Nikolaj Kunsthal – Copenhagen Contemporary Art Center
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Nikolaj Kunsthal is a cutting-edge contemporary art center housed in the restored Church of St. Nicholas, Copenhagen's third oldest church dating to the 1200s. Located in the heart of the city near Christiansborg Palace, this unique venue blends 800 years of architectural heritage with experimental Danish and international contemporary art. The soaring whitewashed interior, towering 90-meter spire, and Neo-Baroque windows create an inspiring backdrop for rotating exhibitions, performances, and cultural events. A café and shop occupy the ground floor, making it both a cultural destination and social gathering space.
A brief summary to Nikolaj Art Gallery
- Nikolaj Plads 10, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1067, DK
- +4524227127
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-6 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekday mornings (Tuesday–Friday, 11 AM–1 PM) for a quieter experience; the space is most contemplative before afternoon crowds arrive.
- Explore the Tower Room for intimate perspectives; the upper exhibition space offers unique sightlines and a more secluded viewing experience.
- Combine your visit with Thorvaldsens Museum, a five-minute walk across the canal; admission to Nikolaj Kunsthal includes free entry to the sculpture museum.
- Linger in the café for coffee or lunch; it functions as the building's social heart and offers a contemplative space to absorb the architecture.
- Check the exhibition calendar before visiting; the center transforms completely with each new show, and thematic programming often includes evening performances or talks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro & Walk
Take the Copenhagen Metro Line A or E to Kongens Nytorv station (approximately 10–15 minutes from central stations). Exit and walk northwest through the square toward Nikolaj Plads; the gallery entrance is clearly marked on the small plaza adjacent to the church. Total journey time: 20–30 minutes depending on origin. No charge beyond standard metro fare (approximately 24 DKK for a single ticket within zones 1–2).
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Bicycle
Rent a bicycle from one of Copenhagen's numerous bike-sharing schemes (Bycyklen or similar; approximately 30 DKK per ride). Navigate to Nikolaj Plads in the Inner City via the city's extensive cycle network; the journey from Nørreport or Central Station takes 8–12 minutes. Secure parking is available at the plaza. Cycling is the fastest and most local way to reach the venue.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Inner City, including lines 1A, 2A, 6A, and others that stop near Kongens Nytorv or Slotsholmen. Journey time from Central Station is 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and route. Single fare approximately 24 DKK. Buses run frequently throughout the day and evening.
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Walking
From Copenhagen Central Station, walk northeast through Tivoli Gardens and Rådhuspladsen, then continue toward Kongens Nytorv and Nikolaj Plads. The route is flat, well-signposted, and passes through the historic city center. Total walking time: 20–25 minutes. This is an excellent option for exploring Copenhagen's medieval core en route.
Nikolaj Art Gallery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Nikolaj Art Gallery
Eight Centuries of Transformation
The Church of St. Nicholas emerged in the early 1200s as a place of worship in central Copenhagen. For over five centuries, it served the faithful until the catastrophic Great Fire of 1795 devastated the building, destroying everything except the brick tower. The parish was dissolved in 1805, and the structure entered a remarkable series of reincarnations: fire station, butcher's market (which gave the surrounding square its name, Maven, meaning stomach in Danish), naval museum, and public library. In 1957, artist Knud Pedersen rented part of the building to establish an avant-garde "art library" where people could borrow contemporary artworks for the price of a cigarette packet, planting the seeds for what would become today's thriving art center.Architectural Resurrection and Heritage
The building's most iconic feature—its 90-meter tower with verdigris copper spire—was lost when the original structure collapsed in the 1700s. In the early 20th century, Carlsberg founder Carl Jacobsen donated funds to rebuild the tower, a gesture of cultural patronage that restored a defining element to Copenhagen's skyline. Between 1910 and 1917, architect Hans Christian Amberg undertook meticulous restoration work, reconstructing the church interior as a living monument to its medieval past rather than as a functioning place of worship. The rebuilt structure retained the soaring whitewashed walls, arches, and vast ceilings of the original, while enormous Neo-Baroque windows flood the space with light.Contemporary Intervention and Modern Restoration
In recent years, Engel Architects undertook sensitive restoration that stripped away decades of ad hoc modifications—exposed electrical installations, blocked windows, layers of plastic paint—to reveal the building's original qualities. The architects introduced contemporary interventions that sit comfortably alongside the historic fabric, referencing the church's materiality while belonging firmly to the present day. A new café has become the central gathering point, shifting between contemplative daytime refuge and vibrant social hub during evening openings and events. The thick walls, soaring ceilings, and protective atmosphere now support both artistic expression and community life.Experimental Art in Sacred Space
Today, Nikolaj Kunsthal presents five to six major exhibitions annually, focusing on experimental and innovative contemporary art with emphasis on Danish artists alongside international voices. The center occupies three exhibition rooms—the Lower Gallery, Upper Gallery, and Tower Room—each offering distinct spatial experiences within the historic envelope. Programming extends beyond visual art to include video art festivals (notably the annual Pixelade festival), performances, concerts, guided tours, and educational initiatives. Recent exhibitions have featured works exploring themes from cinema and democracy to embodied performance and documentary practice, demonstrating the center's commitment to art that engages with urgent contemporary questions.A Living Dialogue Between Eras
Nikolaj Kunsthal embodies a rare synthesis: a space where the sacred and everyday coexist, where medieval architecture embraces cutting-edge cultural expression, and where eight centuries of history maintain an active conversation with the present. The building's whitewashed interior and towering proportions create an inspiring, almost meditative atmosphere that elevates the viewing experience. Located on Nikolaj Plads in the Inner City, steps from Christiansborg Palace and Kongens Nytorv, the center occupies one of Copenhagen's most historically charged urban squares. The intimate plaza retains rare quality despite the bustle of visitors, with the restaurant spilling onto the square during summer months, creating a vibrant cultural quarter that honors both heritage and innovation.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
0.1 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Frederik VII
0.2 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.2 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.
Varehuset Messen
0.3 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
The Danish Parliament
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.4 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.4 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.5 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Magstræde
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Discover the enchanting charm of Magstræde, one of Copenhagen's oldest streets, filled with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant local culture.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
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Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Jorcks Passage
0.5 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
The Round Tower
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Explore The Round Tower, Copenhagen's historic observatory offering stunning city views and engaging cultural exhibitions.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
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A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
The War Museum
0.5 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Nytorv
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Historic domed observatory in Aarhus offering inspiring stargazing nights, public tours, and a glimpse into Denmark’s astronomical history atop a leafy city hill.
Unmissable attractions to see
Segway Tours Copenhagen
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Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Højbro Pl.
0.1 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Ved Stranden
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Højbro Plads
0.1 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Bishop Absalon
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Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Stork Fountain
0.1 km
Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.1 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.1 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Læderstræde
0.2 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Amagertorv
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.2 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
Gammel Strand
0.2 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Church of Holmen
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Roskilde's central square, Stændertorvet.
Strøget
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Christiansborg Palace
0.3 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Maven
0.0 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
King Hans Cellar
0.2 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
0.2 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.
l’Alsace
0.2 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Marchal
0.3 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Frank
0.3 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Tight
0.3 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.3 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.4 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
à terre
0.4 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.
Bistro Royal
0.4 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Goldfinch
0.4 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Danish Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Urban Outfitters
0.1 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
0.1 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Magasin du Nord
0.1 km
Experience Danish elegance, international fashion, and gourmet food in Copenhagen’s historic Magasin du Nord—an iconic department store blending tradition and style since 1894.
Magnolias
0.2 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.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.2 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.2 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
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Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Hygge Original
0.2 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.2 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
0.3 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Norse Store
0.3 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
& Other Stories
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Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Norse Projects
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Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Storm - design art fashion
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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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
K-Bar
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Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
The Dubliner
0.2 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.
1105
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Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Balthazar
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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.
Charlie's Bar
0.2 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 Bird and The Churchkey
0.2 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
The Moose
0.3 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.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Bar Deco
0.3 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Brønnum
0.3 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.4 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Ruby
0.4 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.4 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Strøm
0.4 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Mini Bar
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Chateau Motel
0.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.5 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
0.6 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.6 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
0.7 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Club Mambo
0.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Cosy Bar
0.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
0.9 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Lively
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
