Copenhagen Contemporary
Immersive large-scale installation art in a vast former shipyard hall on Copenhagen’s Refshaleøen, where industrial history meets cutting-edge contemporary creativity.
Copenhagen Contemporary is Denmark’s major center for large-scale installation art, housed in a vast former B&W shipyard welding hall on Refshaleøen. Inside its raw industrial shell, you step into immersive environments of light, sound, sculpture and monumental video works by global names and emerging talents. With changing exhibitions, workshops, a café, and a shop, it’s a vibrant cultural hub just across the harbour from central Copenhagen.
A brief summary to Copenhagen Contemporary
- Refshalevej 173A, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1432, DK
- +4529898087
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-9 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Saturday 11 am-6 pm
- Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least two hours, as many installations unfold slowly and some video works last 20–40 minutes.
- Arrive on Thursday late afternoon to enjoy quieter galleries and the extended evening opening hours.
- Bring a light layer; the vast industrial halls can feel cool even on mild days.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Refshaleøen’s harbourfront and nearby food venues for a full afternoon outing.
- Check current exhibitions in advance if you are sensitive to intense light or sound, as some works can be immersive and powerful.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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City bus from central Copenhagen
From the inner city, use a regular city bus service toward Refshaleøen; typical journeys from central stops take about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run frequently during the day and less often in the evening. A standard single ticket within the city zones usually costs around 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or public transport apps. Expect a short walk on mostly flat, occasionally uneven pavement from the bus stop to the entrance, which is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Harbour bus across the inner harbour
Boat-style harbour buses connect several central quays with stops near Refshaleøen in roughly 15–25 minutes, offering a scenic approach along the waterfront. Regular public transport tickets and city passes are valid; single fares are generally in the 20–30 DKK range. Services run at set intervals and may be less frequent in late evenings or on very cold, stormy days. From the harbour stop, follow the waterfront and industrial yards on a level path to reach the art centre.
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Cycling from the city centre
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make the ride from central squares to Refshaleøen straightforward, usually taking 10–20 minutes at a relaxed pace. You can use city bike-share schemes or standard rentals, which commonly cost from about 50–100 DKK for a few hours. The final stretch crosses old harbour infrastructure and some slightly rougher surfaces, so lights and basic cycling confidence are helpful, but the route is flat and suitable for most riders.
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Taxi or rideshare within Copenhagen
Taxis from central Copenhagen to Refshalevej typically take 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and bridge congestion. Daytime fares for this distance often fall in the 120–220 DKK range, with higher prices at night and on weekends. Vehicles can usually drop passengers close to the entrance, which is useful for visitors with limited mobility. Parking in the surrounding area is paid and time-limited, so taxis avoid the need to manage local parking rules.
Copenhagen Contemporary location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Copenhagen Contemporary
Industrial shipyard reborn as an art powerhouse
Copenhagen Contemporary, often called CC, occupies a colossal former B&W welding hall on Refshaleøen, once the beating heart of Copenhagen’s shipbuilding industry. The steel beams, high ceilings and rough concrete floors have been kept deliberately exposed, turning the building itself into a striking backdrop for contemporary art. Spread over about 7,000 square metres, the halls feel more like a cathedral of industry than a conventional white-cube gallery, giving artists room to work at architectural scale. Today this old shipyard complex anchors one of the city’s newest cultural districts. Outside, you still notice traces of cranes, slipways and workshops, but many have been taken over by creative studios, food markets and experimental venues. Stepping through CC’s entrance, marked by bold orange “CC” signage, you cross a threshold from weathered harbourfront into a carefully choreographed world of light, sound and space.Immersive installations you experience with your whole body
Copenhagen Contemporary specialises in large-format installations, performance pieces and monumental video works that visitors don’t just look at, but physically enter. Darkened halls may be filled with coloured light, slow-moving projections or enveloping soundscapes that make you feel as if you are walking inside a film, a sculpture or a piece of music. Some exhibitions focus on digital futures and robotics; others explore perception, fashion, architecture or the environment. Because the spaces are so generous, many artworks stretch far above head height or occupy an entire hall, creating an almost cinematic sense of scale. It is common to find quiet corners for contemplation alongside playful, interactive pieces that invite you to move, listen closely, or sit and let the work unfold over time. The atmosphere is exploratory rather than formal, making it easy to wander, double back, and experience the same installation from different angles.Creative programs, café life and a well-curated design shop
Beyond the main exhibition halls, CC functions as a lively meeting place for art, design and conversation. The ground floor café serves as a social hub where visitors linger over coffee, lunch or a glass of wine between installations. Natural light, views of the harbour and the building’s rugged textures give it an informal, urban feel that fits the Refshaleøen surroundings. Workshops and family-friendly activities frequently take place in dedicated spaces, especially on weekends and school holidays. Here, children and adults can experiment with materials and ideas inspired by current exhibitions. A compact but thoughtfully curated shop near the entrance focuses on Scandinavian design, art books, prints and distinctive objects that reflect the centre’s contemporary aesthetic, making it an appealing last stop before you leave.Harbourfront setting in Copenhagen’s newest cultural district
Part of the appeal of Copenhagen Contemporary lies in its setting on Refshaleøen, a peninsula that has transformed from heavy industry into a creative playground. From the art centre, it is a short stroll to waterside promenades, seasonal food halls, casual harbour baths and pop-up cultural projects. On clear days, the view back across the harbour towards central Copenhagen and the Opera House underlines how close yet distinct this district feels. The neighbourhood retains a pleasantly raw character: patches of wild greenery grow between concrete yards, former warehouses host small businesses, and street art often appears on corrugated metal and brick. Visiting CC can easily form the core of a longer exploration of the area, combining high-end contemporary art with informal food experiences and time by the water.Practical visitor experience and accessibility
Copenhagen Contemporary is designed to be accessible and straightforward to navigate. Entrances are ramped with automatic doors, wide corridors and lifts link the different levels, and accessible toilets are available on multiple floors. Large, clear wall texts in both Danish and English provide context for the exhibitions without overwhelming the visual experience. Seating is scattered through many halls so you can pause and take in a long video work or simply rest. Opening hours follow a museum-style rhythm: the art centre is typically closed on Mondays, open during the day from Tuesday to Sunday, and offers extended evening hours on Thursdays. Mobile reception inside the steel-framed building is generally reliable, and the open-plan layout makes it simple to choose whether to move quickly through highlights or spend several hours absorbing the installations at a slower pace.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.7 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.9 km
A soaring tribute to Danish heroism, the Iver Huitfeldt Memorial stands sentinel over Copenhagen’s harbor, blending history, artistry, and breathtaking waterfront views.
Maritime Monument
1.0 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Horn mine
1.2 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Our Fallen
1.2 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
I am Queen Mary
1.3 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Larsens Pl.
1.4 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
1.5 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Rytterstatuen
1.6 km
A towering bronze king on horseback, Rytterstatuen anchors Amalienborg’s royal square, uniting art, power and urban design in the heart of Copenhagen.
Amalienborg Palace
1.6 km
Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
1.6 km
Immerse yourself in the splendor and stories of Denmark’s monarchy at Amalienborg Palace Museum, where royal tradition and personal history come alive.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
1.7 km
Copenhagen's ornate Russian Orthodox gem with gilded domes and royal heritage near Amalienborg Palace.
Frederik's Church
1.7 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
St. Paul's Church
1.8 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
1.8 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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Refshaleøen, Copenhagen
0.2 km
Copenhagen's industrial-turned-creative waterfront where shipyard heritage meets cutting-edge culture and world-class cuisine.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
0.3 km
Industrial harbour vibes meet global street food, live events and a glowing winter ice rink at Copenhagen’s most atmospheric container village.
Holmen
0.5 km
Historic naval islands turned calm harbour quarter, where dockyards, academies and the Copenhagen Opera House share wide quays and sweeping city views.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.8 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
The Little Mermaid
0.9 km
Historic harbor district ablaze with color, culture, and canals—Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most iconic and photogenic waterfront destination.
Langelinie Park
0.9 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Langelinieparken
0.9 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
1.0 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Langelinie Pavillonen
1.0 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Segway Cruise Copenhagen
1.0 km
Discover St Alban’s Church, Copenhagen’s only Anglican church, where neo-Gothic architecture and lush parkland meet Danish and British history near the city's harbor.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
1.1 km
A darkly playful harbourfront sculpture that twists Copenhagen’s fairytale mermaid into a sharp, bronze critique of genetics, icons and postmodern life.
Gefion Fountain
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
Langelinie
1.1 km
Copenhagen’s classic harbourfront promenade, where sea air, green parkland, and iconic sculptures like The Little Mermaid meet at the edge of the Øresund.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
1.1 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
St Alban's Church
1.1 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Essential places to dine
Alchemist
0.1 km
Six hours of theatrical culinary innovation where haute cuisine meets immersive art installation.
La Banchina
0.5 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Noma
1.2 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Veve
1.3 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
Sushi Anaba
1.8 km
Europe's finest omakase counter, where Nordic seafood meets Tokyo precision in an eight-seat sanctuary of culinary excellence.
Kokkeriet
1.9 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Aoc
1.9 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Silo
1.9 km
Contemporary Nordic dining and cocktails on the 17th floor of a converted grain silo, with sweeping harbor and city views across Copenhagen’s evolving Nordhavn waterfront.
Restaurant Rebel
2.0 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.
Khun Juk
2.0 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.
Restaurant Barr
2.0 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.
Skipperkroen
2.0 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
2.1 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Restaurant Vita
2.1 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Dag H
2.1 km
Stylish Østerbro brasserie offering classic bistro plates, all-day dining, and a cosmopolitan terrace in Copenhagen’s embassy quarter.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
1.3 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
1.8 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.
Maritime Antiques &
1.9 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.
Copenhagenglass
2.0 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Zane
2.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
The Wilde Shop
2.1 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Red Cross Op Shop
2.2 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Viking Souvenirs
2.3 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
2.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
2.3 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 World of Memories
2.3 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
2.4 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
2.4 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Storm - design art fashion
2.4 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.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
2.4 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
1.8 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.
Chevy's
1.9 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
Østerbros Perle Pub
2.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
Aloha Beach Bar
2.2 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Brønnum
2.2 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
2.3 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Bar Deco
2.3 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
TATA Cocktail Bar
2.3 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
ØB
2.3 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
Balthazar
2.4 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.
Trianglen 7
2.4 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
Trykbar
2.4 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.
1105
2.4 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Søernes Ølbar
2.4 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
The Moose
2.5 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
2.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
2.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Operaen
2.3 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.
Lusso
2.3 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.
The Zoo
2.4 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.
Mirage
2.9 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
2.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
3.0 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
3.0 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
3.1 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
3.1 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Zefside
3.1 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.
Miami Bar
3.1 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
La Terraza
3.1 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Dorsia
3.2 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
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Industrial
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
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
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
