Dragør Harbour (Dragør Havn)
Atmospheric historic harbour on the Øresund, where yellow houses, working boats and a century‑old sea fort tell the seafaring story of Dragør.
Dragør Harbour is the atmospheric heart of one of Denmark’s best‑preserved historic seafaring towns, set on the Øresund coast just south of Copenhagen. Once a royal “King’s Harbour” and major herring market, it grew into one of the country’s busiest sailing ports, with shipowners, pilots and fishermen packed into yellow‑washed houses around the quays. Today the harbour blends old warehouses, pilot buildings and a World War I sea fort with wooden fishing boats, yachts, small museums and waterfront cafés, all framed by big skies and views towards the Øresund Bridge.
A brief summary to Dragør havn
- Vestgrønningen 4, Dragør, 2791, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring a windproof layer, even in summer; the open Øresund makes the piers and fort noticeably breezier and cooler than inland streets.
- Aim for early morning or late evening light to photograph the yellow houses and boats; the low sun creates especially warm tones and soft shadows.
- Allow extra time to wander into the old town lanes directly behind the harbour, where the cobblestones and flower‑lined alleys complete the experience.
- Check opening times for the small museums on the harbour if you want interior visits; many keep limited hours outside the main summer season.
- If you’re sensitive to uneven surfaces, wear sturdy shoes; the cobbles, piers and fort ramparts can be slippery when wet.
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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Bus from central Copenhagen
From Copenhagen’s central area, take an A‑bus or S‑bus such as line 250S or 350S towards Dragør and ride to the Dragør Skole stop near Vestgrønningen; the journey typically takes 35–50 minutes depending on traffic. Buses usually run at least every 15–20 minutes in the daytime, with reduced frequency in the evening. A single adult ticket within the Copenhagen zone system costs roughly 24–36 DKK depending on distance and ticket type, and buses are low‑floor, making this the easiest option for most visitors.
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Bike from Copenhagen city centre
Confident cyclists can follow signposted cycle routes across Amager from central Copenhagen to Dragør, passing through flat suburban and coastal landscapes; expect around 60–80 minutes of cycling one way at a moderate pace. The terrain is almost entirely level but can feel exposed in windy weather, so bring layers and water. City bikes and rentals are widely available in Copenhagen, with daily hire commonly in the range of 100–200 DKK depending on the bike.
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Taxi or rideshare from Copenhagen or the airport
A taxi from the city centre to Dragør Harbour usually takes 25–35 minutes in normal traffic, while from Copenhagen Airport the ride is often 10–15 minutes. Fares from central Copenhagen are typically in the region of 250–400 DKK depending on time of day and route, and from the airport usually 150–250 DKK. Taxis provide door‑to‑harbour convenience and are practical if you’re travelling with luggage or in poor weather, though costs rise at night and on weekends.
Dragør havn location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Dragør havn
A historic gateway on the Øresund
Dragør Harbour sits where the low island of Amager meets the busy Øresund Strait, and for centuries this sheltered inlet was far more than a pretty backdrop. From the late Middle Ages, when vast herring shoals drew merchants from across the Baltic, Dragør developed as a royal “King’s Harbour” and trading place. Market stalls, salting sheds and simple jetties lined the shore, and the town’s fortunes rose and fell with the catch. By the 18th and 19th centuries the harbour had become one of Denmark’s leading sailing ports, second only to Copenhagen in tonnage at times. Tall‑masted ships bound for the Baltic, the North Sea and beyond were owned and crewed by local skippers, giving Dragør its reputation as a classic “skipper town” where almost every street was tied to life at sea.Quays, pilot towers and working boats
Walking the quays today, you move through a compact open‑air archive of maritime buildings and equipment. On the water, traditional fishing vessels and modern yachts share the basins, their masts reflecting in the often‑calm surface of the sound. Along the north and south piers you can still find warehouses, old sheds and the former port office that once stored rope, tar and salted fish. Dragør has hosted an organized pilot service since the 1600s, guiding ships through the shallow, shifting channels of the Øresund. The old pilot station and tower on the harbour edge recall this role, with views out to the shipping lanes that made the town prosperous. Even today a pilot station operates here, and seeing pilot boats manoeuvre alongside large vessels is part of the harbour’s daily theatre.Harbour houses and cobbled backstreets
Just a few steps from the water, narrow lanes of yellow‑washed houses with red tiled roofs form Dragør’s remarkably intact old town. Many of these low buildings date from the late 1700s and 1800s, when shipowners, captains and craftsmen built tightly clustered homes to stay close to their vessels. The street plan feels almost like a maze, with cobblestones underfoot and hollyhocks and roses leaning over garden walls in summer. Several of the harbour‑front houses now host small museums dedicated to seafaring, piloting and local art, yet their domestic scale preserves the impression of a living village rather than a set‑piece attraction. From the quays you can look back at this dense roofscape and sense how deeply the settlement is knitted to the water.Fortifications and views over the sound
To the south, on an artificial island just off the coast, Dragør Fort adds a very different layer to the harbour’s story. Built in the early 1900s as part of the Copenhagen Sea Fortress, its concrete gun emplacements and tunnels were intended to control access to the capital through the Øresund. Today the fort functions peacefully, with grassy ramparts that offer sweeping views across the town, the sea and the distant arc of the Øresund Bridge. From the outer moles and rocky breakwaters, you can watch ferries, cargo ships and pleasure craft carve lines through the strait. On clear days the horizon feels wide and open, while in winter low clouds and wind give the harbour a more dramatic, pared‑back character that still suits its working roots.Everyday harbour life and seasonal moods
Despite its long history, Dragør Harbour remains very much in use. A handful of professional fishermen still operate from small boats, landing their catch close to simple shacks where nets can be seen drying in the wind. Local yacht clubs and sea‑sports groups launch dinghies and kayaks from slips, and in settled weather the basins fill with visiting pleasure boats. Alongside these activities, waterfront cafés, ice‑cream stalls and restaurants bring an easygoing rhythm in the warmer months, when outdoor seating looks straight out over the masts. In colder seasons the harbour is quieter but no less atmospheric, with crisp air, calls of seabirds and the creak of moorings providing a more contemplative experience.A living link to Denmark’s maritime heritage
Dragør Harbour, together with the old town behind it, is recognized as one of Denmark’s most complete historic maritime environments. Beneath the cobbles and current buildings lie layers of medieval settlement, while the preserved 18th‑ and 19th‑century layout still makes sense in terms of wind, tide and trade. For visitors, the appeal lies in this blend of continuity and everyday life. You can trace the arc from medieval fish markets and royal pilotage to modern leisure sailing and coastal walks without leaving the waterfront. The result is a small harbour that manages to feel both like a cherished heritage site and a place where ships still matter and the sea is always present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Peberholm
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Krudhuset
9.0 km
Marvel at St. Alexander Nevsky Church, Copenhagen’s ornate Russian Orthodox landmark crowned by golden onion domes, blending history, artistry, and spiritual serenity.
Havneholmen 33
10.2 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
The Old Execution site in Copenhagen 1946-1950
10.3 km
A hidden concrete foundation marks where post-war Denmark executed Nazi collaborators in secrecy.
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
10.3 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.
Circle Bridge
10.4 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.
Cykelslangen
10.4 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Danish Architecture Centre
10.6 km
Explore Danish and international architecture, urban development, and design at Copenhagen's premier cultural center, the Danish Architecture Centre, located in the iconic BLOX building.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
10.6 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Havnegade Promenaden
10.6 km
Copenhagen's revitalized waterfront promenade blending historic charm with playful modern recreation.
Havnepromenade
10.6 km
Copenhagen's historic 750-meter waterfront where 19th-century maritime heritage meets vibrant contemporary urban life.
Inderhavnsbroen
10.6 km
Copenhagen's iconic curved 'kissing bridge' where innovation meets the Inner Harbour.
The Stable Boy's House
10.6 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.
The War Museum
10.7 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Børsen
10.7 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Unmissable attractions to see
Amager
4.7 km
Copenhagen’s all‑in‑one island: wild grasslands, long sandy beaches, bold architecture and easygoing waterfront life, all just minutes from the historic city centre.
Den Blå Planet
5.0 km
Northern Europe's largest aquarium where sharks swim overhead and sea otters steal your heart.
Bjarke Cirkelsten af Thomas Dambo
5.5 km
A kneeling wooden troll guarding a mystical stone circle in the Danish forest.
Amager Beachpark
6.9 km
Copenhagen's 4.6 km urban beach with lagoons, artificial island, and Øresund Bridge views.
Saltholm
6.9 km
A low, wind-brushed island sanctuary in the Øresund, where shallow seas, open meadows and protected birdlife create wild coastal nature on Copenhagen’s doorstep.
Field's
7.3 km
Scandinavia-scale shopping, dining and entertainment under one sleek roof in Copenhagen’s modern Ørestad district, from fashion and design to cinema, trampolines and a vast hypermarket.
Arne Jacobsens Allé 12
7.4 km
A vast, light-filled shopping town under one roof in Copenhagen’s Ørestad district, mixing fashion, daily essentials, dining and shelter from the Danish weather.
Kongelundsfortet
7.7 km
A First World War coastal fort turned green refuge, where concrete ramparts, bird-filled meadows and wide sea views create a relaxed slice of Copenhagen’s defence history.
Bella Center Copenhagen
7.7 km
Copenhagen’s powerhouse convention and exhibition centre, combining vast flexible halls, sleek Nordic design and direct metro access in the modern Ørestad district.
Amager Beach Park
7.8 km
Copenhagen’s long, sandy front porch on the Øresund, where dunes, lagoons and a city promenade turn everyday life into a seaside escape.
St. Anne's Church
7.9 km
Elegant red-brick Catholic church on Amager, blending early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture with a calm, light-filled interior and living parish life.
DR Koncerthuset
8.9 km
Copenhagen’s bold blue concert house, where world-class acoustics, striking Jean Nouvel architecture and Denmark’s national ensembles meet under one dramatic roof.
Amager Fælled
8.9 km
Semi-wild meadows and wetlands brushing against Copenhagen’s skyline, Amager Fælled is the city’s closest taste of open Danish nature.
Kalvebod Fælled
9.4 km
A vast reclaimed seabed turned wild urban commons, where big skies, grazing herds, rich birdlife and long trails create a rare sense of wilderness beside Copenhagen.
Øresund Bridge
9.9 km
Discover Denmark’s Viking maritime past with authentic ships, reconstructed vessels, hands-on workshops, and stunning fjord views at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Vandvid
9.8 km
Organic, seasonal Nordic cooking served on a gently rocking houseboat in Sydhavnen, where harbor life, simple design and water views frame every meal.
Restaurant Lola
9.9 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Kadeau
10.2 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.
Cafe Wilder
10.3 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
The Harbour
10.4 km
Calm, contemporary harbourfront dining inside Copenhagen Island hotel, pairing generous breakfasts and modern Nordic-inspired dishes with sweeping water views.
No. 2
10.4 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 Kanalen
10.4 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Restaurant Barr
10.5 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.
MASH Penthouse
10.5 km
Skyline steakhouse on the 12th floor of Tivoli Hotel, blending premium cuts, crafted cocktails and sweeping Copenhagen views in a chic, velvety penthouse setting.
Noma
10.6 km
Boundary-pushing New Nordic tasting menus in an understated waterfront warehouse, where radical seasonality, fermentation and Danish warmth shape an immersive dining experience.
Restaurant Noi
10.7 km
Experience modern Nordic cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting at Restaurant Noi, a favorite for seasonal dining in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Je t'aime
10.8 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
Kanal-Caféen
10.8 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Khun Juk
10.8 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 Karla
10.9 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
10.4 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Copenhagenglass
10.9 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
10.9 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.
Tivoli Gift Shop
11.0 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Magasin du Nord
11.0 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Danish Souvenirs
11.1 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
11.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Zane
11.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Viking Souvenirs
11.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
11.1 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
11.1 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Læderstræde
11.1 km
Læderstræde is a historic pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, offering a blend of independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and authentic Danish ambiance year-round.
Urban Outfitters
11.1 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
11.2 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Audrey Vintage
11.2 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Whammy Bar
8.8 km
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Lassie Bar
9.2 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Eiffel bar
10.3 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
Pier5 Bar
10.4 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
The Marble Bar
10.8 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Jolene Bar
10.8 km
Industrial-cool bar in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending late-night house beats, inclusive crowds and no-fuss drinks in a converted slaughterhouse space.
TATA Cocktail Bar
10.8 km
An intimate, velvet‑soft cocktail sanctuary inside Hotel Sanders, blending theatre‑inspired charm, crafted drinks and Copenhagen’s cosy, candlelit elegance.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
10.9 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
11.0 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Brønnum
11.0 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Ved Stranden
11.0 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.
The Rooftop Bar
11.0 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.
K-Bar
11.0 km
A small, monochrome cocktail lounge off Ved Stranden where crafted infusions, intimate lighting and a personal touch showcase Copenhagen’s modern bar culture.
Zefside
11.0 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Ruby
11.0 km
Hidden in an 18th‑century canal‑side townhouse, Ruby pairs quietly glamorous, apartment‑style interiors with some of Copenhagen’s most considered cocktails.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
KB3
10.9 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Baggen
11.0 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
Club Mambo
11.0 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
The Union
11.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Lusso
11.2 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.
CristalClubCopenhagen
11.2 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
11.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
Chateau Motel
11.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Zoo
11.3 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.
Module
11.3 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Dorsia
11.3 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Hive
11.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Miami Bar
11.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Mini Bar
11.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Mirror
11.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Myth & Legends
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
- LGBT Friendly
