Amalienborg Palace
Copenhagen’s living royal residence: four rococo palaces, a ceremonial square and a museum that opens the doors to 150 years of Danish royal life.
Amalienborg Palace is Copenhagen’s working royal residence and the ceremonial heart of Denmark’s monarchy. Four near-identical rococo palaces frame an elegant octagonal square, guarded by the Royal Life Guards and centred on an equestrian statue of King Frederik V. Visitors can explore the Amalienborg Museum inside Christian VIII’s Palace, with richly furnished royal interiors, glittering state rooms and a Fabergé chamber, and can witness the daily changing of the guard at noon.
A brief summary to Amalienborg Palace
- Amalienborg Slotsplads, København K, København K, 1257, DK
- +4533153286
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive before noon to secure a good position in the square for the changing of the guard, especially if a marching band accompanies the ceremony.
- Combine your museum ticket with nearby Rosenborg Castle to see both royal residences and the crown jewels on a single, good‑value pass.
- Plan at least an hour inside the museum if you enjoy historic interiors; the Fabergé chamber and state rooms reward slow, detailed viewing.
- Photography is allowed in many areas but not all; check signage in each room and be mindful of flash restrictions around delicate objects.
- Visit on a clear day if possible to fully enjoy the axial views between the palace square, the Marble Church and the harbourfront Opera House.
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 and short walk from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro lines to Marmorkirken Station, a journey of about 5–8 minutes from major hubs like Kongens Nytorv. Standard single tickets within the city zones typically cost around DKK 20–25 and trains run every few minutes most of the day. From Marmorkirken it is an easy 5–10 minute level walk on pavements to Amalienborg Palace, suitable for most visitors including those with strollers; wheelchairs may encounter some cobblestones in the square itself.
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Bus from inner city districts
Several city bus routes serve the area around Amalienborg, with typical travel times of 10–20 minutes from central neighbourhoods depending on traffic. A standard bus ticket in Copenhagen is usually the same price as the metro, around DKK 20–25 for a short inner‑city trip, and services run frequently throughout the day. Buses stop on nearby main streets, from which you walk a few minutes along flat sidewalks; this option suits visitors who prefer to minimise time on the metro but still want straightforward access.
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Bicycle from the city centre
Copenhagen is highly cycle‑friendly, and many travellers reach Amalienborg by bike from central districts in around 10–15 minutes. Public bike‑share schemes and rental shops typically charge from about DKK 75–150 for a day’s hire, with lower rates for shorter periods. Dedicated cycle lanes lead close to the palace, but bicycles are not allowed to ride through the central square, so you should dismount and walk the last stretch, taking care on cobblestones and following local signage on where to park.
Amalienborg Palace 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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Cold Weather
Discover more about Amalienborg Palace
A royal square at the heart of Copenhagen
Amalienborg Palace forms one of Europe’s most graceful palace squares: four almost identical rococo mansions surrounding an octagonal cobbled plaza, with the equestrian statue of King Frederik V at its centre. The symmetry is striking from every angle, with the façades’ pale sandstone, pilasters and delicate ornamentation set against the often steel-blue Copenhagen sky. The space feels both ceremonial and surprisingly human in scale. The square is also very much alive. The Royal Life Guards, in dark uniforms and bearskin hats, patrol the perimeter and perform the daily changing of the guard at noon, accompanied on some days by a marching band. The steady rhythm of boots on stone, the snap of rifle drill and the occasional trumpet fanfare underscore that this is not just a historic monument but the working front yard of Denmark’s monarchy.From noble mansions to royal residence
Amalienborg’s story begins in the mid‑18th century, when the Frederiksstaden district was laid out to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Oldenburg dynasty. Four grand townhouses were commissioned for prominent noble families, designed in refined rococo style with elegant façades and richly decorated interiors. Their arrangement around the square was a deliberate exercise in urban theatre, aligning the complex with the nearby Marble Church and the harbour. That original plan changed dramatically after a devastating fire destroyed Christiansborg Palace in 1794. The royal family quickly purchased the four mansions and converted them into a new principal residence. Over time each palace took the name of a monarch who lived there, and Amalienborg evolved into the central stage for royal life in Copenhagen, hosting receptions, state visits and significant constitutional moments.Palaces within the palace
Today each of the four palaces has its own role. Christian VII’s Palace is reserved for major ceremonies and official functions, its interiors used for state banquets and formal receptions. Christian IX’s Palace has long been associated with the late Queen Margrethe II, while Frederik VIII’s Palace serves as the private home of King Frederik X, Queen Mary and their children, placing a contemporary royal family life behind those stately façades. Christian VIII’s Palace houses the Amalienborg Museum, where visitors can step into preserved royal apartments and state rooms. Here, panelled salons, heavy curtains and glittering chandeliers reveal changing tastes from the 19th century to the present. Personal objects, portraits and uniforms trace the story of Christian IX and Queen Louise and their descendants, whose marriages linked Denmark to royal houses across Europe.Inside the Amalienborg Museum
The museum delves into 150 years of royal history, from the era when Christian IX was dubbed the “father‑in‑law of Europe” through to the 21st‑century monarchy. Rooms are arranged as lived‑in spaces rather than abstract displays: writing desks still laid out with papers, dining rooms set for formal meals, and private sitting rooms that hint at quieter family moments behind the ceremonial façade. A particular highlight is the Fabergé chamber, with one of the world’s notable collections of Russian jewellery and objets d’art, reflecting close historic ties between the Danish and Russian courts. In other galleries, uniforms, orders, photographs and film clips explore public duties, royal tours and the evolving symbolism of monarchy in a modern democracy.An axis of architecture and water
Step back towards the centre of the square and you sense how precisely Amalienborg is placed within Copenhagen’s urban fabric. Look inland and the domed Marble Church rises at the end of a grand processional avenue; turn seaward and the line continues across the harbour to the modern Copenhagen Opera House. This carefully planned axis links baroque, rococo and contemporary architecture in a single vista. The square’s openness also makes it acutely sensitive to light and weather. On bright days the façades glow warmly and the statue’s bronze gleams; in winter, a dusting of snow turns the cobbles and roofs into a monochrome scene punctuated by the guards’ dark uniforms. Twilight often brings a softer mood, when interior lights flicker to life behind tall windows and the palace complex feels simultaneously intimate and imposing.Experiencing Amalienborg today
A visit typically weaves together indoor and outdoor experiences. Many travellers time their day to be on the square before noon to watch the changing of the guard, then move into Christian VIII’s Palace for the museum. Inside, signage and displays are offered in multiple languages, and staff are on hand to explain protocol, symbolism and anecdotes from royal life. Temporary exhibitions occasionally focus on particular monarchs, fashions or diplomatic themes. Beyond the formal exhibits, simply lingering along the edge of the square rewards close observation: the subtle differences between the four façades, the regimented pace of guards on duty, and the interplay between palace life and the surrounding city streets. Amalienborg remains both a symbol of national continuity and a living neighbourhood landmark, bridging centuries of Danish history in a compact, walkable space.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.2 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.
Larsens Pl.
0.2 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.3 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
I am Queen Mary
0.4 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.5 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
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.
St. Paul's Church
0.6 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Our Fallen
0.6 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.6 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.6 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
Gefion Fountain
0.7 km
A powerful Norse creation myth cast in bronze and spray, the Gefion Fountain unites legend, sculpture and harbor light on the edge of Churchillparken.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.7 km
Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Havnepromenade
0.8 km
Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.
Kastellet
0.8 km
Explore Kastellet, Copenhagen's historic fortress showcasing stunning architecture, lush greenery, and a glimpse into Denmark's rich military past.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.8 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rytterstatuen
0.0 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.1 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Amaliegade
0.1 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.1 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Amaliehaven
0.1 km
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.2 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Frederik's Church
0.2 km
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
Medicinsk Museion
0.2 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.3 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
The Kissing Stairs
0.3 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Hey Captain
0.4 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Bredgade 18
0.4 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
Ofelia Plads
0.4 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
The Playhouse
0.5 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
Essential places to dine
Aoc
0.3 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
0.4 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.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Skipperkroen
0.5 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
0.5 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Khun Juk
0.5 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
0.5 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.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.5 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Den Lille Fede
0.5 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.
Goldfinch
0.5 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Bistro Royal
0.6 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Kokkeriet
0.6 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Frank
0.7 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Marchal
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.7 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.2 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 &
0.4 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 Crown souvenir
0.4 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Copenhagenglass
0.4 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
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
The Wilde Shop
0.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.7 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
0.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
0.7 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 World of Memories
0.8 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Storm - design art fashion
0.8 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
0.8 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
0.9 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
0.4 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.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.6 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Brønnum
0.6 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Bar Deco
0.7 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Balthazar
0.7 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
0.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Trykbar
0.8 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
0.8 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.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
1.0 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
K-Bar
1.0 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
1.0 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.
Balderdash
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.6 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Lusso
0.7 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.
Mini Bar
0.7 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
0.8 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
1.2 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.
Chateau Motel
1.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Arch
1.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.4 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Rumors
1.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
1.6 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
1.6 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
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- 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
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
