Nytorv 2 – On the Edge of Copenhagen’s Historic Twin Square
An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Set on the western side of Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv–Gammeltorv square, Nytorv 2 places you right in the atmospheric heart of the old city. The address stands by the Strøget pedestrian zone, amid cobbles, café terraces and centuries of history framed by the grand Neoclassical courthouse and colorful facades. It is an excellent vantage point for absorbing the rhythms of daily life in one of Copenhagen’s oldest urban spaces, where markets, executions and civic ceremonies once unfolded.
A brief summary to Nytorv 2
- Nytorv 2, Copenhagen Municipality, København K, 1450, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Pause by the courthouse steps opposite Nytorv 2 to take in the full sweep of the combined Nytorv–Gammeltorv space and orient yourself in the old town.
- Look for lighter paving stones in the square that outline former buildings, and the octagonal podium marking the historic scaffold site.
- Visit around late afternoon or early evening for softer light on façades and a good balance between everyday bustle and relaxed café ambience.
- If you enjoy photography, frame shots that contrast the courthouse’s strict Neoclassical symmetry with the more modest townhouses near Nytorv 2.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
From most central Copenhagen districts, take the M1, M2, M3 or M4 metro to Rådhuspladsen or Gammel Strand; both stations are typically 2–5 minutes from Nørreport. A standard single ticket within the city zones usually costs around 20–30 DKK and trains run every few minutes for most of the day. From either station, expect a short, level urban walk on paved surfaces through the historic center to reach Nytorv 2; the route is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though it can be crowded at peak times.
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Bus
Several city bus lines serve stops near the old town, including services along H.C. Andersens Boulevard and near Nørreport Station. Typical journeys within central Copenhagen take 10–20 minutes depending on traffic, with the same zone tickets used for both bus and metro at about 20–30 DKK. Buses are low-floor and generally accessible. From the nearest stop, you continue on foot through mostly flat, cobbled streets into the pedestrian zone to reach the square by Nytorv 2.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle paths make reaching Nytorv 2 by bike straightforward from most inner districts in 5–15 minutes. You can use city bikes or standard rentals, which often cost around 100–150 DKK per day. Bicycle lanes bring you close to the old town, where you must dismount to enter the pedestrianized square area. Bike racks are scattered around the edges of the car-free zone; avoid leaving bikes in the middle of the square to keep walking routes clear.
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Taxi
Taxis can drop you on streets bordering the pedestrian core, usually within a few minutes’ walk of Nytorv 2. From central districts, rides typically last 5–15 minutes depending on traffic and cost in the range of 80–160 DKK. Vehicles are metered and many are wheelchair accessible, but note that they cannot drive directly into the Strøget pedestrian zone. Factor in a short final approach on foot over flat but sometimes busy cobbled surfaces.
Nytorv 2 location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Nytorv 2
Cobblestones at the Center of the Old Town
Nytorv 2 sits on the edge of one of Copenhagen’s most historic open spaces, where Nytorv and neighboring Gammeltorv merge into a single broad plaza in the inner city. Here the medieval street pattern, the long Strøget pedestrian axis and the gentle slope of the square all meet. Standing at this address, you are surrounded by cobbled paving, low façades and the constant flow of cyclists and pedestrians that defines central Copenhagen. Although it is just a street number, the setting around Nytorv 2 is anything but anonymous. Shopfronts, offices and cafés occupy the ground floors, while upper levels reveal a mix of later 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. The atmosphere balances everyday urban life with a strong sense of continuity: church bells ring nearby, delivery bikes weave past, and the gentle hum of conversation drifts across the square.From Royal Town Planning to Market Square
Nytorv itself was laid out in the early 17th century as part of an ambitious royal makeover of Copenhagen’s core. It quickly developed as a marketplace complementing older Gammeltorv next door, together forming the commercial heart of the city. For centuries, meat stalls and other trades clustered here; the smells of livestock, firewood and open-air cooking would once have filled what are now orderly pavements. This area also held a darker role in the city’s history. Executions and public punishments took place on Nytorv, making it both a place of commerce and a stage for royal authority. Today, an octagonal stone podium in the paving marks the former scaffold’s site, a subtle reminder of the square’s more unsettling past that you can easily seek out from the vantage around Nytorv 2.The Neoclassical Courthouse and Urban Drama
Dominating the west side of the square is Copenhagen’s imposing Neoclassical courthouse, whose broad staircase and tall ionic columns frame the view from Nytorv 2. Completed in the early 19th century, it once combined the roles of city hall and law courts, symbolizing a more rational civic order rising from earlier chaos and fire. Overhead, enclosed bridges link the courthouse to former jail buildings, once used to transfer prisoners out of the public eye. Their pale façades and strict symmetry contrast with the more intimate row of neighboring houses. From ground level at Nytorv 2, you can appreciate this theatrical backdrop: a grand urban stage on which daily life now plays out in much gentler form.A Pedestrian Hub with a Contemporary Pulse
Since the 1960s, the combined Nytorv–Gammeltorv space has formed part of Copenhagen’s pioneering car-free zone, transforming it from traffic-clogged crossroads into a people-focused plaza. Today, from outside Nytorv 2, you are in the middle of this pedestrian corridor, with street performers, small events and seasonal installations occasionally animating the open space. Benches, low plinths and the slight rise and fall of the cobbles invite you to linger. In summer, café terraces spill out, turning the surroundings into a lively open-air living room. In winter, the light reflecting off wet stone and warm interiors framed in tall windows gives the square a quieter, more intimate character that rewards unhurried wandering.Everyday Life Amid Layers of History
What makes Nytorv 2 compelling is not a single monument but the layering of ordinary and extraordinary. Office workers cut across the square, shoppers navigate toward side streets, and children balance along the edges of stone plinths, all against a backdrop shaped by royal edicts, grand civic architecture and centuries of trade. Use this address as a mental anchor while you explore: pivot toward the courthouse to sense the weight of law and governance, toward Gammeltorv to imagine medieval market bustle, and along Strøget to feel contemporary Copenhagen’s retail and café culture. In a compact radius around Nytorv 2, the city’s past and present remain in constant, quiet dialogue.Reading the Square Through Subtle Details
Look down as well as up. Differently toned paving stones trace the footprint of vanished buildings, hinting at where the old city hall once stood. The octagonal podium doubles as casual seating and occasional stage, transforming a site of punishment into a place of performance and rest. Window details, rooflines and the rhythm of arches around Nytorv 2 reveal how the area was rebuilt and refined after fires and later reforms. By paying attention to these small clues, the square around Nytorv 2 stops being just a busy junction and becomes a readable urban document. It is an ideal spot for a short reflective pause between other sights, inviting you to slow down, observe and piece together your own understanding of Copenhagen’s evolving center.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jorcks Passage
0.1 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Lur Blowers
0.3 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.4 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Stork Fountain
0.4 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Højbro Plads
0.4 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Højbro
0.4 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Bishop Absalon
0.4 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Varehuset Messen
0.4 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.5 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Højbro Pl.
0.5 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.5 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.5 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
Fiolstræde 42
0.5 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Christiansborg Palace
0.5 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nytorv
0.0 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.1 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Gammeltorv
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Church of Our Lady
0.2 km
Lively, colourful canal harbour in central Copenhagen known for vibrant houses, historic ships, waterside cafés, and rich maritime heritage.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.2 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.2 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Magstræde
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.3 km
Step off bustling City Hall Square into a multisensory world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold through atmospheric sets, light, sound and scent.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.3 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Rainbow Square
0.3 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Gråbrødretorv
0.3 km
Mythic grandeur meets urban tranquility at Copenhagen’s spectacular Gefion Fountain, a must-see bronze sculpture and water feature rooted in Norse legend.
Strøget
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.3 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
City Hall Square
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Amagertorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Kronborg
0.1 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Københavner Cafeen
0.1 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Krebsegaarden
0.2 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Restaurant Puk
0.2 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Restaurant Tight
0.2 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.2 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Restaurant 1733
0.3 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Wining and Dining
0.3 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Marv & Ben
0.3 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.3 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Det Lille Apotek
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.3 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.3 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Vækst
0.4 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Souvenir Shop
0.1 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.1 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.1 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.1 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Notre Dame
0.1 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Viking Souvenirs
0.2 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Quirky Lane
0.2 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.2 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Wasteland
0.2 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Audrey Vintage
0.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Akimbo
0.2 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
& Other Stories
0.3 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.3 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.1 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Centralhjørnet
0.1 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Bar7
0.2 km
Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Musen & Elefanten
0.2 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Luke's Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Floss Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.2 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.2 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Taphouse
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
Godt Øl
0.2 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Ruby
0.3 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Jane
0.3 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Southern Cross Pub
0.3 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Hive
0.1 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.1 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Chateau Motel
0.1 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Rumors
0.1 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Dorsia
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
0.2 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Cosy Bar
0.3 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Club Mambo
0.3 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Arch
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.4 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Module
0.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Never Mind
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- 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
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
- Business Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
