Musicon District, Roskilde
A former concrete factory turned creative district, where bold architecture, skateparks, music venues and container shops fuse into Roskilde’s most vibrant urban laboratory.
Musicon is Roskilde’s creative urban district, built on the grounds of a former concrete factory between the historic city centre and the Roskilde Festival grounds. Here industrial halls, shipping containers and bold new architecture blend into a colourful mix of housing, studios, skateparks and cultural venues, including the iconic Ragnarock rock museum, dance theatre Aaben Dans and buzzing container streets with microbreweries, workshops and quirky shops.
A brief summary to Musicon-bydelen
- Roskilde, 4000, DK
- Duration: 2 to 6 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Plan at least half a day so you can combine Rabalderparken, the container street and a visit to Ragnarock or another cultural venue without rushing.
- Wear comfortable shoes or bring a skateboard or scooter; many streets and plazas are designed for rolling as much as walking.
- Come towards late afternoon and stay into the evening to see the district’s lighting, enjoy food and drinks, and catch possible performances or events.
- Check in advance if specific workshops, galleries or the skate hall have set opening hours, as some spaces are run by independent organisations.
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
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train + Walk
From Roskilde Station, Musicon lies roughly 1–1.5 km to the south. Regional trains from Copenhagen Central Station to Roskilde run frequently and take about 20–30 minutes, with standard single tickets typically costing around 80–100 DKK depending on discounts and ticket type. From Roskilde Station, walking to Musicon takes about 10–20 minutes at a relaxed pace along mostly flat, paved paths suitable for prams and wheelchairs, though some internal streets in the district are cobbled or textured.
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City Bus
Local bus route 202A runs from Roskilde Station area to stops by the Musicon district in approximately 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. Buses generally operate throughout the day at regular intervals, with fewer departures in the evening and on weekends. A single city bus ticket within Roskilde typically costs in the range of 24–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or travel apps. Most buses are low-floor and accessible, but internal streets in Musicon can involve mixed pedestrian and cyclist traffic.
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Bicycle
Cycling from central Roskilde or the station to Musicon usually takes 5–10 minutes along relatively flat urban streets and cycle lanes typical for Danish towns. Standard city bike rentals or shared bikes, where available, often cost from about 75–150 DKK per day, depending on provider and duration. The district itself is very bike-friendly, though riders should slow down in shared spaces with skaters, children at play and event areas.
Musicon-bydelen 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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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Musicon-bydelen
From Concrete Factory to Cultural Playground
Musicon occupies a former concrete factory site just south of Roskilde’s historic centre, transformed over the last two decades into a 250,000 m² creative district. Remnants of silos, raw concrete surfaces and industrial halls still shape the skeleton of the area, but they now coexist with striking new buildings, recycled materials and experimental public spaces. The name Musicon hints at its role as a bridge between the city and the nearby Roskilde Festival grounds, linking everyday life with Denmark’s most famous music event. Instead of demolishing everything, planners chose to keep much of the rugged industrial character. Old structures are adapted for studios, rehearsal rooms and workshops, while new constructions slot in between them. The result is a patchwork that feels deliberately unfinished, constantly evolving and open to new ideas.Architecture with Rhythm and Colour
Architecturally, Musicon is a showcase of contemporary Danish urban design with a playful twist. The golden, angular volume of the Ragnarock Museum of pop, rock and youth culture stands out as a dramatic landmark, its exterior echoing sound waves and stage lights. Nearby, the Roskilde Festival Folk High School and dance theatre Aaben Dans add bold geometries, bright colours and large windows that reveal creative activity inside. At ground level, streets like Rabalderstræde weave through the district as shared, multi-use spaces rather than traditional roads. Sculptural white-concrete forms double as benches, climbing structures and skating obstacles, softening the boundary between traffic-calming design and public art. After dark, subtle lighting and illuminated facades highlight textures and volumes, giving the neighborhood an almost stage-like quality.Rabalderparken and the Art of Urban Water
One of Musicon’s most distinctive features is Rabalderparken, a large urban skatepark and public space created in old gravel indentations. Here, bowls, ramps and runways for skaters, BMX riders and scooter users are more than just sports facilities: they also serve as an open stormwater system. Rainwater from across the district is guided along sloping surfaces and under sculptural "fabric" elements on Rabalderstræde before cascading down water stairs into basins at the park. By turning a technical drainage solution into a visible, playful landscape, Musicon makes climate adaptation part of the everyday experience. On dry days the bowls are full of wheels and laughter; after heavy rain, water features become part of the scenery, reminding visitors how the city manages its environment.Creative Community and Everyday Life
Beyond its eye-catching architecture, Musicon is a living neighborhood with more than 70 organisations, companies and cultural institutions. Former factory halls host metal art workshops, rehearsal spaces and galleries, while container strips house independent shops, coffee roasteries, microbreweries and small eateries. The mix of youth housing, family apartments and studios keeps the area active from morning till late evening. Community initiatives are central to the district’s identity. Collaborative projects, urban gardening, shared meals and open workshops regularly spill out into courtyards and plazas. An annual Rabalder district festival brings together music, street sports, performances and markets, showcasing how residents, artists and entrepreneurs continue to shape the area.Exploring the District on Foot or Wheels
Musicon is designed to be explored slowly. Broad sidewalks, skate-friendly surfaces and intimate plazas encourage wandering between cultural venues, murals and small-scale details. Street art appears on walls and under car parks, bronze sculptural works hide in courtyards, and improvised seating invites spontaneous breaks. Families find play areas, parkour zones and open spaces where children can move freely, while adults can sample local beer, browse design objects or simply observe the creative hustle. The district’s compact scale makes it easy to combine a visit here with Roskilde’s cathedral or fjord-side paths, yet Musicon’s distinct character feels like a self-contained world of its own.Future-Facing Urban Experiment
Musicon remains a work in progress, with new buildings, cultural initiatives and housing projects gradually filling the former industrial terrain. Its blend of recycled materials, visible climate solutions and community-driven projects has earned recognition as a forward-looking model of urban regeneration. For visitors, that ongoing evolution is part of the appeal. Returning after a few years often means discovering new facades, fresh murals, expanded skate facilities or a different lineup of small businesses in the containers. Musicon is less a finished attraction and more an open-ended experiment in how a city can turn an industrial leftover into a vibrant cultural engine.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Roskildekrukkerne
1.4 km
Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
1.4 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
1.6 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Sct Hans Have
3.3 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
4.7 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
15.4 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Køge Å
17.4 km
Explore Skagen’s maritime history with hands-on exhibits and live marine engines at Maskinrummet, an atmospheric museum in the heart of the harbour.
Køge Ås
18.3 km
Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
18.5 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
19.4 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
19.5 km
Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
19.8 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
19.8 km
A modest memorial stone in central Køge marking the 1807 “Clogs Battle,” where local militia faced British troops during the turbulent Gunboat War.
Visit
19.9 km
Historic lighthouse and bird observatory at Denmark’s northern tip, with panoramic sea views, interactive nature exhibits, and a vibrant café in wild coastal surroundings.
Køge Church
19.9 km
Medieval tower, Denmark's first lighthouse, baroque treasures in a historic port town.
Unmissable attractions to see
RAGNAROCK- Museet for pop, rock og ungdomskultur
0.1 km
A dazzling gold rock museum in Roskilde’s Musicon district where immersive sound, bold architecture and youth culture history collide in a full‑volume experience.
Rytmisk Musikforening Steps Ahead
0.1 km
Volunteer-run jazz and world-music association energising Roskilde’s Musicon district with intimate concerts, creative collaborations and open jam sessions.
Museum of Contemporary Art
0.2 km
Denmark’s nomadic museum for performance, sound and time-based art, transforming Roskilde’s spaces into ever-changing stages for contemporary creativity.
Roskilde Jars
1.4 km
Monumental ceramic sculptures greeting you at Roskilde’s station square, the Roskilde Jars fuse ancient jar symbolism with bold contemporary public art.
Hestebrønden
1.4 km
A bronze horse fountain anchoring busy Hestetorvet square, Hestebrønden blends everyday city life with a quiet nod to Roskilde’s horse market past.
Håndværksmuseet
1.4 km
An intimate upstairs museum in historic Roskilde, where traditional woodcraft tools and workshops trace the journey from forest timber to finely made everyday objects.
Skt. Laurentius
1.5 km
Step beneath Roskilde’s central square and up its historic tower for a compact journey through 900 years of church ruins, civic life and city views in one spot.
Stændertorvet
1.5 km
Historic heart of Roskilde where cathedral views, markets and daily city life meet on a broad, atmospheric square framed by shops, cafés and civic buildings.
Helligkors Kilde
1.5 km
Once a famed holy spring and royal water source, Hellig Kors Kilde is now a quiet stone-framed reminder of Roskilde’s deep bond with its life-giving springs.
Byens Hus
1.5 km
Community-powered civic townhouse in Roskilde’s old city hall, where history, democracy and everyday cultural life share the same welcoming rooms.
Roskilde Museum
1.6 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Domkirkemuseet
1.6 km
Intimate museum spaces inside Roskilde’s UNESCO-listed cathedral, revealing the hidden stories behind royal tombs, brick Gothic architecture and a millennium of Danish faith.
Roskilde Cathedral
1.6 km
UNESCO-listed brick Gothic cathedral and royal mausoleum where a thousand years of Danish history, architecture and monarchy meet under soaring red-brick vaults.
Rektorkilden
1.7 km
Explore experimentation and innovation at Roskilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art, where cutting-edge exhibitions and performances illuminate the evolving world of modern art.
Kildehuset
1.7 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Essential places to dine
Leo’s Wok Café
0.1 km
Cozy Thai eatery in Roskilde’s Musicon district, serving fresh wok-fired curries, noodles and stir-fries inspired by northern Thai home cooking.
Østens Perle
1.0 km
Casual Thai restaurant in Roskilde serving generous, cooked‑to‑order curries, stir‑fries and noodles in a warm, relaxed setting with both dine‑in and takeaway.
Primo Piano
1.1 km
Cosy neighbourhood Italian in Roskilde serving classic pizzas and hearty pastas in a warm, unpretentious setting just a short walk from the historic centre.
Gusto Giusto
1.1 km
Organic-minded Italian fine dining in a tiny Roskilde townhouse, where a Danish–Italian couple serves northern Italian cuisine, careful wine pairings and slow, candlelit evenings.
Sushi2500 Roskilde
1.1 km
Central Roskilde’s contemporary sushi spot, serving classic rolls, playful signatures and vegan options in a relaxed, takeaway‑friendly setting.
King Running Sushi & Wok
1.1 km
Rotating sushi and wok dishes in a spacious, interactive dining experience in central Roskilde.
SOHO Roskilde food·lounge·music
1.2 km
Lively Roskilde hotspot where seasonal comfort food, cocktails and late-night DJ sets come together in one central restaurant, lounge and club space.
Noahs Roskilde
1.3 km
Tech-forward multi-brand dining hub by Roskilde Station, serving app-ordered comfort dishes and takeaway from several virtual restaurant concepts under one roof.
Nua Mama's Secret
1.3 km
Cozy Thai dinners with generous curries, sizzling stir-fries and vegan-friendly options in the historic streets of central Roskilde.
Burgerkilden
1.3 km
Compact neighbourhood burger bar in central Roskilde, serving house‑made gourmet burgers, fresh buns and fries with a relaxed, local feel and vegan options.
Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria
1.3 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort food in the heart of Roskilde, serving generous pizzas and hearty mains in a relaxed, family-friendly neighbourhood setting.
Burgerklubben
1.4 km
Casual, central and comfort-driven, Burgerklubben Roskilde serves generous burgers and sides in a laid-back setting right on busy Algade.
Det Mexicanske Bøfhus
1.4 km
Hearty Mexican‑inspired steaks and sizzling Tex‑Mex platters in a cozy, central Roskilde steakhouse on lively Algade.
Royal Indian - Roskilde
1.4 km
Cosy North Indian restaurant on Roskilde’s Algade, serving richly spiced curries, tandoori grills and plentiful vegetarian options in a warm, modern setting.
Café A Roskilde
1.4 km
Casual all‑day café on Roskilde’s main square, serving familiar brunch plates, burgers and drinks with outdoor seating and easygoing atmosphere in the historic center.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ros Bazar
1.1 km
Bustling local bazaar-style supermarket by Roskilde Station, packed with fresh produce, spices and everyday groceries for a taste of everyday Danish city life.
Vinylfreak
1.4 km
Characterful Roskilde record shop where packed crates, local music stories and thousands of new and used titles turn casual browsing into a slow, satisfying dig.
Perssons Roskilde
1.4 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
Zizzi - Roskilde
1.4 km
Contemporary plus-size fashion on Roskilde’s main shopping street, offering curve-friendly styles, seasonal collections and relaxed, confidence-focused service.
Inspiration Roskilde
1.4 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Imerco
1.4 km
Bright, well-stocked Danish homeware and kitchen store on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, perfect for practical buys and design-led souvenirs in one easy stop.
Rud & Vester
1.4 km
A polished men’s clothing boutique on Roskilde’s main street, blending Scandinavian smart-casual style with attentive, old-school service.
Lili-Marleen
1.4 km
A colourful Roskilde boutique where rockabilly swing dresses, gala gowns and vintage-inspired accessories outfit every generation for life’s most festive moments.
Bahne
1.4 km
Scandi-chic fashion, interiors and gifts gathered under one roof on Roskilde’s main shopping street, blending everyday practicality with laid-back Danish style.
Kelz0r (Roskilde)
1.4 km
Compact but densely stocked, Kelz0r Roskilde is a friendly fantasy and trading card hub on Algade, where shelves, play tables and events keep local gamers coming back.
Femilet
1.4 km
Central Roskilde lingerie boutique specialising in comfortable, well-fitted underwear, nightwear and swimwear with personal fitting service on busy Algade.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
1.4 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
Den franske vinhandel
1.5 km
Historic Roskilde wine merchant with a cavernous cellar, freshly roasted coffee and gourmet treats, turning a simple shopping stop into a richly flavoured experience.
Bog & Idé
1.5 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Normal
1.5 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
0.0 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Vinbaren Muicon
0.1 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Charlie Chaplin
0.8 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
1.3 km
Craft-focused neighbourhood beer bar in central Roskilde, combining eight rotating taps, a cosy wooden interior, jukebox tunes and billiards in a relaxed local atmosphere.
Roskilde Bodega
1.3 km
Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.
28 Live
1.3 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Georges Bodega
1.3 km
Old-school Danish bodega at Roskilde’s Hestetorvet, pouring cold beer from morning to late night with indoor smoking, local regulars and station-square views.
Gullanden
1.4 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
Copé Lounge
1.4 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Klosterkælderen
1.4 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
1.4 km
Intimate Roskilde wine bar pairing curated bottles with Mediterranean-inspired tapas in a candlelit room and sheltered courtyard, strictly for a relaxed 25+ crowd.
Mulligans Irish Pub
1.4 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Ruder Konge Bodega
1.4 km
A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.
PAUSE
1.5 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
Teatercaféen
2.2 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dansebar Roskilde
1.2 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Garbos Roskilde
1.2 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Klubhuset
1.4 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Tropicana DC
1.4 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Danseriet
1.5 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Den Dansende Viking
16.9 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
The Flame
20.4 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
20.4 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Bloom Nightclub
20.4 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
Haven - Events
28.6 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Club El Diablo
28.7 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Falafelberg
28.7 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
29.3 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
30.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
KB3
30.1 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Street Art
- Parks & Gardens
- Industrial
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Viral Moments
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
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