Ofelia Plads
A vast harbourfront square where Copenhagen’s modern architecture, open water and ever-changing cultural events come together on a single urban stage.
Ofelia Plads is a broad, modern waterfront square on Kvæsthusbroen in central Copenhagen, stretching out into the harbour between Nyhavn and Amalienborg. Built atop a former pier, this 13,000-square-metre cultural space pairs crisp urban design and wide-open skies with constant activity: concerts, theatre, art installations, sports screenings, canal tours and casual hangouts on the tiered “kissing stairs” that cascade towards the water. With golden pavilions for drinks and snacks, sweeping views to the Opera House and harbour traffic gliding past, it is one of the city’s most atmospheric spots to linger, day or night.
A brief summary to Ofelia Plads
- Kvæsthusbroen, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1250, DK
- +4570106070
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Thursday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Friday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Saturday 6 am-10:30 pm
- Sunday 6 am-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Bring an extra layer, even in summer; the open harbourfront can feel noticeably cooler and windier than nearby streets.
- Aim for golden hour or sunset to enjoy the best light on the Opera House and skyline from the kissing stairs at the pier’s edge.
- Check local cultural listings before your visit, as large-scale concerts, screenings and art installations are frequently programmed here.
- Pick up drinks or snacks from the golden harbourfront pavilions in summer and make the steps your informal outdoor lounge.
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
Getting There
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Metro
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Marmorkirken Station, then walk about 10–15 minutes through the Frederiksstaden quarter to reach Ofelia Plads. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day, and a standard single zone ticket typically costs around 20–25 DKK. The route is step-free at station level, but the final walk across cobbled and paved streets may be uneven for some visitors.
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Bus
Several city bus routes stop near Amalienborg and Nyhavn, a 5–10 minute walk from Ofelia Plads. Depending on your starting point, the journey usually takes 10–25 minutes, with buses running every 10–20 minutes during the day and less frequently in the evening. A single ride on the city buses normally costs around 20–25 DKK when bought as a standard ticket or via a travel card.
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Harbour bus (boat)
The yellow harbour buses connect different points along Copenhagen’s inner harbour, including a stop close to Ofelia Plads. From other central piers, travel times range from about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the route and intermediate stops. Regular public transport tickets and travel cards are valid on the harbour buses, with single fares typically around 20–25 DKK. Services can be less frequent in the late evening and in poor weather.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s extensive cycle lanes make it straightforward to reach Ofelia Plads by bike from most central neighbourhoods in about 5–20 minutes. You can use your own bicycle or rent one from city bike schemes or rental shops, where prices commonly range from roughly 100 to 200 DKK per day. The final approach is flat and fully paved, though the harbourfront can be busy with pedestrians in peak summer hours.
Ofelia Plads location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Ofelia Plads
Harbourfront stage in the heart of Copenhagen
Ofelia Plads occupies the Kvæsthusbroen pier, projecting like a finger into Copenhagen’s inner harbour between Nyhavn’s colourful facades and the royal residence at Amalienborg. Once a working quay, it has been reimagined as a vast, open plane of smooth stone, with almost no visual clutter to interrupt the drama of water, sky and architecture. To one side rises the dark, angular Royal Danish Playhouse; across the water the Opera House faces you like a modern temple. The square’s sheer scale is part of its appeal. With around 13,000 square metres of space, it feels airy even on busy days. The surface is subtly sloped and stepped, inviting you to wander, sit or lie back. You are always aware of the harbour, whether in the slap of waves against the pier, the distant hum of boats or the cries of gulls circling overhead.From temporary beach to permanent cultural hub
Before Ofelia Plads opened in its current form in 2016, the pier hosted a temporary experiment known as Ofelia Beach. For three years it functioned as an urban test lab, with free concerts, big-screen football and ballet performances staged against the water. The concept proved so successful that the site was fully redeveloped as a permanent cultural square, designed to host events year-round. Today the programme is wonderfully varied. Large sports tournaments are shown on outdoor screens, jazz and classical concerts fill the open air, and contemporary art installations periodically transform the minimalist surface. In June, the traditional Sankt Hans midsummer celebration brings a crackling bonfire, speeches and music, with flames reflected in the harbour below. At other times, light and sound works linked to winter festivals animate the pier after dark, turning the space into an outdoor gallery of shifting colour.Design details and the famous “kissing stairs”
Despite its size, much of Ofelia Plads’ character lies in small, well-considered details. The most distinctive are the broad terraces that descend from the main level down towards the water. Known locally as the “kissing stairs”, they work as giant steps, seats and loungers all at once. On sunny days people sprawl here with books and coffee; on cooler evenings couples tuck into sheltered corners to watch the city lights blink on. Elegant golden pavilions punctuate the square, housing seasonal bars, cafés and ticket booths for canal cruises. Their warm metallic tones play off the blue-grey of stone and sea, and after sunset they glow like lanterns. Clever lighting integrated into the paving helps maintain an intimate atmosphere without spoiling the night-time views across the harbour.Harbour life, canal tours and changing seasons
Life on the water is part of the experience here. From the edge of the pier, canal-tour boats slip in and out, taking passengers on classic loops through Copenhagen’s waterways. Harbour buses glide past, linking different neighbourhoods, while kayakers and small leisure craft weave between larger ships. The water is close enough to feel present, yet the pier’s broad edge and level surface keep you comfortably separated. The mood of Ofelia Plads shifts markedly with the seasons. In summer, the square becomes an outdoor living room, with people sunbathing on the steps, watching street performances or gathering for evening events in light that lingers late. In winter, the same open space feels almost Nordic in its austerity: crisp air, long views and the comforting glow of the playhouse and pavilions. On windy days the harbour can be bracing, but the elemental meeting of weather and city is part of its charm.A flexible pause point between icons
One of the quiet strengths of Ofelia Plads is how it connects several of Copenhagen’s headline sights while offering a calm pause between them. Nyhavn, Amalienborg, the Opera House and Paper Island all lie within easy reach, yet the square itself remains surprisingly uncluttered. You can sit on the edge and watch royal guard shifts on distant courtyards, commuter ferries crossing the channel and cyclists streaming over new harbour bridges. Whether you drop by for a few minutes between museum visits or linger for hours with a takeaway coffee, the experience is the same: a sense of the city opening up around you. Ofelia Plads is less a single attraction than a flexible urban living space, where culture, everyday life and the sea meet on equal terms.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.2 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.3 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.
Larsens Pl.
0.4 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.4 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
I am Queen Mary
0.6 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.7 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Operaen
0.8 km
A striking harbourfront landmark where cutting-edge architecture, golden interiors and world-class opera meet amid sweeping views of Copenhagen’s historic skyline.
Knippelsbro
0.8 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
Christiania
0.8 km
Explore Christiania, Copenhagen's alternative lifestyle hub, filled with vibrant street art, unique shops, and a rich cultural experience.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.8 km
Explore the gripping history of Denmark's WWII resistance movement at this immersive Copenhagen museum, uncovering tales of bravery and sacrifice in the face of Nazi occupation.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.8 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.8 km
Explore Skagen’s Maskinrummet, where maritime history, restored engines, and nautical culture meet within a unique, authentic portside museum and café.
Church of Holmen
0.8 km
A Renaissance gem transformed from anchor forge to naval sanctuary, where maritime heritage and royal history converge.
Horn mine
0.9 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.
Christianshavn
0.9 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hey Captain
0.0 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
The Kissing Stairs
0.1 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
The Playhouse
0.1 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.2 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.2 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Nyhavn
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s storybook harbour, where colourful 17th‑century houses, wooden ships and waterside cafés bring the city’s maritime history to life in one vivid canal.
Springvandet i Amaliehaven af Arnaldo Pomodoro
0.3 km
A dramatic bronze fountain at the heart of Amaliehaven, where modern sculpture, royal views and harbor breezes meet in a tranquil geometric garden.
Amaliehaven
0.3 km
A small but beautifully composed waterfront garden weaving royal vistas, sculpture, and harbor views into a calm green oasis in central Copenhagen.
North Atlantic House
0.4 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.4 km
UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle in Helsingør, famed as Elsinore from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', with iconic spires, lavish halls, and sweeping views across the Øresund Strait.
Rytterstatuen
0.4 km
A surreal subterranean art museum beneath Søndermarken Park, fusing Copenhagen’s 19th-century waterworks with modern installations and immersive experiences.
Amalienborg
0.4 km
Discover the majestic Rosenborg Castle—home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, regal interiors, and lush gardens—offering a journey through centuries of royal Danish history.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.4 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Bredgade 18
0.4 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
0.4 km
Step behind the facades of Copenhagen’s royal square to explore intimate apartments, glittering gala halls and Fabergé treasures at Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Essential places to dine
Khun Juk
0.2 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
0.3 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
0.3 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
0.4 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.4 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Aoc
0.5 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
à terre
0.5 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Goldfinch
0.6 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.6 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 Rebel
0.6 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.
Restaurant Vita
0.6 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Den Lille Fede
0.6 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Bistro Royal
0.6 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Restaurant Koefoed
0.6 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Marchal
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Maritime Antiques &
0.2 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
0.2 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
0.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.5 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.
The Wilde Shop
0.6 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.6 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
0.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Magasin du Nord
0.7 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 & luggages
0.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
The Crown souvenir
0.7 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Urban Outfitters
0.9 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Storm - design art fashion
0.9 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.
ILLUM
0.9 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.9 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brønnum
0.5 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.5 km
An intimate, velvet‑soft cocktail sanctuary inside Hotel Sanders, blending theatre‑inspired charm, crafted drinks and Copenhagen’s cosy, candlelit elegance.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.7 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
0.7 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, serving imaginative signature drinks in a low-lit, refined yet relaxed Copenhagen setting.
Balthazar
0.7 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.
Eiffel bar
0.8 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
1105
0.8 km
Intimate, low-lit cocktail hideaway in central Copenhagen, where Nordic-inspired creations and a sleek black bar set the stage for sophisticated evening drinks.
Black Swan
0.8 km
Cosy Indre By craft beer bar with rotating taps, quality ciders and spirits, and a relaxed neighbourhood vibe under the banner of “no crap on tap.”
The Moose
0.9 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.
Charlie's Bar
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
Trykbar
0.9 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.
K-Bar
0.9 km
A small, monochrome cocktail lounge off Ved Stranden where crafted infusions, intimate lighting and a personal touch showcase Copenhagen’s modern bar culture.
Ved Stranden
1.0 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.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
The Dubliner
1.0 km
Lively Irish pub on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, pouring well-kept Guinness, showing big-screen sports and serving hearty pub grub in a warm, wood-paneled setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.7 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.
Mini Bar
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.9 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.
Culture Box
0.9 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Chateau Motel
1.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.4 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.5 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.5 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.5 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Arch
1.5 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
1.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
La Terraza
1.5 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Club Mambo
1.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Dorsia
1.6 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
1.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
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
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
