The King’s Garden (Kongens Have), Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s oldest royal park, where Renaissance order, castle views and everyday city life blend into one effortlessly charming green escape.
The King’s Garden, or Kongens Have, is Copenhagen’s oldest and most beloved royal park, wrapped around fairytale Rosenborg Castle in the heart of the city. Laid out in the early 1600s for King Christian IV, it blends formal Renaissance geometry with leafy lawns, sculptures, playgrounds and shaded avenues. Locals picnic on the grass, children explore imaginative play areas, and visitors wander historic paths like the Knight’s and Lady’s Walks, all with castle turrets rising above the treetops. Free to enter and open long hours, it’s an easy, atmospheric escape from the city streets.
A brief summary to The King's Garden
- Øster Voldgade 4A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1307, DK
- +4533954200
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-10 pm
- Thursday 7 am-10 pm
- Friday 7 am-10 pm
- Saturday 7 am-10 pm
- Sunday 7 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Bring a picnic or grab takeaway nearby; there is plenty of lawn space and benches, and picnicking is part of the local garden culture.
- Visit early in the morning in spring or autumn for quieter paths and soft light on Rosenborg Castle and the tree-lined avenues.
- If visiting with children, aim for the central playground area and check seasonal schedules for the Marionette Theatre’s puppet shows.
- Combine your walk with a tour of Rosenborg Castle to see the crown jewels, then return to the lawns for a relaxed break afterwards.
- In winter, confirm current opening hours, as the garden usually closes earlier and some smaller facilities may be shut.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and short walk from Nørreport Station
From anywhere on Copenhagen’s M1, M2, M3 or M4 metro lines, ride to Nørreport Station, one of the city’s main hubs, which typically takes 5–15 minutes from central districts. A standard single metro ticket within the city zones usually costs around 20–30 DKK. From Nørreport, expect about a 7–10 minute walk on level city pavements to reach the King’s Garden entrances; the route is suitable for strollers and most wheelchairs, though some paths inside the park are gravel.
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City bus to stops around Øster Voldgade and Kronprinsessegade
Several city bus lines run along the streets bordering the King’s Garden, with typical journey times of 10–20 minutes from central Copenhagen areas depending on traffic. A single bus ticket within the core zones is generally 20–30 DKK, and buses usually operate every 5–15 minutes during the day. Bus stops are within a few minutes’ flat walk of the park gates, making this a good option in poor weather or if you prefer minimal walking.
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Bicycle from central Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make biking to the King’s Garden straightforward. From popular central areas such as Rådhuspladsen or Nyhavn, the ride typically takes 5–15 minutes along marked bike lanes. Public bike-share and rental shops usually charge from about 50–150 DKK per day depending on the type of bicycle. Bike racks are available around the park perimeter, but cycling is not allowed on the main interior paths, so be prepared to dismount and walk once you reach the garden.
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Walking from the historic city center
If you are already exploring central Copenhagen on foot, reaching the King’s Garden is easy. From areas like Strøget or Kongens Nytorv, allow roughly 10–20 minutes’ walk on mostly flat, paved streets. This option costs nothing and lets you enjoy the transition from dense urban streets to open greenery, though in wet or icy conditions some surfaces can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
The King's Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about The King's Garden
A Renaissance Garden at the Heart of Copenhagen
Kongens Have, the King’s Garden, spreads out like a green carpet around Rosenborg Castle in central Copenhagen. Created in 1606 for King Christian IV as part of his new summer residence, it was originally a working kitchen and pleasure garden laid out in the Renaissance style, with orderly beds, fruit trees and herb plots supplying the royal table. Today, the castle’s red-brick towers and copper spires still anchor the park, giving every stroll a distinctively royal backdrop. Over four centuries the garden has shifted from private royal domain to democratic city oasis. Yet the underlying geometry remains: diagonal avenues cut across the lawns, hedged compartments structure the space, and sightlines deliberately frame the castle. This combination of formality and openness is what gives the garden its particular character—historic, but never stiff.Tree-Lined Walks, Sculptures and Seasonal Color
One of the garden’s signatures is its straight, tree-lined paths, especially the Knight’s Path and the Lady’s Path, which intersect near the center. Walking beneath these canopies, you pass clipped hedges, rose beds and sculptural groups that recall the park’s aristocratic past. In spring, flowering trees and bulbs bring soft color to the lawns; in summer, dense foliage casts cool shade over benches and gravel avenues. Scattered around the grounds are statues and monuments, from classical figures to more recent works, adding quiet points of interest between the greenery. Formal flowerbeds and meticulously maintained lawns introduce a Baroque order to the scene, while looser plantings and mature trees soften the edges, making the garden feel both carefully curated and comfortably lived-in.Everyday Life: Picnics, Playgrounds and Puppet Shows
Despite its royal origins, the King’s Garden functions very much as Copenhagen’s communal living room. On sunny days the lawns fill with office workers on lunch breaks, students revising under the trees and families spreading out picnics. Bicycles lean against trunks, dogs snooze in the shade and there is a steady hum of conversation, yet the park remains spacious enough to find a quiet corner. For children, the central playground is a highlight, with imaginative structures such as dragons, fairy-tale figures and climbing frames inspired by Danish stories. Nearby, a small café kiosk often serves ice creams and simple snacks, making it easy to linger for an afternoon. In summer, the open-air Marionette Theatre stages free puppet shows, turning a corner of the park into a tiny world of stories and music.Royal Echoes: Rosenborg and Historic Pavilions
Even if you do not step inside Rosenborg Castle itself, its presence shapes the experience of the garden. Views of the moat, bridge and towers constantly reappear as you wander, reminding you that this was once a carefully choreographed royal setting. The alignment of paths and lawns was designed to showcase the building’s façades, creating a series of outdoor “rooms” from which the monarch and guests could admire their surroundings. Elsewhere in the garden you may come across historic pavilions such as the Hercules Pavilion, a decorative structure with sculpted figures and classical details. These buildings add architectural punctuation to the greenery and sometimes host small cafés or seasonal activities, blending heritage with contemporary urban life.Visiting Practicalities and Seasonal Atmosphere
The King’s Garden is a public park with free admission, and its opening hours typically stretch from early morning to late evening, with somewhat shorter hours in winter. Paths are mostly flat and gravelled, making the main routes accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though lawns can be uneven after rain. Simple facilities such as toilets and seating areas are dotted around, and the surrounding streets provide plenty of options for food and drinks. Season shapes the mood of the garden. Spring brings blossom and fresh green leaves, ideal for quiet morning walks. In high summer the park is vibrant, busy and sun-drenched, perfect for long picnics and people-watching. Autumn wraps the castle and trees in warm golds and reds, while winter strips the scene back to silhouettes of branches and stone, giving Rosenborg and its avenues a stark, almost theatrical beauty.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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.
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.
St. Paul's Church
0.5 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Fiolstræde 42
0.6 km
Historic observatory blending astronomy, science education, and star-gazing experiences in a tranquil woodland setting just outside Aarhus' vibrant city center.
Amitylux Tours | Exceptional Guided City Tours
0.6 km
Experience the timeless grandeur of Lund Cathedral, an iconic Romanesque landmark in southern Sweden, renowned for its history, art, and enduring spiritual presence.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.7 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Memorial Anchor
0.7 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Stork Fountain
0.7 km
A trio of bronze storks, royal history and everyday city life meet at this elegant fountain in Copenhagen’s Amagertorv square on the Strøget pedestrian street.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.7 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Amagertorv
0.7 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Strøget
0.8 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Højbro Pl.
0.8 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.
Højbro Plads
0.8 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Jorcks Passage
0.8 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.8 km
Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rosenborg Castle
0.2 km
Discover Rosenborg Castle—Copenhagen’s Renaissance jewel—home to Denmark’s royal regalia, opulent halls, and centuries of captivating royal history in scenic gardens.
The David Collection
0.2 km
Scandinavia's premier Islamic art museum, housed in a historic townhouse with free admission year-round.
Museum of Natural History
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s national museum for nature, where meteorites, minerals and living gardens connect deep time with the city’s green heart beside the Botanical Garden.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.4 km
Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Botanical Garden
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's royal heritage at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels and set amidst the historic King's Garden in Copenhagen.
Pub Crawl Copenhagen
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modernity at Sankt Hans Torv, Nørrebro's lively public square.
Kultorvet
0.5 km
Historic coal market turned buzzing pedestrian square, where colourful façades, cafés and a modern fountain stage capture everyday Copenhagen life.
The Danish Natural History Museum
0.5 km
University-based museum of geology, zoology, and botany set beside Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, linking scientific collections with the living world outside.
Skaal
0.5 km
A visionary concert hall in Copenhagen, DR Koncerthuset fuses world-class acoustics, avant-garde architecture, and a rich tapestry of live music experiences.
The Round Tower
0.5 km
Experience the living history and regal elegance of Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen’s iconic royal residence at the heart of Danish tradition and culture.
Nyboder
0.5 km
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Indre By
0.6 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Workers Museum
0.6 km
Step into Copenhagen’s historic Workers’ Assembly Hall and trace 150 years of working-class life, from cramped attic flats and factory floors to activism, cafés and children’s play.
Balderdash
0.6 km
Strikingly designed by Jean Nouvel, Copenhagen’s DR Koncerthuset offers world-class acoustics and a dynamic program of classical, jazz, and international concerts.
Guinness World Records Museum
0.6 km
Explore the extraordinary limits of human achievement in Scandinavia's premier world records museum.
Essential places to dine
Alouette
0.3 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Restaurant Schønnemann
0.4 km
Experience authentic Danish smørrebrød and century-old culinary tradition at Restaurant Schønnemann, a historic Copenhagen institution renowned for its iconic lunch culture.
Kokkeriet
0.4 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Grønnegade
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Restaurant Vita
0.5 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Restaurant Rebel
0.5 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Den Lille Fede
0.5 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.
Frank
0.5 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
l’Alsace
0.5 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Bistro Royal
0.5 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Goldfinch
0.6 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Aoc
0.6 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Marchal
0.6 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Selma
0.6 km
Modern Nordic smørrebrød and craft beers in a cozy Copenhagen corner, where a Swedish chef turns the classic open sandwich into refined, Bib Gourmand–worthy plates.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.3 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
0.4 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Storm - design art fashion
0.4 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.
Norse Projects
0.5 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Souvenir Gifts shop
0.5 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.
Fjällräven
0.5 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.
Norse Store
0.5 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
The Wilde Shop
0.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Time's Up Vintage
0.6 km
Discover curated vintage fashion, rare designer finds, and decades of style history at Time’s Up Vintage in Copenhagen’s bustling Indre By.
Another nué
0.6 km
A calm, curated Copenhagen fashion boutique where Scandinavian minimalism meets historic Krystalgade in a protected Neoclassical townhouse.
Studio Arhoj
0.6 km
A working Copenhagen design studio where shelves of colorful ceramics and glass meet the sights, sounds and warmth of craft being made in real time.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.6 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
0.6 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Viking Souvenirs
0.6 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
ILLUM
0.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Trykbar
0.3 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.
Gejser Bar
0.4 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
The Moose
0.5 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.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
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.
Black Swan
0.5 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.
Charlie's Bar
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
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.
Bar'Vin
0.5 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
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.
Balthazar
0.6 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.
Strøm
0.6 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
The Jane
0.6 km
Mad Men–style speakeasy meets late-night dance floor in a warren of hidden rooms, leather sofas and cocktail-fuelled energy beneath central Copenhagen.
Bootleggers
0.6 km
Cosy two‑floor craft beer cellar and speakeasy‑style cocktail bar by Torvehallerne, pouring rotating taps, classic drinks, burgers and bottomless popcorn.
The Globe Irish Pub
0.7 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in central Copenhagen, pouring serious beer and whiskey alongside hearty comfort food, sports screenings and cozy, hygge-tinged corners.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
0.3 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
0.4 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
0.5 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.
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.
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.
Arch
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Hive
0.9 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Chateau Motel
0.9 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Rumors
0.9 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
0.9 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
0.9 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
0.9 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
1.0 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Dorsia
1.0 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Zefside
1.1 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- 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
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
