Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
Sweeping Baroque terraces and romantic woodland paths embracing Denmark’s grandest Renaissance castle on a lake, open year-round for tranquil, free exploration.
Wrapping around the island-set Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, the Frederiksborg Castle Gardens blend strict Baroque geometry with a softer romantic landscape. Formal terraces, clipped hedges and royal monograms line up perfectly with the Renaissance castle, while winding woodland paths, streams and the little Bathhouse Castle offer a quieter, almost storybook escape. Open year-round with free admission, the gardens invite slow walks, lakeside views and lingering picnics in the shadow of Denmark’s royal past.
A brief summary to Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
- Frederiksborg Slot, Hillerød, 3400, DK
- +4533954200
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Start at the upper Baroque terraces for the strongest castle panoramas, then walk down beside the cascade to appreciate how the geometry and water features align with the lake.
- Allow time to cross into the romantic landscape garden with the Bathhouse Castle; it is quieter and shadier, ideal on warm days and for slower, reflective walks.
- Visit between spring and early autumn to see the cascades and fountains running; they usually operate daily during daylight hours in the warmer months.
- Combine your garden visit with a trip on the small summer ferry on Castle Lake for alternative views of both the Baroque terraces and the castle façade.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the gardens are extensive with slopes, gravel paths and terrace steps that invite more walking than you might expect.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train from central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take S-train line A towards Hillerød; the journey usually takes about 35–40 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. From Hillerød Station, expect a pleasant walk of roughly 15–20 minutes through town or along the lake on mostly level paths, suitable for most visitors. A standard adult single ticket within the greater Copenhagen fare zones typically costs around 40–60 DKK depending on exact departure and ticket type.
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Regional bus within North Zealand
If you are staying elsewhere in North Zealand, several regional buses connect nearby towns such as Helsingør or Fredensborg to Hillerød in about 25–45 minutes, depending on the route and traffic. Services are generally hourly or better during the day, with reduced frequency in the evening and on weekends. A single bus ticket for these regional routes often falls in the 25–50 DKK range, and from Hillerød Station you should allow 15–20 minutes on foot to reach the gardens.
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Car from Copenhagen or North Zealand
Driving from central Copenhagen to Hillerød typically takes 35–45 minutes outside of rush hour, using major arterial roads through North Zealand. Around the castle area there are both paid and free parking options; near the main approach you will usually find paid spaces, while additional free spaces are available slightly farther from the castle park. Budget around 10–20 DKK per hour where fees apply, and be aware that spaces can fill up on sunny weekends and school holidays.
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Local walking access from Hillerød center
If you are already in central Hillerød, you can easily reach Frederiksborg Castle Gardens on foot in about 10–20 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route passes through pedestrian-friendly streets or along the edge of the lake, with only gentle inclines. Surfaces are a mix of pavement, cobblestones and later gravel paths within the gardens, so it is manageable for most people, though some steeper terraces and steps in the Baroque section may be challenging for visitors with reduced mobility.
Frederiksborg Castle Gardens location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Frederiksborg Castle Gardens
Baroque Grandeur Framing a Renaissance Castle
Frederiksborg Castle Gardens form a sweeping green stage for Denmark’s largest Renaissance castle, laid out along a central axis that aligns precisely with the palace across the lake. From the upper terraces, the formal Baroque layout unfolds in crisp symmetry: clipped hedges, patterned parterres and gravel paths cascading down towards the water. The design leads your eye straight to the castle’s copper spires, mirroring its theatrical sense of power and ceremony. Commissioned by Frederick IV in the 1720s and recreated in the 1990s using historic plans, the Baroque garden was conceived as a statement of royal control over nature. On the lowest levels, intricate beds trace out the monograms of key monarchs in tightly trimmed box, a living signature of the kings and queens who shaped the estate. It is both a garden and a piece of landscape architecture, read as much from above as at ground level.Terraces, Cascades and Royal Monograms
The Baroque section is structured in four broad terraces stepping down to Castle Lake. At its heart, an ornate cascade funnels water through a series of basins and small waterfalls, drawing you gently downhill. In summer months fountains and jets animate the stonework, adding movement and a soft roar that contrasts with the still, mirror-like surface of the lake below. Around the water features, geometric lawns and hedges form a green tapestry. Box and yew are clipped into sharp lines and domes, creating long perspectives and playful optical illusions that make the space feel even grander. The royal monograms carved into the parterres celebrate rulers from Frederick IV to Queen Margrethe II, turning the garden into a timeline of Danish monarchy written in foliage instead of ink.Romantic Paths and the Bathhouse Castle
Step away from the strict lines of the Baroque terraces and the mood softens in the adjacent romantic landscape garden. Here, curving paths weave through stands of trees, and views of the castle appear and disappear between trunks and branches. Small lakes, streams and informal plantings emphasize atmosphere over order, inviting you to wander rather than march. Hidden within this looser setting stands the small Bathhouse Castle, a late 16th-century pavilion perched on the water’s edge. Its red brick walls and steep roof seem lifted from a fairy tale, reflected in the quiet pond below. Benches along the paths make it easy to pause, listen to birdsong and watch light ripple across the water, far from the more ceremonial feel of the Baroque core.Seasons, Light and Everyday Escapes
The gardens reward repeat visits throughout the year. Spring brings fresh greens, budding trees and the first play of water in the cascade, while summer sees the terraces at their most opulent, with deep foliage and long, warm evenings stretching across the lake. In autumn, the romantic garden glows with gold and copper leaves, framing the castle in a blaze of color. Even in winter, the strict geometry of hedges and terraces stands out sharply against frost or snow. This is also a lived-in green space for Hillerød, used for jogs, quiet lunchtime strolls and family picnics on the lawns. Café Havehuset near the garden offers refreshments and an exhibition model explaining the Baroque design, adding context without breaking the calm. The combination of monumental views and everyday ease makes the gardens feel both royal and surprisingly approachable.Exploring at Your Own Pace
Most visitors trace the central axis first, walking down past the cascade towards the lake to capture classic views of the castle. From there, you can loop into the romantic garden on soft forest paths or climb back up to examine the royal monograms more closely. Those with more time often find a quiet patch of grass to sit and watch the small ferry glide across the water in summer, linking town, castle and garden. Whether you stay an hour or an afternoon, the experience is unhurried. The layout invites you to switch between big panoramas and small details: the sound of water over stone, the smell of damp earth under trees, the satisfying crunch of gravel underfoot. Frederiksborg Castle Gardens are less about ticking sights off a list and more about inhabiting a carefully composed landscape that has been crafted, neglected and lovingly restored over three centuries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old town hall
1.0 km
A dignified brick landmark on Hillerød’s main square, the Old Town Hall anchors the town’s civic heart between cobbled streets, cafés and castle views.
Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød
1.0 km
Experience Danish craft beers, global wines, and tasty tapas at Skänk in Hillerød, a cozy spot with castle views and a welcoming atmosphere on Torvet square.
Hillerød Rectory
1.0 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Hillerød St.
1.2 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Kirppu Hillerød
1.4 km
Discover unique vintage finds and support sustainable shopping at Kirppu Hillerød, Denmark's largest flea market supermarket, offering a treasure trove of pre-loved goods and community spirit.
Kulsvierstenen
6.5 km
A modest forest boulder in Gribskov that marks a dramatic World War II resistance firefight, blending North Zealand’s tranquil woodland with powerful memory.
Country Market
7.4 km
Experience the charm of Fredensborg at Country Market, a vibrant marketplace offering local delicacies, artisan products, and a cozy café atmosphere in the heart of town.
Hørsholm Slotshave
14.1 km
A baroque garden where Scandinavia's lost palace still echoes through ancient linden trees.
Auderødlejren
14.8 km
Once a busy Danish Navy barracks, today a quiet, semi‑abandoned camp on Arrenæs where stark military architecture meets lakeside nature and recent history.
Furesø
17.5 km
Denmark's deepest lake offers pristine waters, historic heritage, and year-round outdoor adventures just 20 km from Copenhagen.
Henriksholm
18.1 km
A quiet Vedbæk hillside where Stone Age burials, villa culture and Cold War command history meet in a leafy coastal neighbourhood north of Copenhagen.
Tisvilde Hegn
18.8 km
Discover Denmark's enchanting Tisvilde Hegn: A coastal forest where history whispers through ancient pines and scenic trails lead to breathtaking Kattegat views.
Geels Skov
18.9 km
Discover Geels Skov: An enchanting forest near Copenhagen with scenic trails, historical sites, and abundant wildlife, perfect for hiking, biking, and nature lovers.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
18.9 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Hornbaek beach
19.5 km
Discover Hornbæk Beach, the gem of the Danish Riviera, offering pristine sands, clear waters, and a charming seaside atmosphere perfect for relaxation and unforgettable summer memories.
Unmissable attractions to see
Batzke's Hill
0.4 km
A gentle grassy rise above Frederiksborg’s gardens, Batzke’s Hill offers quiet views, local park life and a softer, slower perspective on royal Hillerød.
The Museum of National History
0.5 km
A grand Renaissance castle on an island lake, housing Denmark’s Museum of National History with 500 years of portraits, power and palace splendor.
Frederiksborg Castle
0.5 km
Denmark's Renaissance jewel on three islands, where royal grandeur meets national heritage in gardens of baroque precision and romantic beauty.
Frederiksborg Castle Chapel
0.5 km
Experience LEGO magic at LEGOLAND Hotel & Conference in Billund, offering themed rooms and top-tier conference facilities.
Hillerød City Museum & Graphic Museum
0.6 km
Step behind Frederiksborg Castle into an intimate town museum where historic shops, crafts and letterpress printing bring everyday Hillerød vividly back to life.
Gavlkunst
0.8 km
A string of vivid murals along Helsingørsgade that turns central Hillerød into a small, free open‑air gallery of local stories and color.
Posen
0.8 km
A small, leafy pause between Hillerød’s bustling Slotsgade and the storybook views of Frederiksborg Castle and its lake.
Fisketorvet
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where history, shopping, and culture converge in North Zealand's premier market square.
Hillerød Church
1.0 km
A light-filled modern parish church in the heart of Hillerød, carrying centuries of local worship history in a calm, contemporary Danish setting.
Slotsgade
1.0 km
Hillerød’s colourful Slotsgade links castle views, everyday shops and cosy cafés in a compact, walkable street at the heart of Denmark’s classic castle town.
Genforeningssten i Hillerød
1.0 km
Experience intimate encounters with rescued animals in the serene Japanese gardens of Monkey World Hillerød.
Elværket Hillerød - Museum Nordsjælland
1.2 km
A beautifully preserved 1909 power station turned museum, where industrial architecture and changing exhibitions illuminate 10,000 years of North Zealand history.
Royal Stage
1.9 km
North Zealand's premier multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports, and cultural events for up to 2,000 guests.
Island of imagination
1.9 km
A tiny forest island on Breddam Lake where a king’s romantic retreat has crumbled into suggestive ruins, inviting you to complete the fairy tale with your own imagination.
Parforcejagtlandskabet i Store Dyrehave UNESCO World Heritage
2.7 km
A royal forest where straight, star-shaped hunting roads, old stone walls and quiet woodland trails reveal how Danish kings once turned nature into a stage for power.
Essential places to dine
Rabarbergaarden Slottet
0.6 km
Organic farm-to-table dining in Frederiksborg Castle’s former carriage house, where seasonal North Zealand produce meets calm Scandinavian design and royal surroundings.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
0.7 km
Casual Italian pizzeria and pasta spot in central Hillerød, serving generous, ingredient-led comfort food for eat-in or takeaway in a relaxed local setting.
Royal Taste
0.7 km
Generous sushi ad libitum and colourful Asian plates in a relaxed, modern setting on Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade, ideal for cosy dinners and sociable feasts.
Restaurant Royal Style
0.7 km
Casual Asian comfort food with dim sum, bao and ramen just steps from Frederiksborg Castle in the heart of Hillerød’s historic Slotsgade.
Ninos Pizza
0.8 km
Casual pizzeria serving Italian, Mexican, and American fare in central Hillerød with friendly service and extended hours.
Rib House
0.8 km
Hearty ribs and steaks in a relaxed, family-friendly steakhouse just steps from Frederiksborg Castle on historic Slotsgade in central Hillerød.
Jensens Bøfhus
0.8 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Hillerød’s main street, offering family-friendly comfort food and easy castle-side convenience from lunchtime through evening.
Roberto's 51
0.8 km
Straightforward pizzas and burgers on Hillerød’s main street, serving solid comfort food from lunchtime until late on weekend nights.
Patats Kebab & Grill
0.8 km
Casual Turkish-style kebab and grill in central Hillerød, serving generous, inexpensive plates, pitas and durums just a short walk from the town’s main sights.
Piccola Italia Pizzaria 3400
0.8 km
Busy neighborhood pizzeria in central Hillerød serving hearty pizzas, pastas and quick takeaway just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle and the lake.
Unkai
0.9 km
All-you-can-eat, made-to-order sushi and Japanese bites in a modern, laid-back setting on Hillerød’s central Helsingørsgade.
Tô Tô Kitchen
0.9 km
Cozy Vietnamese flavors and casual evening dining on Østergade, bringing fresh herbs, noodles and warm atmosphere to the heart of Hillerød.
Montalbano
0.9 km
Authentic Sicilian pizzeria run by an Italian family in the heart of Hillerød.
Café Valentin
0.9 km
All‑day Danish café on Hillerød’s main street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a lively terrace near Frederiksborg Castle.
Thai 4 You - Thai Restaurant og Take Away
0.9 km
Authentic Thai flavors prepared by professional chefs in central Hillerød.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Red Cross Op Shop
0.8 km
Hyggelig Røde Kors genbrugsbutik i Hillerøds hovedgade, hvor du finder billige fund til garderobe og hjem – og samtidig støtter lokalt og internationalt hjælpearbejde.
Tingstedet
0.8 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
Lumi Op Shop
0.9 km
Cosy Hillerød charity thrift store and café where vintage furniture, second-hand finds and lakeside castle views meet to support meaningful mission projects.
Boutique Munck
0.9 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
Shoppen
0.9 km
A local tattoo studio woven into Hillerød’s main pedestrian street, where custom ink sessions sit just steps from cafés, shops and everyday Danish life.
HL Mode Hillerød
0.9 km
Neighbourhood-style women’s fashion and lingerie on historic Slotsgade, offering Scandinavian everyday elegance a short stroll from Hillerød’s castle and lake.
Holm Hillerød
0.9 km
Locally owned menswear boutique on Hillerød’s main shopping street, offering curated smart-casual clothing and accessories just a short stroll from Frederiksborg Castle.
Frk. Fie
1.0 km
Cosy women’s fashion boutique on Hillerød’s atmospheric Slotsgade, offering curated Scandinavian-inspired styles in an intimate, friendly setting near the historic town centre.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.0 km
Colorful Danish design on a budget, Flying Tiger Copenhagen in SlotsArkaderne Hillerød offers playful gifts, stationery and homeware in a bright, easygoing mall setting.
Idé nyt
1.0 km
Contemporary fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s covered Slotsarkaderne arcade, blending everyday Scandinavian style with a relaxed, browse-friendly atmosphere.
Men's Shop
1.0 km
A straightforward menswear stop inside Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a castle-side shopping day in North Zealand.
Jan Ehlers
1.0 km
Established family-run jeweler and watch specialist on Hillerød’s Slotsgade, blending modern boutique style with goldsmith craftsmanship and curated Danish design.
Spejder Sport
1.0 km
Denmark's largest outdoor chain where expert staff and quality gear prepare you for every adventure.
Gine
1.0 km
A compact, Scandinavian-inspired womenswear boutique on historic Slotsgade, perfect for a relaxed browse between castle views, coffee stops and city-center strolls.
JeansStore
1.0 km
Denmark's premier denim specialist offering authentic Lee and Wrangler collections with expert guidance.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Møllen
0.9 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
The Old Irish Pub
1.0 km
Lively Irish-style bar and late-night dance venue on Hillerød’s central square, pouring pints, playing hits and catering to a sociable, mature party crowd.
Crane Brothers
1.0 km
Cosy cocktail bar on Hillerød’s main square, blending inventive drinks, warm design and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere with access to the adjacent Tahonga Lounge.
Tahonga Lounge
1.0 km
Intimate tiki-style lounge bar off Hillerød’s central square, blending cocktails, small-stage events and private parties in a cozy tropical hideaway.
Jernstangen
1.3 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Oddies Beach Bar
16.2 km
Relaxed beach bar on the sand at Rungsted Havn, blending Nordic coastal charm with a hint of tropical island mood and sweeping Øresund sea views.
Kardusen
18.9 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
12`er Pubben
20.9 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Gefion Bodega
20.9 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
Head/Foam
21.6 km
Modern neighbourhood bar near Helsingør’s historic centre, pouring craft beer and cocktails from midday to the early hours in a lively, social setting.
Helsingør Musikteater
21.8 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Axelhus Udeservering
21.9 km
Open-air corner bar on Bjergegade, where simple food, cold beer and Axeltorv’s street life come together in the historic heart of Helsingør.
Banana joe
21.9 km
Compact late-night bar above Helsingør’s nightlife strip, serving straightforward drinks, warm lighting and a relaxed local vibe long after the streets quieten.
Pitten Sport Bar
21.9 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Hold-An
21.9 km
Unfussy beer hall and local bar in central Helsingør, pouring cold brews, simple bites and everyday Danish hygge from late morning to late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Socialz
0.8 km
Intimate cocktail bar and nightclub in the heart of Hillerød, blending shisha lounge vibes, late-night DJ sets and a compact dance floor on lively Slotsgade.
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
17.6 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Den Dansende Viking
20.3 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Rustik
21.6 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
21.9 km
High-energy weekend nightclub in central Helsingør, mixing big-room beats, bright lights and a young crowd in what calls itself the largest club north of Copenhagen.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
30.1 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
30.4 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at SIGURD CPH, where vibrant dancing, fine wines, and pachinko gaming come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
31.3 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
RUST Natklub
31.8 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
31.8 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Haven - Events
32.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Moon Club
32.7 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Culture Box
33.0 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
33.0 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
33.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Sunrise Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- TikTok-Friendly
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
