Old Town Hall, Hillerød
A dignified brick landmark on Hillerød’s main square, the Old Town Hall anchors the town’s civic heart between cobbled streets, cafés and castle views.
Facing the central square Torvet in Hillerød, the Old Town Hall (Gamle Rådhus) is a compact historic landmark that anchors the town’s small but atmospheric old center. The former seat of local government, it now stands as an elegant backdrop to cafés, markets and events, with its warm brick façade, classical detailing and tower-like gable lines. It is best appreciated from the square, where you can admire its proportions, decorative masonry and views that line up towards Frederiksborg Castle and the castle lake, making it a natural pause point on any stroll through this royal town.
A brief summary to Old town hall
- Torvet 2, Hillerød, 3400, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan a short stop here as part of a wider walk between Hillerød Station, Torvet and Frederiksborg Castle to appreciate how the Old Town Hall fits into the town’s layout.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the brick façade and easier photography across the open square.
- Combine a look at the Old Town Hall with a coffee at one of the nearby cafés on Torvet so you can sit and watch daily life unfold around the square.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take an S-train on Line E towards Hillerød; the journey typically takes 40–45 minutes and runs at least every 20 minutes throughout the day. A standard adult single ticket within the Greater Copenhagen fare system usually costs the equivalent of about 50–80 DKK, depending on ticket type. From Hillerød Station, it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on mostly level pavements through the town centre to Torvet, where the Old Town Hall stands, making this option suitable for most visitors with basic mobility.
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Regional bus within North Zealand
Several regional bus lines serve Hillerød from nearby towns such as Fredensborg, Helsingør and Gilleleje, with typical journey times of 25–50 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Standard bus tickets within the regional fare system are usually in the range of 24–48 DKK for shorter hops and slightly more for longer stretches. Buses set down near Hillerød Station or along the central streets; from there, expect a 10–15 minute walk on urban pavements to reach Torvet and the Old Town Hall. Services are less frequent in the evening and on weekends, so check departure times in advance.
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Car from the Copenhagen area
Driving from central Copenhagen to Hillerød typically takes 35–50 minutes via the main northbound routes, depending on traffic conditions. There is no fee to approach the town itself, but you should factor in fuel costs for the roughly 30 km journey each way. Public car parks are available within walking distance of the historic centre, some with time restrictions or paid periods, often charging modest hourly rates during the day. From the nearest parking areas, you can expect a 5–15 minute walk on city streets to reach Torvet and the Old Town Hall.
Old town hall location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Old town hall
A compact landmark on Hillerød’s main square
Set on Torvet, the central square of Hillerød, the Old Town Hall is one of the town’s most recognisable civic buildings. Its modest footprint and human scale mean it does not dominate the square, but it provides a dignified backdrop to everyday life, from casual meet‑ups to seasonal markets. The building marks the point where the pedestrian streets, the castle lake and the modern shopping arcades all converge, so most walks through the town naturally pass in front of its façade. From the cobbles of Torvet you can take in the whole structure at once: a composed front elevation, relatively narrow, framed by neighbouring houses and shopfronts. The Old Town Hall ties the square together visually, lending a sense of continuity between older streets and newer additions further back from the lake.Brickwork, symmetry and subtle ornament
Architecturally, the Old Town Hall belongs to the long Danish tradition of solid brick civic buildings. Its walls are built in warm, earthy tones, sometimes catching the light so the surface appears almost golden against a northern sky. Vertical pilasters, cornice lines and neatly framed windows create a symmetrical rhythm across the façade, giving the building a restrained, formal character without feeling heavy. Details are subtle but worth seeking out. Window surrounds pick up light differently to the wall surfaces, and decorative brick patterns relieve what could otherwise be a plain front. The roofline forms a strong cap to the structure, and from certain angles you glimpse modest gables and chimneys that hint at its past importance. Together, these elements give the Old Town Hall a quietly ceremonial air that suits its former role at the heart of local decision‑making.From seat of authority to historical backdrop
For many years this building functioned as Hillerød’s administrative centre, housing the town’s council chambers and municipal offices. While those functions have since moved to more modern facilities elsewhere, the Old Town Hall retains its symbolic weight. It stands as a physical reminder of the period when Hillerød was consolidating its identity beyond the shadow of Frederiksborg Castle, developing its own civic institutions and urban fabric. Even without entering, you can read traces of that history in its composition: a formal front door placed on axis with the square, evenly spaced windows that once lit offices and meeting rooms, and a façade that projects order and stability. The building now serves more as a historical anchor than a working town hall, but its presence still signals the civic core of Hillerød.Life around Torvet and connections to the castle
Much of the appeal of the Old Town Hall lies not only in the bricks and mortar, but also in what happens around it. Torvet is Hillerød’s outdoor living room, where café tables appear in good weather and small events occasionally spill out from nearby venues. The town hall’s façade becomes an ever‑present backdrop to everyday routines: students cutting across the square, shoppers drifting towards the pedestrian streets, and walkers heading for the lake. From just in front of the building you can pivot your gaze towards Frederiksborg Castle, whose towers rise beyond the rooftops. A short stroll brings you to the castle lake’s edge, where reflections of spires and gardens meet views back to the square. In this way, the Old Town Hall forms part of a layered sequence of sights that link civic Hillerød with its royal neighbour.Experiencing the building as part of a town walk
The Old Town Hall is best appreciated as a stop along a broader wander through Hillerød rather than as a standalone destination. It naturally pairs with a loop around the castle lake, a detour along the characterful Slotsgade and a look at the newer cultural and shopping areas. Photographers will find pleasing compositions that frame the town hall against activity on the square or capture its brickwork in low, slanting light. Because Torvet is relatively compact, you can linger close to the façade and still have room to step back and view the whole building. Benches and informal seating spots nearby make it easy to pause, study the architecture and watch how the town flows around this former seat of authority.Atmosphere through the seasons
The mood of the Old Town Hall shifts gently with the seasons. On bright summer days the square feels open and convivial, with the building’s brick glowing warmly and doors and windows standing out in sharp relief. In cooler months, the façade takes on more muted tones that match the subdued light of North Zealand, while the enclosed nature of the square makes it feel sheltered. Throughout the year, the town hall’s role remains the same: a quietly dignified landmark that reminds you Hillerød is not just a castle town but also a lived‑in community with its own civic story, written in brick on the edge of the square.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old town hall
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A dignified brick landmark on Hillerød’s main square, the Old Town Hall anchors the town’s civic heart between cobbled streets, cafés and castle views.
Hillerød Rectory
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Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød
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Experience Danish craft beers, global wines, and tasty tapas at Skänk in Hillerød, a cozy spot with castle views and a welcoming atmosphere on Torvet square.
Hillerød St.
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North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Kirppu Hillerød
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Discover unique vintage finds and support sustainable shopping at Kirppu Hillerød, Denmark's largest flea market supermarket, offering a treasure trove of pre-loved goods and community spirit.
Kulsvierstenen
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Country Market
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Experience the charm of Fredensborg at Country Market, a vibrant marketplace offering local delicacies, artisan products, and a cozy café atmosphere in the heart of town.
Hørsholm Slotshave
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A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Auderødlejren
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Once a busy Danish Navy barracks, today a quiet, semi‑abandoned camp on Arrenæs where stark military architecture meets lakeside nature and recent history.
Furesø
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Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.
Henriksholm
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Danish Museum of Science and Technology
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Explore Denmark's technological heritage at this interactive museum, showcasing everything from vintage vehicles to groundbreaking inventions and offering hands-on experiences for all ages.
Open Air Museum
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Discover Denmark's rural past at the Open Air Museum in Kongens Lyngby: explore original buildings, meet historical reenactors, and experience life from 1650-1940 in this immersive living history museum.
Tisvilde Hegn
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Discover Denmark's enchanting Tisvilde Hegn: A coastal forest where history whispers through ancient pines and scenic trails lead to breathtaking Kattegat views.
Klopstocks eg
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An 850-year-old oak standing sentinel over Danish history and nature.
Unmissable attractions to see
Slotsgade
0.2 km
Hillerød’s colourful Slotsgade links castle views, everyday shops and cosy cafés in a compact, walkable street at the heart of Denmark’s classic castle town.
Hillerød Church
0.2 km
A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.
Gavlkunst
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A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland
0.3 km
A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.
Posen
0.3 km
A small, leafy pause between Hillerød’s bustling Slotsgade and the storybook views of Frederiksborg Castle and its lake.
Fisketorvet
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where history, shopping, and culture converge in North Zealand's premier market square.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
0.6 km
Step behind Frederiksborg Castle into an intimate town museum where historic shops, crafts and letterpress printing bring everyday Hillerød vividly back to life.
Frederiksborg Castle
0.6 km
Denmark's Renaissance jewel on three islands, where royal grandeur meets national heritage in gardens of baroque precision and romantic beauty.
The Museum of National History
0.6 km
A grand Renaissance castle on an island lake, housing Denmark’s Museum of National History with 500 years of portraits, power and palace splendor.
Frederiksborg Castle Chapel
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Experience LEGO magic at LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference in Billund, offering themed rooms and top-tier conference facilities.
Batzke's Hill
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A gentle grassy rise above Frederiksborg’s gardens, Batzke’s Hill offers quiet views, local park life and a softer, slower perspective on royal Hillerød.
Royal Stage
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North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.
Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
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Sweeping Baroque terraces and romantic woodland paths framing a lake island castle, Frederiksborg Castle Gardens blend royal theatre with everyday green escape.
Island of imagination
1.3 km
A tiny forest island on Breddam Lake where a king’s romantic retreat has crumbled into suggestive ruins, inviting you to complete the fairy tale with your own imagination.
AdventurePark
1.8 km
80,000 m² of outdoor action in Hillerød’s forests, blending paintball, obstacle courses and group games with relaxed grill areas and flexible event packages.
Essential places to dine
Duero
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Spanish-inspired tapas, grilled meats and Iberian wines in a warm, multi-level restaurant overlooking Hillerød’s central square, perfect for both dates and group gatherings.
Indian Spice
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Cozy Indian restaurant on Hillerød’s main square, serving classic curries, tandoori dishes and vegetarian options in a warm, homely atmosphere.
Cafe Vivaldi
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Relaxed all‑day café in central Hillerød, serving generous comfort food, brunch plates and drinks just off the main square and within easy reach of the castle.
Samurai sushi
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Contemporary sushi excellence in the heart of Hillerød's central square.
Nyu Sakura Hillerod
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Authentic running sushi and Japanese cuisine in Hillerød's vibrant town center.
Cafe Vivaldi, Hillerød
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Relaxed all‑day café on Hillerød’s main square, serving hearty brunches, burgers and coffee with views onto Torvet’s everyday bustle and historic surroundings.
Casa Nostra
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Family-run Italian café-restaurant in central Hillerød, serving generous pizzas, pasta and steaks with a relaxed, homely vibe and both indoor and outdoor seating.
KØBENHAVN | Café & Bistro
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Relaxed Scandi café and brasserie on Hillerød’s main square, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks with front‑row views of everyday life on Torvet.
Torvet's Pizza & Kebab
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Busy pizzeria and kebab grill on Hillerød’s main square, serving generous, inexpensive comfort food to locals and castle‑goers from lunch through late evening.
Café KiK
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Lakeside brasserie with castle views, perfect for brunch, lunch, or evening gatherings in central Hillerød.
Chicken BROS
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Crispy fried chicken burgers and quick bites in casual Hillerød comfort.
Halifax Burgers Hillerød
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Casual Danish burger bar on Hillerød’s main square, pairing customizable burgers and vegan options with taphouse coziness and views toward Frederiksborg Castle.
Torvets Café og Vinbar
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Cosy wine bar and tapas café on Hillerød’s main square, pairing a deep wine list with castle views, candlelight and a quietly sophisticated sense of Danish hygge.
Montalbano
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Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.
Unkai
0.2 km
All-you-can-eat, made-to-order sushi and Japanese bites in a modern, laid-back setting on Hillerød’s central Helsingørsgade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Mothers' Aid Op Shop
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Bright, family‑focused charity shop on Hillerød’s main square, where gently used children’s clothes and toys support vital work for parents and kids in Denmark.
Shoppen
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A local tattoo studio woven into Hillerød’s main pedestrian street, where custom ink sessions sit just steps from cafés, shops and everyday Danish life.
Vinbutikken
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Cosy wine and delicacies shop on historic Slotsgade in Hillerød, pairing castle-side charm with handpicked bottles, gourmet treats and friendly, expert advice.
GEjSER ApS
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Expert vape shop on Slotsgade offering quality e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and accessories for all experience levels.
Rodes
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Two floors of toys, gear and airsoft in an 800 m² megastore that turns central Hillerød into a playground for kids, teens and grown‑up hobby enthusiasts.
Lumi Op Shop
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Cosy Hillerød charity thrift store and café where vintage furniture, second-hand finds and lakeside castle views meet to support meaningful mission projects.
Normal
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Bright, budget-friendly high-street shop in the heart of Hillerød, ideal for topping up toiletries, snacks and quirky small finds between castle-town explorations.
NEW YORKER
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Contemporary fashion trends and accessible style in Hillerød's shopping heart.
JeansStore
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Denmark's premier denim specialist offering authentic Lee and Wrangler collections with expert guidance.
Gine
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A compact, Scandinavian-inspired womenswear boutique on historic Slotsgade, perfect for a relaxed browse between castle views, coffee stops and city-center strolls.
Spejder Sport
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Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.
Søstrene Grene
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Cozy Danish design universe in central Hillerød, filled with affordable Nordic home décor, crafts, toys and stationery in a warm, maze-like interior.
Jan Ehlers
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Established family-run jeweler and watch specialist on Hillerød’s Slotsgade, blending modern boutique style with goldsmith craftsmanship and curated Danish design.
Idé nyt
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Contemporary fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s covered Slotsarkaderne arcade, blending everyday Scandinavian style with a relaxed, browse-friendly atmosphere.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Colorful Danish design on a budget, Flying Tiger Copenhagen in SlotsArkaderne Hillerød offers playful gifts, stationery and homeware in a bright, easygoing mall setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Crane Brothers
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Cosy cocktail bar on Hillerød’s main square, blending inventive drinks, warm design and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere with access to the adjacent Tahonga Lounge.
Tahonga Lounge
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Intimate tiki-style lounge bar off Hillerød’s central square, blending cocktails, small-stage events and private parties in a cozy tropical hideaway.
The Old Irish Pub
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Lively Irish-style bar and late-night dance venue on Hillerød’s central square, pouring pints, playing hits and catering to a sociable, mature party crowd.
Møllen
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A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
Jernstangen
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Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Oddies Beach Bar
15.9 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.
Kardusen
19.5 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
21.5 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
21.5 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Head/Foam
22.1 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.
Helsingør Musikteater
22.3 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Banana joe
22.5 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.
Axelhus Udeservering
22.5 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
22.5 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Strandborg
22.5 km
Waterfront bar and restaurant where Helsingør's harbor views meet casual Nordic dining and evening social scene.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly