKK, and trains run every few minutes throughout the day.
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City Bus
Several city bus routes run along the inner harbour corridor with stops a short walk from Bryghusgade; from the central rail station area the ride is usually 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. A regular bus ticket within the core zones costs roughly 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or transport apps. Buses are low-floor and generally accessible but can be busy during rush hours.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s dense bike-lane network makes cycling to DAC straightforward from most central districts, typically taking 5–15 minutes from areas like Vesterbro, Nørreport or Christianshavn. You can rent a city bike or from private rental shops, with daily rentals often starting around 100–150 DKK. The route is mostly flat and separated from traffic, though the harbourfront can feel busy at commuting times.
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Taxi
A taxi from Copenhagen Central Station or similar central locations usually reaches Bryghusgade in 5–10 minutes, depending on congestion along the harbour. Fares within the inner city commonly range from about 80–140 DKK, with surcharges in the evening or on weekends. Drop-off is close to the entrance, which is convenient for visitors with limited mobility.
Danish Architecture Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Danish Architecture Centre
Where Copenhagen Thinks About the City
The Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) is Denmark’s national hub for architecture, design and urban development, housed in the eye‑catching BLOX building on the edge of Copenhagen’s inner harbour. More than a traditional museum, it is a place where ideas about how we live, work and move through cities are constantly in motion. Inside, architecture becomes something you can touch, test and question rather than simply admire from afar. The setting alone tells a story about contemporary Denmark. BLOX is all sharp lines and stacked volumes of glass and steel, a bold contrast to the copper spires and gabled roofs across the water. Standing here you sense the dialogue between old and new Copenhagen: medieval street patterns and royal palaces on one side, shimmering modernism and bike bridges on the other.Stories Inside “So Danish!” and Beyond
DAC’s core narrative unfolds in its permanent exhibition, “So Danish!”, which traces more than a thousand years of Danish architecture, from Viking longhouses to cutting‑edge sustainable towers. Models, drawings and full‑scale fragments reveal how ideas like functionalism, welfare‑state housing and climate‑conscious design have shaped everyday life. You move through timelines, immerse yourself in film sequences and see how architects such as Arne Jacobsen, Jan Gehl and newer studios have reimagined homes, streets and waterfronts. Alongside the permanent show, rotating exhibitions dive into specific themes: circular building methods, the relationship between nature and the city, or experimental housing solutions. International names, including global Danish practices, often feature with large‑scale installations and interactive elements. The focus is less on isolated masterpieces and more on how buildings respond to people, communities and the climate.Hands-On Fun, Workshops and the Famous Slide
Architecture becomes play in DAC’s family areas. Weekends and school holidays bring open workshops where children and adults build future cities from bricks, cardboard and recycled materials, guided by friendly hosts. Large LEGO zones invite you to test structural ideas, towers and bridges, making the language of design tangible even for younger visitors. One of the most talked‑about features is the 40‑metre spiral DAC Slide that coils dramatically through several floors of the building. It doubles as an art installation and a thrilling shortcut between galleries, giving a visceral sense of speed and gravity inside an otherwise rational, rectilinear structure. Nearby, there are creative trails at child height and playful exhibits that encourage you to touch, climb and experiment.City as Open-Air Collection
For DAC, the real collection lies outside its walls. The centre runs guided walks through Copenhagen’s neighbourhoods, treating streets, harbour baths, bike bridges and housing estates as open‑air galleries. These tours connect ideas from the exhibitions to the buildings and spaces just beyond the glass façades, explaining how former industrial docks became lively districts and how soft mobility and green infrastructure shape daily routines. Even without a tour, large windows and outdoor terraces constantly frame the city as part of the exhibition. From here you can trace the line of the harbour, spot landmarks like church spires and modern cultural venues, and watch ferries, cyclists and runners weaving through the city’s public spaces below.Café Views, Design Shop and Everyday Life
High above the quay, the DAC Café stretches onto broad roof terraces with one of the most expansive views in central Copenhagen. Nordic‑style dishes, coffee and drinks are served with a panorama of water, bridges and historic rooftops, making it a popular pause point whether or not you are exploring every gallery in depth. On fine days the terraces feel like a floating plaza above the harbour traffic. Back at ground and mezzanine levels, the design shop curates pieces that echo the centre’s focus on thoughtful design: books on urbanism, Danish design objects, prints, jewellery and gifts that blend aesthetics with everyday usefulness. Throughout the building, signage and exhibition design reinforce DAC’s broader commitment to sustainability, inclusivity and the idea that architecture is not just about spectacular façades, but about how people inhabit spaces over time.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Stable Boy's House
0.1 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Circle Bridge
0.3 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.4 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Danish Parliament
0.4 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Frederik VII
0.5 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.5 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.5 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Gammel Strand
0.6 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.6 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Højbro
0.6 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Islands Brygge 18
0.6 km
Discover Aarhus University Park: an iconic green haven at the city's core, where architectural elegance meets tranquil lakes, vibrant campus life, and lush Nordic landscape.
Bishop Absalon
0.6 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.6 km
Denmark's civic masterpiece: National Romantic architecture, astronomical engineering, and the heartbeat of Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.1 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Lille Langebro
0.2 km
A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Kopenhagen
0.2 km
A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Black Diamond
0.3 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.3 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Slotsholmen
0.3 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.3 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Marmorbroen
0.3 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
National Museum of Denmark
0.4 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge
0.4 km
Open‑air saltwater pools, diving towers and sun‑warmed decks turn Copenhagen’s inner harbour at Islands Brygge into an urban beach and everyday swimming hangout.
Essential places to dine
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Noi
0.3 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
No. 2
0.3 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant Karla
0.3 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Rio Bravo
0.4 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant 1733
0.5 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Puk
0.5 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Marv & Ben
0.6 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Kadeau
0.6 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.7 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Restaurant Tight
0.7 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Københavner Cafeen
0.7 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Maven
0.7 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.8 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
King Hans Cellar
0.8 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Audrey Vintage
0.7 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Danish Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Læderstræde
0.7 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Akimbo
0.7 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.7 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.7 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Hygge Original
0.7 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
& Other Stories
0.7 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Strøget
0.7 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.7 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Souvenir Shop
0.7 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.7 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.7 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.8 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Marble Bar
0.3 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.4 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Zefside
0.5 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
The Rooftop Bar
0.5 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Ruby
0.5 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Southern Cross Pub
0.5 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Pier5 Bar
0.5 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Godt Øl
0.5 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ved Stranden
0.6 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.6 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
K-Bar
0.6 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Centralhjørnet
0.7 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.8 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Hive
0.8 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Module
0.9 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
La Terraza
0.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Cosy Bar
0.9 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Never Mind
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.0 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
1.0 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.
Den Anden Side
1.1 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
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
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
