Den Blå Planet – National Aquarium Denmark
Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, where sharks, sea otters and coral reefs meet bold architecture and family‑friendly marine storytelling on Copenhagen’s seafront.
Den Blå Planet, Denmark’s National Aquarium, ripples out beside the Øresund in a striking whirlpool‑shaped building just south of central Copenhagen. Inside, more than 7 million litres of water and thousands of creatures take you from Nordic seas to tropical coral reefs and steamy rainforest habitats. Highlights include a vast ocean tank with sharks gliding overhead, playful rescued sea otters, hands‑on touch pools and family‑friendly exhibitions that blend immersive design with marine science.
A brief summary to Den Blå Planet
- Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, Kastrup, 2770, DK
- +4544222244
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-9 pm
- 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
- Pre‑book timed tickets online, especially for weekends, holidays and school breaks, both to secure entry and to benefit from slightly lower prices.
- Aim to arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon to enjoy the Ocean Tank and sea otter feedings with a bit more breathing space.
- Bring a light layer: some zones feel cool and dim while the rainforest section is warm and humid, and you may move outside for the otter area.
- Allow at least two to three hours if you want to follow animal feedings, explore the rainforest wing and take a relaxed break in Café Plankton.
- If travelling with children, seek out the touch pools and seasonal outdoor activities, which offer hands‑on encounters with Danish sea life.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M2 metro line towards Copenhagen Airport and get off at Kastrup Station; trains run every few minutes and the ride takes around 15–20 minutes. From the station it is a straightforward walk of roughly 10 minutes on mostly flat, paved paths, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. A single metro ticket within the relevant zones typically costs about 24–36 DKK depending on your starting point, and services operate from early morning until late evening.
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Train and metro from Copenhagen Central Station
If you are near Copenhagen Central Station, you can either take a regional train or S‑train to Nørreport or Kongens Nytorv and change to the M2 metro towards the airport, or take a direct regional train to the airport and connect to the metro there. Total travel time is usually 25–35 minutes, including transfers. Expect to pay in the range of 36–48 DKK for the combined journey, depending on zones. All stations along this route have lifts or escalators, and trains run at least every 10–15 minutes during the day.
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Car or taxi within Greater Copenhagen
Driving from central Copenhagen to Den Blå Planet typically takes 15–25 minutes outside rush hour via the main routes towards Amager and the airport. There is paid parking near the aquarium; standard hourly rates in the area are usually around 15–20 DKK, and spaces can fill up at busy times. Taxis from the city centre often cost in the range of 180–260 DKK each way, depending on traffic and time of day. The drop‑off area is close to the entrance, making this a convenient option for families or visitors with limited mobility.
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Cycling along the Amager coastline
For a scenic approach, cycle from inner Copenhagen across Amager, following the signposted cycle routes towards Kastrup and the coast; the journey generally takes 25–35 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route uses segregated bike lanes for most of the way and is largely flat, though it can feel exposed in windy conditions. There are bicycle stands close to the entrance where you can lock your bike free of charge, but remember to bring a sturdy lock and appropriate clothing for the weather.
Den Blå Planet 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
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Den Blå Planet
An underwater world on the edge of Copenhagen
Den Blå Planet sits right on the Øresund coastline in Kastrup, its swirling, aluminium‑clad form echoing a whirlpool seen from above. As you approach, the low, sweeping curves and reflective pools outside already hint that this is more than a traditional aquarium. Step through the doors and you descend gently into semi‑darkness, where the soundscape shifts from airport hum to soft bubbling water and distant echoes of waves. From the central foyer, long, gently sloping corridors branch out like currents, each one pulling you towards a different aquatic realm. The design is deliberate: instead of marching past rows of tanks, you wander through an unfolding seascape where light, sound and temperature change as dramatically as the animals.Ocean giants and glass tunnels
At the heart of Den Blå Planet is the vast Ocean Tank, holding millions of litres of salt water and home to hammerhead sharks, rays and schools of shimmering fish. A glass tunnel takes you right through the middle, so sharks and rays slice overhead while silver fish swirl around you at eye level. It is one of the most cinematic spots in the building, where many visitors pause just to watch the slow choreography of marine life. Around the main tank, smaller yet carefully lit displays showcase coral reefs bursting with colour, elegant sea jellies pulsing in blue light, and bizarre deep‑sea creatures adapted to perpetual darkness. Large floor‑to‑ceiling windows turn some of these aquariums into living murals, with bench seating inviting you to linger and simply gaze.Rainforest heat and northern coasts
One entire wing is devoted to a warm, humid rainforest zone. Here the air feels thicker, plants crowd the paths and the soundtrack changes to dripping leaves and bird calls. Among the foliage you spot free‑flying birds, turtles, reptiles and even a resident sloth, while tanks built into rockwork reveal piranhas and other river fish from tropical systems. In contrast, the Cold Water galleries focus on Nordic seas and coastlines. Wave‑simulating tanks show how hardy fish, crabs and anemones cling to life in rough, chilly waters. Interactive touch pools let you get close to native species under staff supervision, turning the nearby Danish straits and beaches into something immediate and tangible rather than distant blue on a map.Rescued sea otters and family‑friendly encounters
A signature experience here is the sea otter habitat. These charismatic animals, originally rescued from the wild, spend their time gliding through the water, spinning with toys or crunching through ice blocks filled with food. Outdoor viewing areas give you different perspectives, and timed feedings reveal just how much energy an otter burns in a day. Their story adds a strong note of conservation and animal welfare to the visit. Throughout the building, many exhibits are designed at child height, with porthole windows, crawl‑under viewing bubbles and simple explanations alongside more detailed panels. Regular feeding demonstrations and talks introduce everything from rays and sharks to Amazonian fish. Seasonal programmes often add creative workshops, temporary exhibitions or evening openings that let you experience the aquariums after dark.Architecture, seafront setting and practical comforts
Beyond the tanks, Den Blå Planet’s architecture and location are part of the appeal. Large glazed sections frame views of the Øresund and the approach flight path to the nearby airport, creating an unusual juxtaposition of sea life and modern infrastructure. On calmer days the outdoor areas, including a small water playground and pond activities in season, extend the visit into the open air. Indoors, the layout is largely step‑free with lifts between levels, making it practical for wheelchairs and strollers. A spacious café, Café Plankton, overlooks the water and serves meals and snacks, while lockers, cloakrooms and clearly signed facilities help keep the logistics easy, even on busier days. Whether you stay for a focused hour or drift for most of the day, the aquarium combines serious marine storytelling with a smooth, family‑oriented experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Krudhuset
4.1 km
Marvel at St. Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen’s ornate Russian Orthodox landmark crowned by golden onion domes, blending history, artistry, and spiritual serenity.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
5.4 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
5.8 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Circle Bridge
5.9 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Lille Langebro
6.0 km
Explore Kronborg Castle, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' and delve into Denmark's Renaissance history.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
6.0 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Copenhagen Opera House
6.0 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
Black Diamond
6.1 km
A gleaming granite monument where cutting-edge architecture meets cultural heritage on Copenhagen's waterfront.
Ofelia Plads
6.1 km
Copenhagen's iconic waterfront plaza where culture, harbor views, and the famous kissing stairs meet the sea.
Børsen
6.1 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Danish Architecture Centre
6.2 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
6.2 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.
The Kissing Stairs
6.2 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Nyhavn
6.2 km
Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront: pastel townhouses, maritime history, and lively canal-side dining.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
6.2 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Amager Beachpark
1.9 km
Copenhagen's 4.6 km urban beach with lagoons, artificial island, and Øresund Bridge views.
Amager Beach Park
2.8 km
Copenhagen’s long, sandy front porch on the Øresund, where dunes, lagoons and a city promenade turn everyday life into a seaside escape.
St. Anne's Church
3.5 km
Elegant red-brick Catholic church on Amager, blending early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture with a calm, light-filled interior and living parish life.
Amager
4.4 km
Copenhagen’s all‑in‑one island: wild grasslands, long sandy beaches, bold architecture and easygoing waterfront life, all just minutes from the historic city centre.
DR Koncerthuset
4.8 km
Copenhagen’s bold blue concert house, where world-class acoustics, striking Jean Nouvel architecture and Denmark’s national ensembles meet under one dramatic roof.
Bella Center Copenhagen
4.9 km
Copenhagen’s powerhouse convention and exhibition centre, combining vast flexible halls, sleek Nordic design and direct metro access in the modern Ørestad district.
Dragør havn
5.0 km
Historic Dragør Havn blends centuries of maritime heritage with a working waterfront, cosy quayside cafés and wide Øresund views just south of Copenhagen.
Field's
5.0 km
Scandinavia-scale shopping, dining and entertainment under one sleek roof in Copenhagen’s modern Ørestad district, from fashion and design to cinema, trampolines and a vast hypermarket.
Arne Jacobsens Allé 12
5.1 km
A vast, light-filled shopping town under one roof in Copenhagen’s Ørestad district, mixing fashion, daily essentials, dining and shelter from the Danish weather.
Amager Fælled
5.2 km
Semi-wild meadows and wetlands brushing against Copenhagen’s skyline, Amager Fælled is the city’s closest taste of open Danish nature.
Lille Mølle
5.3 km
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Operaen
5.3 km
Innovative cocktails in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
5.4 km
A towering recycled-wood troll at Christiania’s entrance, Green George blends street art, sustainability and playful storytelling in the heart of Copenhagen.
Christiania
5.4 km
A self-governing “freetown” of murals, lakeside paths and experimental living, tucked behind Copenhagen’s old ramparts in the heart of Christianshavn.
Church of Our Saviour
5.5 km
Copenhagen’s Baroque landmark with a daring spiral spire, soaring views over canals and rooftops, and a luminous interior rich in music, symbolism and royal history.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Lola
5.3 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Kadeau
5.7 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Cafe Wilder
5.7 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Noma
5.7 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Restaurant Kanalen
5.7 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Restaurant Barr
5.8 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
No. 2
5.9 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Khun Juk
6.1 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.
à terre
6.2 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.
Skipperkroen
6.3 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
6.3 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
La Banchina
6.4 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Nyhavns Færgekro
6.4 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.
King Hans Cellar
6.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Kanal-Caféen
6.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
6.2 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
6.2 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.
Magasin du Nord
6.4 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Zane
6.4 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
6.5 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
6.5 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
6.5 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
6.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
6.5 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Danish Souvenirs
6.5 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
6.6 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
The Wilde Shop
6.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Royal Souvenir Shop
6.6 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.
ILLUM
6.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Læderstræde
6.6 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whammy Bar
4.1 km
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Lassie Bar
4.7 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Eiffel bar
5.7 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Pier5 Bar
6.2 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
TATA Cocktail Bar
6.2 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
6.4 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
The Marble Bar
6.4 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Ved Stranden
6.5 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
6.5 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Balthazar
6.6 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.
Ruby
6.6 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Bird and The Churchkey
6.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Bar Deco
6.6 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
6.6 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Zefside
6.6 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
6.6 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.
Club Mambo
6.7 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
The Zoo
6.7 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
6.8 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
6.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
6.9 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
KB3
6.9 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Dorsia
6.9 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Miami Bar
6.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
6.9 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
6.9 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Baggen
6.9 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Module
7.0 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Culture Box
7.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
La Terraza
7.0 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
