Sankt Hans Torv
A gently undulating granite square where church spires, water sculpture and café terraces capture the everyday rhythm of Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district.
Sankt Hans Torv is a lively triangular square in the heart of Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where church spires, modern sculpture and café life meet. Once a grazing field and cattle market on the edge of the old fortified city, it was reshaped in the 1990s into an undulating granite plaza with a playful water sculpture, trees and broad terraces. Today it is a relaxed urban living room: a place to sit with a coffee, watch cyclists stream past and feel Nørrebro’s creative, multicultural energy.
A brief summary to Sankt Hans Torv
- Copenhagen, Nørrebro, 2200, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in the late afternoon or early evening on a dry day to experience the cafés at their liveliest while the light still catches the granite paving and church spire.
- Combine your stop with a slow walk to Assistens Cemetery or along the nearby Lakes for a contrasting dose of greenery and quieter surroundings.
- If you enjoy photography, focus on the interplay between the undulating ground, the water sculpture and the backdrop of St. John’s Church and classic Nørrebro façades.
- Dress for changeable weather; the square is quite exposed, with limited shelter from wind, sun or showers unless you sit under a café awning.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and walking
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityringen metro to Nørrebros Runddel; trains run every few minutes and the journey from the city centre takes around 8–10 minutes. A standard adult ticket for this 2–3 zone trip typically costs about 20–25 DKK. From Nørrebros Runddel, allow 10–15 minutes on foot along main, well‑lit streets with some gentle inclines. Pavements are generally smooth and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Bus from city centre
Several city bus lines connect the inner city with Nørrebro via Nørrebrogade or nearby routes, with travel times of about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay roughly 20–25 DKK for a single adult ticket within the central zones. Buses run frequently during the day and early evening but less often late at night, and they can be crowded at rush hour. From the nearest stop, walking distances are short along busy urban streets.
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Bicycle from inner Copenhagen
Cycling from the historic centre to Sankt Hans Torv usually takes 10–15 minutes along dedicated bike lanes for most of the way. You can use a city bike scheme or standard rental; typical prices range from about 75–150 DKK per day depending on provider and bike type. The route is mostly flat but involves navigating busy intersections, so it suits riders comfortable with urban cycling in mixed traffic and all‑weather conditions.
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Taxi or ride-hail within Copenhagen
A taxi from central Copenhagen to Sankt Hans Torv normally takes 10–15 minutes outside peak hours, longer in heavy traffic. Fares usually fall in the 120–200 DKK range depending on distance, time of day and congestion. Vehicles can generally drop passengers close to the square, though kerb space can be busy in the evening. This option offers the most comfort and is convenient for travellers with luggage or limited mobility.
Sankt Hans Torv 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 Sankt Hans Torv
From Common Grazing Land to Nørrebro’s Neighborhood Square
Sankt Hans Torv sits where Copenhagen once ended and open grazing land began, on what used to be Blegedam Common outside the city’s fortifications. For centuries, cows from the surrounding commons were gathered and milked here before the area slowly filled with streets and tenement housing. In the 19th century the square took shape as a busy cattle market and junction, tied closely to the development of Nørrebro as a dense working-class district. As the city expanded, traffic gradually took over. By the mid‑20th century Sankt Hans Torv had become more of an oversized intersection than a welcoming place to linger. Yet its position where several important streets meet – including Blegdamsvej, Nørre Allé and Guldbergsgade – meant it never lost its role as a local focal point. The challenge became how to turn a road‑dominated space back into a civic square without erasing its function as a key urban crossroads.1990s Urban Renewal and the New Square Design
In 1993 a major redesign transformed Sankt Hans Torv from traffic island to urban living room. Landscape architects concentrated cars and buses along three edges, freeing the centre as a gently sloping granite plaza. The surface rises and falls in low, wave‑like undulations, softening the hard edges of the surrounding streets and inviting people to cross, sit and play. Materials were chosen to tie the new design to the historical streetscape: pale granite paving blends into the older cobblestones, while subtle level changes define areas for walking, café seating and informal gathering. A single tree anchors the middle of the square, adding a touch of shade and seasonality to what could otherwise feel like a purely stone environment. The result is a space that feels contemporary yet clearly rooted in Nørrebro’s existing fabric.The House that Rains and Everyday Art
At the heart of the square stands a striking granite sculpture and water feature by artist Jørgen Haugen Sørensen, often referred to as “The House that Rains.” It appears almost like a small, abstract building, with water occasionally trickling from hidden openings and jets in the surrounding paving. On quiet days the sound is barely more than a murmur; on busier afternoons it becomes an animated focal point for children and a subtle backdrop for conversations on the terraces. The sculpture underscores how art is woven into everyday life in Copenhagen. Rather than sitting behind a fence, it is integrated into the walking surface, to be explored, touched and even climbed around. Combined with the rhythmic movement of cyclists streaming past the square, it gives Sankt Hans Torv a dynamic quality that shifts between calm and energetic throughout the day.Church Spires, School Walls and Café Culture
Just east of the square rises St. John’s Church, Nørrebro’s oldest and largest church, whose tall spire is visible from many corners of the district. Its brick Gothic Revival architecture forms a dramatic backdrop and a reminder of the area’s 19th‑century growth. On another side stands the former Sankt Hans Gade School, one of the oldest buildings around the square, hinting at the educational and social history of the neighborhood. Along the edges of the plaza, ground‑floor cafés and bars spill out under awnings and umbrellas in good weather. Some, like French‑inspired Café Sebastopol, have become local institutions, while newer coffee bars and eateries reflect Nørrebro’s changing, diverse community. Terraces fill with students, families, freelancers and friends, creating a casual, lived‑in atmosphere that can feel bustling by late afternoon yet rarely rushed.A Local Living Room in Constant Motion
Today Sankt Hans Torv functions as an informal meeting point and pause space in a densely built district. The flow of buses, bikes and pedestrians around the perimeter keeps a sense of movement, but the interior feels surprisingly relaxed. People bring takeaway lunches, read on the steps, or simply sit and watch the world go by between errands on nearby Nørrebrogade or Elmegade. Because it is open and unfenced, the square is accessible at all hours and in all seasons. On bright winter days the low sun glints off the granite; in summer the terraces stay lively late into the evening. For visitors, spending time here offers a quick, authentic glimpse of everyday Copenhagen beyond the historic centre: multicultural, creative and shaped by thoughtful urban design.Exploring Nørrebro from the Square
Sankt Hans Torv makes a natural starting point for wandering Nørrebro. From here it is only a short stroll to the tranquil paths and famous graves of Assistens Cemetery, or to the independent shops, bars and eateries along Guldbergsgade and Elmegade. The nearby Lakes provide a greener waterside contrast, popular for runs, slow walks and sunset views. Although surrounded by activity, the square itself offers small moments of calm. Its gently sloping surfaces, low steps and scattered seating invite you to change pace and linger. Whether you come for a coffee, a short architectural detour, or simply to feel the rhythm of local life, Sankt Hans Torv rewards unhurried observation more than box‑ticking sightseeing.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkets Park
0.5 km
Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
The Tower Playground
0.9 km
Award-winning Copenhagen playground where kids explore & climb miniature city towers; centrally located in Fælledparken with family-friendly facilities.
Copenhagen This Way / Koebenhavnerture.dk
1.0 km
Experience Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, where golden onion domes and vibrant frescoes highlight an extraordinary cultural and architectural landmark.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
1.2 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Fiolstræde 42
1.2 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Nørrebroparken - Playground
1.2 km
Vivid and multicultural, Nørrebroparken Playground is Nørrebro’s lively green heart—offering creative play, open lawns, and vibrant local community energy year-round.
Bananna Park
1.2 km
Eclectic urban park blending street art, climbing, and skate culture in the heart of Nørrebro—a vibrant hub for locals, families, and visitors year-round.
Fælledparken
1.3 km
Copenhagen’s largest and most beloved city park, Fælledparken offers a dynamic blend of green tranquility, local culture, sports, and major city events in Østerbro.
The King's Garden
1.3 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of The King's Garden, a historical park in Copenhagen surrounding the majestic Rosenborg Castle, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
The Round Tower
1.4 km
Explore The Round Tower, Copenhagen's historic observatory offering stunning city views and engaging cultural exhibitions.
Church of Our Lady
1.4 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Superkilen Park
1.5 km
A dazzling, multicultural urban park in Nørrebro with global art, playful installations, and a vibrant local scene, celebrating Copenhagen’s diversity and creativity.
Varehuset Messen
1.5 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
The Red Square
1.5 km
A striking, modern city square in Nørrebro, where bold Danish design meets global cultures, street art, and vibrant local life in Copenhagen’s most diverse borough.
Gråbrødretorv
1.5 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nørrebros Theater
0.3 km
Historic 1886 theatre turned contemporary cultural hub, blending bold performances, visual art and neighbourhood atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district.
The Lakes in Copenhagen
0.3 km
Step inside Denmark’s royal history at Rosenborg Castle, home to the dazzling Crown Jewels and set in Copenhagen’s oldest public gardens near Østerbro.
The Lakes
0.4 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Søtorvet 2
0.5 km
An ornate 19th‑century lakeside residence where French‑inspired façades, poetic café lore and everyday Copenhagen life meet at the city’s watery front door.
Dronning Louises Bro
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s granite social bridge, arching over the city lakes with historic elegance, everyday bike traffic and some of the best urban sunsets in town.
Assistens Cemetery
0.7 km
Historic resting place turned leafy city park, Assistens Cemetery weaves famous graves, everyday life and tranquil greenery into Nørrebro’s most distinctive urban oasis.
Nørrebrogade
0.8 km
Copenhagen’s multicultural main street in Nørrebro, where bike lanes, shawarma bars, design shops and everyday life flow together from the lakes to Nørrebro Station.
Hans Tavsens Park
0.8 km
Frederiksholms Kanal offers atmospheric views, grand architecture, and a unique window into Copenhagen’s history at the heart of Indre By.
Nørrebro
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s multicultural heartbeat: dense streets of bikes, cafés, street art and green pockets where everyday life and global influences mingle effortlessly.
Workers Museum
0.9 km
Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.9 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
TorvehallerneKBH
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s glass‑walled food market, where Nordic produce, global flavours and local craftsmanship meet in two buzzing halls beside Nørreport Station.
Copenhagen Food Tours - Best-Rated Experiences
0.9 km
Explore Denmark's labor history at The Workers Museum in Copenhagen's historic Workers' Assembly Hall.
Tropical Bikes
1.0 km
Explore Copenhagen's cycling culture with Tropical Bikes' diverse rental options and guided tours.
Botanical Garden
1.0 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
Mæxico Nørrebro
0.1 km
Colorful cantina vibes, creative tacos, and festive cocktails bring a lively taste of Mexico’s street food culture to vibrant Nørrebro in central Copenhagen.
Aroii - Nørrebro
0.3 km
Savor inventive Asian fusion cuisine in lively Nørrebro, where Aroii delivers creative Thai-inspired plates and vibrant ambiance in one of Copenhagen’s buzziest districts.
Kiin Kiin
0.3 km
Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro, offering inventive tasting menus and modern fine dining that blend Southeast Asian flavors with Nordic influences.
La Neta Nørrebro
0.3 km
Sizzling Mexican street food, artisanal tortillas, and Mikkeller craft beer unite at La Neta Nørrebro—a bustling culinary hotspot in Copenhagen’s vibrant heart.
Bæst
0.4 km
Experience Nørrebro’s celebrated Bæst, where organic Italian pizzas and in-house charcuterie meet Scandinavian sustainability and vibrant Danish hospitality.
Hooked Nørrebro
0.4 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Hooked Nørrebro in Copenhagen - a culinary gem celebrating local flavors in a vibrant setting.
Kate's Joint
0.4 km
Kate’s Joint brings Nørrebro’s multicultural energy to the table with creative Asian fusion, communal dining, artful interiors, and a famously laid-back vibe.
SAFARI
0.4 km
Colorful Pan-African bistro in creative Nørrebro serving bold sharable plates, natural wines, and community spirit in a welcoming, art-filled setting.
Gaarden & Gaden
0.6 km
Discover Gaarden & Gaden, a stylishly laid-back bistro in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, serving inventive local cuisine and natural wines in a warm, communal setting.
Street Food 108
0.7 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine at Street Food 108 in Copenhagen's vibrant Nørrebro district - a delightful taste adventure awaits!
Tèrra
0.8 km
Celebrated for organic Italian-Danish tasting menus and eco-conscious fine dining, Tèrra offers a memorable culinary experience in Copenhagen’s vibrant Østerbro.
ARK
0.8 km
Michelin Green Star vegan fine dining in central Copenhagen, where seasonal Nordic produce, foraging and low-waste philosophy shape an intimate tasting-menu experience.
Selma
0.9 km
Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
Høst
0.9 km
Experience exceptional Scandinavian fine dining at Høst in Copenhagen, where seasonal ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
JATAK
0.9 km
Intimate Nørrebro dining where New Nordic produce meets the bold, personal Asian flavors of chef Jonathan Tam in a calm, minimalist Michelin-starred setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Bungalow
0.2 km
Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
PRAG Nørrebro
0.3 km
PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
McKorman
0.4 km
Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
Exotic Mix
1.0 km
Gourmet nuts, dried fruits and chocolate dragées from around the world, served from a colourful family‑run stall inside Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.1 km
Denmark's largest souvenir destination with 2,000+ authentic gifts celebrating Danish design, heritage, and iconic landmarks.
Perfectly Worn Vintage
1.2 km
Discover handpicked vintage gems and timeless fashion in the heart of Nørrebro’s creative district at Perfectly Worn Vintage, Copenhagen’s haven for unique style.
Fjällräven
1.2 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Souvenir Gifts shop
1.3 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Time's Up Vintage
1.4 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
1.4 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
København K
1.4 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.
Quirky Lane
1.4 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Wasteland
1.4 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.
Studio Arhoj
1.5 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Notre Dame
1.5 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
PULP bar
0.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at PULP Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
Léanowski Bar
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Léanowski Bar, a local favorite in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, known for its craft beers and creative cocktails.
The Barking Dog
0.1 km
Discover The Barking Dog, a trendy bar in Copenhagen offering expertly crafted cocktails and a vibrant nightlife experience.
Kind Of Blue
0.2 km
Discover the lively charm of Kind Of Blue, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen offering creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Mudhoney
0.2 km
Discover The Mudhoney, a stylish cocktail bar in Copenhagen, blending coffee shop charm with expertly crafted cocktails for a perfect night out.
Ølbaren
0.2 km
Experience the heart of Copenhagen’s beer culture at Ølbaren, a cozy bar with an extensive selection of craft brews and vibrant atmosphere.
Escobar København
0.3 km
Explore the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Escobar København, a must-visit bar in the heart of Nørrebro offering great cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
Harbo Bar
0.3 km
Cosy, candlelit café‑bar on Blågårdsgade blending daytime coffee and snacks with intimate, bohemian evenings at the heart of Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district.
BRUS
0.3 km
Discover the best craft beers and seasonal dishes at BRUS, Copenhagen's top brewpub for foodies and beer lovers alike.
Paloma Vermuteria
0.5 km
Mediterranean vermut culture meets Nordic hospitality in Copenhagen's creative heart.
Himmeriget
0.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and exquisite drink selection at Himmeriget, a premier bar in Frederiksberg, perfect for socializing and relaxation.
Dexter's
0.9 km
A cosy African–Caribbean rum bar by Copenhagen’s lakes, blending tropical cocktails, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and warm Jamaican hospitality in an intimate setting.
Gamble
1.0 km
An intimate Frederiksberg speakeasy where conversation, jazz and bespoke cocktails come together in a candlelit, retro-tinged corner of Copenhagen’s bar scene.
Bootleggers
1.0 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
Skovbar
1.0 km
Small, punk-spirited and queer-friendly bar in Nørrebro with vegan drinks, inclusive vibes and intimate music nights at budget-friendly prices.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
RUST Natklub
0.1 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
0.3 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Moon Club
1.0 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Mirage
1.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
1.4 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
SIGURD CPH
1.5 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.
Rumors
1.5 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.
Culture Box
1.5 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Miami Bar
1.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.5 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
