City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen), Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s grand civic stage, where red‑brick City Hall, playful fountains and the start of Strøget meet in a constantly shifting swirl of urban life.
City Hall Square, or Rådhuspladsen, is Copenhagen’s grand urban stage, fanning out before the red‑brick City Hall and its tall clock tower. Once the city’s hay market, it is now a major gathering place for concerts, celebrations, and demonstrations, and the starting point of Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets. Sculptures like the Dragon Fountain, Hans Christian Andersen’s statue and the whimsical Weather Girl add character, while Tivoli Gardens, cafes and shops are just steps away.
A brief summary to City Hall Square
- Copenhagen, Indre By, 1599, DK
- +4533663366
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive early in the morning or around sunset for softer light and fewer people if you plan to photograph the City Hall façade, Dragon Fountain and Hans Christian Andersen statue.
- Combine your visit with a walk down Strøget and a stop in Tivoli Gardens across the boulevard to make the most of this central starting point.
- If you’re interested in city views and historic interiors, consider visiting Copenhagen City Hall and its tower while you’re already on the square.
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 most central districts in Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityringen or M4 metro line to Rådhuspladsen Station, which sits directly beneath City Hall Square. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day, and the ride from hubs such as Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv typically takes 3–6 minutes. A standard zone 1–2 ticket or City Pass is valid; expect to pay roughly 20–30 DKK for a single adult journey depending on ticket type. The station has elevators and escalators, making access straightforward for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Bus
Several city bus routes serve the stops along the northern edge of City Hall Square, forming one of Copenhagen’s main surface transport hubs. From inner neighbourhoods such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro, typical travel times range from 10 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and distance. Use a regular zone ticket or travel card; fares are similar to the metro, around 20–30 DKK for shorter central trips. Buses kneel for easier boarding, but they can be crowded at rush hour and during major events on the square.
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Bicycle
Cycling is one of the most convenient ways to reach City Hall Square from nearby districts like Nørreport, Christianshavn or Frederiksberg, with journey times often between 5 and 20 minutes. Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes lead directly to the streets framing the square. You can use a rented city bike or a shop rental, typically costing around 100–200 DKK per day depending on model and duration. Be prepared for busy traffic at peak times and remember that you must dismount in pedestrian‑only areas such as Strøget.
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On foot
If you are already within Copenhagen’s historic centre, walking to City Hall Square is straightforward and a good way to get a feel for the streetscape. From areas like Nyhavn, Christiansborg or the university quarter, expect 10–25 minutes on mostly flat pavements with signalised crossings. The route is step‑free if you remain on main streets, and the square itself is smoothly paved and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though it can feel busy during events or rush hour.
City Hall Square 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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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about City Hall Square
A historic heart shaped by markets and democracy
City Hall Square stands on the site of Copenhagen’s former hay market, where carts once rolled in from the countryside and trade filled the open ground. Over time the city expanded, and what was once a utilitarian marketplace evolved into a prestigious civic space in front of the City Hall completed in 1905. The red‑brick façade and soaring clock tower draw on both Danish medieval forms and Italian Renaissance inspiration, underlining the square’s importance as a stage for public life. Today the square functions as a symbolic front yard to the City Hall, the seat of local government and a working administrative building. Its generous proportions and open paving make it a natural arena for political rallies, speeches and official ceremonies in a city that takes public participation seriously. Standing here, you’re literally on ground where decisions, debates and celebrations have unfolded for generations.A city’s living room for celebrations and causes
Rådhuspladsen is one of Copenhagen’s primary gathering points, constantly reshaped by the events that sweep through it. Large screens and stages are often erected for major sports victories, concerts or cultural festivals, turning the square into an open‑air auditorium. It also plays a central role in civic demonstrations and commemorations, reflecting Denmark’s long tradition of peaceful assembly. During Copenhagen Pride and other cultural happenings, the square becomes a sea of color, flags and temporary installations. At other times it hosts outdoor exhibitions, seasonal markets or small pop‑up events, from charity runs to public art projects. Between the big dates in the calendar, it reverts to a more everyday rhythm of commuters, tour groups, school classes and office workers crossing from one side of the city center to the other.Sculptures, fountains and small surprises in stone
The square’s open surface is punctuated by distinctive artworks that reward slow exploration. The Dragon Fountain is perhaps the most eye‑catching, depicting an energetic struggle between a bull and dragons, its bronze figures twisting and rearing above the basin. Nearby stands the statue of Hans Christian Andersen, the storyteller forever poised with notebook in hand, facing Tivoli Gardens and the playful world his tales helped inspire. Across the façades you can spot further details, from coats of arms and reliefs on the rich commercial buildings to the gilded Weather Girl mounted on the Richs Building. This kinetic sculpture rotates to show either a woman on a bicycle for sunny days or a woman with an umbrella walking her dog when rain is expected, turning a practical forecast into a piece of urban theatre. Together these elements give the square a personality that is more than just paving and traffic lanes.Gateway to Strøget and the wider city center
City Hall Square also works as a hinge between several of Copenhagen’s most famous areas. On one side lies Tivoli Gardens and the main transport corridors; on the other, the pedestrian artery of Strøget begins, leading past department stores, boutiques and historic squares towards the harborfront. This makes Rådhuspladsen a natural orientation point for visitors, an address you will pass through many times in the course of a single day. Around the edges of the square you’ll find hotels, offices, shops and cafés occupying buildings from different eras, yet broadly sympathetic in scale and material. Many façades preserve classical details and tall windows, while lower floors have been adapted to modern retail and dining. The result is a hybrid cityscape: neither frozen in time nor aggressively futuristic, but evolving layer by layer while the City Hall tower remains the visual anchor.Experiencing the atmosphere through the day and year
The character of City Hall Square changes with the clock and the seasons. Morning light can be soft, with fewer people and long shadows cast by the tower, ideal for photography or quiet observation. By midday the square hums, buses looping around the edges, cyclists gliding past and street performers sometimes adding music to the scene. In the evening the illuminated clock face and nearby neon signs lend a more theatrical glow. In winter, cold air and occasional snow sharpen the outline of statues and cornices, while in summer the paving warms underfoot and people linger on low walls or benches. The square’s flat, step‑free surface and nearby public restrooms make it accessible, and its role as a major transport hub means it is rarely empty. Whether you pause for a few minutes between sights or use it as a base for exploring Indre By, Rådhuspladsen offers a concise snapshot of Copenhagen’s civic life in motion.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
0.1 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.1 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.3 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Frihedsstøtten
0.4 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.4 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.5 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Strøget
0.6 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Gråbrødretorv
0.6 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
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.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.6 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.
Amagertorv
0.6 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
The Stable Boy's House
0.7 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.
Christiansborg Palace
0.7 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
The Danish Parliament
0.7 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Unmissable attractions to see
Statue of Andersen
0.1 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.1 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.1 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.1 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Rainbow Square
0.1 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.2 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Tivoli Gardens
0.3 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.3 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.3 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.3 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Nytorv
0.3 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Nytorv 2
0.3 km
An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Rutschebanen
0.3 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Gammeltorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Essential places to dine
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.1 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Spisestedet FEED
0.2 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.3 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.3 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Rio Bravo
0.3 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.3 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Krebsegaarden
0.3 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Vækst
0.3 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.4 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 Karla
0.4 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 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 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.
L'appetito
0.5 km
Traditional Italian plates, thin-crust pizzas and warm trattoria charm just off Copenhagen’s busy city centre streets.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.1 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
0.2 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.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.2 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
København K
0.3 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.3 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Wasteland
0.3 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Quirky Lane
0.3 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.4 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Notre Dame
0.4 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.4 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
0.4 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.4 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Scottish Pub
0.1 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
Proud Mary Pub
0.1 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
Taphouse
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Musen & Elefanten
0.2 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
The Shamrock Inn
0.2 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Centralhjørnet
0.2 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.
Southern Cross Pub
0.2 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.
The Rooftop Bar
0.3 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.
Floss Bar
0.3 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Bar7
0.3 km
Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Library Bar
0.4 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Zefside
0.4 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Module
0.2 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.2 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Dorsia
0.2 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
0.2 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Cosy Bar
0.3 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Never Mind
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Miami Bar
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Den Anden Side
0.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Hive
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Chateau Motel
0.4 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
