Sophienholm Kunsthal and Romantic Park
Historic country house turned lakeside art hall, where contemporary exhibitions, a romantic English‑style park and a cosy café meet just north of Copenhagen.
Sophienholm is a historic lakeside estate turned contemporary art center on the shores of Bagsværd Lake in Lyngby, just north of Copenhagen. The elegant 18th‑century mansion hosts changing exhibitions of mainly Danish contemporary and modern art, while the surrounding romantic English‑style park invites slow walks under old trees with views across the water. With a welcoming café, outdoor sculptures and seasonal cultural events, Sophienholm combines gallery visit, garden stroll and country escape in a single easy half‑day outing.
A brief summary to Sophienholm
- Nybrovej 401, Lyngby, 2800, DK
- +4545976500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-8 pm
- Thursday 11 am-8 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Combine the indoor exhibitions with a slow circuit of the romantic park; allow extra time for the lakeside paths and outdoor artworks.
- Check the current exhibition schedule and any special events in advance, as opening days and evening hours vary through the week.
- Plan a café stop for lunch or cake rather than rushing through; the setting by the lawns and water is part of the experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for gravel and grass if you intend to explore more of the English‑style landscape garden.
- Bring a light extra layer outside the summer months; breeze from the lake can make the park feel cooler than the town.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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S‑train and bus from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take an S‑train on line E or B to Lyngby Station; the ride usually takes 20–25 minutes. From the station, connect to a local bus towards Nybrovej and alight near the stop closest to Sophienholm, adding another 10–15 minutes of travel. Standard single tickets for the combined zones generally cost in the range of 24–36 DKK depending on distance and ticket type. Buses run frequently during the day, but evening and weekend services can be less frequent, so check departure times in advance.
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Regional bus from northern suburbs
If you are staying in the northern suburbs around Bagsværd or Virum, use the regional bus lines that run along Nybrovej towards Lyngby. Typical journey times range from 10 to 25 minutes depending on your starting point and traffic. A single bus ticket within the local zones is usually around 24–30 DKK. Buses are low‑floor and generally suitable for wheelchairs and prams, but note that services late in the evening are reduced and may require a longer wait.
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Cycling from Copenhagen or Lyngby
Confident cyclists can follow the signposted cycle routes from Copenhagen towards Lyngby and Bagsværd Lake, using dedicated bike lanes for most of the way. From central Copenhagen, the ride typically takes 40–60 minutes at a moderate pace, while from Lyngby town centre it is about 10–20 minutes. The terrain is mostly flat with some gentle inclines. There is no cost beyond any bike rental you may arrange, which commonly ranges from 100 to 200 DKK per day depending on the provider.
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Taxi from Copenhagen city centre
A taxi from central Copenhagen to Sophienholm usually takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on the ring roads. Fares generally fall between 250 and 400 DKK for the one‑way trip, varying with time of day and exact starting point. Taxis can accommodate most luggage and are convenient for visitors with limited mobility, though advance booking is advisable during peak hours or in bad weather.
Sophienholm location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Sophienholm
A Golden Age country house on the water’s edge
Sophienholm began life in the late 18th century as a merchant’s country residence, built in a refined classical style overlooking Bagsværd Lake. The main house, outbuildings and gently terraced lawns were later shaped by the French architect Joseph Ramée, who gave the estate its harmonious balance between architecture and landscape. Walking up to the pale façades today, it still feels like arriving at a small manor rather than a museum. In the early 1800s Sophienholm became a gathering place during the Danish Golden Age. The writer and salon hostess Friederike Brun held celebrated literary and musical evenings here, inviting leading poets, composers and thinkers from Denmark and abroad. The sense of cultivated conversation and creative exchange still lingers in the high‑ceilinged rooms, now reimagined as exhibition spaces rather than private parlours.From private salon to public art hall
After changing hands several times, Sophienholm was acquired by the local municipality in the 1960s and carefully restored before opening as a public exhibition hall. The conversion retained original details such as panelled walls and elegant doorways, but introduced discreet lighting and security so that art could be shown to professional standards. The result is an intimate kunsthal where contemporary works play against a historic backdrop. Across the year Sophienholm typically presents four or five larger exhibitions, often focusing on Danish contemporary art with occasional forays into international or historical themes. Smaller shows continue in annex spaces, so there is almost always something on view. The scale is approachable: a series of rooms that can be explored at a gentle pace, with space to pause at windows framing the park and lake outside.Art beyond the gallery walls
Sophienholm’s creative life extends past the mansion into the surrounding grounds. A former woodland hut where avant‑garde artists met in the 1940s has been transformed into the CoBrA Room, a compact venue for exhibits linked to that experimental movement and later generations. It adds a slightly rougher, more bohemian note to the otherwise polished estate. Out in the park, permanent and temporary outdoor artworks are scattered among the trees and slopes. One of the most distinctive is the piece Eremitagen og bjergbestigersken, which weaves sculpture, landscape design and minimalist structures into a single contemplative installation. Seasonal festivals, concerts and light art projects occasionally animate the lawns and paths, using the estate as a natural stage.A romantic English‑style landscape garden
The park is a destination in its own right. Designed in the spirit of English romantic landscape gardens, it avoids rigid geometry in favour of winding paths, changing vistas and carefully orchestrated “natural” scenery. Open grassy meadows give way to clusters of mature trees; glimpses of the water appear between trunks and over small rises. Benches invite quiet pauses to watch rowing boats and birdlife on Bagsværd Lake, while smaller structures and pavilions hint at the estate’s past as a summer retreat. Over two centuries the planting and layout have evolved, but the overall composition remains a textbook example of Danish landscape gardening, offering both leisurely walks and subtle lessons in garden history.Café pleasures and practical comforts
Next to the main building, Sophienholm’s café provides a relaxed place to linger before or after viewing the art. The menu usually leans on seasonal Nordic ingredients, with salads, light hot dishes and classic cakes; a rich chocolate gateau has become something of a signature treat. On fine days tables spill onto terraces and lawns, turning a visit into a mini country‑house lunch by the lake. Paths in the immediate vicinity of the house are fairly even, though some parts of the wider park involve gentle slopes and unpaved tracks. Information material and exhibition texts are typically available in Danish, often with English summaries. With its combination of culture, nature and a good meal, Sophienholm works as a flexible half‑day escape, whether you come for a focused art visit or an unhurried stroll in historic surroundings.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bagsværd Kirke
1.7 km
A modest suburban shell concealing Jørn Utzon’s luminous “cloud” church, where Nordic minimalism, sculpted concrete and tranquil courtyards create a serene urban sanctuary.
Lyngby Storcenter
3.0 km
Discover a world of shopping and dining at Lyngby Storcenter, one of Denmark's largest malls, offering a vibrant mix of international brands and local favorites in the heart of Kongens Lyngby.
Furesø
3.4 km
Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.
Grundtvig’s Church
8.1 km
A monumental brick cathedral of Nordic minimalism and light, Grundtvig’s Church fuses expressionist form with Gothic scale on a quiet Copenhagen hillside.
Kildevældsparken
9.6 km
Experience a slice of authentic Copenhagen life at Kildevældsparken, Østerbro’s serene neighborhood park with a charming pond and lush greenery.
The Red Square
10.0 km
A striking, modern city square in Nørrebro, where bold Danish design meets global cultures, street art, and vibrant local life in Copenhagen’s most diverse borough.
Copenhagen This Way / Koebenhavnerture.dk
10.4 km
Experience Copenhagen’s only Russian Orthodox church, where golden onion domes and vibrant frescoes highlight an extraordinary cultural and architectural landmark.
Fælledparken
10.7 km
Copenhagen’s largest and most beloved city park, Fælledparken offers a dynamic blend of green tranquility, local culture, sports, and major city events in Østerbro.
Henriksholm
11.0 km
A quiet Vedbæk hillside where Stone Age burials, villa culture and Cold War command history meet in a leafy coastal neighbourhood north of Copenhagen.
The Tower Playground
11.2 km
Award-winning Copenhagen playground where kids explore & climb miniature city towers; centrally located in Fælledparken with family-friendly facilities.
Folkets Park
11.5 km
Grassroots community spirit, creative play areas, vibrant street art, and urban oasis charm in the heart of Nørrebro’s multicultural Copenhagen.
Hørsholm Slotshave
11.5 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Møstings Hus
11.6 km
Explore contemporary art in a historic neoclassical villa at Møstings Hus, Frederiksberg's cultural gem.
Frederiksbergmuseerne
11.7 km
Explore Frederiksberg's cultural gems: Cisternerne, Bakkehuset, STORM, and Møstings, each offering unique art and history experiences.
Frederiksberg Town Hall
11.7 km
Brick-clad beacon of Frederiksberg’s independence, this 1950s functionalist town hall blends civic power, mid‑century Danish design and views across leafy Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lake Bagsværd
0.7 km
Long, tranquil lake on Copenhagen’s northern fringe, where everyday walks, picnics and wildlife share the shoreline with a world-class rowing course.
Klopstocks eg
0.7 km
Discover Store Dyrehave in North Zealand: a historic royal deer forest with unique star-shaped paths, tranquil wildlife, and lush woodlands perfect for outdoor adventures.
Stendysser
2.0 km
Experience the ancient art of falconry amidst the serene landscapes of Fredensborg at Falkonergården.
Lyngby Folkepark
2.1 km
A relaxed patch of green by Lyngby Lake, where everyday walks, dog runs and quiet pauses connect suburban life with the water and woodland north of Copenhagen.
The Open Air Museum
2.3 km
Step into 300 years of rural Danish life among thatched farms, windmills, animals and gardens in one of the world’s largest historic open‑air museums.
Baadfarten Boat Tour
2.4 km
Historic wooden boats, tranquil lakes and forested shores combine on this leisurely North Zealand cruise just outside Copenhagen.
Mindebænk for Viggo Stuckenberg
2.6 km
A modest stone-framed bench in Sorgenfri Slotshave, offering a quiet, poetic pause where Viggo Stuckenberg once found inspiration amid royal parkland.
Templet
2.7 km
Intimate, no‑frills live venue in Kongens Lyngby where loud guitars, close‑up performances and a local crowd turn a modest room into a night of amplified energy.
Open Air Museum
3.1 km
One of the world’s largest open‑air museums, Frilandsmuseet gathers centuries of Danish rural life into a single village of farms, mills, animals and gardens.
Geels Skov
3.8 km
An accessible Copenhagen-edge woodland of beech trees, clear trails and cosy fire pits, Geels Skov is where everyday life slips easily into fresh-air forest time.
Fiskebæk Naturskole
5.3 km
Rustic forest school and shelter camp on the edge of Værløse, where crackling campfires, simple shelters and tall trees turn everyday nature into an easy escape.
Vaserne
5.7 km
Sheltered between Birkerød and Sjælsø, Vaserne is a protected wetland reserve of reeds, swamp forest and bird-filled lakes offering quietly immersive nature on the city’s edge.
Sommer's Automobile Museum
6.6 km
A three-storey Danish car haven where Jaguars, Volvos and rare home-built specials tell a vivid story of 20th‑century motoring and mechanical passion.
Ordrupgaard
6.6 km
A historic country house turned art museum, where French masters, Danish classics, bold contemporary architecture, and a sculpture-filled park meet in leafy Charlottenlund.
Farum Lake
6.7 km
A tranquil woodland lake looped by a 10 km trail, rich in birdlife, legends and gentle outdoor adventures just northwest of Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
Søllerød Kro
4.9 km
Historic thatched Danish inn turned Michelin-starred dining destination, where refined French-inspired cuisine, deep wines and warm village charm meet by a tranquil pond.
Cafe 33
9.3 km
Explore the rich heritage of vodka at Cafe 33's unique Vodka Museum in Vanløse.
Gro Eatery
9.8 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in an urban rooftop farm setting at Gro Eatery, where seasonal tasting menus and city views meet Danish sustainability in Østerbro.
PAX
10.4 km
Experience innovative Italian-inspired cuisine in the heart of Østerbro at PAX, where a dynamic menu and cozy ambiance await.
Geranium
10.7 km
Geranium offers a world-class New Nordic tasting experience in Copenhagen, uniting innovative Scandinavian cuisine, sustainable luxury, and panoramic city views.
Street Food 108
10.8 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine at Street Food 108 in Copenhagen's vibrant Nørrebro district - a delightful taste adventure awaits!
Restaurant Madklubben Østerbro
10.9 km
Enjoy approachable modern Danish cuisine and vibrant local life in the stylish heart of Østerbro at Restaurant Madklubben, where good food and great company meet.
Gaarden & Gaden
11.0 km
Discover Gaarden & Gaden, a stylishly laid-back bistro in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, serving inventive local cuisine and natural wines in a warm, communal setting.
Bæst
11.1 km
Experience Nørrebro’s celebrated Bæst, where organic Italian pizzas and in-house charcuterie meet Scandinavian sustainability and vibrant Danish hospitality.
Aroii - Nørrebro
11.2 km
Savor inventive Asian fusion cuisine in lively Nørrebro, where Aroii delivers creative Thai-inspired plates and vibrant ambiance in one of Copenhagen’s buzziest districts.
Kiin Kiin
11.2 km
Michelin-starred Thai restaurant in Copenhagen’s Nørrebro, offering inventive tasting menus and modern fine dining that blend Southeast Asian flavors with Nordic influences.
Café Lindevang
11.2 km
A beloved Frederiksberg institution, Café Lindevang serves up hearty Danish classics and authentic smørrebrød in cozy, vintage surroundings steeped in local charm.
Hos Fischer
11.2 km
Experience authentic Italian trattoria dining and neighborhood hospitality at Hos Fischer, a beloved Østerbro culinary gem near the tranquil green heart of Copenhagen.
Hooked Nørrebro
11.3 km
Discover fresh seafood delights at Hooked Nørrebro in Copenhagen - a culinary gem celebrating local flavors in a vibrant setting.
JATAK
11.3 km
Intimate Nørrebro dining where New Nordic produce meets the bold, personal Asian flavors of chef Jonathan Tam in a calm, minimalist Michelin-starred setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Late Morning Post Photographer
3.0 km
Fine art wedding and family photography studio capturing authentic moments with artistic vision and warmth.
Perfectly Worn Vintage
10.6 km
Discover handpicked vintage gems and timeless fashion in the heart of Nørrebro’s creative district at Perfectly Worn Vintage, Copenhagen’s haven for unique style.
Rødovre Centrum
10.7 km
Denmark’s original modern shopping mall, blending big‑name stores, cinema and family‑friendly leisure in a spacious all‑weather hub west of central Copenhagen.
Red Cross Op Shop
11.3 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Frederiksberg Centret
11.4 km
Frederiksberg Centret offers a sleek, Scandinavian shopping experience with 90+ stores, cafés, and events in the chic heart of Frederiksberg, steps from the Metro.
PRAG Nørrebro
11.5 km
PRAG Nørrebro offers a curated vintage shopping experience surrounded by the eclectic energy and cultural vibrancy of Copenhagen’s trendsetting district.
Royal Copenhagen - Outlet
11.5 km
Discover Danish porcelain heritage and timeless design at discounted prices in Frederiksberg’s celebrated Royal Copenhagen Outlet, close to the city’s green heart.
Butik Bungalow
11.6 km
Colorful Danish-Indian design shop in Nørrebro offering hand-printed homeware, unique gifts, and stylish paper goods in a cozy, creative boutique setting.
McKorman
11.7 km
Discover McKorman in Nørrebro: Copenhagen’s go-to spot for handpicked streetwear, unique vintage fashion, and urban style essentials for every wardrobe.
TorvehallerneKBH
12.3 km
A vibrant marketplace in the heart of Copenhagen, TorvehallerneKBH blends Danish culinary tradition with global flavors across over 60 food and drink stalls.
Exotic Mix
12.4 km
Gourmet nuts, dried fruits and chocolate dragées from around the world, served from a colourful family‑run stall inside Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne market.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
12.5 km
Denmark's largest souvenir destination with 2,000+ authentic gifts celebrating Danish design, heritage, and iconic landmarks.
Fjällräven
12.7 km
A compact Fjällräven brand shop on historic Kultorvet, pairing Scandinavian outdoor design with expert gear advice in the heart of Copenhagen’s old town.
Værnedamsvej
12.7 km
Copenhagen’s beloved Parisian-style street, brimming with independent shops, cafés, wine bars, and Scandinavian charm between vibrant Vesterbro and Frederiksberg.
Souvenir Gifts shop
12.7 km
Classic Copenhagen souvenirs in a compact, central shop on historic Købmagergade, perfect for last‑minute gifts and easy-to-pack mementos from the Danish capital.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Gotland - Café & Vinbar
10.2 km
Experience the perfect blend of fine wines and cozy café atmosphere at Gotland - Café & Vinbar in Copenhagen.
Dispensary, Whisk(e)y And Beer
10.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Dispensary, Whisk(e)y And Beer, where craft beers and fine whiskies await in a vibrant atmosphere.
Kompasset Ølbar
10.5 km
Experience Copenhagen's nightlife at Kompasset Ølbar, a vibrant bar in Østerbro known for its craft beers and inviting atmosphere.
Bubbles Bar
10.8 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and exquisite cocktails at Bubbles Bar, Copenhagen's chic nightlife destination for tourists and locals alike.
Tap10
10.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Tap10, a cozy bar in Østerbro offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Skovbar
10.9 km
Small, punk-spirited and queer-friendly bar in Nørrebro with vegan drinks, inclusive vibes and intimate music nights at budget-friendly prices.
Paloma Vermuteria
11.0 km
Mediterranean vermut culture meets Nordic hospitality in Copenhagen's creative heart.
Klovnens Bodega
11.1 km
Discover the heart of Nørrebro at Klovnens Bodega, a cozy pub offering a delightful atmosphere and a taste of local culture.
Frederiksberg Ølbar
11.1 km
Experience the best of Denmark's brewing heritage at Frederiksberg Ølbar, a cozy bar with a fantastic selection of local craft beers.
BRUS
11.1 km
Discover the best craft beers and seasonal dishes at BRUS, Copenhagen's top brewpub for foodies and beer lovers alike.
The Mudhoney
11.2 km
Discover The Mudhoney, a stylish cocktail bar in Copenhagen, blending coffee shop charm with expertly crafted cocktails for a perfect night out.
Østerbros Perle Pub
11.3 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
Trianglen 7
11.3 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
ØB
11.3 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
PULP bar
11.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at PULP Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
9.6 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
10.1 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at SIGURD CPH, where vibrant dancing, fine wines, and pachinko gaming come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
10.9 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
11.3 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
11.4 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Haven - Events
12.0 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Moon Club
12.2 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Mirage
12.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
12.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Culture Box
12.7 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Cosy Bar
12.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
La Terraza
12.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Den Anden Side
12.9 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
12.9 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
The Jane
12.9 km
Mad Men–style cocktail den and basement nightclub hidden beneath a historic Copenhagen square, with secret rooms, strong drinks and a lively late-night dance floor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
