Cykelslangen (The Bicycle Snake)
A vivid orange cycle bridge that snakes above Copenhagen’s harbour, blending everyday commuting with elevated views, smart design and pure two‑wheeled pleasure.
Cykelslangen, or The Bicycle Snake, is a striking elevated cycle bridge snaking through Copenhagen’s harbourfront between Vesterbro and Islands Brygge. Opened in 2014 and painted a vivid orange, the 200‑plus‑metre structure glides between glassy facades and over the water, separating cyclists from pedestrians and traffic. It is both everyday infrastructure and urban sculpture, offering sweeping views of the harbour while embodying the city’s commitment to bike‑centric design and human‑scale planning.
A brief summary to Cykelslangen
- Cykelslangen, Vesterbro/Kongens Enghave, Vesterbro/Kongens Enghave, 1560, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring or rent a bicycle to fully experience the flowing curves and harbour views; walking beside bikes is allowed but the deck is designed primarily for riders.
- Avoid weekday rush hours if you want to linger or take photos, as the bridge carries dense commuter traffic and stopping in the lane can be unsafe.
- Come at dusk or after dark to see the bridge’s subtle lighting and reflections on the water, when the orange surface takes on a dramatic glow.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along the harbourfront promenades below, where you can watch the constant ribbon of cyclists sweeping overhead.
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
Getting There
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Train and walking
From Copenhagen Central Station, take an S‑train or regional train one stop to Dybbølsbro Station, then walk for about 10–15 minutes through the harbourfront district to reach Cykelslangen. Trains on this stretch typically run every few minutes during the day, and a standard city ticket for the short ride costs around 24–30 DKK. The walk from the station is on paved, mostly level surfaces but includes some ramps and can be windy along the water.
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City bus
Several city buses stop near the Fisketorvet shopping centre, which sits directly beside Cykelslangen; typical travel time from central Copenhagen is 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. A single adult fare within the city is usually in the 24–30 DKK range when bought as a regular ticket. Buses often have space for bringing a bicycle, but capacity can be limited at busy times and you may need to stand. From the bus stop it is a short, well‑signed walk to the bridge entrance on smooth pavements.
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Cycling from central Copenhagen
From the historic core of Copenhagen, most routes to Cykelslangen follow dedicated cycle tracks and take roughly 10–20 minutes by bike, depending on your starting point. The terrain is flat and well suited to all abilities, but harbour winds and wet weather can make the ride feel more demanding. If you need a bicycle, numerous rental shops and city bike schemes operate in the central districts, with typical day‑rates starting around 100–150 DKK; check in advance whether helmets are included or rented separately.
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Walking from central Vesterbro
If you are staying in Vesterbro near Copenhagen Central Station, you can walk to Cykelslangen in about 20–30 minutes through city streets and along the harbour. The route is fully urban, with frequent road crossings and mixed surfaces but no significant hills. It is suitable for most visitors, though those with limited mobility may prefer public transport to reduce walking distance, especially in poor weather.
Cykelslangen location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Cykelslangen
An orange ribbon above Copenhagen’s harbour
Cykelslangen, literally “The Bicycle Snake,” is an elevated cycle bridge that twists gracefully through Copenhagen’s inner harbour, linking Kalvebod Brygge with Havneholmen and onward towards Bryggebroen. Finished in 2014 and designed by Dissing+Weitling, it rises around seven metres above the water at its highest point, a vivid orange ribbon set against the steel, glass and concrete of the surrounding developments. From ground level it appears almost weightless, carried on slim white columns that touch down sparingly on quay and pier. From the saddle, the structure feels like a dedicated aerial roadway, bending and curving in long, gentle arcs that make the gradient easy even for everyday commuters and casual riders.From awkward stairs to a cycle superhighway
Before the bridge was built, cyclists heading between Vesterbro and Islands Brygge faced an inelegant detour: lugging bikes up and down stairs beside the Fisketorvet shopping centre or edging through crowded pedestrian spaces. As cycling numbers grew, this pinch point became a daily bottleneck and a symbol of how the harbourfront redevelopment still favoured cars and malls over bikes. City planners responded with a competition for a dedicated cycle connection. The winning scheme reimagined the area not with a simple ramp, but with an elevated “superhighway” that would float cyclists clear of conflicts with walkers and vehicles. The result is a 200‑plus‑metre steel bridge with a clear, continuous bike lane that can carry tens of thousands of riders a day while keeping pedestrians safely on separate quayside promenades below.Design that moves with the city
The bridge’s serpentine form is more than visual flair. Its curves subtly slow riders while maintaining a steady flow, an important safety feature on a path used heavily at rush hour. The consistent, modest gradient allows people of all ages and fitness levels to coast along without abrupt climbs or descents. At just over four metres wide, Cykelslangen feels intimate rather than monumental, yet its placement between highway overpass, shopping mall and harbour basin transforms a formerly leftover space into an urban experience. Overhead, you sense the city’s traffic networks intersecting; below, people stroll, sit by the water and watch the constant stream of bikes skim past above them.Harbour panoramas from the saddle
Riding across, the bridge offers shifting perspectives with each turn. One moment you are threading between the glass facade of Fisketorvet and neighbouring hotels, seeing office life and café terraces at eye level. The next, the view opens suddenly onto the harbour, with boats moored below and the skyline stretching towards the historic centre and the modern developments on Islands Brygge. The railings are kept low and visually light so the water and cityscape remain in full view. At night, discreet lighting traces the curve of the deck, and the orange surface glows softly, turning the bridge into a luminous path that is as practical for late commuters as it is atmospheric for an evening spin.A symbol of Copenhagen’s cycling culture
Cykelslangen has become shorthand for Copenhagen’s philosophy of designing a city around bikes rather than merely accommodating them. It demonstrates how infrastructure can be both efficient and playful: a daily route to work that also functions as an urban lookout and piece of contemporary design. Together with nearby crossings like Bryggebroen, it completes key links in the harbour’s car‑free network and anchors longer “super cycle” corridors running deep into the suburbs. In doing so, the bridge quietly advances broader aims of cleaner air, reduced congestion and more livable waterfronts.Encountering the Bicycle Snake up close
Whether you arrive with a rented bike or on foot, the first impression is of motion. Even when you stand still under the structure, riders slide past overhead in a near‑constant flow, their wheels humming on the smooth deck. From the quayside you can trace the line of the bridge as it dips and rises, almost like watching a kinetic sculpture. Step onto the ramp and the city rearranges itself around you: traffic noise softens, the harbour air becomes more noticeable and the buildings feel more like a backdrop than an obstacle. In a minute or two you will be back among streets and intersections, but for that brief stretch, suspended between land and water, you experience Copenhagen at the speed and scale it is increasingly designed for.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cykelslangen
0.0 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Havneholmen 33
0.2 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
1.0 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.
Copenhagen Central Station
1.1 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
1.2 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.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
1.3 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Enghaveparken
1.3 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
1.4 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.
City Hall Square
1.5 km
Copenhagen’s City Hall Square is the city’s ceremonial heart, blending grand architecture, local traditions, lively events, and everyday urban buzz into one essential landmark.
The Stable Boy's House
1.5 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.
Lur Blowers
1.5 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.
Frederiksholms Kanal
1.6 km
Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
Vandkunsten Springvand
1.6 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
The War Museum
1.7 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Circle Bridge
1.7 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Unmissable attractions to see
Islands Brygge
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s former industrial quay reborn as a sun-soaked harbourfront of swimming decks, lawns and laid-back city life along the inner waterfront.
VisitDenmark
0.7 km
Copenhagen's vibrant waterfront hub where urban swimming, green lawns, and waterside cafes create the perfect Danish hygge escape.
Øksnehallen
0.7 km
Vast former cattle hall turned cultural venue, Øksnehallen blends industrial heritage, daylight-filled architecture and flexible space for major fairs, art shows and events.
Freddys Bar
0.8 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime heritage and cutting-edge architecture at Helsingør’s award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, set in a stunning subterranean dry dock near Kronborg Castle.
Folkehuset Absalon
0.8 km
Copenhagen's beloved community gathering space where strangers share meals, create art, and build genuine connections.
Istedgade
0.9 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
1.0 km
A colourful staffed playground tucked inside a historic walled park in Vesterbro, where giant parrots, paddling pools and lawns turn old shooting grounds into family fun.
Islands Brygge 18
1.0 km
A waterfront cultural house on Copenhagen’s harbour, blending performances, family activities and a relaxed café with open views across the city skyline.
Mikkeller Bar
1.0 km
Stændertorvet is Roskilde’s historic central square, bustling with markets, events, and iconic views of the UNESCO-listed cathedral at the city’s vibrant core.
Model train display
1.1 km
Discover the enchanting Model Train Display in Copenhagen, showcasing intricate landscapes and charming miniature railways for all ages.
Himmelskibet
1.1 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge
1.1 km
Open‑air saltwater pools, diving towers and sun‑warmed decks turn Copenhagen’s inner harbour at Islands Brygge into an urban beach and everyday swimming hangout.
The Tube
1.1 km
Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.
Red Sightseeing Copenhagen
1.1 km
Hands-on science, vintage vehicles, and maritime history come together in this interactive, family-friendly branch of Malmö Museum, housed in an iconic industrial building.
Rutschebanen
1.2 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Essential places to dine
The Harbour
0.1 km
Calm, contemporary harbourfront dining inside Copenhagen Island hotel, pairing generous breakfasts and modern Nordic-inspired dishes with sweeping water views.
Je t'aime
0.4 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
MASH Penthouse
0.4 km
Skyline steakhouse on the 12th floor of Tivoli Hotel, blending premium cuts, crafted cocktails and sweeping Copenhagen views in a chic, velvety penthouse setting.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
0.6 km
Industrial-chic seafood in Copenhagen’s former Meatpacking District, where ultra-fresh Nordic fish, natural wines and a buzzing bar scene meet under one concrete roof.
Fleisch
0.7 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Paté Paté
0.7 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Bevi Bevi
0.9 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Ristorante Buono
1.0 km
Cozy Vesterbro Italian with candlelit tables, generous pasta and risotto, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Copenhagen’s evening dining scene.
Cofoco
1.0 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
LUN restaurant & winebar
1.1 km
Andalusian-inspired tasting menus, serious wine and cocktails, and a warm candlelit atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district.
Smagsløget
1.1 km
Discover Smagsløget in Copenhagen: where traditional Danish flavors meet innovative culinary experiences in an inviting atmosphere.
Delphine
1.1 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Maple Casual Dining
1.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
1.2 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Retour Vesterbro
1.2 km
Relaxed French-inspired bistro in the heart of Vesterbro, serving generous steaks, classic comfort dishes and cocktails in a warm, urban Copenhagen setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
0.1 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Funky Junky
0.9 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Tivoli Gift Shop
1.1 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.2 km
Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
1.3 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Souvenir Gift Shop
1.3 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.
Artikel København
1.3 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Wonderful Souvenirs
1.6 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
1.6 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
1.6 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
1.7 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Carmen Copenhagen
1.7 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.
København K
1.7 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.
Wasteland
1.8 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.
Quirky Lane
1.8 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jolene Bar
0.5 km
Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
0.6 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
1656 Cocktail Bar
0.8 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
Spunk
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
Pier5 Bar
0.9 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Jernbanecafeen
1.0 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
Riesen Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
CUBE bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Curfew
1.1 km
Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
1.2 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Library Bar
1.2 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The Marble Bar
1.2 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Lidkoeb
1.3 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
1.3 km
Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
1.4 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
KB3
0.5 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Baggen
0.6 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
The Union
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
CristalClubCopenhagen
0.9 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
1.1 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
Never Mind
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Module
1.4 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Den Anden Side
1.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Club Mambo
1.5 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
1.6 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Zefside
1.6 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Dorsia
1.7 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
1.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Miami Bar
1.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Nature Escape
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
