Thorvaldsens Museum
A vividly coloured 19th‑century temple to Bertel Thorvaldsen, where neoclassical sculpture, bold architecture and historic collections meet in the heart of Copenhagen.
Thorvaldsens Museum is Denmark’s first public art museum, a luminous single-artist temple dedicated to neoclassical sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen on Copenhagen’s central island of Slotsholmen. Behind its vividly painted facades and historic friezes you step into a richly coloured world of mosaicked floors, ornate ceilings and serene marble and plaster sculptures inspired by classical mythology, European royalty and civic life, all arranged around a quiet inner courtyard where the artist is buried.
A brief summary to Thorvaldsens Museum
- Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 2, København K, København K, 1213, DK
- +4521687568
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least two hours to explore both the sculpture galleries and the rooms with antiquities and paintings; the building itself rewards slow, detailed looking.
- Glance up in every room—the richly decorated ceilings and patterned floors are key to understanding the museum as a total work of art.
- Do not miss the inner courtyard, where Thorvaldsen is buried; its Egyptian-inspired murals create a very different, contemplative atmosphere.
- If you are sensitive to temperature, bring a light layer; historic stone buildings like this can feel cool, even in warmer seasons.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public transport from central Copenhagen
From Nørreport Station, take an S-train or metro one stop to København H (Copenhagen Central Station), then walk across the inner city to Slotsholmen; the total journey typically takes 15–20 minutes on foot and rail. A standard two-zone ticket for trains and metro in Copenhagen usually costs around 24–30 DKK, and services run every few minutes throughout the day.
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City bus within central Copenhagen
Several city bus lines run to stops near Christiansborg Palace and Slotsholmen; from common central stops such as Rådhuspladsen or Nørreport, the ride to the area around the museum usually takes 5–10 minutes, followed by a short urban walk on flat pavements. Single bus tickets within the central zones are generally in the range of 24–30 DKK, and buses operate frequently during daytime and early evening hours.
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Bicycle from inner districts
Copenhagen’s cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach Slotsholmen by bike from neighbourhoods like Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro in about 10–20 minutes, depending on your starting point. The terrain is flat but can be busy at peak commuter times. City bike rentals and short-term schemes typically cost from about 15–30 DKK per half hour of use.
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Walking from the historic centre
If you are already in the historic centre around Strøget or Nyhavn, allow roughly 10–20 minutes to walk to the museum along largely flat, paved streets. The route is suitable for most fitness levels and offers views of canals and historic buildings, though cobblestones in some sections can be less comfortable for those with mobility difficulties.
Thorvaldsens Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Thorvaldsens Museum
A sculptor’s legacy in the heart of Copenhagen
Thorvaldsens Museum is a rare single-artist museum, created to honour the life and work of Danish‑Icelandic sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, whose cool neoclassical style made him one of Europe’s most celebrated artists in the early 19th century. The idea for a museum arose while he was still alive, and in 1838 he donated his own works and extensive collections to Copenhagen, prompting the city to create an institution worthy of his legacy. When the museum opened in 1848 it became Denmark’s first public museum, a cultural landmark that signalled art was no longer just for palaces and private salons. Its central location on Slotsholmen, beside Christiansborg Palace, underlines its national significance: this is both an artist’s monument and a quiet statement about the value of art in civic life.Inside a kaleidoscope of colour and pattern
Stepping inside, the first surprise is not the sculpture but the colour. Each gallery is wrapped in deep pigments and intricate ceiling decorations, drawing on inspirations from Pompeii, ancient Egypt and Renaissance grotesques. Floors shimmer with graphic mosaics; walls carry painted bands, stylised plants and fine ornamental details that frame the sculpture rather than compete with it. Architect Michael Gottlieb Bindesbøll designed the building as a total work of art, where architecture, decoration and collection form one continuous experience. The result is a sequence of long, narrow halls and intimate side rooms where light filters carefully onto white plaster and marble, giving the figures a gentle glow against the saturated backgrounds.Marble gods, Roman heroes and royal portraits
The core of the museum is an almost complete collection of Thorvaldsen’s original models and many finished sculptures. You walk among mythological figures drawn from Greek and Roman stories—gods, goddesses and heroes frozen in poised, balanced poses that defined neoclassical sculpture. Reliefs line the walls like stone drawings, narrating biblical and classical scenes in shallow, precise carving. Alongside the myths stand the men and women of Thorvaldsen’s own age. Busts of European nobles, clergy, writers and civic leaders show how his studio in Rome became a magnet for patrons from across the continent. These portraits, with their careful treatment of hair, costume and expression, offer a glimpse into the personalities that shaped early 19th‑century Europe.Collections gathered from a life spent abroad
Beyond his own work, the museum preserves the objects Thorvaldsen collected during decades in Rome and on his travels. Cases display Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities: small marble statues, vases, coins and carved fragments that fed his fascination with the ancient world. Nearby rooms hold his collection of paintings by contemporary European artists, demonstrating how deeply he was enmeshed in the artistic networks of his time. Drawings, sketches and plaster studies reveal the working process behind the finished statues. You can trace a figure from a rough clay idea through refined plaster and on to the final marble, understanding how large commissions for churches and palaces across Europe began as fragile models on a studio table.A courtyard tomb and symbolic architecture
At the heart of the building lies a quiet rectangular courtyard. Its walls are painted with stylised palms, animals and exotic plants in an Egyptian‑inspired scheme, a dreamlike contrast to the sober exterior. Beneath this courtyard, in a simple grave, Thorvaldsen himself is buried, making the museum both gallery and mausoleum. Outside, a long painted frieze by Jørgen Sonne runs along the facade, depicting Thorvaldsen’s triumphant return to Copenhagen from Rome in 1838, greeted by citizens and dignitaries. Trapezoidal doors, flat roofs and austere lines combine influences from Greek temples and Egyptian forms, creating a compact, low building that still feels monumental in the urban landscape.Experiencing the museum today
Visiting Thorvaldsens Museum is as much about atmosphere as about individual masterpieces. The scale of the rooms, the rhythm of columns and doorways, and the play of daylight from high windows create a slow, almost processional route through the galleries. It invites unhurried looking: the tilt of a marble hand, the crisp edge of a relief, a surprising splash of colour overhead. Because the museum has changed little since the 19th century, wandering its corridors feels like stepping into the world for which these sculptures were made. It is an intimate and contemplative place, ideal for anyone interested in neoclassicism, European history or the dialogue between art and architecture that turns a museum into a work of art in its own right.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.1 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
0.2 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
The Danish Parliament
0.2 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Frederik VII
0.2 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.3 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
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.
Nytorv 2
0.4 km
Where Copenhagen’s Neoclassical courthouse meets a centuries-old market square, blending solemn civic history with the everyday buzz of the old city.
Børsen
0.4 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Gråbrødretorv
0.4 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
The Stable Boy's House
0.4 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.
Gammeltorv
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.4 km
Explore Copenhagen's captivating history at the Museum of Copenhagen, from Viking settlements to modern marvels, through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
Black Diamond
0.4 km
A gleaming granite monument where cutting-edge architecture meets cultural heritage on Copenhagen's waterfront.
Danish Architecture Centre
0.5 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
Varehuset Messen
0.5 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gammel Strand
0.1 km
A historic Copenhagen harbourfront where Viking-age roots, colourful 18th‑century facades and a contemporary art centre meet beside the city’s central canal.
Christiansborg Palace
0.1 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.2 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Magstræde
0.2 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest cobbled lanes, Magstræde is a colorful, time‑worn shortcut through the city’s medieval heart and everyday modern life.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.2 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Læderstræde
0.2 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Bishop Absalon
0.2 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Ved Stranden
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Marmorbroen
0.2 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
Højbro Plads
0.2 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Frederiksholms Kanal—a historic waterway offering tranquil walks, classic canal views, and a journey through the heart of Copenhagen’s regal past.
Højbro Pl.
0.2 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Slotsholmen
0.2 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Amagertorv
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Strøget
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Essential places to dine
Marv & Ben
0.1 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant 1733
0.1 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
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.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
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.
Københavner Cafeen
0.3 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Maven
0.3 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Restaurant Sole D’Italia - København
0.4 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.
Restaurant Karla
0.4 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Wining and Dining
0.4 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Rio Bravo
0.4 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Det Lille Apotek
0.5 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
Llama
0.5 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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.
Danish Souvenirs
0.2 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Hygge Original
0.2 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
& Other Stories
0.2 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.2 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.3 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
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.
Magnolias
0.3 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Duck Haven
0.3 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.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.3 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
ILLUM
0.4 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 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.
Urban Outfitters
0.4 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Souvenir Shop
0.4 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ruby
0.1 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Godt Øl
0.1 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.
K-Bar
0.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Zefside
0.2 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
The Dubliner
0.2 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Balderdash
0.4 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.
Luke's Bar
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.4 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.
Centralhjørnet
0.4 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.
Southern Cross Pub
0.4 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.
The Rooftop Bar
0.4 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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.4 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
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
0.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Club Mambo
0.4 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Mirror
0.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
0.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
The Zoo
0.5 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.
La Terraza
0.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Lusso
0.6 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Cosy Bar
0.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
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.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Arch
0.7 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
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
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
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
