Danish Architecture Centre (DAC)
Copenhagen’s harbourside hub for design and urban life, where immersive exhibitions, playful workshops and rooftop views reveal how architecture shapes the way we live.
The Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) in Copenhagen’s harbourside BLOX building is Denmark’s hub for architecture, design and urban life. Inside, dynamic exhibitions like “So Danish!” and “Age of Nature” trace a thousand years of Danish architecture and explore sustainable cities of the future. Creative family workshops, interactive installations and a dramatic indoor slide make it engaging for all ages, while the DAC Café and roof terraces offer big-sky views over Copenhagen’s inner harbour.
A brief summary to Danish Architecture Centre
- Bryghusgade 10, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1473, DK
- +4532571930
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-9 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least 1.5–2 hours to explore both the permanent “So Danish!” gallery and the current main exhibition, plus time for the café or design shop.
- If you are visiting with children, head to the family workshop and kids’ zones earlier in the day, as some activities close before the general galleries.
- Come on a weekday morning or late on Monday or Thursday evenings for a quieter experience and more space around the models and installations.
- Check for English-language gallery tours; they are often included in the ticket price and give useful context to Denmark’s architectural history.
- Even if you are not hungry, take the lift up to the café level for some of the best inner-harbour views and access to the roof terraces.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 Cityringen metro to Gammel Strand or Rådhuspladsen and allow about 10–15 minutes’ total travel time including the walk along the harbourfront. A single adult ticket for the relevant zones typically costs around 20–25 DKK, and metros run every few minutes throughout the day. Elevators and level platforms make this a good option for visitors with reduced mobility.
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Bus
Several city bus lines stop within a short walk of Bryghusgade and the waterfront near the Danish Architecture Centre, with journey times of roughly 10–20 minutes from most inner-city districts depending on traffic. A standard bus ticket for 2–3 zones usually costs in the range of 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or travel apps. Buses run frequently during the day and early evening but may be less frequent late at night and on weekends.
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Bicycle
Cycling is one of the most convenient ways to reach the Danish Architecture Centre from anywhere in central Copenhagen, typically taking 5–15 minutes from neighbourhoods such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro. Dedicated cycle lanes lead directly to the harbourfront near BLOX, and several city bike-share docks are located in the surrounding streets. Be prepared for windy conditions along the water and remember that bike lights are required after dark.
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Walking
If you are staying in the historic centre, expect a pleasant 10–25 minute walk to the Danish Architecture Centre, depending on your starting point. Routes often follow the canals or harbour, with level pavements and occasional cobblestones. The approach is generally step-free, but some sections can be exposed in wet or windy weather, so pack a waterproof layer or warm clothing outside the summer months.
Danish Architecture Centre 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 Danish Architecture Centre
Where Danish architecture meets the future
The Danish Architecture Centre is Denmark’s focal point for everything built, designed and planned. Set within the striking glass-and-steel BLOX complex on Copenhagen’s inner harbour, it acts as a bridge between professionals and curious visitors, inviting you into the stories behind the city’s facades, streets and skylines. Rather than looking only to the past, DAC constantly asks how we will live, work and share space in the future. Across several levels, exhibitions unpack how architecture shapes everyday life, from how light enters a living room to how entire districts adapt to rising sea levels. Models, films and large-scale installations encourage you to wander, pause and consider how cities can become more sustainable, inclusive and beautiful.So Danish! a thousand years of building a nation
A highlight is “So Danish!”, the centre’s first permanent exhibition, which traces Danish architecture from Viking longhouses to contemporary timber towers. Here, you move through a chronological journey that links churches, town halls and social housing to the evolution of democracy and welfare. Legendary architects such as Arne Jacobsen and Jan Gehl appear alongside today’s global studios, revealing how Danish design values of simplicity, functionality and human scale have endured. Detailed models, archive drawings and immersive projections show how architecture has responded to changing politics, technology and climate. By the time you exit, landmarks across Copenhagen start to feel like chapters in a single unfolding story.Age of Nature and the green city laboratory
In temporary exhibitions like “Age of Nature”, DAC becomes a testing ground for rethinking the relationship between buildings and the natural world. Here you might encounter facades designed as habitats for birds and insects, towers grown from mycelium, or speculative landscapes where cities and wilderness coexist. These shows are hands-on and sensorial, inviting you to touch materials, walk through atmospheric installations and imagine cities that store carbon, manage cloudbursts and boost biodiversity. The centre’s broader programming reinforces this focus: talks, screenings and guided city walks explore how Copenhagen is reinventing itself as a climate-conscious harbour city.Playful architecture for families and kids
Architecture can be abstract, but DAC makes it tangible for children. Weekends and school holidays bring family workshops where kids build future cities from LEGO bricks, recycled cardboard or matchsticks, guided by friendly hosts. Interactive trails at children’s eye-level turn the galleries into a playful learning environment. The museum’s most talked-about feature for young visitors is the bright red indoor slide that links upper levels to the lower floor in one exhilarating swoop. Combined with hands-on labs and generous space to move, it turns a cultural visit into an energetic outing that still sneaks in big ideas about space, form and sustainability.Café views and design-forward details
High above the water, the DAC Café and terraces might offer some of the best harbour views in Copenhagen. Here you can sit among Nordic design furniture, sampling light, seasonal dishes built around local and often organic ingredients, while watching cyclists and harbour buses glide past below. The shifting light over the water and city spires adds an ever-changing backdrop to lunch or an evening drink. On the ground and mezzanine levels, the DAC Design Shop presents a curated mix of architecture books, interiors objects and Danish design pieces. Even if you are not a dedicated architecture buff, the combination of cutting-edge exhibitions, harbour panoramas and thoughtful design details makes DAC an essential stop in the city’s cultural district.Gateway to exploring Copenhagen’s built landscape
For many, DAC is also a launchpad into the city itself. Guided walking and cycling tours start here and fan out through new harbourfront districts, historic quarters and innovative bridges. These outings reveal how ideas on the exhibition walls translate into real streets, squares and homes. Inside the building, the open atrium, layered staircases and glimpses between floors mirror the urban experience outside: constantly shifting perspectives, framed views and surprising connections. Whether you spend an hour or an afternoon, the centre encourages you to step back into Copenhagen seeing every doorway, bench and roofline with a more curious eye.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Stable Boy's House
0.1 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Circle Bridge
0.3 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.4 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
The Danish Parliament
0.4 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Frederik VII
0.5 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Holmens Bro
0.5 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.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.5 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Gammel Strand
0.6 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.6 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Højbro
0.6 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
Islands Brygge 18
0.6 km
Discover Aarhus University Park: an iconic green haven at the city's core, where architectural elegance meets tranquil lakes, vibrant campus life, and lush Nordic landscape.
Bishop Absalon
0.6 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.6 km
Denmark's civic masterpiece: National Romantic architecture, astronomical engineering, and the heartbeat of Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Christian IV's Brewhouse
0.1 km
A fortress-turned-brewery on Slotsholmen where royal stone giants gather beneath a vast timber roof, blending military history, sculpture and Copenhagen charm.
Lille Langebro
0.2 km
A luminous, cyclist-only arc over Copenhagen’s Inner Harbour, Lille Langebro blends cutting-edge engineering with tranquil harbour views and an easy city crossing.
Kopenhagen
0.2 km
A bold "København" sculpture on the harborfront at Langebrogade, mixing graphic design, waterfront views, and everyday local life in Copenhagen’s inner city.
The War Museum
0.2 km
Five centuries of Danish warfare and resilience housed in King Christian IV's historic arsenal.
Frederiksholms Kanal
0.2 km
Historic canal skirting Slotsholmen where royal power, stately architecture and quiet waterside promenades meet in the very heart of Copenhagen.
Det Kgl. Bibliotek, The Royal Library
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s Black Diamond blends a centuries‑old national library with bold harbourfront architecture, quiet reading rooms, exhibitions, concerts and a hidden garden oasis.
Black Diamond
0.3 km
Fredensborg Palace is a magnificent 18th-century royal residence on Lake Esrum, famed for its baroque architecture, exquisite gardens, and regal Danish history.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.3 km
A quiet bronze of Denmark’s great existential thinker, seated with manuscripts in a hidden garden behind the Royal Library in the heart of Copenhagen.
Slotsholmen
0.3 km
A compact canal island where medieval fortresses, royal palaces and modern democracy meet at the very heart of Copenhagen’s harbour.
Garden of the Royal Library
0.3 km
A serene 1920s garden on a former naval harbor, where maritime heritage and artistic beauty create Copenhagen's most peaceful urban retreat.
Danish Jewish Museum
0.3 km
An intimate museum in a 17th‑century boathouse where Daniel Libeskind’s Mitzvah‑shaped architecture tells 400 years of Danish Jewish history and rescue.
Marmorbroen
0.3 km
An 18th‑century Rococo bridge that once formed the grand entrance to Christiansborg Palace, Marmorbroen quietly unites royal history, canal views and everyday city life.
National Museum of Denmark
0.4 km
Denmark’s past comes alive in a grand city palace, where Vikings, royal salons and playful children’s galleries tell 14,000 years of stories under one roof.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's Crown Jewels and royal treasures.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge
0.4 km
Open‑air saltwater pools, diving towers and sun‑warmed decks turn Copenhagen’s inner harbour at Islands Brygge into an urban beach and everyday swimming hangout.
Essential places to dine
Kanal-Caféen
0.3 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Restaurant Noi
0.3 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
No. 2
0.3 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Restaurant Karla
0.3 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Rio Bravo
0.4 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant 1733
0.5 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Puk
0.5 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Marv & Ben
0.6 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Kadeau
0.6 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.7 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Restaurant Tight
0.7 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Københavner Cafeen
0.7 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
Restaurant Maven
0.7 km
Distinctive Scandinavian dining in the soaring nave of a former church, Restaurant Maven offers inventive cuisine and fine wine in Copenhagen's historic Indre By.
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.8 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
King Hans Cellar
0.8 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Audrey Vintage
0.7 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
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.
Læderstræde
0.7 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Akimbo
0.7 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.7 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.7 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Hygge Original
0.7 km
A cozy Danish design shop on Amagertorv, offering hygge-inspired clothing, textiles and gifts in a calm, Scandinavian setting amid Copenhagen’s busiest streets.
& Other Stories
0.7 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Strøget
0.7 km
Strøget is Copenhagen’s vibrant pedestrian heart—Europe’s original walking street, lined with shops, cafés, historic facades, and street performers.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.7 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Souvenir Shop
0.7 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.7 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.7 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.8 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Marble Bar
0.3 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.4 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Zefside
0.5 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
The Rooftop Bar
0.5 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
Ruby
0.5 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
Southern Cross Pub
0.5 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Pier5 Bar
0.5 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Godt Øl
0.5 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
The Bird and The Churchkey
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Ved Stranden
0.6 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.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.6 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Taphouse
0.6 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
K-Bar
0.6 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
Centralhjørnet
0.7 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Mambo
0.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Chateau Motel
0.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
0.8 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Hive
0.8 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
0.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mirror
0.8 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.8 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Module
0.9 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
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.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Cosy Bar
0.9 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Never Mind
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.0 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
1.0 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.
Den Anden Side
1.1 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- 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
- Business Friendly
