Roskilde Harbour
Historic fjordside harbour where Viking heritage, a modern marina and relaxed waterfront life meet beneath the towers of Roskilde Cathedral.
Roskilde Harbour sits at the sheltered end of Roskilde Fjord, where a modern marina, a historic museum harbour and wide-open water views meet just below the old town and cathedral. Sailors find well-equipped berths and practical facilities, while land-based visitors come for fjordside walks, sunsets, ice cream, and easy access to the nearby Viking Ship Museum. It is an atmospheric waterfront that blends everyday local life, maritime activity, and deep Viking-era history in one compact, walkable area.
A brief summary to Roskilde Harbour
- Vindeboder 18, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4529663234
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Aim to visit in the late afternoon and stay through sunset, when the light over Roskilde Fjord is at its most atmospheric and reflections transform the harbour.
- Combine your harbour walk with time at the nearby Viking Ship Museum and its museum harbour to understand how the fjord shaped Roskilde’s Viking-era power.
- If you are driving or in a camper, arrive earlier on sunny weekends, as free parking near the waterfront can fill quickly in peak season.
- Bring a windproof layer, even in summer; the open fjordside can feel noticeably cooler and breezier than the streets higher up in town.
- Look for the separate museum harbour and traditional boats as well as the main marina; together they give a fuller picture of Roskilde’s maritime life.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Regional train and walk
Take a regional train to Roskilde Station, a major stop about 25–35 minutes from central Copenhagen. From the station it is roughly a 20–25 minute walk on gently sloping, paved streets down towards the fjord, suitable for most visitors but noticeable for those with limited mobility. Standard adult train tickets on this route typically cost around 80–110 DKK one way in standard class, and trains run several times an hour during the day.
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Train and local bus
From Roskilde Station, local buses connect the station area with stops near the harbour and the Viking Ship Museum in about 8–12 minutes, reducing the amount of walking required. Single bus tickets within the local zones generally cost about 24–30 DKK when bought from machines or apps. Services run regularly during daytime and early evening, but frequencies are lower in late evenings and on weekends, so check timetables in advance.
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Car or camper from Copenhagen
Driving from central Copenhagen to Roskilde Harbour usually takes 35–50 minutes via the main motorway routes, depending on traffic. The harbour area offers free or time-limited parking, and there is a dedicated marina car park used by both cars and camper vans. In peak summer periods these spaces can fill up, so allow extra time to find a spot. Fuel and road use are the main costs; expect petrol or diesel prices in Denmark to be in the range of 13–18 DKK per litre, varying with market conditions.
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Cycling within Fjordlandet
Roskilde and the wider Fjordlandet region are well suited to cycling, with signed routes leading towards the harbour from surrounding neighbourhoods and nearby countryside. Travel times from residential areas around Roskilde typically range from 10–25 minutes by bike on mostly paved paths with some gentle hills. You can bring your own bicycle or rent one locally; day rentals in Roskilde commonly fall in the 100–150 DKK range, with helmets and locks often available at additional or included cost.
Roskilde Harbour location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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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
Discover more about Roskilde Harbour
Where the Town Meets the Fjord
Roskilde Harbour unfolds at the innermost end of Roskilde Fjord, a calm stretch of water that has shaped the town’s identity for more than a thousand years. Here the waterfront forms a natural extension of the city, with boats rocking gently against wooden pontoons and low, grassy banks framing the scene. The setting feels open yet intimate: the old town and cathedral sit on high ground behind you, while the fjord stretches out in a long, shallow tongue of water ahead. Despite its modest size compared to seaports on the Danish coasts, the harbour has a quietly busy character. Local sailing clubs, leisure craft and visiting yachts all share the same sheltered basin. In summer the quays are lined with cyclists, dog walkers and families, and the boardwalk becomes an easy promenade where people pause to watch the waterbirds or study the rigging of passing boats.From Viking Anchorage to Modern Marina
Long before yacht masts defined the skyline, these shores served as a strategic Viking anchorage. Roskilde grew powerful in the late first millennium thanks to its position at the end of the fjord, protected from rough seas yet connected to key trade routes. The discovery of scuttled Viking ships in the fjord in the 20th century revealed how carefully the waterway was once controlled and defended. Today’s harbour reflects that layered story in a contemporary way. A modern marina with several hundred berths caters to pleasure craft, supported by facilities such as fuel, slipway, crane and rigging area that keep the working side of sailing visible. Nearby, a museum harbour preserves and operates traditional-style wooden boats, including reconstructed Viking vessels that still take to the fjord. The coexistence of sleek modern yachts and clinker-built longships gives the waterfront a distinctive maritime profile.Life Along the Waterfront
For many visitors the main appeal of Roskilde Harbour lies in its relaxed daily rhythms. A waterside path traces the edge of the fjord, passing moored boats, small lawns, a playground and informal seating spots where you can sit with a coffee and look out over the masts. There is a small beach area suitable for paddling on warm days, and open lawns where children can run while adults linger over conversations. Cafés and seasonal kiosks cluster close to the water, making it easy to spend a leisurely afternoon here without straying far. On bright evenings the light over the fjord turns golden, and the harbour becomes a natural stage for sunsets, with silhouettes of boats and distant low islands completing the view. Even on cooler days the open sky and broad horizon give the place a sense of breathing space that contrasts with the denser streets uphill.Gateway to the Viking Ship Museum
Just along the waterfront stands the Viking Ship Museum, whose buildings and outdoor boatyard effectively extend the harbour environment. From the quayside you can often glimpse long, slim hulls pulled up on the shore or afloat at the museum pier, connecting the living harbour with the archaeological story of Roskilde Fjord. The proximity between sailing today and seafaring a millennium ago is one of the area’s most striking qualities. Museum Island, with its workshops and reconstructed vessels, blends seamlessly with the marina and promenade. Paths link the museum harbour, the main marina and nearby parks into one broad waterfront zone, so you can easily move from looking at modern fiberglass cruisers to admiring tarred oak planks being worked by shipwrights. This mix of interpretation and everyday use keeps the fjord’s history present without turning the harbour into a static showpiece.Practical Comforts in a Scenic Setting
Despite its historical resonance, Roskilde Harbour is first and foremost a practical, well-run marina. Visiting sailors find electricity and water on the pontoons, showers and toilets on shore, and a designated barbecue area where crews gather on summer evenings. A petrol station lies within easy reach, and car and camper parking are available close to the quays, making it straightforward to arrive by road and transfer kit to a boat. For day visitors the same infrastructure translates into convenience: clear information boards, accessible paths, and nearby services support longer strolls along the fjord. Green spaces and benches encourage unhurried pauses, while the open layout means you are rarely far from the water’s edge. With the cathedral towers visible on the skyline and the quiet slap of waves against the quay, Roskilde Harbour offers an appealing blend of functionality, gentle scenery and deep-rooted maritime character.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sct Hans Have
1.0 km
Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
1.0 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
1.4 km
Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
1.5 km
Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
2.8 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Roskilde Fjord
17.7 km
Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Køge Nord
17.9 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Gerlevparkens Venner
18.8 km
Discover Denmark's horticultural heritage at Gerlevparken near Jægerspris: explore unique rose collections, a diverse tree collection, and tranquil gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Køge Å
19.9 km
Explore Skagen’s maritime history with hands-on exhibits and live marine engines at Maskinrummet, an atmospheric museum in the heart of the harbour.
Køge Ås
21.0 km
Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
22.0 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Søndersø
22.0 km
Escape to Søndersø: A serene lake in Værløse offering tranquil nature walks, birdwatching, and recreational activities amidst lush forests and historical landscapes.
Gammel Køgegård
22.1 km
Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
22.4 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
22.4 km
A modest memorial stone in central Køge marking the 1807 “Clogs Battle,” where local militia faced British troops during the turbulent Gunboat War.
Unmissable attractions to see
Viking Ship Museum
0.2 km
Original Viking ships, cutting-edge archaeology and a living boatyard unite on Roskilde Fjord to tell the story of how seafaring defined the Viking Age.
MC og Bil træf
0.2 km
Sommeraftener med motorbrøl, krom og uformel bilkultur på et åbent areal i Roskilde, hvor bil- og MC-entusiaster samles til hyggeligt torsdagstræf.
Puppe
0.3 km
A small but evocative public sculpture in Roskilde, “Puppe” offers a quiet moment of contemporary art amid everyday city life.
RoS Gallery
0.3 km
Contemporary art in a beautifully restored gasworks on Roskilde’s harbour, pairing industrial character with changing exhibitions and free, easy-going access.
Roskilde Mini Town
0.4 km
Explore centuries of Danish architecture in miniature form at this charming, detail-rich attraction.
Byparkens Legeplads
0.5 km
Shaded, child-friendly play space in the heart of Roskilde’s Byparken, surrounded by mature trees, gentle equipment and the calm of a classic Danish city park.
Sct Ibs Kilde
0.5 km
A humble historic spring at Roskilde’s shoreline, Sct. Ibs Kilde links everyday water, medieval faith and the rise of a cathedral city above the fjord.
Koncertkapellet
0.6 km
Roskilde's intimate chapel-turned-concert hall for classical and acoustic music in a historic restored setting.
Sct Gertruds Kilde
0.7 km
A small, historic spring on Frederiksborgvej where Roskilde’s sacred past, urban growth and ever-flowing groundwater quietly meet at the edge of the city hillside.
Sct Hans Kilde
0.8 km
A tiny historic spring tucked behind Roskilde’s houses, Sct. Hans Kilde offers a brief, tranquil glimpse into the town’s medieval, church-linked water heritage.
Maglekilde
0.9 km
A modest timber wellhouse over Roskilde’s most powerful spring, where centuries of mills, spas and industry once turned the steady flow of water into the city’s lifeblood.
Gravmonument over Frederik IX
0.9 km
Et stille, åbent kongeligt gravsted ved Roskilde Domkirke, hvor sømandskongens enkle sten, nordatlantiske materialer og moderne murværk møder udsigten mod fjorden.
Kildehuset
1.0 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Rektorkilden
1.0 km
Explore experimentation and innovation at Roskilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art, where cutting-edge exhibitions and performances illuminate the evolving world of modern art.
Roskilde Cathedral
1.0 km
UNESCO-listed brick Gothic cathedral and royal mausoleum where a thousand years of Danish history, architecture and monarchy meet under soaring red-brick vaults.
Essential places to dine
M/S Sagafjord - Restaurant Roskilde
0.1 km
Classic restaurant ship gliding across Roskilde Fjord, pairing seasonal local cuisine with slow, scenic cruises from the harbour’s edge.
Café Fjordliv
0.1 km
Harbourfront Nordic–French café in Roskilde with its own sourdough bakery, organic coffee and seasonal small plates served beside the calm waters of the fjord.
Snekken Trattoria
0.1 km
Waterfront Italian-inspired dining on Roskilde Harbour, pairing fjord views and a large terrace with relaxed brasserie dishes, brunch and all‑day service.
Restaurant Store Børs
0.2 km
Seasonal Danish gourmet dining overlooking Roskilde Fjord, where ingredient quality and informal elegance meet.
Viking Pizza Roskilde
0.5 km
Hearty pizzas and grill classics near Roskilde’s Viking harbour, serving no‑nonsense comfort food for families, locals and museum‑goers from late morning to evening.
Pipers Hus
0.6 km
Classic Danish comfort food in a park pavilion with sweeping views over Roskilde Bypark, the harbour and fjord, blending city dining with a touch of nature.
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
1.1 km
Historic cellar dining beneath Roskilde’s old town hall, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty dishes in a warm, modern-meets-traditional setting.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
1.1 km
Slow-food focused, seasonal small-plate dining in an intimate Roskilde townhouse with a leafy summer courtyard and a distinctly Nordic, wine-led evening atmosphere.
Rib House
1.1 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
1.1 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Restaurant Upstairs
1.1 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Halifax Burgers Roskilde
1.2 km
Casual build-your-own burger joint on Roskilde’s main street, pairing generous portions and craft drinks with a strong line-up of vegetarian and vegan options.
Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde
1.2 km
Cozy Italian bistro in Roskilde’s main shopping street, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, generous pasta dishes and easygoing, family-friendly comfort food.
Café A Roskilde
1.2 km
Casual all‑day café on Roskilde’s main square, serving familiar brunch plates, burgers and drinks with outdoor seating and easygoing atmosphere in the historic center.
Café Korn - Roskilde
1.2 km
Cosy all‑day café and brasserie on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving hearty brunches, burgers and salads in a warm, grocery‑style setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
1.0 km
Volunteer-run Red Cross thrift shop in central Roskilde, where affordable second-hand finds and everyday browsing quietly support humanitarian work.
No 1 Butik
1.1 km
Intimate Roskilde lifestyle boutique blending Nordic design, playful gifts and gourmet treats into one cozy, carefully curated shopping stop.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
1.1 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
1.1 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Friluftsland
1.2 km
Specialist outdoor shop in central Roskilde, equipping you with quality clothing, footwear and gear for Scandinavian weather, local escapes and longer adventures.
Metropol
1.2 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Bog & Idé
1.2 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Normal
1.2 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Den franske vinhandel
1.2 km
Historic Roskilde wine merchant with a cavernous cellar, freshly roasted coffee and gourmet treats, turning a simple shopping stop into a richly flavoured experience.
NORII Roskilde
1.2 km
A cozy Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering curated, timeless pieces and personal service in the heart of the historic city.
Guldfuglen A/S
1.2 km
Traditional Roskilde jeweller on lively Skomagergade, offering classic jewellery, watches and personal service in a calm, central setting.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
1.2 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
PURE Copenhagen
1.2 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Hobbii
1.2 km
Denmark's premier yarn destination where creativity meets expert guidance and community.
Perssons Roskilde
1.2 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Teatercaféen
0.6 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
PAUSE
1.2 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
1.2 km
Intimate Roskilde wine bar pairing curated bottles with Mediterranean-inspired tapas in a candlelit room and sheltered courtyard, strictly for a relaxed 25+ crowd.
Ruder Konge Bodega
1.2 km
A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.
Gullanden
1.3 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
Klosterkælderen
1.4 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
28 Live
1.4 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
1.4 km
Craft-focused neighbourhood beer bar in central Roskilde, combining eight rotating taps, a cosy wooden interior, jukebox tunes and billiards in a relaxed local atmosphere.
Mulligans Irish Pub
1.4 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Copé Lounge
1.5 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Georges Bodega
1.5 km
Old-school Danish bodega at Roskilde’s Hestetorvet, pouring cold beer from morning to late night with indoor smoking, local regulars and station-square views.
Roskilde Bodega
2.0 km
Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.
Vinbaren Muicon
2.6 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
2.6 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Charlie Chaplin
2.7 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Danseriet
1.3 km
Frivilligdrevet danseklub i Roskilde med stort dansegulv, livebands og hyggelig stemning for danseglade gæster på tværs af aldre og niveauer.
Garbos Roskilde
1.5 km
Cozy neighborhood nightclub in central Roskilde, blending casual bar vibes with a compact dance floor and late-night weekend energy on Hersegade.
Dansebar Roskilde
1.5 km
Roskilde's premier multi-floor nightclub with dual dance spaces, three bars, and DJ-driven energy until dawn.
Klubhuset
3.9 km
Low-key local clubhouse turned disco-style nightspot, where a simple bar, small dance floor and regulars’ vibe create relaxed, unpretentious nights in Roskilde.
Tropicana DC
4.0 km
Compact Latin-flavoured nightclub on Roskilde’s industrial edge, delivering loud beats, simple drinks and a late-night dancefloor focused purely on partying.
Den Dansende Viking
14.8 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
The Flame
23.0 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub by Køge’s harbor, serving up youthful beats, live acts and weekend dance-floor vibes in an intimate, no-frills setting.
LUSIO
23.0 km
Compact harbor-side nightclub in Køge with late Friday hours, a tight dance floor, and an intimate, no‑frills setting for Danish weekend nights out.
Bloom Nightclub
23.0 km
Late-night harborfront beats and a compact dance floor bring big-night energy to small-city Køge every Friday and Saturday.
Club El Diablo
27.1 km
Adults-only entertainment venue offering a discreet, welcoming atmosphere for private social experiences.
Haven - Events
28.6 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
28.7 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
29.1 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The Union
30.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
30.2 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
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
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
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