Nyboder & Nyboder Mindestuer
Historic naval housing in Copenhagen’s heart, Nyboder’s ochre terraces and tiny Nyboder Mindestuer museum reveal four centuries of everyday life among Denmark’s seafaring families.
Nyboder, just north of Copenhagen’s historic center, is a remarkable 17th‑century naval housing district defined by endless rows of low, terraced houses painted in the distinctive “Nyboder yellow.” Commissioned by King Christian IV to house sailors of the Royal Danish Navy and their families, the quarter grew over centuries into a self‑contained community with its own schools, hospital and police. At Sankt Pauls Gade 24, the tiny Nyboder Mindestuer museum occupies one of the oldest surviving houses, offering an intimate look at everyday life in this tight‑knit maritime neighborhood.
A brief summary to Nyboder
- Sankt Pauls Gade 24, København K, København K, 1313, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Sunday 11 am-2 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit to Nyboder Mindestuer for a Sunday late morning, when the small museum is typically open for a short window, and allow extra time to explore the surrounding streets.
- Bring a camera or phone with plenty of storage; the repetitive yellow rows and contrasting Grey Rows offer excellent opportunities for architectural photography.
- Combine Nyboder with nearby sights such as Kastellet and Amalienborg for a half‑day walking circuit through Copenhagen’s royal and military heritage.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the charm of Nyboder lies in slow exploration along cobbled or uneven pavements that reward unhurried wandering.
- Visit in the softer light of morning or late afternoon, when the characteristic “Nyboder yellow” facades glow particularly warmly in photographs.
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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Metro and short walk from central Copenhagen
From Nørreport Station, take the M3 or M4 metro one stop to Marmorkirken, a journey of about 2–3 minutes, using a standard city ticket that typically costs around 20–30 DKK. From Marmorkirken, allow 10–15 minutes on foot along mostly flat pavements to reach Sankt Pauls Gade 24 in Nyboder. This option runs frequently throughout the day and is suitable for most visitors, though cobblestones in parts of the area may challenge some wheelchairs and strollers.
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City bus within Copenhagen center
Several city bus lines connect the inner city with the Østerbro and harbor areas and stop within a 5–10 minute walk of Nyboder; typical travel time from City Hall Square is 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Tickets are integrated with the metro system and usually cost about 20–30 DKK for a single zone journey. Buses run at regular intervals during the day and early evening, but can be crowded in rush hour and may experience delays in peak traffic.
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Bicycle from central districts
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make reaching Nyboder by bicycle straightforward from most central neighborhoods in roughly 10–20 minutes. You can use city bikes or standard rentals, with typical daily rental prices starting around 100–150 DKK. The terrain is flat and bike‑friendly, but be prepared to follow local cycling rules and navigate busy intersections during commuter periods.
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Taxi or ride‑hail within the city
From locations in central Copenhagen such as the main station or City Hall Square, a taxi ride to Sankt Pauls Gade usually takes 10–15 minutes outside rush hour and 20–25 minutes when traffic is heavy. Fares commonly fall in the 120–200 DKK range depending on distance and congestion. This is the most direct and comfortable option, especially in bad weather or for visitors with limited mobility, though stopping directly in the narrowest streets may not always be possible.
Nyboder location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Nyboder
King Christian IV’s naval vision in brick and color
Nyboder began as a royal project in the 1630s, when King Christian IV set out to give his expanding Royal Danish Navy permanent, orderly housing just outside the fortified city. Laid out in long terraces, the development was designed by royal master builder Hans van Steenwinckel the Younger and later expanded in the 18th century as naval ranks swelled. What you see today is the result of that evolution: modest, rhythmic facades and simple gabled roofs repeating down the streets like a military formation frozen in architecture. The district’s famous “Nyboder yellow” – a warm, ochre tone – has become one of Copenhagen’s most recognizable colors. It was not the original scheme, but it is now inseparable from the area’s identity, catching soft northern light and glowing on bright days. Between the rows, former service yards and narrow passages hint at the semi‑communal life that once bound generations of sea‑going families together.Nyboder Mindestuer: life inside a sailor’s home
At Sankt Pauls Gade 24, Nyboder Mindestuer occupies one of the earliest surviving single‑storey houses, now converted into intimate memorial rooms. Inside, period furnishings, personal objects and old photographs sketch out the routines of families who traded two decades of military service for a modest but secure home. Rooms are compact: a shared kitchen space, tight living quarters and multifunctional furniture reveal how every square meter was stretched to fit work, sleep and social life. Interpretive displays explain how households were allocated according to rank and family size, and how facilities such as kitchens and privies were shared between multiple families. The museum also touches on the social fabric of Nyboder, where deep family ties, intermarriage and naval careers often ran through several generations, creating a neighborhood that felt more like an extended clan than a typical city quarter.A self‑contained community by the sea
Historically, Nyboder functioned almost as a town within the town. Enlisted men and their families had access to their own hospital, schools and a small local police force, reflecting both the privileges and obligations of naval life. Children grew up with the harbor and shipyards as their backdrop, and many followed parents and grandparents into service. Stories, songs and even fairy tales rooted in Nyboder helped cement its image as a place where maritime Denmark came home to roost. Conditions were not always idyllic. Periods of war, economic hardship and overcrowding left their mark, yet the neighborhood endured and adapted. Over time, housing standards improved and the worst of the early overcrowding gave way to more comfortable arrangements, while the sense of solidarity among residents remained a defining trait of the quarter.Layers of architecture around Sankt Pauls Gade
Sankt Pauls Gade is especially rich in architectural contrasts. Along one side is the last surviving row of single‑storey Nyboder houses, including the museum; opposite stand the later “Grey Rows,” more spacious 19th‑century apartment terraces influenced by contemporary workers’ housing. Their slightly taller profiles and more elaborate details show how expectations of naval housing changed as the 1800s progressed. Nearby, red‑brick St Paul’s Church rises above the rooftops, anchoring the visual axis of the street and adding a Romanesque‑revival note to the ensemble. Together, the yellow rows, grey terraces and church tower encapsulate nearly three centuries of Copenhagen’s urban growth in a single, walkable slice of city.Nyboder today: living heritage in the city center
Today, Nyboder still houses members of Denmark’s armed forces alongside civilians, keeping its ties to the navy alive. Despite its central location, the area retains an almost small‑town calm, with bicycles leaning against sun‑warmed walls and laundry occasionally strung in sheltered courtyards. The repetition of facades and the strict street grid give the neighborhood a cinematic quality, yet behind the uniform fronts are individual homes, each with its own stories. For visitors, Nyboder offers both a visually striking streetscape and a rare, preserved example of early social housing that has remained in continuous use for almost four centuries. A short stop at Nyboder Mindestuer, combined with a slow wander among the rows, turns this compact district into a vivid lesson in how military, urban and everyday histories intertwine in Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. Paul's Church
0.1 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Our Fallen
0.5 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Horn mine
0.6 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.6 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Larsens Pl.
0.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
I am Queen Mary
0.6 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.7 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.7 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Memorial Anchor
0.8 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.8 km
Discover the Monument to Denmark's International Activities in Kastellet: A historical landmark celebrating Denmark's global contributions since 1948.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.8 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Kongens Nytorv
0.8 km
Discover Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen's historic square, surrounded by iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and easy access to Nyhavn and Strøget for an unforgettable experience.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.8 km
Aarhus University Park blends modernist architecture, landscaped gardens, and tranquil lakes to create an inviting oasis at the heart of Denmark’s vibrant student city.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.8 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
The Kissing Stairs
0.8 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.3 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
Medicinsk Museion
0.3 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.3 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Frederik's Church
0.3 km
Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen offers seven centuries of world-class art in luminous galleries, from old masters to Danish modern icons and contemporary innovators.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.4 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Den Frie Udstilling
0.5 km
Independent artist-run exhibition house in a striking wooden building, presenting changing contemporary art shows in the heart of Copenhagen’s Østerbro district.
Amaliegade
0.5 km
A stately Copenhagen street where Rococo townhouses, royal colonnades and diplomatic mansions line a calm axis through the heart of Frederiksstaden.
The David Collection
0.5 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Amalienborg
0.5 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Rytterstatuen
0.5 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.5 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
The King's Garden
0.5 km
Frederiksholms Kanal: An evocative canal-side promenade at the heart of Copenhagen, blending royal history, stately architecture, and peaceful city scenes.
Kastellet
0.6 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
St Alban's Church
0.6 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Essential places to dine
Kokkeriet
0.2 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Rebel
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Aoc
0.5 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.5 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Den Lille Fede
0.6 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Alouette
0.6 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Goldfinch
0.7 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.7 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Bistro Royal
0.7 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Frank
0.7 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.7 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.
Cap Horn
0.8 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Marchal
0.8 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Skipperkroen
0.8 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.4 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.
The Crown souvenir
0.5 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
The Wilde Shop
0.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Zane
0.7 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Storm - design art fashion
0.8 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.8 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.
Maritime Antiques &
0.8 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.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.8 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Viking Souvenirs
0.8 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Copenhagenglass
0.8 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.9 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.9 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Norse Projects
0.9 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Magasin du Nord
0.9 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.1 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.7 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Trykbar
0.7 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Bar Deco
0.7 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
0.8 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.
The Moose
0.8 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
1105
0.8 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Brønnum
0.9 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Gejser Bar
0.9 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.0 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Bar'Vin
1.0 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Skaal
1.0 km
Lively craft beer hall on Kultorvet square, pairing one of Copenhagen’s broadest tap selections with casual café dishes in the heart of Indre By.
Balderdash
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s candlelit cocktail laboratory in a 1732 townhouse, where hygge, art and daring seasonal drinks turn a quiet side street into an unforgettable night out.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.3 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
0.8 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
0.8 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.
Mirage
1.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
1.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable 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.
Hive
1.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
1.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
1.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
1.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
1.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Operaen
1.7 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
