The Culture Yard (Kulturværftet), Helsingør
Glittering glass sails over an old shipyard, The Culture Yard fuses award‑winning library, stages and harbourfront café with unforgettable views of Kronborg Castle.
The Culture Yard in Helsingør is a striking cultural hub on the old Elsinore shipyard, where glass-and-steel architecture wraps historic red-brick halls. Opened in 2010, it houses one of Denmark’s most acclaimed libraries, stages for concerts and theatre, exhibition spaces, a shipyard museum, conference facilities and a harbourfront café with views to Kronborg Castle and the Øresund, making it the contemporary heart of Culture Harbour Kronborg.
A brief summary to The Culture Yard
- Allegade 2, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- +4549283620
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
- Thursday 9 am-7 pm
- Friday 9 am-7 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Head to the upper floors of the library for some of the best indoor views of Kronborg Castle and the harbour, especially on clear afternoons.
- Allow time to explore both the historic shipyard details and the modern glass arcade; the contrasts are most striking if you walk the perimeter inside and out.
- Check the events programme in advance if you’re keen on concerts or theatre, but still drop by without tickets to enjoy the library, café and architecture.
- If visiting with children, make the children’s library a priority; it offers playful spaces where kids can move, climb and read with harbour views.
- Come on a weekday morning for quieter reading and architectural photography, and later in the afternoon if you prefer a livelier cultural atmosphere.
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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Regional train from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, take a regional train towards Helsingør; the journey typically takes 45–50 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. A standard adult single ticket costs roughly 80–110 DKK depending on time and ticket type. From Helsingør Station it is about a 10–15 minute level walk through the town centre and harbour area to The Culture Yard, suitable for most visitors including those with wheelchairs or strollers.
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Local travel within North Zealand
If you are already in North Zealand, local trains on the coastal line connect towns such as Hellerup, Klampenborg and Humlebæk to Helsingør in 10–30 minutes. Fares for shorter segments are lower, generally in the 30–70 DKK range. Once you arrive at Helsingør Station, follow the waterfront promenade to reach The Culture Yard on foot in around 10 minutes across mostly paved, step‑free surfaces.
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Car or rental car
Driving from central Copenhagen to Helsingør usually takes 40–60 minutes via the coastal route, depending on traffic. There are public parking facilities in Helsingør near the harbour and cultural quarter, some with time limits and paid periods, with typical hourly fees around 15–25 DKK. In busy summer months and during major events, parking can fill quickly, so allow extra time to find a space before walking several minutes to The Culture Yard.
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Ferry connection from Helsingborg
If you are coming from Sweden, frequent passenger ferries connect Helsingborg to Helsingør in about 20 minutes. A one‑way adult ticket is commonly in the range of 50–100 DKK, with combined passenger‑and‑car options available at higher prices. Upon arrival in Helsingør, the ferry terminal is adjacent to the harbourfront; from there it is a short, mostly flat walk of around 10 minutes along the quayside to The Culture Yard, making this a convenient cross‑border route.
The Culture Yard location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about The Culture Yard
From shipyard heart to cultural flagship
The Culture Yard stands where Elsinore’s shipyard once rang with the sound of hammers and rivets, its historic red-brick halls now reimagined as a 21st‑century cultural engine. When the yard closed, the city chose not to erase its industrial past but to build directly on it, transforming workshops and slipways into a multi‑purpose venue dedicated to performance, learning and debate. Opened on 10 October 2010, the complex has since become a defining symbol of Helsingør’s shift from heavy industry to culture and creativity. Today the centre forms the core of Culture Harbour Kronborg, the waterfront cultural district that links the harbour, the Danish Maritime Museum and nearby Kronborg Castle. Inside, the old structural skeleton, exposed concrete and traces of machinery quietly tell the story of the workers who once built ships here. Rather than hiding this heritage, the design allows you to read layers of history in beams, columns and walls, even as you move between digital screens, lighting rigs and contemporary stages.Architecture where sails meet steel
Architects from AART wrapped the former shipyard in a crystalline envelope of glass, steel and perforated metal that recalls billowing sails and ship geometry. From the harbour, the faceted façade appears almost like a prism rising from the quay, reflecting shifting skies and the dark outline of Kronborg across the water. By day the building catches the light of the Øresund; by night it glows softly, turning the waterfront into an illuminated gathering place. Step inside and the contrast between old and new sharpens. Raw concrete pillars support lofty ceilings, while sharp‑lined glass walkways and staircases stitch the spaces together. Large window sections frame the harbour, ferries gliding to Sweden and the battlements of Hamlet’s castle. In places the façade projects outward like a glass prow, creating dramatic vantage points over the water. The building functions not only as a cultural venue but also as an architectural viewpoint, inviting you to pause and look both outward to the sea and inward to the town’s working past.A library that doubles as living room
One of the Culture Yard’s most distinctive elements is its award‑winning multimedia library, widely recognised among Europe’s most exceptional. Shelves of books are only part of the story: there are open reading zones, children’s areas designed for play and exploration, study niches with sea views and digital labs that reflect the library’s role as a knowledge hub. The atmosphere is informal, encouraging visitors to linger with a novel, meet for group work or simply enjoy the changing light on the Sound. Families are particularly drawn to the children’s library, where low platforms, playful seating and imaginative installations invite younger visitors to clamber and discover. Higher up, quieter corners with comfortable chairs give space for contemplation, often oriented towards Kronborg’s unmistakable silhouette. In this way, the library acts as Helsingør’s collective living room, bridging residents, students and travellers under the same expansive roof.Stages, exhibits and everyday culture
Beyond the library, the building unfolds into concert halls, black‑box theatres, exhibition galleries and flexible rooms that can be configured for conferences or festivals. Throughout the year, these spaces host music ranging from chamber ensembles to amplified bands, theatre performances, literary talks, debates and experimental festivals that explore new media and sound. The former shipyard thus vibrates once more, not with engines but with performances and public events that fill its volumes with light and sound. Interwoven with these cultural functions is the shipyard museum, which tells the story of how maritime industry shaped Helsingør in the 19th and 20th centuries. Historic tools, models and oral histories anchor the sleek architecture in real lives and labour, allowing visitors to connect the scenic harbourfront with the gritty work that once defined it. The result is a layered experience where exhibitions, performances and heritage exist side by side.Harbourfront café life and Kronborg views
At quay level, the café and terrace bring the wider waterfront into the building’s orbit. Here, floor‑to‑ceiling windows look directly onto the harbour, with ferries docking, yachts shifting with the tide and Kronborg’s towers beyond. The café serves as an informal threshold between city and sea, a place to pause over coffee or a meal before or after a concert, between chapters in the library or during a stroll along the water. When the weather is kind, outdoor seating spills towards the quay, blurring the line between indoor cultural space and open harbour. In summer, the area around the Culture Yard often feels like a public living room, with people reading, talking, sketching, or simply watching the play of light on the Øresund. Even without attending a specific event, the building and its surroundings reward slow exploration, offering ever‑shifting perspectives on Elsinore’s past, present and maritime setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Helsingør harbour
0.1 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.2 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
0.4 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.
Odd Fellow Logerne Helsingør
0.4 km
A dynamic hub for contemporary and experimental art in the heart of Roskilde, showcasing thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive creative experiences.
Kronborg Castle Church
0.4 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
Heracles and the Hydra
0.4 km
Mythological bronze warrior frozen in eternal combat on Helsingør's historic waterfront.
Helsingor
0.6 km
Dynamic exhibitions, daring performances, and boundary-pushing installations in Roskilde’s historic royal palace—discover Denmark’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
Elsinore Cemetery
0.7 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Helsingborg City Hall
4.9 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
8.9 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
10.3 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Hornbaek beach
11.9 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
12.1 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.
Ven
14.8 km
Discover Ven: A Swedish island gem in the Öresund Strait, blending history, nature, and tranquility for an unforgettable escape between Sweden and Denmark, steeped in astronomical history.
Unmissable attractions to see
M/S Maritime Museum
0.1 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.
Elsinore Public Museums
0.1 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
0.1 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.
Dancer's fountain
0.2 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.
'The maritime history' mural
0.2 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.
Arte callejero
0.2 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.
St. Mary's Church
0.2 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
0.3 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.
History of the churches
0.3 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.
Helsingør harbor promenade
0.3 km
A breezy waterfront ribbon along the Øresund, linking Helsingør’s working harbor, cultural quarter and Kronborg Castle with open sea views and everyday local life.
Saint Olai Church
0.3 km
Discover Saint Olai Church, Helsingør's majestic cathedral, where centuries of Danish history and Gothic elegance meet amid soaring vaults and maritime heritage.
Wibroe Plads
0.3 km
A modest harbourfront square where merchant mansions, cobbled edges and Øresund views quietly reveal Helsingør’s long maritime story.
Helsingør Havne
0.3 km
Twin harbours beneath Kronborg Castle, where ferries, yachts and culture share a historic waterfront on the narrow Øresund Strait between Denmark and Sweden.
Holger Danske castillo copado
0.4 km
The legendary sleeping warrior beneath Kronborg Castle, waiting to awaken and defend Denmark in its darkest hour.
Kronborg Castle
0.4 km
Hamlet’s legendary Elsinore: a UNESCO‑listed Renaissance fortress where royal grandeur, sea power and Danish myth meet above the Øresund Strait.
Essential places to dine
Spisehuset i Kulturværftet
0.0 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.
M/S Café
0.1 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.
HEY DARLING - Street Kitchen
0.1 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
0.1 km
Exceptional hand-breaded fish and chips in a casual food market setting.
Suki Ramen
0.1 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.
Arabi Food
0.1 km
Authentic Arabic street food in Helsingør's vibrant food market—fresh, affordable, and genuinely delicious.
Værftets Madmarked
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Ofelia Bar
0.3 km
Stylish tapas bar and cocktail lounge offering inventive bites, curated drinks, and lively atmosphere—an essential stop for food and nightlife lovers in central Helsingør.
The Eatery of Jan & Christian
0.3 km
Contemporary Danish cooking in a welcoming neighbourhood setting on Helsingør's central street.
Bistro Francophile
0.3 km
Cozy French-inspired bistro by Helsingør’s harborfront, pairing classic Gallic comfort dishes with a focused wine list and intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
The Copenhagener
0.3 km
Hearty smørrebrød, local Wiibroe beer and down‑to‑earth hygge in a tucked‑away Helsingør pub with a summery courtyard beer garden.
Café Kronborg
0.4 km
Waterfront seafood café where fresh fish, harbor views, and genuine hospitality meet in Helsingør.
Axelbar
0.4 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.
Restaurant Dansk
0.4 km
Cosy, low-key spot in Helsingør’s old town serving straightforward Danish comfort food in a lived‑in, neighbourhood setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Souvenir shop
0.3 km
Curated Danish souvenirs and castle mementos within Kronborg's historic walls.
Butik hos Anna & Sofie
0.5 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.
Ide Nyt
0.5 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.
Levende Lys
0.5 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.
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
0.5 km
A cosy Helsingør boutique brimming with handmade jewelry, retro interiors and knitwear, where every carefully chosen piece tells a small, colourful story.
Helsingør Kaffe og Thehus ApS
0.5 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.
Krystallen
0.5 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.5 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.5 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
HL Mode A/S
0.5 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Østens Perle
0.5 km
Colourful Indian-inspired gift and handicraft shop in historic Helsingør, filled with hand-picked textiles, spiritual objects and cosy home décor since 2001.
Jutebar Denmark ApS
0.5 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.5 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.
Vandkanten Ilse Jacobsen Outlet
0.6 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
Hold-An
0.4 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
0.4 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Axelhus Udeservering
0.4 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.
Pitten Sport Bar
0.4 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
0.4 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
0.5 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.
Strandborg
0.5 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Helsingør Musikteater
0.6 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Head/Foam
0.8 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.
Joker Bar
1.1 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
12`er Pubben
1.7 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
1.8 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Kardusen
3.4 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.8 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.
Jernstangen
22.7 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Retro
0.5 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
0.8 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
4.9 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
37.4 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
38.0 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
RUST Natklub
38.8 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
39.0 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Culture Box
39.2 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
39.5 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
39.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Mirage
39.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
39.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Zoo
39.8 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.
Moon Club
39.8 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
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
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
