The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen
A modest bronze mermaid on a harbor rock who carries more than a century of Danish fairy-tale history, art, and quiet longing on her small shoulders.
Perched on a granite rock along Copenhagen’s Langelinie promenade, The Little Mermaid is a small bronze statue with outsized symbolic power. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913 as a gift from brewer Carl Jacobsen, she was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale of love and sacrifice. Just 1.25m tall, this wistful mermaid gazing toward the harbor has become an enduring icon of Copenhagen and Danish storytelling, drawing visitors day and night to the waterfront.
A brief summary to The Little Mermaid
- Langelinie, København Ø, København Ø, 2100, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the heaviest tour groups and enjoy clearer views of the statue and harbor.
- Walk a little further along Langelinie and around Kastellet to combine the statue with a scenic circuit of the waterfront and historic ramparts.
- Bring a zoom lens or be patient with your framing; getting close to the rock for photos can be tricky when the area is crowded.
- In cooler months, dress for wind off the water, which can make the harbor feel significantly colder than the rest of the city.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and walking
From central Copenhagen, take the M3 or M4 metro line to Østerport Station; trains run every few minutes and the journey from the city center typically takes 5–10 minutes. From Østerport it is about a 15–20 minute mostly flat walk through parkland and along the waterfront, suitable for most visitors but less comfortable in heavy rain or strong wind. A single metro ticket within the city zones usually costs around 20–30 DKK.
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City bus
Several city bus routes connect central Copenhagen with the area around Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod in roughly 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses stop a short walk from the statue on paved, level surfaces. Standard bus fares within the city are typically in the 20–30 DKK range, and services run frequently during the day, with reduced frequency late at night and on weekends.
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Harbor boat or canal tour
Harbor and canal tours departing from the inner city often include a close-up view of The Little Mermaid from the water, with commentary. Tours usually last 60–90 minutes in total, passing several landmarks along the harbor. Prices commonly range from about 80–140 DKK per adult depending on operator and season, and boats are generally accessible via low steps, though wheelchair access can vary and is best checked in advance.
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Walking from Nyhavn area
From the Nyhavn waterfront district, many visitors choose to walk to The Little Mermaid, following broad promenades and park paths along the harbor. The walk typically takes 25–35 minutes at a relaxed pace on mostly flat, paved terrain. It is an enjoyable option in dry weather, but wind exposure along the water can make it feel much colder in winter and early spring.
The Little Mermaid location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about The Little Mermaid
A bronze fairy tale on the harbor
The Little Mermaid sits quietly on a rough granite boulder at the edge of Copenhagen’s harbor, waves lapping at the rock below her. Cast in bronze and only about 1.25 metres tall, she surprises many visitors with her modest size, yet her silhouette is instantly recognizable as the city’s unofficial emblem. Her bare back curves toward the city, while her face turns out to sea, as if caught between two worlds. Rather than a glittering fantasy figure, she appears almost human: pensive, compact, and slightly weathered by salt and wind. The surface of the bronze bears the soft patina of more than a century outdoors, adding to the impression of a character who has been watching the harbor’s ships, ferries, and cruise liners pass by since the early 1900s.From Hans Christian Andersen to Carl Jacobsen
The statue traces its origins to Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 story, in which a young mermaid trades her voice for a chance at human love and an immortal soul. The tale is bittersweet and contemplative rather than triumphantly romantic, dwelling on sacrifice, unrequited longing, and the price of transformation. Those themes inform the statue’s quiet expression more than any dramatic gesture. In 1909, brewer Carl Jacobsen, moved by a ballet adaptation at the Royal Danish Theatre, decided to commission a permanent tribute. He funded the work as a gift to the city, asking sculptor Edvard Eriksen to bring Andersen’s heroine to life in bronze. The result, unveiled in August 1913 at Langelinie, was intended as a public artwork rather than a grand monument, blending into Copenhagen’s growing collection of sculptures in parks and along the waterfront.The sculptor, his muse, and a divided model
Eriksen created The Little Mermaid using two separate models. The face was based on ballerina Ellen Price, who had danced the role that had enchanted Jacobsen. When she declined to pose nude, Eriksen turned to his wife, Eline, to model the figure’s body. The finished statue merges these influences into a single, cohesive character: poised, youthful, and ambiguously caught mid-transformation. Her form hints at both human and marine origins. The upper body resembles a young woman seated on a rock, while the lower section melds into a subtle, scaled tail curled around the stone. This restrained design avoids theatrical flourishes; instead, it suggests the moment between sea and shore, childhood and adulthood, fantasy and the realities of the world above.Vandalism, resilience, and symbolism
Despite her calm demeanor, The Little Mermaid has faced a tumultuous history. Since the 1960s she has been decapitated, had an arm removed, been doused in paint several times, and even blown off her rock with explosives. These attacks have reflected everything from personal grievances to political protests, turning the statue into an inadvertent canvas for public statements. Each time, however, she has been repaired and reinstated on her harbor rock, underscoring Copenhagen’s determination to preserve this symbol. Copies and molds have helped restore damaged parts, ensuring continuity between the original 1913 work and the figure visitors see today. Her survival through repeated incidents adds a layer of resilience to her original story of endurance and sacrifice.Harbor setting and nearby landmarks
The statue’s setting at Langelinie is part of her appeal. She faces the entrance to the harbor, with open water stretching beyond and the star-shaped earthworks of Kastellet and the green spaces of Churchillparken just behind. The promenade itself is popular for gentle strolls, with benches, trees, and views across to the modern and historic buildings lining the water. From the mermaid’s rock, the urban landscape unfolds in multiple directions: moored boats, occasional naval vessels, and the soft outline of Copenhagen’s skyline. The location connects maritime history with literary heritage, making the statue feel like a natural waypoint between the city’s royal palaces, old fortifications, and contemporary waterfront developments.Experiencing the statue today
Visiting The Little Mermaid is an informal, open-air experience. There is no ticket or gate; travelers simply join the flow of people who pause along the shore to photograph the statue, listen to the waves, and read about her background on nearby information boards. At busier times, the rock may be framed by a cluster of cameras, yet the statue herself remains still and detached, continuing her silent vigil toward the sea. Many visitors spend only a brief time here, but those who linger notice the finer details: the texture of the bronze, the faint traces of earlier restorations, and the interplay of light on the water around the rock. In that quiet moment, the statue fulfills the role envisioned over a century ago—a small, contemplative figure bringing a beloved fairy tale into the physical fabric of Copenhagen’s harbor.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Maritime Monument
0.2 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.2 km
A soaring tribute to Danish heroism, the Iver Huitfeldt Memorial stands sentinel over Copenhagen’s harbor, blending history, artistry, and breathtaking waterfront views.
Our Fallen
0.5 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Horn mine
0.5 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.
Nyholm Central Guardhouse
0.6 km
Discover Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, where historic charm meets a lively cultural scene, bustling cafés, artisan shops, and rich Danish heritage in the city’s oldest district.
I am Queen Mary
0.7 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Larsens Pl.
1.0 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
St. Paul's Church
1.0 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Rytterstatuen
1.1 km
A towering bronze king on horseback, Rytterstatuen anchors Amalienborg’s royal square, uniting art, power and urban design in the heart of Copenhagen.
Amalienborg Palace
1.1 km
Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.
Frederik's Church
1.1 km
Copenhagen's iconic copper-domed masterpiece—a 145-year architectural triumph offering panoramic views and spiritual grandeur.
Copenhagen Opera House
1.2 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
1.2 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.
The Kissing Stairs
1.3 km
Copenhagen's beloved waterfront amphitheatre where culture, community, and harbour views converge.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
1.3 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Unmissable attractions to see
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.2 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.2 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Langelinieparken
0.2 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
Langelinie Park
0.2 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Inugsuk
0.3 km
Discover one of Europe's oldest and most innovative zoos, home to over 4,000 animals and award-winning habitats in the leafy heart of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
Kastellet
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
ZinkGlobal by Kim Michael
0.4 km
A contemplative scrap-metal thinker on Copenhagen’s harborfront, ZinkGlobal fuses recycled machinery with big ideas about the future and our industrial past.
Gefion Fountain
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
St Alban's Church
0.4 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Kongeskibet Dannebrog
0.4 km
An elegant white royal yacht moored in Copenhagen’s harbour, Kongeskibet Dannebrog is a floating palace, naval vessel and living symbol of modern Danish monarchy.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.6 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
Reffen - Skøjteøen
0.6 km
Industrial harbour vibes meet global street food, live events and a glowing winter ice rink at Copenhagen’s most atmospheric container village.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
0.6 km
A darkly playful harbourfront sculpture that twists Copenhagen’s fairytale mermaid into a sharp, bronze critique of genetics, icons and postmodern life.
Segway Cruise Copenhagen
0.6 km
Discover St Alban’s Church, Copenhagen’s only Anglican church, where neo-Gothic architecture and lush parkland meet Danish and British history near the city's harbor.
Langelinie
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s classic harbourfront promenade, where sea air, green parkland, and iconic sculptures like The Little Mermaid meet at the edge of the Øresund.
Essential places to dine
Veve
0.6 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
La Banchina
0.8 km
Tiny blue harbour house on Refshaleøen blending seasonal pescatarian cooking, natural wines, sauna culture and swims into one uniquely Copenhagen experience.
Alchemist
0.9 km
A boundary-pushing Copenhagen icon where fine dining, art installation and social commentary fuse into a five-hour, 50-course immersive experience under a vast projected dome.
Kokkeriet
1.1 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Dag H
1.2 km
Stylish Østerbro brasserie offering classic bistro plates, all-day dining, and a cosmopolitan terrace in Copenhagen’s embassy quarter.
Aoc
1.3 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Rebel
1.3 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.
Noma
1.3 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 Koefoed
1.4 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Vita
1.4 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Den Lille Fede
1.5 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.
Khun Juk
1.5 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.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.5 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.
Skipperkroen
1.5 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
1.5 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.6 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
1.1 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.
Maritime Antiques &
1.4 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.
The Wilde Shop
1.5 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Red Cross Op Shop
1.5 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Zane
1.5 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Copenhagenglass
1.5 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.6 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Viking Souvenirs
1.7 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.7 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Storm - design art fashion
1.7 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.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.7 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.7 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.7 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Magasin du Nord
1.8 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
1.0 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Chevy's
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Chevy's in Østerbro, Copenhagen—where delicious drinks and good company create unforgettable nights.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
1.4 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Østerbros Perle Pub
1.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
ØB
1.5 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
Trianglen 7
1.6 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
Søernes Ølbar
1.6 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.6 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
1.6 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Trykbar
1.7 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.
Brønnum
1.7 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Balthazar
1.7 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.
1105
1.7 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Moose
1.8 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.
TATA Cocktail Bar
1.8 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Culture Box
1.2 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mini Bar
1.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Lusso
1.7 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.
The Zoo
1.7 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.
Operaen
2.1 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Mirage
2.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
2.2 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Chateau Motel
2.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
2.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
2.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
2.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
La Terraza
2.4 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Miami Bar
2.4 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Zefside
2.4 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Dorsia
2.5 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Skyline
- 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
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- 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
