Rainbow Square (Regnbuepladsen), Copenhagen
A modest plaza beside Copenhagen City Hall that turns gray granite, quiet design and a rainbow flag into a powerful symbol of equality and urban openness.
Tucked beside Copenhagen City Hall, Rainbow Square (Regnbuepladsen) is a compact urban plaza rich in symbolism rather than spectacle. Once a car park, it was redesigned in 2013–14 by architects Hall McKnight as a minimalist patch of granite, cobblestones and pale tiles, echoing the red-brick Vartov building next door. Named in honor of the rainbow flag and Denmark’s LGBT+ rights movement, the square serves as a quiet everyday space that becomes a powerful backdrop during Copenhagen Pride and civic events.
A brief summary to Rainbow Square
- Regnbuepladsen, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1552, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring a takeaway coffee or snack and use the granite blocks as informal seating while you people‑watch and take in the contrast between City Hall and the Vartov building.
- Look down at the paving patterns: they echo the windows of the Vartov facade, and two granite blocks contain small engraved excerpts from a Hans Christian Andersen story.
- Time your visit during Copenhagen Pride in August to experience Rainbow Square at its liveliest, when the rainbow symbolism and crowds bring the minimalist space to life.
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 from wider Copenhagen
From most districts in Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityringen or M4 metro line to Rådhuspladsen Station in the inner city; trains run every few minutes and the journey is typically 5–15 minutes depending on your starting station. A standard adult single metro ticket within the central zones usually costs around 20–30 DKK. From the station, follow the signed exits toward City Hall Square and continue on foot through the pedestrian area; the terrain is flat and step‑free, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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City bus into the center
Several city bus routes serve the area around City Hall Square from residential neighborhoods and transport hubs, with typical journey times of 10–25 minutes depending on traffic. A single bus fare in the central zones is generally in the range of 20–30 DKK and tickets can be bought from ticket machines, via travel apps or contactless options where available. Buses stop on streets surrounding the square, and from these stops it is a short, level walk along broad pavements to Rainbow Square.
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Cycling within the inner city
Copenhagen’s extensive bike lanes make cycling a convenient way to reach Rainbow Square from inner‑city districts and nearby neighborhoods, typically taking 5–20 minutes. Visitors without a bicycle can use city bike‑share schemes or rental shops, with daily rentals commonly starting from about 100–150 DKK depending on the provider. Approach along marked cycle tracks leading to the City Hall area; bicycle stands are available in the streets surrounding the square, but during major events space may be limited and you may need to park a little further away.
Rainbow Square 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 Rainbow Square
A small city square with a big symbolic message
Rainbow Square, or Regnbuepladsen, sits in the very heart of Copenhagen just off City Hall Square, yet it feels like its own calm pocket of urban space. The plaza is modest in size, bordered by traffic, bike lanes and the historic Vartov building, but its name and story give it national significance. Formally renamed in 2014 after intense public debate, the square honors the rainbow flag as a symbol of equal rights, diversity and openness for LGBT+ people in Denmark. The decision to dedicate such a central piece of the city to this cause was a deliberate political gesture. Copenhagen’s city council framed the name as a public statement that the capital stands behind sexual minorities and their fight for legal and social equality. The square’s location beside City Hall is no coincidence: this is where civil partnerships were celebrated and where Copenhagen Pride culminates each August, rooting the symbolism in a concrete local history of protest and progress.From anonymous car park to contemporary urban space
Until the late 2000s, this corner by Vartov was largely used as a car park and overflow space from the much larger City Hall Square. A competition to transform it into a more people‑friendly plaza was won by Irish architecture firm Hall McKnight in 2009. Their design removed the dominance of parked cars and introduced a simple, largely hard‑paved surface with carefully placed trees and granite seating blocks, creating a flexible civic space that could adapt to changing uses throughout the year. The redesign emphasized openness and small changes of level rather than elaborate landscaping. Subtle lines in cobblestone and pale tiles suggest pathways and gathering spots without dictating how visitors should move. This restrained approach gives the square a somewhat understated first impression, but it works well with the busy surroundings, providing a breathable pause point between streets, bikes and nearby attractions.Architecture inspired by Vartov and Hans Christian Andersen
A key feature of Rainbow Square is its close relationship with the Vartov building, a red‑brick complex whose gabled roofs and many windows anchor the space visually. The architects drew inspiration from Vartov’s facade, mirroring its window rhythm in the patterns of granite and cobblestones underfoot. If you look down instead of up, you can trace these quiet references and see how the ground plane becomes an abstract reflection of the architecture around it. The design also nods to Danish literary heritage. Hans Christian Andersen once wrote the story "From a Window in Vartov", and excerpts from this fairy tale are engraved into two of the large granite blocks that double as seating. These subtle inscriptions reward curious visitors who take the time to explore the square more closely, layering children’s literature and local history into what might otherwise feel like a purely contemporary intervention.Rainbow symbolism in shades of gray
Despite its name, Rainbow Square is not a riot of color. Much of the surface is gray stone, chosen to harmonize with surrounding buildings and withstand heavy use. The rainbow element arrives through a dedicated flag installation and, during key events, an abundance of banners, temporary decorations and pride paraphernalia. It took several years after the renaming before a permanent rainbow flag feature was approved and installed, financed rapidly through donations from supporters. This contrast between a mostly monochrome plaza and flashes of rainbow color has become part of the square’s character. On an ordinary weekday it reads as a quiet, almost austere urban room where office workers cross, cyclists pass and a few locals sit on granite blocks. During Copenhagen Pride, however, the same austere canvas is transformed by crowds, music and color, demonstrating the flexibility of the design and the power of a simple backdrop for civic expression.Everyday hangout and stage for celebrations
For most of the year, Rainbow Square functions as a straightforward place to pause, meet or cut across between destinations. The granite seating offers a convenient spot for a coffee break with views of City Hall’s clock tower, while the small grove of trees brings a touch of shade and softness to an otherwise hard‑scaped setting. Its central location makes it easy to fold into a wider exploration of Copenhagen’s historic core. The atmosphere shifts during larger events and demonstrations, when the open space becomes a gathering ground. Pride marches and equality‑themed rallies often pass through or culminate nearby, giving the square a ceremonial role that goes beyond its modest scale. This dual identity—as a practical everyday shortcut and a symbolic stage for human rights—makes Rainbow Square an intriguing stop for travelers interested in contemporary urban design and social history.A snapshot of Copenhagen’s values
Rainbow Square encapsulates several themes that define modern Copenhagen: human‑scale urban planning, strong cycling culture, and a pronounced commitment to social inclusion. It shows how a city can reuse even small leftover spaces to tell meaningful stories about identity and rights, rather than merely providing infrastructure. The choice of minimal, robust materials, public art in the form of text, and clearly articulated symbolism reflects a wider Scandinavian design sensibility. Spending time here is less about dramatic views and more about observing the city around you—watching bikes stream past, listening to the low murmur of traffic and voices, and reading the inscriptions that anchor the place in local narratives. In doing so, you get a concise, tangible sense of how Copenhagen weaves political values, architectural heritage and everyday life into a single urban square.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
0.1 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.
0.1 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.
Jorcks Passage
0.4 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.4 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
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.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.5 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Frihedsstøtten
0.5 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Gammel Strand
0.5 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Strøget
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.5 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Gråbrødretorv
0.5 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Amagertorv
0.6 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
The Stable Boy's House
0.6 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Christiansborg Palace
0.6 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
The Danish Parliament
0.6 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Unmissable attractions to see
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.0 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.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.1 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience
0.1 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.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.1 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.
City Hall Square
0.1 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.
Statue of Andersen
0.1 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.2 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
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.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.2 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Nytorv
0.3 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Nytorv 2
0.3 km
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.
National Museum of Denmark
0.3 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Tivoli Gardens
0.3 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Magstræde
0.3 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.
Essential places to dine
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.2 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
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.
Rio Bravo
0.2 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Spisestedet FEED
0.3 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Restaurant Karla
0.3 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.3 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.
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.
Krebsegaarden
0.3 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.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.3 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.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.4 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Kanal-Caféen
0.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
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
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.1 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
0.1 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.
Viking Souvenirs
0.1 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.
Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.3 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.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.3 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Quirky Lane
0.3 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
København K
0.3 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Notre Dame
0.4 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.4 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
0.4 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.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.4 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.4 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Taphouse
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.1 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Southern Cross Pub
0.1 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.
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.
The Rooftop Bar
0.2 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
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.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.2 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Scottish Pub
0.2 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
Proud Mary Pub
0.2 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Floss Bar
0.3 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
The Shamrock Inn
0.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Godt Øl
0.3 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.
Bar7
0.4 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.1 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
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.
Module
0.3 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.3 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Miami Bar
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
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.
Chateau Motel
0.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
La Terraza
0.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Never Mind
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
0.5 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.7 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
