Helsingør Havne – North Harbour & Culture Port
A lively Danish harbour where working marina, cultural waterfront and castle views meet at the narrowest point of the Øresund.
Helsingør Havne brings together a busy marina, working port and cultural waterfront at the narrowest point of the Øresund, facing Sweden. Centered around Helsingør Nordhavn on Nordhavnsvej 13 and the adjacent town harbour, it offers around a thousand berths, ship services, a waterfront promenade, playgrounds and an outdoor “water laboratory” aquarium. With Kronborg Castle, the Maritime Museum and the Øresund Aquarium as neighbours, this is a scenic, maritime hub where everyday harbour life and major attractions meet.
A brief summary to Helsingør Havne
- Nordhavnsvej 13, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- +4549281080
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 6 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring an extra layer, even in summer; the breeze over the Øresund can feel noticeably cooler out on the quays and piers.
- If you are interested in marine life, time your visit for the water laboratory feeding sessions run in season by Øresund Aquarium guides.
- Combine a harbour stroll with visits to Kronborg Castle and the Maritime Museum next door for a full day of maritime history.
- Families should pack swimwear in warm weather; the beach west of Nordhavn and the swimming pier at Sønder Mole are both very inviting.
- Boaters should familiarise themselves with the digital harbour payment system before arrival, as different piers use different solutions.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train + short walk
From Copenhagen’s main station, take a regional train towards Helsingør; services usually run at least twice per hour and the journey takes about 45–50 minutes. Tickets typically cost in the range of 80–110 DKK one way in standard class. Helsingør Station is directly beside the harbour area, so from the platforms it is an easy 5–10 minute level walk through the station concourse to reach both the town harbour and Nordhavn. Trains are step‑free but can be busy in rush hours and on summer weekends.
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Car from Copenhagen and North Zealand
Driving from central Copenhagen to Helsingør generally takes 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fuel and potential toll costs of roughly 70–120 DKK each way, depending on your vehicle and route. Once in Helsingør, follow signs towards the harbour and town centre; public car parks are scattered around the waterfront and old town, with a mix of time‑limited free spaces and paid parking in the range of about 10–20 DKK per hour. Spaces closest to Kronborg and the main quays fill quickly on sunny days and during major events.
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Train from Sweden via Helsingborg ferry
From many towns in southern Sweden, travel by train to Helsingborg and transfer to the frequent passenger and car ferries crossing the Øresund; the crossing itself takes around 20 minutes and combined train–ferry journeys from Malmö usually take 60–90 minutes in total. Ferry tickets for foot passengers are commonly in the range of 60–120 SEK one way, depending on time and ticket type. In Helsingør, the ferry terminal opens directly onto the harbour, so it is only a few minutes’ level walk to the marina, waterfront promenade and cultural harbour. Ferries run throughout the day, but late‑night and very early morning departures are less frequent.
Helsingør Havne 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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Rain / Wet Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Helsingør Havne
Harbour life at the gateway to the Øresund
Helsingør Havne stretches along the town’s waterfront where Denmark lies closest to Sweden, watching over one of the world’s busiest straits. Here ferries, fishing boats, pleasure craft and the occasional cruise ship share the same waters, giving the harbour an energetic, salt‑sprayed character. You are never far from the sound of halyards tapping against masts or the low horn of a ship easing in or out of port. The harbour is made up of two main areas: Helsingør Nordhavn, one of Denmark’s largest marinas with around a thousand berths, and the town harbour that serves as commercial, ferry and cruise port. Together they form the beating maritime heart of Helsingør, open year‑round and constantly shaped by wind, tide and traffic through the Øresund.Nordhavn: marina, workshops and seaside play
At Nordhavn on Nordhavnsvej 13, rows of yachts and motorboats lie packed along long concrete piers, backed by workshops, chandlers and service yards. This is where you see the practical side of seafaring: masts being stepped with the harbour crane, hulls lifted on the slipway, and crews filling diesel tanks and water barrels before the next passage. Despite its working feel, Nordhavn is very welcoming. Facilities include showers, toilets, laundry, fuel, a boatyard, gear shops and places to eat. Children gravitate to the harbour playground and the big summer “bouncing pillow” on Midtermolen, while the nearby Greenhaven Beach tempts with shallow, family‑friendly water and a large beach playground just west of the marina.Waterfront experiences for all ages
One of Nordhavn’s most distinctive features is its outdoor aquarium, the so‑called water laboratory. Long tanks and basins cut into the quayside reveal the fish and shellfish of the Øresund beneath your feet: flatfish buried in sand, crabs scuttling between stones, shoals of small fish flickering in the clear, brackish water. In season, nature guides from the nearby Øresund Aquarium use the tanks for feeding sessions and storytelling about local marine life. It is hands‑on and low‑key: nets, buckets and the chance to hold a crab or peer closely at seaweed forests. Even in bad weather, the Øresund Aquarium itself, right inside the harbour area, provides an intimate indoor look at the same world, making the port a good destination in both sun and rain.A cultural harbour in the shadow of Kronborg
Walk south along the waterfront and the atmosphere shifts from marina to culture harbour. Across the water, the bastions and towers of Kronborg Castle dominate the horizon, its stone walls reflected in the strait. Beside it, the Maritime Museum of Denmark is ingeniously tucked into an old dry dock, its angular concrete ramps and glass contrasting with the fortress above. The harbour front here mixes sculpture, historic shipyard traces and contemporary architecture. Polished steel figures, large-scale artworks on the piers and the striking forms of the Culture Yard complex create a setting where art and maritime heritage intertwine. You can sit on the edge of the quay, watch ferries shuttle to Helsingborg and imagine the centuries when tolls on passing ships enriched the town.Practical comforts by the water’s edge
Despite its layered history and cultural neighbours, Helsingør Havne remains first and foremost a place of everyday use. There are restrooms and showers for boaters, water and electricity on the pontoons, fuel pumps, slipways and a well‑stocked marine equipment store. Simple grills and picnic‑friendly corners invite you to linger outdoors when the weather is kind. Food options in and around the harbour range from casual waterfront meals to snacks between museum visits. Information boards help visiting crews navigate payment systems and facilities, and the harbour office at Midtermolen keeps regular daytime hours, especially in summer. With the historic town centre directly behind the quays, shops, cafés and further services are only a short stroll away.Seasons, weather and the rhythm of the Sound
The harbour’s mood changes markedly with the seasons. In high summer, long northern evenings keep the quays busy well into the night as sailors chat in cockpits and swimmers use the pier at Sønder Mole to dive straight into the clear Øresund without touching sand. In winter, the light is sharper, the wind keener and the colours more subdued, but the constant movement of ferries and freighters keeps the scene alive. A temperate maritime climate means mild summers and relatively cool, often windy winters, so dressing for changeable conditions is wise. Clear days bring sweeping views across to the Swedish city of Helsingborg and dramatic sunsets over Kronborg’s silhouette, while misty weather wraps the fortifications and masts in a softer, more introspective atmosphere.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.3 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Helsingør harbour
0.4 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
Kronborg Castle Church
0.6 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
0.7 km
A vivid gable mural that turns Helsingør’s medieval tolls and ship traffic into a richly detailed open-air history lesson in the heart of the old town.
Elsinore Cemetery
0.7 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
0.7 km
A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.
Heracles and the Hydra
0.8 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Helsingor
0.9 km
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Helsingborg City Hall
5.0 km
A monumental red-brick city hall and coastal gateway, where neo-Gothic towers, National Romantic detail and civic stories overlook the Øresund in central Helsingborg.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
9.1 km
Experience world-class modern art where architecture and nature meet in perfect harmony, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape just north of Copenhagen.
Hornbæk Batteri
10.0 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
11.6 km
Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.
Observationsvärn nr 741
11.7 km
Explore the historical significance and scenic beauty of Observationsvärn nr 741 in Viken, a captivating landmark steeped in military history and stunning views.
Falkonergården
13.3 km
Explore the enchanting Falkonergården Zoo in Fredensborg, a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families seeking adventure in nature.
Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
14.6 km
Discover the captivating history and serene beauty of Esrum Kloster & Møllegård, a former Cistercian monastery nestled in the heart of North Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Unmissable attractions to see
Øresund Aquarium
0.1 km
Intimate saltwater aquarium on the Helsingør waterfront, offering hands-on touch pools, a harbor Water Laboratory and sea safaris focused on Øresund’s rich marine life.
Dancer's fountain
0.3 km
A delicate bronze trio of Royal Danish Ballet dancers, Danserindebrønden is a quiet green-corner fountain where Helsingør’s everyday life meets timeless grace.
Udsigtsplateau
0.3 km
A dramatic sculpture marking Kronborg Castle’s entrance, 'Heracles and the Hydra' merges Greek mythology with Danish heritage for an unforgettable arrival in Helsingør.
Arte callejero
0.3 km
Industrial-era Helsingør splashed across a gable wall: a bold shipyard mural that fuses street art style with the town’s maritime past on Allegade 7B.
'The maritime history' mural
0.3 km
A harbour gable transformed into a sweeping, collage-like tribute to 300 years of Danish seafaring, anchoring Helsingør’s shipyard era in vivid colour and form.
M/S Maritime Museum
0.3 km
Award‑winning underground museum in a historic dry dock, where cutting‑edge design and interactive exhibits bring Denmark’s maritime heritage vividly to life.
The Culture Yard
0.3 km
Glittering glass sails over an old shipyard, The Culture Yard fuses award‑winning library, stages and harbourfront café with unforgettable views of Kronborg Castle.
Elsinore Public Museums
0.4 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
Gummistranden
0.4 km
Compact city-side beach on Helsingør’s waterfront, with Øresund views, quick-dip swimming and a promenade linking neighborhood life to Kronborg Castle.
Reberbaneparken
0.5 km
Waterfront park hosting seasonal events and cultural performances in historic Helsingør.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
0.5 km
A 19th-century Danish lightship turned floating monument, Fyrskibet nr. XVII “Gedser Rev” brings Helsingør’s maritime and Cold War history vividly to life on the harbor.
St. Mary's Church
0.5 km
Historic public square at the heart of Roskilde, home to markets, festivals, and community life, framed by centuries-old buildings and vibrant Danish tradition.
SOUL OF THE WALLS
0.5 km
Immersive bronze sculpture depicting Greek mythology at the gates of Kronborg Castle, offering a unique photo spot and cultural layer to Helsingør’s historic landscape.
St. Vincent's Church
0.5 km
North Zealand’s only Roman Catholic church, a white-towered 1930 sanctuary in Helsingør offering quiet reflection, modest Romanesque-inspired architecture and living parish life.
History of the churches
0.5 km
A storytelling gable in Helsingør’s old town, this mural compresses centuries of church history into a single vivid scene between two medieval sanctuaries.
Essential places to dine
Café Kronborg
0.0 km
Waterfront seafood café where fresh fish, harbor views, and genuine hospitality meet in Helsingør.
Restaurant Kaj
0.1 km
Modern Danish brasserie fare and generous seafood served in a light-filled dining room with sweeping Øresund views on Helsingør’s tranquil Nordhavn waterfront.
Arabi Food
0.2 km
Authentic Arabic street food in Helsingør's vibrant food market—fresh, affordable, and genuinely delicious.
Værftets Madmarked
0.2 km
Bustling shipyard food hall on Helsingør’s waterfront, where industrial heritage, global street food stalls and sociable long tables create an easygoing harbour hangout.
The black olive
0.3 km
Casual Greek street food served in Helsingør’s lively Værftets Madmarked, blending grilled gyros, warm pita and a buzzing shipyard‑hall atmosphere by the harbour.
HEY DARLING - Street Kitchen
0.3 km
Harbourfront street-food stall in Helsingør serving customizable gourmet meatball bowls and buns inside Værftets Madmarked, a short walk from Kronborg Castle.
The Fish Project
0.3 km
Exceptional hand-breaded fish and chips in a casual food market setting.
Suki Ramen
0.3 km
Relaxed Helsingør ramen stop serving generous bowls, colourful Asian comfort food and family-friendly warmth just a short walk from the harbor and Kronborg.
M/S Café
0.3 km
Bright, maritime café in Helsingør’s dramatic dry dock museum, serving Nordic-inspired lunches, coffee and cakes with tranquil views over the former shipyard basin.
The Eatery of Jan & Christian
0.4 km
Contemporary Danish cooking in a welcoming neighbourhood setting on Helsingør's central street.
Spisehuset i Kulturværftet
0.4 km
Bright, harbourfront café-restaurant in Helsingør’s Culture Yard, serving organic-leaning Nordic comfort food, brunch and cakes with views over the busy Øresund.
Restaurant Dansk
0.5 km
Cosy, low-key spot in Helsingør’s old town serving straightforward Danish comfort food in a lived‑in, neighbourhood setting.
Axelbar
0.5 km
Cozy brasserie-bar in Helsingør’s historic centre, serving generous comfort dishes, brunch and drinks in a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere close to the harbour.
Gæstgivergården
0.5 km
Cosy Helsingør gastropub serving traditional Danish comfort food, a changing daily dish and relaxed drinks in a central old‑town setting.
Chums Vinbar & Bistro, Helsingør
0.6 km
Cosy wine bar and bistro in Helsingør’s old streets, known for baked cheeses, tarte flambée and well-chosen European wines in an intimate, candlelit setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Souvenir shop
0.5 km
Curated Danish souvenirs and castle mementos within Kronborg's historic walls.
Danmission Op Shop
0.5 km
Ethical treasure-hunting in Helsingør’s old town, where ever-changing second-hand finds support Danmission’s humanitarian work far beyond Denmark.
Butik Chaplin
0.7 km
A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Levende Lys
0.7 km
A cosy, colour-filled fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Helsingør, blending contemporary women’s clothing with playful home décor and gift ideas.
Krystallen
0.7 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Ide Nyt
0.7 km
A contemporary women’s fashion boutique on lively Bjergegade, Ide Nyt blends Scandinavian style, quality brands and a calm atmosphere in Helsingør’s historic heart.
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
0.7 km
A cosy, Nordic-style boutique on Helsingør’s main street, blending women’s fashion, skincare and homewares in a warm, living-room-like setting.
HL Mode A/S
0.7 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
0.8 km
A cosy Helsingør specialty shop where the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, fine tea and Nordic delicacies fills a historic cobbled lane in the heart of the old town.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.8 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
0.8 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.8 km
Compact, cheerful and central, Happy Gifts & Souvenirs is Helsingør’s easy stop for Danish-themed keepsakes and Kronborg-inspired mementos after a day of exploring.
Østens Perle
0.8 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.8 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
0.8 km
Compact Scandinavian outlet where Ilse Jacobsen’s coastal rainwear, rubber boots and relaxed Nordic fashion meet reduced prices in central Helsingør.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Axelhus Udeservering
0.5 km
Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Hold-An
0.6 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Axelhus
0.6 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Pitten Sport Bar
0.6 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Holger
0.7 km
Cozy cellar bodega on Helsingør’s Stengade, pouring inexpensive beers and spirits, with live music nights and a laid-back local crowd deep into the night.
Banana joe
0.7 km
Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Joker Bar
0.8 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
Strandborg
0.8 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Helsingør Musikteater
0.8 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Head/Foam
1.0 km
Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
12`er Pubben
1.6 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Gefion Bodega
1.6 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Kardusen
3.5 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Brewski
5.8 km
Craft beer excellence in the heart of Helsingborg, where global brewing traditions meet Nordic innovation.
Oddies Beach Bar
18.1 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Retro
0.7 km
High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Rustik
1.0 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
4.8 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Socialz
23.0 km
Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.
SIGURD CPH
37.7 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at SIGURD CPH, where vibrant dancing, fine wines, and pachinko gaming come together for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
38.2 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
RUST Natklub
39.1 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
39.3 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Culture Box
39.5 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
39.8 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
40.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Mirage
40.1 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
40.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Moon Club
40.1 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
40.1 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
