Inderhavnsbroen (Inner Harbour Bridge)
A sleek car-free “Kissing Bridge” linking Nyhavn and Christianshavn, Inderhavnsbroen offers harbour panoramas, smart engineering and a snapshot of Copenhagen’s waterfront life.
Inderhavnsbroen, the car-free Inner Harbour Bridge in central Copenhagen, links the colorful facades of Nyhavn with the canals and warehouses of Christianshavn and Holmen. Opened in 2016, this sleek pedestrian and cycle bridge offers sweeping views of the harbor, passing ferries and kayaks, and the nearby Opera House. Its distinctive sliding mechanism earns it the nickname “The Kissing Bridge,” as the two halves glide apart and together to let boats pass below.
A brief summary to Inderhavnsbroen
- Inderhavnsbroen, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1401, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 2 pm-9 am
- Tuesday 2 pm-9 am
- Wednesday 2 pm-9 am
- Thursday 2 pm-9 am
- Friday 2 pm-9 am
- Saturday 2 pm-9 am
- Sunday 2 pm-9 am
Local tips
- Time your visit for golden hour on a clear day; the low light over Nyhavn’s facades and the harbour makes this one of the most atmospheric spots for photos.
- If warning tones start and barriers close, stay behind the lines and watch the bridge’s sliding mechanism as boats pass through the opened channel.
- Combine a slow walk across the bridge with a lap of the harbourfront paths on either side for a relaxed, traffic-free mini city walk.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and short walk
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Kongens Nytorv Station. The ride from Nørreport or Copenhagen Central typically takes 3–6 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day using standard city tickets in the 20–30 DKK range. From Kongens Nytorv, continue on foot for around 10–15 minutes along Nyhavn’s canal-side promenade to reach the Nyhavn end of Inderhavnsbroen. The walk is flat, paved and suitable for most visitors, though it can be busy in peak seasons.
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City bike
Public bikes and rentals are widely available in the inner city, including near major squares and transport hubs. Cycling from the City Hall area or Nørreport to Inderhavnsbroen typically takes 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace, following marked cycle lanes almost the entire way. Expect costs from roughly 15–30 DKK for a short pay-as-you-go ride, increasing with duration depending on the provider. The route is mostly flat and well signed, but be prepared for heavier bicycle traffic during rush hours.
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Harbour bus
Harbour buses run along Copenhagen’s inner waterfront and stop near both Nyhavn and Christianshavn, making it possible to arrive by water within about 10–25 minutes from various central piers. Services run regularly during the day and accept standard public transport tickets and passes, typically costing 20–30 DKK for a single journey within the same zones. Boats can be busy in good weather, and boarding involves short gangways that may feel narrow for some users.
Inderhavnsbroen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Inderhavnsbroen
A modern link in Copenhagen’s historic harbour
Inderhavnsbroen spans Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, stitching together two of the city’s most characterful waterfront districts: Nyhavn on one side and Christianshavn and Holmen on the other. Completed in 2016, the 180-metre-long structure was the missing link that finally created a continuous harbourfront route for walkers and cyclists, turning the water’s edge into one fluid urban promenade. The bridge is reserved for people on foot and on two wheels, reflecting Copenhagen’s strong cycling culture and its ambition to make the harbourfront a calm, people-focused corridor. From early morning commuters to evening strollers, there is a constant but gentle flow across its deck, framed by water on both sides and city silhouettes in every direction.The story behind “The Kissing Bridge”
Locals often refer to Inderhavnsbroen as “The Kissing Bridge,” a playful nod to the way its two sections slide apart and then meet again in a smooth, horizontal motion. When larger vessels need to pass, warning tones sound and the centre of the bridge retracts, opening a narrow channel. Once the boat has slipped through, the halves glide back together, almost like a slow-motion embrace. Unlike traditional drawbridges that lift vertically, this lateral movement is a distinctive feature of the design and adds a touch of theatre to the harbour. Watching the mechanism in action is an attraction in itself, and it subtly reminds you that this is still a working port where modern city life and maritime traffic coexist.Views over Nyhavn, Holmen and the open water
A crossing of Inderhavnsbroen doubles as a compact city panorama. To one side, the brightly painted 17th-century townhouses and masts of historic wooden ships in Nyhavn line the canal like a postcard come to life. To the other, converted warehouses, cultural venues and the low-slung piers of Christianshavn and Holmen spread out along the water. Designated viewing platforms built into the bridge encourage you to pause, lean on the railings and watch harbour buses, sightseeing boats, kayakers and small rental craft threading their way along the channel. In clear weather, light glints off the water and the glass of nearby modern buildings, making this one of the city’s most photogenic vantage points.Everyday life on a people-first crossing
For residents, Inderhavnsbroen is above all a practical shortcut, turning what was once a circuitous detour into a quick hop between neighbourhoods. Commuters pedal across in steady streams at rush hour, while runners, families with prams and visitors with cameras mix comfortably on the broad deck at a slower pace. The car-free design keeps noise low and the air noticeably fresher than on nearby traffic bridges. Benches and wider areas near the viewing platforms create informal meeting spots, and in summer the bridge connects seamlessly to nearby street food stalls and quayside hangouts where people linger by the water well into the evening.Architecture, engineering and harbour regeneration
Inderhavnsbroen forms part of a wider effort to reclaim Copenhagen’s harbour as a recreational landscape rather than an industrial back yard. Its clean, modern lines and slender profile are deliberately understated, allowing the historic surroundings to dominate while still signalling contemporary design. Structurally, the bridge combines steel and concrete with a low, slightly curving deck that sits close to the waterline, increasing the feeling of being out on the harbour rather than above it. At night, subtle lighting along the balustrades traces its outline and reflects on the surface below, giving the crossing a calm, almost cinematic quality.A simple stop on a wider harbourfront journey
Most visits to Inderhavnsbroen are woven into a broader exploration of the waterfront, whether that means canal-side walks, cultural venues, or the alternative atmosphere of nearby Christiania. The bridge itself is quick to experience yet surprisingly rich in perspectives: a piece of everyday infrastructure that doubles as a scenic lookout and a quiet pause point suspended between two very different but closely linked parts of the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Pl.
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Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
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Hans Christian Andersen plaque
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A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.7 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Larsens Pl.
0.7 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Indre By
0.7 km
Medieval streets, royal palaces, and European shopping converge in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.7 km
Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.7 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Amaliegade
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Lively and historic, Folkets Park Malmö is Sweden’s oldest public park, blending family fun, local culture, music, and nature at the heart of Malmö.
Church of Holmen
0.7 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
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Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Børsen
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Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Frederik's Church
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Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.8 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Holmens Bro
0.8 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Unmissable attractions to see
North Atlantic House
0.1 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
The Playhouse
0.2 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
Ofelia Plads
0.2 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.3 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Nyhavn
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s storybook harbour, where colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés bring the city’s maritime history to life in one vivid canal.
Hey Captain
0.3 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Havnepromenade
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
The Kissing Stairs
0.3 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.4 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.4 km
A 17th‑century canal of cobbles, gables and sailboats, Christianshavns Kanal is Copenhagen’s quietly cinematic waterway at the heart of island life.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.4 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Memorial Anchor
0.5 km
Explore one of Europe’s oldest zoos, home to over 3,000 animals, award-winning architecture, immersive habitats, conservation programs, and engaging family activities.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.5 km
A tiny 17th‑century townhouse on Kongens Nytorv where Baltic amber, ancient insects and Scandinavian craft turn deep time into a warm, golden museum experience.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.5 km
UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør, famed as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', with iconic spires, lavish halls, and sweeping views across the Øresund Strait.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s national theatre in two acts: a gilded 19th‑century Old Stage on Kongens Nytorv and a bold modern playhouse rising directly above the harbour waters.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Barr
0.1 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Khun Juk
0.2 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.3 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Skipperkroen
0.4 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
0.4 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
à terre
0.5 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.5 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Cafe Wilder
0.5 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Goldfinch
0.6 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Aoc
0.6 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
King Hans Cellar
0.7 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Marchal
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Llama
0.7 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Bistro Royal
0.7 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Den Lille Fede
0.7 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
0.3 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
0.3 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Zane
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Magasin du Nord
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
The Wilde Shop
0.7 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.7 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Urban Outfitters
0.8 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
0.9 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Storm - design art fashion
0.9 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Danish Souvenirs
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Magnolias
1.0 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
0.5 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Eiffel bar
0.5 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.7 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
0.7 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
0.8 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
1105
0.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
K-Bar
0.9 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
0.9 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
The Moose
0.9 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Dubliner
1.0 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Trykbar
1.0 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Black Swan
1.0 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.8 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Mini Bar
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.9 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.
Culture Box
1.1 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Chateau Motel
1.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Club Mambo
1.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
La Terraza
1.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
1.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Arch
1.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Cosy Bar
1.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
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
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Business Friendly
