Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
A modest 1912 bridge with million‑kroner views, Nyhavnsbroen connects both banks of colourful Nyhavn and offers one of Copenhagen’s most iconic waterfront panoramas.
Spanning Copenhagen’s most iconic canal, Nyhavnsbroen links the two flanks of colourful Nyhavn, where 17th‑century townhouses, historic wooden ships and buzzing cafés frame the water. This modest 1912 bascule bridge is a prime vantage point for classic harbour photos and people‑watching, set against a backdrop of jazz, canal tours and maritime history in the very heart of Indre By.
A brief summary to Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
- Copenhagen, Indre By, 1051, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive in the early morning for softer light on Nyhavn’s colourful facades and fewer people on the bridge, making it easier to frame clean canal photos.
- Visit again around blue hour on a clear evening to capture reflections of lit windows and boats on the canal from both sides of the bridge.
- If you plan to take canal tours, watch them glide under Nyhavnsbroen first so you can choose a route and departure point that appeals to you.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro from central Copenhagen
From central hubs such as Nørreport or København H, take the M1 or M2 metro lines toward Kongens Nytorv; the ride typically takes 3–7 minutes with trains running every few minutes throughout the day. A single adult ticket within the city zones usually costs around 20–30 DKK. From Kongens Nytorv, Nyhavn and Nyhavnsbroen are reached on foot via level pavements in under 10 minutes, suitable for most visitors including those using wheelchairs or strollers.
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City bus to Kongens Nytorv area
Several inner‑city bus routes serve the streets around Kongens Nytorv and Store Kongensgade, with journey times of 10–20 minutes from many central neighbourhoods depending on traffic. Standard city bus tickets are in the same 20–30 DKK range and can be bought via ticket machines or transport apps. Buses stop within a short, flat walk of Nyhavn; from there you continue along the pedestrianised canal to reach Nyhavnsbroen, which is paved but can be busy at peak hours.
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Harbour bus along the inner harbour
Copenhagen’s harbour buses run along the inner harbour with stops near Nyhavn and opposite it on the Christianshavn side, offering a scenic approach in 10–25 minutes depending on where you board. Tickets follow the standard public‑transport fare structure, generally 20–30 DKK for city journeys, and services run more frequently during the day than late at night. Access from the harbour‑bus piers involves short walks on quayside surfaces that can be uneven or windy in poor weather.
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Walking from the wider Indre By district
If you are already exploring the historic Indre By, Nyhavnsbroen is most naturally reached on foot in roughly 10–25 minutes from many central sights. The route uses a mix of cobblestones and smooth pavements, and while mostly flat, it may feel tiring for those with reduced mobility, especially in winter when surfaces can be wet or icy. Walking costs nothing and allows you to approach the bridge gradually as the colourful canal and masts of the ships come into view.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn 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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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
A canal crossing at the heart of historic Nyhavn
Nyhavnsbroen is the small but strategic bridge that stitches together both sides of Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s 17th‑century canal and entertainment district. From its deck you stand almost at water level, perfectly placed between rows of gabled houses painted butter yellow, brick red and sea blue, with masts of vintage ships rising in front of you. The bridge is a practical artery for cyclists and pedestrians, but it also serves as a stage from which the drama of the harbour unfolds. Nyhavn itself was dug in the late 1600s as a gateway from the open harbour to the city’s inner core. For centuries, sailors, traders and taverns defined the area. Today, the working port has given way to outdoor cafés and canal cruise departures, yet the curve of the canal and the intimate scale of the buildings still reflect its maritime roots.From 19th‑century link to enduring city icon
The first bridge on this spot opened in the 1870s, built to ease growing traffic between the royal square of Kongens Nytorv and the quays along the inner harbour. The structure you cross today dates from 1912, a steel bascule bridge that can still be raised to let taller vessels pass along the canal. Its engineering is discreet rather than showy, allowing the historic surroundings to take centre stage. Over more than a century, Nyhavnsbroen has quietly witnessed the transformation of Nyhavn from a rough‑edged seafaring district to a carefully restored waterfront. As shipping moved elsewhere and warehouses were converted, the bridge shifted from being a purely functional crossing to a symbolic threshold between old working harbour and modern leisure promenade.Photogenic angles and classic harbour views
Most visitors are drawn here by the view. Standing at the railing, you can compose the quintessential Copenhagen shot: a procession of colourful facades marching along the water, their reflections wavering in the canal, wooden schooners moored in the foreground. Early in the day, light falls gently on the eastern side of the canal, while long summer evenings bathe the facades in golden tones. Look one way and the canal narrows towards Kongens Nytorv; look the other, and it opens out toward the inner harbour, with contemporary landmarks and ferries hinting at the wider city. The constant movement of bicycles, tour boats slipping under the bridge and locals crossing with coffee in hand adds life to the stillness of the architectural backdrop.Stories in the stones and timbers around you
The bridge is also a fine place to pause and read the layers of history in the surroundings. Along the quays stand historic ships now preserved as part of a museum harbour, reminders of the cargo days when Nyhavn rang with dockside work. Nearby townhouses once housed merchants, innkeepers and, notably, the writer Hans Christian Andersen, who lived at several addresses in the canal’s row of buildings. Across the water, you may pick out the Memorial Anchor at the canal’s mouth, dedicated to Danish sailors who lost their lives during the Second World War. This gesture of remembrance underlines how closely Copenhagen’s story has been tied to the sea, trade and naval service.Daily rhythms on a compact urban bridge
Nyhavnsbroen is not a grand monument, but its scale suits the intimate dimensions of the canal. Cyclists stream over it in waves during morning and evening rush hours, while at midday visitors linger along the railings or lean their bikes as they scan the skyline. Musicians sometimes play nearby, their sound drifting over the water to mingle with clinking cutlery from café terraces. Seasonal changes are easy to sense from here. In summer the air carries the smell of grilled fish and salty harbour breezes, and boats crowd the canal. In winter, lights from windows and, at times, festive stalls reflect on the dark water, giving the bridge a quieter, almost cinematic quality even as the city centre continues to hum around it.Planning your time on and around the bridge
Most people encounter Nyhavnsbroen as part of a wider wander through Indre By. A short stop gives you time for photographs and to orient yourself along the canal; linger longer and you can watch canal tours gliding beneath, identify period details in the house fronts and follow how the bridge’s simple mechanisms and counterweights integrate into the streetscape. From this single crossing point you can turn to explore side alleys, nearby theatres and waterfront promenades, then return to the bridge as a reference marker. Compact, central and surrounded by layers of Copenhagen history, Nyhavnsbroen is both a viewpoint and a quiet reminder of how much of the city’s life has always revolved around its waterways.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.2 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.3 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Larsens Pl.
0.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.6 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.6 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Børsen
0.7 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Holmens Bro
0.7 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.
Christianshavn
0.7 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Højbro Pl.
0.7 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.
Frederik VII
0.7 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.7 km
Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.7 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nyhavn
0.0 km
Copenhagen’s storybook harbour, where colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés bring the city’s maritime history to life in one vivid canal.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.2 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
The Playhouse
0.2 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
The Kissing Stairs
0.2 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Ofelia Plads
0.2 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
Hey Captain
0.2 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.3 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Memorial Anchor
0.3 km
Explore one of Europe’s oldest zoos, home to over 3,000 animals, award-winning architecture, immersive habitats, conservation programs, and engaging family activities.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.3 km
A tiny 17th‑century townhouse on Kongens Nytorv where Baltic amber, ancient insects and Scandinavian craft turn deep time into a warm, golden museum experience.
Havnepromenade
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
Bredgade 18
0.3 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s national theatre in two acts: a gilded 19th‑century Old Stage on Kongens Nytorv and a bold modern playhouse rising directly above the harbour waters.
Kongens Nytorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.3 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
North Atlantic House
0.4 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Essential places to dine
Khun Juk
0.1 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Skipperkroen
0.1 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
0.1 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.2 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
à terre
0.3 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Restaurant Barr
0.4 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Goldfinch
0.4 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Aoc
0.4 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Marchal
0.4 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Bistro Royal
0.4 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Den Lille Fede
0.4 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
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.
King Hans Cellar
0.5 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
0.0 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
0.1 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Zane
0.3 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Magasin du Nord
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
The Wilde Shop
0.4 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Viking Souvenirs
0.4 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.5 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.5 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Storm - design art fashion
0.7 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
ILLUM
0.7 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Danish Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
0.3 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.5 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
0.5 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
0.5 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
1105
0.6 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Eiffel bar
0.6 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Moose
0.7 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
K-Bar
0.7 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Charlie's Bar
0.7 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Ved Stranden
0.7 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
Trykbar
0.7 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Black Swan
0.8 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
The Dubliner
0.8 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.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.5 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.
Mini Bar
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.7 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.
Operaen
0.8 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Culture Box
0.9 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Chateau Motel
1.1 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.2 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.2 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.2 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.3 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.3 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Arch
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Club Mambo
1.3 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Dorsia
1.3 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Romantic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- 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
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
