Gammel Strand
Historic canal-front Copenhagen where an old harbor, colorful townhouses and a contemporary art center meet lively cafés, antique markets and easy waterfront wandering.
Gammel Strand is Copenhagen’s historic canal-front street and cultural hub, where the city first grew from an 11th‑century harbor into a bustling trading town. Today it blends atmospheric quayside views, 18th‑ and 19th‑century facades and the contemporary Gammel Strand art center, which stages cutting‑edge exhibitions in a canalside townhouse with a courtyard café. Antique markets, waterside bars and effortless access to boats and the metro make this a natural base for exploring the old city.
A brief summary to Gammel Strand
- Copenhagen, Indre By, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Combine a stroll along the quay with a visit to the Gammel Strand art center; check exhibition dates in advance as shows change several times a year.
- Aim for late afternoon or early evening in warmer months to enjoy soft canal light and the terraces at their most atmospheric.
- If you are budget-conscious, skip café seating and use the canal steps as a perch with a takeaway coffee while watching boats and cyclists pass.
- Look out for antique and flea markets on selected days around nearby squares if you are interested in vintage Danish design and curiosities.
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
Take the M3 Cityringen line to Gammel Strand Station, which sits directly behind the waterfront. From central hubs such as København H or Nørreport the ride takes around 3–6 minutes, with trains running every few minutes throughout the day. A single zone-2 ticket typically costs about 20–25 DKK and is valid across metro, buses and local trains.
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Bus
Several city bus routes stop within a short walk of Gammel Strand, including services running along Slotsholmsgade and Holmens Kanal. From the broader city center area, plan on 10–20 minutes of travel time depending on traffic. Standard bus fares match metro pricing, and tickets can be bought from machines at major stations or via local transport apps.
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Walking and Cycling
From nearby central areas such as Rådhuspladsen, Strøget or Nyhavn, reaching Gammel Strand on foot typically takes 5–15 minutes along flat, well-paved streets and bridges. Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make the area easy to reach by bicycle in a similar time; rental bikes and city bikes are widely available, but be prepared for cobblestones near the quay.
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Harbor boat
Copenhagen’s harbor buses call at stops close to Gammel Strand along the inner harbor, providing a scenic way to arrive from neighborhoods such as Islands Brygge or Refshaleøen. Journeys usually take 15–30 minutes depending on the route, and the boats use the same ticket system as other public transport, so a standard 20–25 DKK ticket or city travel card will cover the fare.
Gammel Strand 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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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Gammel Strand
From Old Harbor to Heart of the City
Gammel Strand occupies a storied curve of canal in Indre By, the inner city that once cradled Copenhagen’s original harbor. Here a natural inlet provided shelter for fishing boats in the 11th century, and around this working waterfront a modest settlement gradually expanded into Denmark’s capital. For centuries the quayside was lined with fishmongers; women in aprons sat at rough stalls, hawking the day’s catch to townspeople as boats nudged against the stone embankment. Though the fishing fleet has long since moved on, the sense of continuity remains. The street still follows the shape of the old shoreline, and the low hum of traffic blends with bicycle bells and the murmur of voices from the quay. Standing by the water, it is easy to imagine the clatter of wooden carts and the creak of masts that once defined daily life here.Historic Facades and Canal-Side Atmosphere
Architecturally, Gammel Strand is a showcase of 18th‑ and 19th‑century Copenhagen. Rows of tall, narrow townhouses—many rebuilt after devastating fires—rise in muted tones of ochre, cream and soft green, their steep roofs and dormer windows stepping along the canal. Ground floors open onto cafés, small restaurants and bars whose chairs spill outside in good weather, turning the embankment into an elongated sitting room for the city. The canal itself is a constant presence. Sightseeing boats glide beneath nearby bridges, kayakers slip along the waterline, and in winter low northern light catches the surface, throwing silvery reflections onto the house fronts. Gammel Strand’s position, a short stroll from Christiansborg Palace and the surrounding squares, makes it a natural pause point between grand monuments and quieter side streets.Contemporary Art at Gammel Strand
At the center of the street, the Gammel Strand art venue animates a historic canalside building with a changing program of modern and contemporary art. Founded in the early 19th century to champion new work, it continues to focus on emerging voices and fresh perspectives rather than a fixed permanent collection. Exhibitions range from experimental installations and photography to thematic shows that revisit art history from a present‑day angle. Inside, bright galleries are spread over several floors, with sightlines that frame both the artwork and glimpses of the canal outside. The absence of a permanent display gives the place a restless energy; returning visitors encounter an entirely different experience from one season to the next. Talks, performances and debates often accompany major shows, turning the venue into a forum where art, politics and everyday life meet.Cafés, Courtyards and Market Life
Beyond its galleries, Gammel Strand is loved for its human scale. On the ground floor of the art center, a cozy café offers coffee, natural wine and simple seasonal plates, opening onto a small courtyard that feels a world away from the main thoroughfares. Nearby, other eateries specialize in brunch, baked goods or casual drinks, many with outdoor tables right at the water’s edge. On selected days, parts of the area host antique and flea markets, where traders lay out Danish design, vintage glassware and intriguing oddities on trestle tables. Browsing here adds a tactile counterpoint to the more formal art indoors. In summer, students and office workers settle on the canal steps with takeaway coffee or a cold beer, using the quay itself as informal seating while the city flows past.A Compact Base for Exploring Old Copenhagen
Gammel Strand’s appeal is amplified by its location. Within a few minutes’ walk lie some of Copenhagen’s most significant sites, from the spires and courtyards of Christiansborg Palace to the shopping spine of Strøget and the intimate squares of Højbro Plads and Amagertorv. Canal cruises often depart close by, allowing visitors to pair time on the water with a stroll along the quay. Despite this centrality, the atmosphere is more relaxed than in the city’s most photographed harbor fronts. Mornings can feel almost local, with commuters crossing the bridges by bike and gallery staff preparing for the day’s visitors. As evening falls, reflections from streetlights and windows ripple in the canal, and the historic facades become a backdrop to the low buzz of conversation from bars and cafés.Experiencing Gammel Strand Your Own Way
Whether approached as a brief stop between larger attractions or as a neighborhood to linger in, Gammel Strand offers a concentrated slice of Copenhagen life. Art enthusiasts can plan visits around exhibitions and talks, while design hunters time trips to coincide with antique markets. Others simply use the quay as a place to sit, watch boats drift by and take in the rhythm of an old harbor that has reinvented itself without losing its sense of place. The combination of layered history, contemporary culture and easy canal-side pleasures makes Gammel Strand both a destination in its own right and a quietly memorable thread running through any exploration of the city center.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Højbro
0.1 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Frederik VII
0.2 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.2 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
0.3 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Holmens Bro
0.3 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.
Jorcks Passage
0.3 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Varehuset Messen
0.4 km
A historic 1895 department store turned business college, crowned by Hermes and layered with centuries of mercantile and intellectual history on Købmagergade.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
0.4 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Gammeltorv
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's only Russian Orthodox Church, renowned for its gilded domes, lavish icons, and evocative ties to Denmark's royal and multicultural heritage.
The War Museum
0.4 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
National Museum of Denmark
0.4 km
Explore Denmark's rich history and cultural heritage at the National Museum in Copenhagen, home to Viking treasures, Bronze Age relics, and captivating exhibits for all ages.
Børsen
0.4 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Church of Our Lady
0.4 km
Denmark's neoclassical cathedral, crowned with Thorvaldsen's masterpiece sculptures and centuries of royal ceremony.
The Round Tower
0.4 km
Explore The Round Tower, Copenhagen's historic observatory offering stunning city views and engaging cultural exhibitions.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.5 km
Explore Copenhagen's captivating history at the Museum of Copenhagen, from Viking settlements to modern marvels, through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.
Unmissable attractions to see
Læderstræde
0.1 km
A cosy Old Town side street where rebuilt 18th‑century townhouses, Danish design boutiques and laid‑back cafés create a calm, human‑scaled alternative to busy Strøget.
Bishop Absalon
0.1 km
Denmark’s national gallery showcases Nordic and international masterpieces in stunning, light-filled halls—SMK is a must-visit for art lovers in Copenhagen.
Højbro Plads
0.1 km
A historic canal in central Copenhagen, Frederiksholms Kanal blends royal heritage, elegant facades, and tranquil waterways in the heart of the Danish capital.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.1 km
A submerged family of bronze beneath Højbro Bridge brings an old Danish ballad of love, faith and abandonment to life in the heart of historic Copenhagen.
Thorvaldsens Museum
0.1 km
Denmark’s first public art museum, Thorvaldsens Museum blends neoclassical sculpture, vivid architecture, and tranquil courtyards into one immersive urban sanctuary.
Amagertorv
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s historic marketplace turned elegant pedestrian square, where storks, cobblestones and centuries‑old facades meet modern design and city life.
Strøget
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s longest pedestrian promenade, Strøget blends historic streets, designer boutiques and animated street life into one continuous urban stroll.
Stromma Canal Tours
0.1 km
Discover the world of 'Nordic gold' at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where history, science, and stunning amber artifacts meet in Nyhavn’s oldest house.
Højbro Pl.
0.1 km
Open, airy and steeped in history, Højbro Plads is Copenhagen’s neoclassical city living room between canal, palace views and busy pedestrian streets.
Ved Stranden
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s famous waterfront promenade blending royal history, iconic monuments, and scenic strolls along the city’s vibrant harborside.
Stork Fountain
0.2 km
Bask in the serene Baltic ambiance of Rødvig Beach on South Zealand—an inviting stretch of sand with sweeping views of Stevns Klint and local Danish charm.
Segway Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
Strikingly modern, immersive, and acoustically exceptional, DR Koncerthuset is Copenhagen's world-renowned concert hall and a must-visit for music and architecture lovers.
Christiansborg Palace
0.2 km
Stroll along Frederiksholms Kanal, the elegant Copenhagen waterway flanked by historic palaces and vibrant cultural landmarks at the heart of Indre By.
Magstræde
0.2 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest cobbled lanes, Magstræde is a colorful, time‑worn shortcut through the city’s medieval heart and everyday modern life.
Nikolaj Art Gallery
0.2 km
Medieval church transformed into a beacon of experimental contemporary art in Copenhagen's historic heart.
Essential places to dine
Marv & Ben
0.1 km
Inventive New Nordic tasting menus and Danish culinary artistry await in an atmospheric 18th-century townhouse in Copenhagen’s historic Indre By.
Restaurant Tight
0.1 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.
Restaurant 1733
0.2 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Københavner Cafeen
0.2 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
0.2 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.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.2 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 Sole D’Italia - København
0.3 km
Classic stone-oven pizzas and familiar Italian favourites served on one of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric squares in the heart of the old town.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
Wining and Dining
0.3 km
French-inspired fine dining with exceptional wines in Copenhagen's historic heart
Kanal-Caféen
0.4 km
Historic canal-side lunch restaurant from 1852, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and platters in cosy wood-panelled rooms beside Frederiksholms Kanal.
Det Lille Apotek
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, where candlelit wooden rooms, traditional Danish dishes and centuries of stories create a warm slice of true Danish hygge.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
0.4 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
l’Alsace
0.4 km
Classic French bistro cooking, polished wines and candlelit charm in the heart of Copenhagen’s shopping streets.
Restaurant Karla
0.5 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
Hygge Original
0.1 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.
Audrey Vintage
0.1 km
Curated vintage fashion in Copenhagen's heart, where timeless style meets sustainable shopping.
Danish Souvenirs & Luggages
0.1 km
Central Strøget gift shop combining classic Danish souvenirs with practical luggage and bags, perfectly placed for a quick browse between Old Town sights.
Akimbo
0.1 km
A cosy basement gift shop in Copenhagen’s old town, packed with colourful design, quirky treasures and hygge-infused souvenirs on charming Hyskenstræde.
& Other Stories
0.1 km
Contemporary Scandinavian fashion, shoes, accessories and beauty in a bright, minimalist space on Copenhagen’s iconic Strøget shopping street.
Danish Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
0.2 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Magnolias
0.2 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.2 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
ILLUM
0.3 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Duck Haven
0.3 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.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.3 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Norse Store
0.3 km
Minimalist Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in central Copenhagen, offering a curated mix of premium menswear, footwear and design-led essentials.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Bird and The Churchkey
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Lord Nelson Bar
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and craft cocktails at Lord Nelson Bar, a historic gem in the heart of Copenhagen's bustling streets.
The Dubliner
0.1 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Ruby
0.1 km
An unmarked 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade hides Ruby, a quietly glamorous cocktail institution where inventive drinks meet candlelit canal-side charm.
K-Bar
0.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Godt Øl
0.2 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.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.2 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Bæst Cocktailbar
0.3 km
Intimate basement cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pairing creative drinks with warm lighting, easygoing music and a sociable late-night city-centre vibe.
Luke's Bar
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier luxury dive bar where fine whisky meets authentic rock and metal culture.
The Jane
0.3 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.
Strøm
0.3 km
Discover Strøm, Copenhagen's chic cocktail bar, blending a vibrant social club atmosphere with exquisite wine selections for an unforgettable night out.
Charlie's Bar
0.4 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'Vin
0.4 km
Discover the charm of Bar'Vin, a cozy restaurant and wine bar in Copenhagen, offering exquisite wines and delicious Danish cuisine.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Chateau Motel
0.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Mirror
0.4 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.4 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
The Zoo
0.4 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.
Miami Bar
0.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lusso
0.5 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.
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.
Dorsia
0.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
0.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Mini Bar
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Cosy Bar
0.6 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.7 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
