M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark
A world‑class maritime museum hidden in a former dry dock beside Kronborg Castle, blending daring subterranean architecture with five centuries of Danish seafaring.
Sunk dramatically into a former dry dock beside Kronborg Castle, the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark transforms Helsingør’s shipyard heritage into an award‑winning cultural landmark. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, this subterranean museum wraps around an open concrete dock crossed by sleek bridges, with daylight filtering down into interactive galleries. Inside, inventive exhibitions chart Danish seafaring from the age of sail to container shipping, blending model ships, film, soundscapes and hands-on installations. A family‑friendly play universe, café and design‑driven museum shop round out one of Denmark’s most distinctive museums.
A brief summary to M/S Maritime Museum
- Ny Kronborgvej 1, Helsingør, 3000, DK
- +4549210685
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least two hours if you enjoy interactive exhibits; the looped galleries are larger than they appear from above and invite slow exploration.
- Families should factor extra time for the DRØMMESKIBET (Dream Ship) play area, which can easily absorb children for an hour or more.
- Combine your visit with Kronborg Castle next door for a full Helsingør culture day focused on both royal and maritime history.
- The dry dock and ramps are largely step‑free and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, but comfortable shoes make the sloping floors easier.
- Check for temporary exhibitions or events using the dry dock as a stage; these can add a very different dimension to the museum experience.
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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Train from central Copenhagen
From Copenhagen’s main station, take a regional train toward Helsingør; services typically run every 20 minutes and the journey takes about 45 minutes. Standard adult tickets usually cost in the range of 80–110 DKK one way, depending on ticket type and time. From Helsingør Station it is an easy waterfront walk of around 10–15 minutes on mostly flat, paved surfaces, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though wind and wet weather can make it feel colder by the harbor.
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Local bus within Helsingør
Several local buses link Helsingør Station and surrounding neighborhoods with the Kulturhavn Kronborg area in roughly 10–20 minutes of travel time, depending on route and traffic. Single tickets within the local fare zones generally cost about 25–35 DKK, purchasable from ticket machines or via regional transport apps. Buses usually stop a short stroll from the museum entrance on level ground, though schedules thin out in the late evening and on some holidays.
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Car or rental car from North Zealand
Driving from other North Zealand towns such as Hillerød or Gilleleje typically takes 25–45 minutes, using main regional roads toward Helsingør. There are public parking areas around Kulturhavn Kronborg with fees often charged by the hour; expect to pay in the region of 15–25 DKK per hour, with time limits in some bays. Spaces can fill during summer weekends and school holidays, so allow extra time to find a spot and to walk several hundred meters across the harbor area.
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Ferry from Helsingborg with onward walk
If you are arriving from Helsingborg in Sweden, the car and passenger ferry crossing to Helsingør takes about 20 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day, with ticket prices varying by operator and whether you travel on foot or with a vehicle. Foot passengers pay noticeably less than vehicles, and tickets are typically purchased at the terminal before boarding. Once in Helsingør, you disembark near the central harbor; from there, allow 10–15 minutes to walk along broad, mostly level quays to the museum, exposed to wind and rain in bad weather.
M/S Maritime Museum 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
Discover more about M/S Maritime Museum
A submerged museum beside Hamlet’s castle
Hidden below ground level at Kulturhavn Kronborg, the M/S Maritime Museum circles an empty concrete dry dock just a few steps from UNESCO‑listed Kronborg Castle. Rather than rising above the harbor, the building disappears into the former dock walls, preserving unbroken views of the Renaissance fortress while creating a dramatic void at your feet. From the quay, angled glass facades and slender bridges are the only hints that a major museum lies seven meters below. This sunken setting immediately ties the museum to Helsingør’s shipyard past and to Denmark’s long relationship with the sea. Step onto the zigzagging bridge and you descend gradually into the dock, passing from open harbor light into a carefully choreographed half‑world of reflections, steel and concrete. The sloping walkways echo the gentle lines of a ship’s deck, and as you sink lower, the massive dock walls rise around you, reminding you that this was once a working space where hulls were repaired and launched.BIG architecture in an old dry dock
The museum’s architecture is a signature work by Bjarke Ingels Group, a collision of rough industrial heritage and crisp Scandinavian minimalism. The original 150‑meter‑long dock has been left largely untouched as an outdoor courtyard, crossed by three double‑level bridges that connect the galleries, café and auditorium. These bridges are structural elements, circulation routes and urban shortcuts, allowing people to traverse the dock even when they are not visiting the museum. Below the dock edge, tilted glass boxes house exhibitions, offices and event spaces. Inside, warm timber, carefully controlled lighting and expansive sight lines soften the concrete and steel. Long, gently sloping floors create one continuous loop around the dock, so the story of Danish seafaring can unfold in a fluid narrative. At night, the glass pavilions glow softly, turning the dry dock into a luminous stage at the heart of Helsingør’s cultural harbor.Stories from five centuries at sea
Exhibitions trace Denmark’s maritime history from the 15th century trading era to today’s global container networks. Model ships, navigation instruments, logbooks and uniforms sit alongside film projections and soundscapes. One gallery plunges into the life of sailors at sea, from cramped cabins and superstitions to tattoos and letters home. Another examines trade routes to Asia and the West Indies, unpacking the wealth, risk and human cost behind exotic cargoes. Modern galleries explore how more than 90 percent of world goods still travel by sea, using interactive displays that let you manage container flows or plot routes through storm‑lashed oceans. The museum’s vast photographic and archival collections underpin these stories, but the emphasis is always on connecting big historical movements with individual experiences, so shipping becomes a tale of families, invention and survival rather than just tonnage and timetables.A harbor playground for young explorers
Families are well served by DRØMMESKIBET, the Dream Ship, a dedicated 400‑square‑meter play universe. Here children clamber through kid‑sized gangways, peer into cabins, dress up as crew and experiment with simple maritime tasks through games. Washable tattoos, torpedoes and an enormous container‑ship model turn serious themes into imaginative play, making the museum engaging even for younger visitors who might not yet follow the full historical narrative. Throughout the main galleries, exhibits invite touch and participation, from steering simulations to code‑breaking and signal flags. Workshops and teaching spaces support school groups, while seasonal programs and special exhibitions bring in themes like underwater archaeology or contemporary ocean art. The museum also occasionally uses the dry dock itself as a stage for performances and open‑air events, reinforcing its role as a living cultural space.Café, cargo shop and harbor atmosphere
At dock level, the M/S Café offers views across the concrete basin to Kronborg’s towers beyond, a striking juxtaposition of old brick and new glass. Menus lean towards simple Nordic lunches, coffee and cake, providing a calm pause between exhibitions. Nearby, the M/S Shop – sometimes called M/S Cargo – curates maritime‑inspired design objects, books, textiles and toys, many reflecting Danish design traditions and seafaring motifs. Just outside the museum, the wider Kulturhavn Kronborg extends the visit into a full harbor experience, with the castle, cultural venues and food halls clustered around the waterfront. Even after you leave the galleries, the memory of walking down into that silent dock – effectively standing in the hull of an invisible ship – tends to stay with you, making this one of Denmark’s most architecturally distinctive and atmospherically rich museums.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Helsingør harbour
0.2 km
Where maritime heritage meets Shakespeare's legacy at Denmark's gateway to Sweden.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
0.3 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Kronborg Castle Church
0.4 km
Renaissance sanctuary that miraculously survived fire, preserving royal religious heritage within Hamlet's legendary castle.
'The Middle Ages and the Sound Dues' mural
0.4 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
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.8 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Helsingborg City Hall
4.8 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
9.0 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
12.0 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
The Culture Yard
0.1 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
0.2 km
Three interconnected museums preserving 600 years of Elsinore's maritime, commercial, and industrial heritage in Denmark's historic city center.
Fyrskibet nr. XVII
0.2 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
0.3 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.
St. Mary's Church
0.3 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.
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
0.3 km
The legendary sleeping warrior beneath Kronborg Castle, waiting to awaken and defend Denmark in its darkest hour.
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.
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.
Øresund Aquarium
0.4 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.
Helsingør harbor promenade
0.4 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.
Kronborg Lighthouse
0.4 km
Step into early 20th-century rural Denmark at Flynderupgård Museet, where historic farm buildings, gardens, and animals bring local heritage to life in Espergærde.
Essential places to dine
M/S Café
0.0 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.
Spisehuset i Kulturværftet
0.1 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.
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
0.2 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.
Café Kronborg
0.3 km
Waterfront seafood café where fresh fish, harbor views, and genuine hospitality meet in Helsingør.
The Eatery of Jan & Christian
0.3 km
Contemporary Danish cooking in a welcoming neighbourhood setting on Helsingør's central street.
Ofelia Bar
0.4 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.
Bistro Francophile
0.4 km
Cozy French-inspired bistro by Helsingør’s harborfront, pairing classic Gallic comfort dishes with a focused wine list and intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
Restaurant Kaj
0.4 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.
The Copenhagener
0.4 km
Hearty smørrebrød, local Wiibroe beer and down‑to‑earth hygge in a tucked‑away Helsingør pub with a summery courtyard beer garden.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Souvenir shop
0.2 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.
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.
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.
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
0.6 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
0.6 km
Helsingør's premier crystal and mineral shop with expertly curated specimens and atmospheric presentation.
Helsingør Vinhandel
0.6 km
Denmark's premier wine and spirits specialist in historic Helsingør, where expertise meets passion.
Jørgensen & Co.
0.6 km
Exclusive curated fashion for discerning tastes in historic Helsingør's charming pedestrian district.
HL Mode A/S
0.6 km
Contemporary Danish fashion retailer offering curated brands and personalized styling in Helsingør's vibrant shopping district.
Østens Perle
0.6 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
0.6 km
Small Helsingør boutique specialising in stylish, sustainable jute bags and gifts, blending Scandinavian design sensibility with everyday practicality.
Happy Gifts & Souvenirs
0.6 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
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.6 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
Helsingør Musikteater
0.7 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Head/Foam
0.9 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
1.8 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
3.5 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Oddies Beach Bar
17.9 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
0.9 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
23.1 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
37.5 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.
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
39.3 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
39.6 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
39.9 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.
Moon Club
39.9 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
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- 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
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
