Museum of Danish Resistance
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
Set partly underground beneath leafy Churchill Park, the Museum of Danish Resistance immerses you in Denmark’s World War II occupation years. Innovative storytelling follows five real historical figures through moral dilemmas, sabotage missions and everyday compromises under Nazi rule. Atmospheric “streets” of the 1940s, interactive stations and personal objects bring the resistance movement to life, while the discreet, grass-fringed pavilion above blends into the park as a quiet memorial and contemplative green space.
A brief summary to Museum of Danish Resistance
- Esplanaden 13, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1263, DK
- +4541206080
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 2–3 hours to follow the full storyline of all five historical characters and use the interactive stations without rushing.
- Most of the exhibition is underground with low light and enclosed corridors; visitors sensitive to darkness or confined spaces should be prepared.
- Audio and texts are available in multiple languages; bring your own headphones if you prefer a more focused listening experience.
- Combine your visit with a stroll around Churchill Park and the nearby Kastellet ramparts for a broader sense of Copenhagen’s wartime setting.
- Arrive close to opening time during weekends and school holidays to enjoy a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere in the underground galleries.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro + Walk from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, the most convenient public transport is the M3 Cityringen metro to Marmorkirken Station in Frederiksstaden. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day, and the ride from Nørreport or Copenhagen Central typically takes 5–10 minutes. From Marmorkirken it is an easy, mostly level walk through the historic quarter to Churchill Park, taking about 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace, suitable for most visitors and pushchairs. Metro tickets cost roughly 20–30 DKK one way within the city zones and can be purchased at station machines or via local transport apps.
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Local bus to Esplanaden area
Several city bus lines serve the streets bordering Churchill Park and the nearby Kastellet area, offering a straightforward option if you prefer surface transport. Typical journey times from inner neighbourhoods such as Vesterbro or Nørrebro range from 15–30 minutes depending on traffic. Standard city bus tickets are around 20–30 DKK for a single ride within the central zones. Buses generally have low-floor access, making them practical for wheelchairs and prams, though they can be crowded during weekday rush hours.
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Bicycle from inner districts
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make reaching the museum by bicycle both fast and atmospheric. From City Hall Square or Nørreport, expect about 10–20 minutes of riding on dedicated bike lanes almost the entire way, mostly flat and suitable for casual cyclists. Public bike-share schemes and rental shops across the centre typically charge from about 30–60 DKK per hour, with day rates available. Lockable racks are available in and around Churchill Park, though spaces immediately beside the museum can fill during sunny weekends.
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Taxi from Copenhagen Central Station
For a direct option, taxis from Copenhagen Central Station to Esplanaden 13 usually take 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic around the inner harbour and royal district. Fares commonly fall in the range of 120–200 DKK for the car, with supplements possible in late evening or for larger vehicles. Drop-off is typically on the streets bordering Churchill Park, from where the pavilion entrance is a short, well-signposted walk across level paths. Taxis are a good choice for visitors with limited mobility or tight schedules.
Museum of Danish Resistance 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 Museum of Danish Resistance
An underground journey into occupied Denmark
Go beneath the lawns of Churchill Park and you step straight into wartime Denmark, as the Museum of Danish Resistance unfolds in a sequence of dimly lit streets, back rooms and safe houses. The entire permanent exhibition is hidden below ground level, echoing the clandestine nature of the resistance movement itself. Rather than simply presenting dates and battles, the museum places you in the middle of a country under occupation between 1940 and 1945, where every choice carried consequences. The narrative is anchored in five carefully chosen historical characters whose intertwined stories guide you from the first day of invasion to liberation. Through projected scenes, soundscapes and period reconstructions you follow a communist printer, a student saboteur, a policeman, a housewife and a Danish Nazi sympathiser, each facing radically different decisions. Their voices transform abstract history into intimate, often unsettling, testimony.Everyday courage, compromise and collaboration
Rather than a simple tale of heroes and villains, the museum explores the greyscale reality of occupation. One gallery examines how most Danes tried at first to preserve a semblance of normal life, even as censorship tightened and German troops settled in. Another focuses on networks of sabotage and the dangerous logistics behind blowing up rail lines, hiding weapons and sheltering refugees. You encounter personal objects such as clandestine ID papers, coded messages and improvised weapons, each accompanied by concise explanations of who used them and why. Wall-sized maps trace escape routes to Sweden and drop zones used by Allied aircraft. Throughout, the exhibition returns to the question of choice: join the resistance, work with the occupiers, or attempt to remain on the sidelines while the war closes in.Hands-on history in the shadows
Interactivity is woven into the museum’s design. In one section you sit at a small press to try printing an illegal newspaper, feeling how slow and noisy the work must have been in a cramped basement. Elsewhere, listening stations let you tap into reconstructed phone lines and attempt to intercept and interpret snippets of German conversations. A dedicated code-breaking area invites you to tackle simplified versions of encrypted messages, echoing the work of resistance intelligence cells. Subtle sound design – the distant rumble of aircraft, a creaking stair, a muted radio broadcast – reinforces the sense of living under constant surveillance without overwhelming the story. Clear information panels in multiple languages keep the experience accessible, even as the subject matter remains complex.Architecture that disappears into the park
At ground level, the museum reveals itself only as an elegant, ellipse-shaped pavilion set within a gravelled courtyard among trees and lawns. Its weathered steel skin is gradually being claimed by climbing plants such as hops, honeysuckle and wild roses, blurring the line between building and landscape. This modest structure functions as entrance, ticket desk, shop and café, intentionally avoiding the monumentality often associated with war museums. Inside, gently sloping stairs and staggered landings lead you downwards, creating a subtle disorientation that mirrors the moral and political upheaval explored below. Carefully placed windows frame fragments of Churchill Park and the nearby star-shaped ramparts of Kastellet, reminding you that the tranquil surroundings once formed part of a city bracing for conflict. The design aims to act as a vessel for memory rather than a statement piece, allowing the stories to take centre stage.Context within Copenhagen’s historic waterfront
The museum stands at the edge of Churchill Park, close to the 17th-century citadel of Kastellet and within walking distance of the Little Mermaid statue and the royal residence at Amalienborg. This cluster of landmarks creates a compact cultural district where military history, monarchy and resistance are layered within a few city blocks. Though the museum is intimate in scale, a full visit easily fills several hours, particularly if you listen carefully to the character narratives or pause in the café overlooking the greenery. It functions both as an introduction to Denmark’s wartime experience and as a reflective space, inviting you to consider present-day questions about democracy, occupation and civil courage. Emerging once more into the light of the park, the contrast between the underground galleries and the open lawns underlines how fragile hard-won freedoms can be.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Horn mine
0.0 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Our Fallen
0.1 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
I am Queen Mary
0.2 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.3 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
Larsens Pl.
0.4 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
St. Paul's Church
0.6 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.6 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Maritime Monument
0.7 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.7 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.8 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
The Kissing Stairs
0.8 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Ofelia Plads
0.8 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Bredgade 18
0.9 km
Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Nyhavn
1.0 km
Copenhagen's iconic 17th-century harbor where colorful townhouses, maritime history, and vibrant waterfront culture converge.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, famed for its golden onion domes, rich history, and unique architectural style rooted in Danish-Russian royal ties.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Alban's Church
0.1 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Gefion Fountain
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.3 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.3 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Medicinsk Museion
0.4 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Langelinieparken
0.4 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
Langelinie Park
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Kastellet
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
Amaliegade
0.4 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.4 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.5 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.5 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.5 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.5 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Essential places to dine
Kokkeriet
0.7 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Aoc
0.7 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
0.8 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Restaurant Vita
0.9 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.9 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Den Lille Fede
0.9 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.
La Banchina
0.9 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Khun Juk
1.0 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.
Skipperkroen
1.0 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
1.0 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.0 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.
Goldfinch
1.0 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s dynamic hub for global street food, creative pop-ups, and urban harbor vibes in a repurposed shipyard setting with a seasonal ice skating rink.
Veve
1.0 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
Bistro Royal
1.0 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.1 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.6 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.
Maritime Antiques &
0.9 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.
The Wilde Shop
0.9 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Copenhagenglass
0.9 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
0.9 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.1 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
1.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.2 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.2 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Storm - design art fashion
1.2 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.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.2 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
1.2 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.2 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Norse Projects
1.3 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.6 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.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.0 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
1.1 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Brønnum
1.1 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
1.2 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.
Trykbar
1.2 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.
1105
1.2 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.2 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
The Moose
1.2 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
1.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
1.4 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
Balderdash
1.5 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
K-Bar
1.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Bar'Vin
1.5 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.1 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.
The Zoo
1.2 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.
Operaen
1.6 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Mirage
1.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
1.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
1.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.8 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
1.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
1.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Zefside
1.9 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Dorsia
2.0 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
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
