Holmen Waterside District
Former naval islands turned calm harbour district, where historic dockyards, modern architecture and wide‑open water views reshape Copenhagen’s maritime heart.
Holmen is a characterful waterside district in Copenhagen, spread across former naval islands between Christianshavn and Refshaleøen. Once the heart of Denmark’s naval dockyards, it now blends historic brick barracks, canals and industrial relics with the striking Copenhagen Opera House, creative schools, cafés and harbor swimming spots. Calm, spacious and quietly scenic, it offers big sky views back to the city’s spires and palaces without ever feeling far from the urban buzz.
A brief summary to Holmen
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan time simply to wander the quays and side canals; Holmen is more about atmosphere, views and small discoveries than ticking off individual attractions.
- Bring a light jacket, even in summer—being surrounded by open water means breezes can make the district feel cooler than central Copenhagen.
- Combine a daytime stroll with an evening performance at the Copenhagen Opera House to experience Holmen’s architecture in both daylight and after dark.
- If you plan to swim in designated harbour areas near Holmen, pack a towel and water shoes and check local signage for current bathing conditions.
- Cycling is an easy way to explore the scattered islands; use marked paths and take care when crossing bridges shared with pedestrians.
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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Harbour bus
From central Copenhagen, use the yellow harbour buses that serve stops such as Nyhavn and the Royal Library, and ride to the Operaen or Holmen Nord piers on Holmen. The journey across the harbour typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point and connections. Standard city tickets and passes are valid, and a single adult fare is usually in the range of 20–30 DKK. Services run year‑round but can be less frequent in the evening, so check the timetable in advance.
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City bus
Several city buses connect the inner districts with the Holmen and Refshaleøen area, typically via Christianshavn. From Copenhagen Central Station or Nørreport, expect 20–30 minutes of travel time, including a short walk across local bridges onto the islands. Regular bus fares are around 20–30 DKK for adults within the central zones, and services generally run every 10–20 minutes during the day, with reduced frequency late at night and on weekends.
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Bicycle
Cycling to Holmen from the historic centre is straightforward and scenic, using dedicated bike lanes and harbour bridges such as the pedestrian‑cycle crossings near Nyhavn and Christianshavn. From Kongens Nytorv or City Hall Square, the ride usually takes about 10–20 minutes at an easy pace. You can use your own bike or rent one from numerous city bike schemes; expect rental prices from roughly 75–150 DKK for a day depending on the provider. The terrain is flat, but be prepared for wind along the open waterfront.
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On foot
If you are staying in or near the historic centre, you can walk to Holmen via harbour bridges that link Nyhavn and Christianshavn to the docklands. A relaxed walk from Kongens Nytorv or Christianshavn Torv to the core of Holmen usually takes 20–35 minutes. Paths are paved and mostly flat, suitable for most visitors, though those with limited mobility should allow extra time and be aware that cobbled sections and exposed waterfront areas can be uneven or breezy.
Holmen location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Holmen
From Naval Stronghold to City within the Harbour
Holmen is a small archipelago of man‑made islands tucked into Copenhagen’s inner harbour, created over centuries to house the Royal Danish Navy. For more than 300 years, shipyards, powder magazines and mast cranes filled this stretch of water, and much of that maritime backbone is still legible in the sturdy brick warehouses, quays and cobbled lanes that line the canals. Though administratively part of central Copenhagen, Holmen has always felt slightly apart, a self‑contained world reached over bridges and by boat. As naval operations gradually moved away in the late 20th century, large areas of Holmen were released and reimagined. Today the northern islet of Nyholm still holds active military facilities and historic dockside structures, while the rest of the district has shifted towards culture, housing and education. The result is a layered place where history is never far beneath the surface, yet the atmosphere is contemporary and lived‑in.Architecture on the Water’s Edge
One of Holmen’s defining sights is the Copenhagen Opera House, a vast, sculptural building placed right at the water’s edge on Dokøen. Its broad cantilevered roof, glass foyer and pale stone cladding form a powerful modern counterpoint to the copper dome of the Marble Church and the classical facades of Amalienborg Palace across the harbour. Views align precisely along the water, creating a theatrical axis that makes the entire district feel like part of a grand urban stage set. Behind the opera house, former naval sheds and workshops have been converted into academies for architecture, theatre, music and film, as well as studios and small businesses. The mix of regimented 18th‑century brick buildings and bold contemporary interventions gives Holmen a distinctive architectural tension: orderly yet experimental, maritime yet metropolitan.Harbour Life, Calm Streets and Open Horizons
Walking through Holmen, the pace feels gentler than in the city centre. Residential pockets, often in repurposed barracks, are threaded with leafy courtyards and quiet quays where bicycles outnumber cars. Along the waterfront you encounter floating pontoons, small boat marinas and popular bathing spots, especially near the opera house, where locals slip into the clear harbour water on warm days. Across the channels, the silhouettes of Christianshavn’s church spires, the Royal Danish Playhouse and the low skyline of inner Copenhagen frame the horizon. The water amplifies the light and sky, making Holmen a rewarding place for photographers: reflections of red brick, deep‑blue basins and the sharp geometry of cranes and gantries create changing compositions as you move around the islands.Cultural Energy in Former Docklands
Culture is woven into everyday life here. Students from nearby academies spill out onto the quays, rehearsing, sketching or simply gathering along the water. Rehearsal rooms and studios animate otherwise austere naval buildings, and the opera house’s schedule of performances and tours brings a steady flow of theater‑goers into the district. Beyond the flagship venues, the broader Holmen and Refshaleøen area has evolved into a creative belt of galleries, experimental spaces and food destinations set in former industrial structures. Houseboats bob along the quays, and small cafés and bakeries occupy historic navy buildings, offering front‑row harbour views with a decidedly modern urban feel.Exploring Holmen at Your Own Pace
Holmen lends itself to unhurried wandering rather than a checklist of individual sights. You might trace the line of old bastions, pause at the hulking Masterkranen crane on Nyholm, or seek out the sleek outline of naval museum ships when they are open to the public nearby. Benches and informal seating spots dot the quays, inviting you to watch working boats, kayaks and harbour buses glide past. As daylight shifts, the character changes too: mornings can feel almost meditative, with mist on the water and the distant sound of ship horns, while evenings bring warm light on brick facades and the glow of the opera house foyer reflected in the harbour. Holmen offers a distinctive perspective on Copenhagen—less about urban bustle, more about space, sky and the enduring dialogue between city and sea.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.3 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.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.8 km
A soaring tribute to Danish heroism, the Iver Huitfeldt Memorial stands sentinel over Copenhagen’s harbor, blending history, artistry, and breathtaking waterfront views.
I am Queen Mary
0.9 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Horn mine
0.9 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.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
1.0 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Our Fallen
1.0 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Larsens Pl.
1.0 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Maritime Monument
1.0 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.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
1.3 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
The Kissing Stairs
1.3 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Ofelia Plads
1.3 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
1.3 km
Aarhus University Park blends stunning natural scenery with iconic Danish architecture, creating a lush urban haven and cultural centerpiece in the heart of Aarhus.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
1.4 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.
Frederik's Church
1.4 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
Langelinie
1.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's iconic waterfront promenade, home to the Little Mermaid, historic landmarks, and stunning harbor views, offering a captivating blend of culture and maritime charm.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.5 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.
Copenhagen Contemporary
0.5 km
Immersive large-scale installation art in a vast former shipyard hall at the heart of Copenhagen’s raw, waterfront cultural district on Refshaleøen.
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.
Refshaleøen, Copenhagen
0.6 km
Copenhagen's industrial-turned-creative waterfront where shipyard heritage meets cutting-edge culture and world-class cuisine.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.7 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Langelinie Park
0.8 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Langelinieparken
0.8 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.
Gefion Fountain
0.8 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.
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.9 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
St Alban's Church
0.9 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
The Little Mermaid
0.9 km
Historic harbor district ablaze with color, culture, and canals—Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic waterfront destination.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.9 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.
Copenhagen Opera House
1.0 km
UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør, famed as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', with iconic spires, lavish halls, and sweeping views across the Øresund Strait.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
1.0 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Kastellet
1.1 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
Essential places to dine
La Banchina
0.1 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Noma
0.6 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Alchemist
0.6 km
Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.
Veve
1.4 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
Restaurant Barr
1.5 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
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.
Aoc
1.5 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
1.6 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.
Skipperkroen
1.6 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
1.6 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Kokkeriet
1.6 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.7 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.
Restaurant Vita
1.7 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
1.7 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Den Lille Fede
1.7 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
1.0 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
1.4 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 &
1.5 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.
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.
Zane
1.7 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
The Wilde Shop
1.7 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
1.9 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.9 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.9 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Magasin du Nord
1.9 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.9 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
2.0 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Storm - design art fashion
2.0 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.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
2.1 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.
Urban Outfitters
2.1 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
1.5 km
Cosy Indre By craft beer bar with rotating taps, quality ciders and spirits, and a relaxed neighbourhood vibe under the banner of “no crap on tap.”
Brønnum
1.8 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.8 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.9 km
An intimate, velvet‑soft cocktail sanctuary inside Hotel Sanders, blending theatre‑inspired charm, crafted drinks and Copenhagen’s cosy, candlelit elegance.
Bar Deco
1.9 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, serving imaginative signature drinks in a low-lit, refined yet relaxed Copenhagen setting.
Balthazar
1.9 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
2.0 km
Intimate, low-lit cocktail hideaway in central Copenhagen, where Nordic-inspired creations and a sleek black bar set the stage for sophisticated evening drinks.
Eiffel bar
2.0 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Trykbar
2.0 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.
The Moose
2.1 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.
Charlie's Bar
2.1 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Chevy's
2.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
Bo-Bi Bar
2.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
2.2 km
Intimate Indre By cocktail bar where Danish-inspired drinks, Mediterranean small plates and warm, living-room style design create a refined yet relaxed evening stop.
K-Bar
2.2 km
A small, monochrome cocktail lounge off Ved Stranden where crafted infusions, intimate lighting and a personal touch showcase Copenhagen’s modern bar culture.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
1.7 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Operaen
1.8 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.
Lusso
1.9 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.
Mini Bar
1.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
2.1 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.
Chateau Motel
2.6 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Arch
2.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
2.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Hive
2.6 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
2.7 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
2.7 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
2.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
2.7 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
2.8 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
2.9 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
