The Lakes (Søerne), Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s chain of city lakes curves along the old ramparts, offering a car-free loop of water, paths and birdlife where everyday life and open sky meet.
Skirting the western edge of central Copenhagen, The Lakes (Søerne) form a graceful chain of three long, shallow basins: Sankt Jørgens Sø, Peblinge Sø and Sortedams Sø. Once part of the city’s medieval defenses and water supply, they are now an urban playground of waterfront paths, benches and grassy banks. Joggers, cyclists, dog walkers and café-goers share the scene, with bird islands, boat bikes in summer and, in very cold winters, ice-thick surfaces that sometimes open for walking.
A brief summary to The Lakes
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Walk the full 6–7 km loop around all three lakes to experience how the atmosphere shifts between quieter stretches and livelier café-lined sections.
- Aim for early morning or late evening for calmer paths, softer light and beautiful reflections of church spires and townhouses on the water.
- Pack a simple picnic or grab coffee and pastries from a nearby bakery to enjoy on the grassy banks or one of the many benches along the shore.
- In very cold winters, only step onto the frozen lake if authorities have clearly signposted that the ice is officially open and safe.
- Consider bringing a light windproof layer, as breezes over the water can feel cooler than on nearby city streets, even in sunny weather.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From a central metro hub such as Nørreport Station, The Lakes are about 5 minutes’ walk away, but you can also ride the M1, M2, M3 or M4 lines to Nørreport or Forum in roughly 3–6 minutes from most inner-city stops. Standard single metro tickets within central zones typically cost around 20–30 DKK and trains run every few minutes throughout the day.
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City bus connections
Several city bus routes run along the streets that border The Lakes, linking them with areas like Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Østerbro and Frederiksberg in about 10–20 minutes of travel time depending on traffic and distance. A single bus ticket within the city centre generally costs around 20–30 DKK, and buses usually operate at least every 10–15 minutes during daytime.
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Bicycle from inner districts
Cycling from the historic centre or nearby districts such as Vesterbro or Nørrebro to The Lakes typically takes 5–15 minutes, following dedicated bike lanes most of the way and finishing on flat, well-marked streets beside the water. You can use a city bike-share or regular rental, and while prices vary, expect roughly 20–40 DKK for a short ride period on shared bikes.
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Walking from the old town
If you are staying in Copenhagen’s old town or around City Hall Square, reaching The Lakes on foot takes about 10–20 minutes at an easy pace along broad pavements and mainly level terrain. The route is suitable for most visitors, including families with strollers, though allow extra time if you prefer a very relaxed stroll.
The Lakes 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
- Snow
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Hot Weather
Discover more about The Lakes
City waters that shape Copenhagen’s heart
The Lakes, known in Danish as Søerne, curve like a glittering ribbon along the western flank of central Copenhagen, clearly marking the divide between the historic inner city and the lively neighbourhoods of Nørrebro, Frederiksberg and Østerbro. What looks today like a calm chain of three basins began life as a shallow stream outside the medieval ramparts. Over centuries, dams and embankments turned it into a linked reservoir system that powered watermills, supplied the growing town and strengthened its defenses. The three lakes you see now each have distinct personalities. Sankt Jørgens Sø, nearest to the city centre, is the deepest and edged with softer, sloping banks and pockets of greenery. Peblinge Sø and Sortedams Sø are framed by solid granite walls and elegant bridges, giving them a more formal, urban profile. Together they extend for more than six kilometres, a continuous blue corridor that reflects Copenhagen’s spires, townhouses and modern silhouettes.From working reservoirs to urban living room
As Copenhagen outgrew its fortifications in the 19th century, The Lakes gradually lost their role as critical infrastructure and evolved into public space. Embankments were reshaped, paths laid out and trees planted, turning functional waterworks into a kind of shared living room for city residents. Where soldiers and millers once guarded an outer perimeter, joggers, parents with prams and students with takeaway coffee now circle the water. Along sections of the shore you will spot historic pavilions built in the late 1800s as social clubs and skating lodges, including the ornate Lake Pavilion near Sankt Jørgens Sø. Their decorative facades nod to a time when promenading by the water was part of fashionable city life. Over time, cafés and restaurants found their way onto the banks, adding outdoor seating and terrace views that make the lakeside feel animated from morning to late evening in good weather.Paths, bridges and a classic Copenhagen loop
One of the defining features of The Lakes is the uninterrupted path system that traces both sides of the water. A full circuit around all three lakes covers roughly 6.5 kilometres, a favourite training route for runners and an easy loop for a leisurely stroll. The surface is mostly level and well maintained, with wide gravel or asphalt tracks suitable for walking, jogging and cycling. Several bridges carry streets and bike lanes across the water, breaking the lakes into smaller visual frames and creating natural pause points. From these crossings you get some of the best perspectives: lines of colourful apartments and leafy boulevards on one side, open water and sky on the other. Benches dot the route, and on warm days the low grassy stretches, especially near the northern lakes, turn into informal picnic spots.Bird islands and the changing seasons
Sortedams Sø hides two small artificial islands, built as protected nesting grounds for waterbirds. From the shore you can watch gulls, ducks, coots and, in season, swans gathering around these low green mounds. The birdlife adds movement and sound to the otherwise still surface, particularly at dawn and dusk when calls echo across the water. Seasonality shapes the character of The Lakes. Spring brings fresh leaves and longer light, ideal for quiet morning walks. Summer often turns the embankments into a social scene, with friends sharing drinks on the grass and pedal-powered boat bikes gliding slowly across Sankt Jørgens Sø. In autumn, trees along the boulevards shift to gold and rust, and the reflections deepen. On rare winters when the ice grows thick enough and authorities declare it safe, parts of the lakes open for walking, informal skating and an almost surreal experience of crossing where boats usually drift.A breathable edge between neighbourhoods
Beyond their beauty, The Lakes function as a kind of breathing space in the city’s fabric. They provide long sightlines and open horizon in an otherwise dense urban grid, and they subtly connect very different districts. On one shore you might find grand stucco facades and office blocks; on the opposite side, relaxed cafés, organic bakeries and side streets leading into creative quarters. For visitors, this makes The Lakes both an attraction in their own right and a convenient orientation line. Following the water gives you a feel for Copenhagen’s everyday rhythm: cyclists commuting, people walking dogs before work, families teaching children to ride tiny bikes, friends pausing with thermos coffee on a bench. Whether you choose a quick detour or the full loop, time by these waters offers an uncomplicated way to step into local city life while still enjoying ample sky, reflections and a constant play of wind and light on the surface.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkets Park
0.8 km
Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.8 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Fiolstræde 42
0.8 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
The Tower Playground
0.9 km
Award-winning Copenhagen playground where kids explore & climb miniature city towers; centrally located in Fælledparken with family-friendly facilities.
Assistens Cemetery
1.1 km
Historic, leafy burial ground in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, home to Hans Christian Andersen’s grave and tranquil paths where Danish history and urban life intertwine.
Church of Our Lady
1.1 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
Varehuset Messen
1.1 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Gråbrødretorv
1.2 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Hans Tavsens Park
1.2 km
Explore the peaceful retreat of Hans Tavsens Park in Copenhagen, a perfect blend of nature and tranquility for every traveler.
Jorcks Passage
1.2 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Gammeltorv
1.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Nørrebrogade
1.2 km
Copenhagen's creative heartbeat: independent design, multicultural energy, and authentic Nordic cool.
St. Paul's Church
1.3 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Nytorv 2
1.3 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Nørrebro
1.3 km
Copenhagen's most vibrant multicultural neighbourhood where creative energy, street culture, and authentic local life converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Lakes in Copenhagen
0.2 km
Step inside Denmark’s royal history at Rosenborg Castle, home to the dazzling Crown Jewels and set in Copenhagen’s oldest public gardens near Østerbro.
Dronning Louises Bro
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s granite social bridge, arching over the city lakes with historic elegance, everyday bike traffic and some of the best urban sunsets in town.
Søtorvet 2
0.3 km
An ornate 19th‑century lakeside residence where French‑inspired façades, poetic café lore and everyday Copenhagen life meet at the city’s watery front door.
Nørrebros Theater
0.4 km
Historic 1886 theatre turned contemporary cultural hub, blending bold performances, visual art and neighbourhood atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district.
Sankt Hans Torv
0.4 km
A relaxed, café-lined square in the heart of Nørrebro where church spires, classic façades and everyday streetlife capture contemporary Copenhagen.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.5 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
Workers Museum
0.5 km
Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
TorvehallerneKBH
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s glass‑walled food market, where Nordic produce, global flavours and local craftsmanship meet in two buzzing halls beside Nørreport Station.
Copenhagen Food Tours - Best-Rated Experiences
0.6 km
Explore Denmark's labor history at The Workers Museum in Copenhagen's historic Workers' Assembly Hall.
Botanical Garden
0.6 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Museum of Natural History
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals and living gardens connect deep time with the city’s green heart beside the Botanical Garden.
Nørre Voldgade 11
0.7 km
Heritage 19th‑century walls meet modern apartment comfort in a buzzing, hyper‑central corner of Copenhagen’s historic inner city.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.7 km
Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Rosenborg castle
0.7 km
A compact Renaissance palace of kings, crowns and stories, Rosenborg Castle pairs glittering Crown Jewels with tranquil gardens in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Skaal
0.8 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
Essential places to dine
ARK
0.4 km
Michelin Green Star vegan fine dining in central Copenhagen, where seasonal Nordic produce, foraging and low-waste philosophy shape an intimate tasting-menu experience.
La Neta Nørrebro
0.5 km
Sizzling Mexican street food, artisanal tortillas, and Mikkeller craft beer unite at La Neta Nørrebro—a bustling culinary hotspot in Copenhagen’s vibrant heart.
SAFARI
0.5 km
Colorful Pan-African bistro in creative Nørrebro serving bold sharable plates, natural wines, and community spirit in a welcoming, art-filled setting.
Mæxico Nørrebro
0.5 km
Colorful cantina vibes, creative tacos, and festive cocktails bring a lively taste of Mexico’s street food culture to vibrant Nørrebro in central Copenhagen.
Selma
0.5 km
Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
Kate's Joint
0.6 km
Kate’s Joint brings Nørrebro’s multicultural energy to the table with creative Asian fusion, communal dining, artful interiors, and a famously laid-back vibe.
Høst
0.6 km
Experience exceptional Scandinavian fine dining at Høst in Copenhagen, where seasonal ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.
Tèrra
0.7 km
Celebrated for organic Italian-Danish tasting menus and eco-conscious fine dining, Tèrra offers a memorable culinary experience in Copenhagen’s vibrant Østerbro.
Aroii - Nørrebro
0.7 km
Savor inventive Asian fusion cuisine in lively Nørrebro, where Aroii delivers creative Thai-inspired plates and vibrant ambiance in one of Copenhagen’s buzziest districts.
Kiin Kiin
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro, offering inventive tasting menus and modern fine dining that blend Southeast Asian flavors with Nordic influences.
Hooked Nørrebro
0.8 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Hooked Nørrebro in Copenhagen - a culinary gem celebrating local flavors in a vibrant setting.
Bæst
0.8 km
Experience Nørrebro’s celebrated Bæst, where organic Italian pizzas and in-house charcuterie meet Scandinavian sustainability and vibrant Danish hospitality.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.9 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar
0.9 km
Warm brick-and-wood dining room in central Copenhagen serving polished Mediterranean-inspired classics, a four-course menu and easygoing evening cocktails.
Gaarden & Gaden
1.0 km
Discover Gaarden & Gaden, a stylishly laid-back bistro in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, serving inventive local cuisine and natural wines in a warm, communal setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Bungalow
0.3 km
Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
McKorman
0.4 km
Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
PRAG Nørrebro
0.6 km
PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
Exotic Mix
0.6 km
Gourmet nuts, dried fruits and chocolate dragées from around the world, served from a colourful family‑run stall inside Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir destination with 2,000+ authentic gifts celebrating Danish design, heritage, and iconic landmarks.
Fjällräven
0.9 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.9 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Time's Up Vintage
1.0 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
1.0 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Studio Arhoj
1.1 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.1 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.
Quirky Lane
1.1 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Wasteland
1.2 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Notre Dame
1.2 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
København K
1.2 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kind Of Blue
0.3 km
Discover the lively charm of Kind Of Blue, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen offering creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Barking Dog
0.3 km
Discover The Barking Dog, a trendy bar in Copenhagen offering expertly crafted cocktails and a vibrant nightlife experience.
Léanowski Bar
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Léanowski Bar, a local favorite in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, known for its craft beers and creative cocktails.
PULP bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at PULP Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
Escobar København
0.5 km
Explore the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Escobar København, a must-visit bar in the heart of Nørrebro offering great cocktails and a lively atmosphere.
Harbo Bar
0.5 km
Cosy, candlelit café‑bar on Blågårdsgade blending daytime coffee and snacks with intimate, bohemian evenings at the heart of Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district.
Ølbaren
0.6 km
Experience the heart of Copenhagen’s beer culture at Ølbaren, a cozy bar with an extensive selection of craft brews and vibrant atmosphere.
Bootleggers
0.6 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
The Mudhoney
0.6 km
Discover The Mudhoney, a stylish cocktail bar in Copenhagen, blending coffee shop charm with expertly crafted cocktails for a perfect night out.
BRUS
0.8 km
Discover the best craft beers and seasonal dishes at BRUS, Copenhagen's top brewpub for foodies and beer lovers alike.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.8 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
Ørsted Ølbar
0.9 km
Cozy basement craft-beer bar opposite Ørstedsparken, mixing candlelit pub charm, expert pours and an impressive Danish microbrew lineup in central Copenhagen.
No Stress Bar
0.9 km
Basement cocktail pub in Copenhagen’s historic center mixing dessert-inspired drinks, games, comedy and drag shows into one laid-back, late-night hangout.
Paloma Vermuteria
0.9 km
Mediterranean vermut culture meets Nordic hospitality in Copenhagen's creative heart.
Dexter's
1.0 km
A cosy African–Caribbean rum bar by Copenhagen’s lakes, blending tropical cocktails, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and warm Jamaican hospitality in an intimate setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
RUST Natklub
0.5 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
0.7 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Mirage
0.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Moon Club
0.9 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
1.1 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
La Terraza
1.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
1.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Rumors
1.2 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.2 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Hive
1.2 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mini Bar
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Miami Bar
1.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
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.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- 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
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
