Esrum Abbey & Møllegård
A 12th‑century Cistercian abbey where red-brick history, herbal gardens, VR experiences and forest trails meet beside Esrum Lake in North Zealand.
Esrum Abbey & Møllegård in North Zealand blends a 12th‑century Cistercian monastery with meadows, forest and a historic mill courtyard. Behind its red‑brick walls, immersive sound-and-light installations and augmented‑reality experiences bring the vanished cloisters and church back to life, while a medicinal and herb garden reveals how monks once cultivated a “paradise on Earth”. Outside, trails connect directly to Royal North Zealand National Park, making this an engaging mix of culture, nature and quiet reflection.
A brief summary to Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
- Klostergade 12, Graested, 3230, DK
- +4548360400
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan at least half a day so you have time for the indoor exhibitions, the monastery garden and a short walk into the surrounding meadows or forest trails.
- Check current tickets and special events in advance; some VR and augmented reality experiences, as well as guided tours, may be time-slotted or seasonal.
- Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate layers, as you will likely move between cool indoor spaces, sunny courtyards and potentially muddy paths.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and a small daypack if you intend to continue onto the marked hiking or cycling routes in Royal North Zealand National Park.
- If you prefer quieter moments, aim for a weekday outside school holidays when both the abbey rooms and the garden paths tend to feel more tranquil.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Regional train and bus from Copenhagen
From Copenhagen, take a regional train towards Helsingør, then change to a local service or bus to Helsinge or Græsted and continue by bus 390R towards Esrum Abbey. The total journey typically takes about 1.5–2 hours depending on connections. Standard public transport fares apply, with a one-way adult ticket from Copenhagen to the area normally in the range of 80–120 DKK. Services run regularly during the day, but evening and weekend frequencies can be lower, so check the timetable before you set out.
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Car from Helsingør and North Zealand
Travelling by car from Helsingør and other North Zealand towns is straightforward, with a typical journey from Helsingør to Esrum Abbey taking about 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. There is a parking area near the mill courtyard, which can fill during busy weekends and holiday events, so arriving earlier in the day helps. Fuel and any toll costs are in addition to your entrance ticket, but there is no separate fee specifically for accessing the local roads around the abbey.
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Local bus within North Zealand
If you are already staying in North Zealand, bus 390R connects Esrum Abbey with nearby towns such as Helsingør and Helsinge. Typical travel time from Helsingør is around 35–45 minutes. Standard local bus fares apply, generally in the range of 24–48 DKK for shorter journeys depending on zones and ticket type. Buses usually run at least once per hour during the day, with reduced service in the evening, and stops are within a short walk of the abbey entrance on mostly level ground.
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Cycling via regional routes
Experienced cyclists can reach Esrum Abbey using signposted regional cycling routes in North Zealand, including long-distance trails that pass through forest and open countryside. Travel times vary with your starting point, but from coastal towns such as Gilleleje or Hornbæk it is often a 60–90 minute ride at a moderate pace. Surfaces are a mix of paved country roads and well-maintained gravel paths, so a touring or hybrid bike is ideal. There is no cost to use the routes, but bring lights, a lock and weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions can change quickly.
Esrum Kloster & Møllegård location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Esrum Kloster & Møllegård
Medieval monastery at the heart of North Zealand
Esrum Abbey stands as the last remaining wing of a once vast Cistercian monastery, founded in 1151 in the gentle countryside north of Esrum Lake. For centuries it was a religious and political power centre, closely connected to both the Cistercian order and the Danish crown. Today the red-brick building and surrounding courtyards form a cultural-history attraction that lets you step into the rhythms of monastic life while staying rooted in the present. Inside, solid walls, vaulted rooms and simple architectural lines echo the austere ideals of the order. Exhibitions explore themes of faith, discipline and daily routines, from the monks’ strict prayer schedule to their role in managing land and resources. Historical interpretation focuses on how the abbey shaped North Zealand, and how the Reformation led to its dissolution and the demolition of most of its buildings.Immersive journeys through sound, light and digital layers
One of the most distinctive experiences here is the use of sound-and-light installations that invite you into former sacred spaces. Chants, liturgical music and carefully designed lighting recreate a sense of the monks’ inner world, turning stone rooms into atmospheric environments that encourage quiet attention. Augmented reality and VR experiences add another layer, digitally reconstructing vanished wings of the abbey. With headsets or your phone, you can see outlines of cloisters, church and utility buildings rise from the present-day landscape. These tools are used not as gimmicks but as a way to visualise scale, layout and everyday circulation through the complex, helping you understand how dominant the monastery once was in this rural setting.Gardens of healing plants and symbolic paradise
Immediately outside the abbey, the monastery garden is planted with more than 200 species associated with medieval herbal knowledge and religious symbolism. Neatly arranged beds demonstrate how monks combined medicinal plants, kitchen herbs and ornamentals in an attempt to mirror a heavenly garden on Earth. Discreet signage explains traditional uses of individual plants, from remedies for common ailments to their roles in rituals and liturgy. Walking the paths, you move between fragrant herbs, flowering borders and simple seating areas that allow time to sit and absorb the setting. The garden is both educational and contemplative, linking botanical detail with the spiritual ambitions of the community that once lived here.From mill courtyard to national park gateway
A short stroll from the abbey building brings you to the historic mill courtyard, with its rural architecture and views towards meadows and woodland. The presence of the old mill underlines how closely the monastery was tied to water power, agriculture and local livelihoods. The courtyard also acts as a social hub, with a café and seasonal activities that connect history to contemporary tastes and gatherings. Beyond the buildings, the landscape opens out towards Esrum Lake and the forests of Royal North Zealand National Park. Waymarked walking and cycling routes radiate from the site, including long-distance trails and bike paths that link several castles and natural attractions. This makes Esrum Abbey a natural starting or finishing point for day walks, gentle family outings or more ambitious multi-hour excursions.A place for reflection, learning and family exploration
What distinguishes Esrum Abbey & Møllegård is the way it combines serious heritage interpretation with space for play and experimentation. Exhibitions are often designed to be tactile and story-driven, making complex themes like power, belief and reform easier to grasp. Seasonal events, workshops and outdoor activities tend to draw on the site’s core stories: monastic life, medieval Europe and the surrounding landscape. At the same time, there are plenty of quiet corners: a bench under a tree by the garden wall, a view across the meadows, a dimly lit room with whispered chants. Whether you come for a concentrated museum visit, a relaxed family day with time outdoors, or as the start of a longer exploration of North Zealand, the abbey offers enough variety to fill several unhurried hours without ever feeling rushed.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kulsvierstenen
6.3 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.
Hornbæk Batteri
8.3 km
WWII coastal fortress commanding the Øresund strait from Denmark's dramatic northern cliffs.
Old town hall
13.6 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.
Hillerød Rectory
13.7 km
Discover the Befrielsessten in Høgsholt, Vejle—a serene memorial park honoring Denmark's journey to freedom amidst lush landscapes.
Hillerød St.
13.7 km
North Zealand's essential transport hub connecting Copenhagen, regional destinations, and Frederiksborg Castle.
Skänk øl, vin & madbar Hillerød
13.7 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.
Kirppu Hillerød
13.7 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.
Elsinore Cemetery
14.1 km
Historic burial ground where 16th-century roots meet artistic legacy in Denmark's literary heartland.
Øresund Aquarium
14.6 km
Discover Brillesøerne, Esbjerg’s peaceful twin lakes—a beloved urban oasis offering wildlife, walking trails, and quiet reflection minutes from the city center.
Royal Stage
14.6 km
Experience world-class events and versatile facilities at Royal Stage in Hillerød, North Zealand's premier venue for concerts, conferences, sports, and cultural experiences.
'The maritime history' mural
14.6 km
Explore Esbjerg's 27-meter mosaic mural celebrating the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea's biodiversity.
'Time of the shipyard' mural
14.6 km
A hyper-realistic tribute to Helsingør's legendary shipyard, painted by American master Garin Baker.
Dancer's fountain
14.6 km
A graceful bronze tribute to Danish ballet tucked into a leafy corner of Helsingør, where three dancers freeze mid‑step between Kronborg Castle and the old town.
St. Mary's Church
14.7 km
A 15th-century Gothic masterpiece and Denmark's finest surviving monastic complex, featuring a legendary Baroque organ and medieval courtyard.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kongernes Nordsjælland
0.1 km
Explore Hornbæk Batteri: Denmark's WWII coastal defense site amidst scenic North Zealand landscapes.
Rudolph Tegners Museum and Statue Park
4.8 km
A stark concrete museum in wild North Sealand heathland, where Rudolph Tegner’s monumental sculptures inhabit both cathedral-like halls and the open Danish landscape.
Søborg Slotsruin
6.5 km
Explore the atmospheric remains of Søborg Slotsruin, an iconic medieval castle in North Zealand, surrounded by lush marshland and steeped in Danish history.
Fredensborg Slotshave
6.8 km
A vast royal park of sweeping avenues, quiet woodland and lake views, wrapping an active Danish palace in 120 hectares of remarkably peaceful landscape.
Fredensborg Palace
7.0 km
Experience the serene beauty of St Alban's Church, a Gothic Revival masterpiece in Copenhagen's Churchillparken.
Falkonergården
7.1 km
Intimate falconry shows in rural North Zealand, where eagles, hawks and falcons soar within arm’s reach and centuries of raptor lore come vividly to life.
Hornbaek beach
7.1 km
Denmark's premier white-sand beach resort where artistic heritage meets contemporary coastal leisure.
Offerstenen
8.0 km
A mossy glacial boulder steeped in legend, tucked within the wind‑shaped pines and beeches of Hornbæk Plantage on Denmark’s wild North Zealand coast.
Gribsø
8.1 km
Explore Stendysse's ancient burial mounds in Hillerød, Denmark, and connect with prehistoric history amidst serene natural beauty.
Nakkehoved Fyr - Museum Nordsjælland
8.5 km
Historic twin lighthouses, a focused maritime museum and sweeping North Sealand sea views meet atop a protected cliff‑top headland east of Gilleleje.
Pøleå bæver
10.5 km
Small riverside viewpoint in North Zealand where reintroduced beavers, wetlands and birds turn an everyday path by Pøle Å into a quietly wild nature stop.
Gilleleje Strandbakkerne
10.9 km
Gentle dunes, soft sand and a calm Kattegat shoreline on Gilleleje’s east side, where a child‑friendly beach meets the everyday life of a fishing harbour.
Pindemosen sphagnummose
11.1 km
A small but evocative sphagnum bog on Helsingør’s edge, where soft peat, moss carpets and quiet wetland life offer a gentle, close-up encounter with Danish peatland nature.
Gilbjerg Hoved
11.2 km
Wind-swept cliffs, migrating birds and Kierkegaard’s contemplative coast converge at this compact, protected headland on the Kattegat just west of Gilleleje.
Grønne Vestkile
11.4 km
A protected green corridor of rolling fields, ponds and hedgerows on the western edge of Helsingør, offering calm everyday nature close to the city.
Essential places to dine
Skipperhuset Fredensborg
7.2 km
Refined Nordic cuisine and panoramic sunsets on the shores of Lake Esrum.
Lakeside Restaurant
10.4 km
Casual dining on the edge of Simons Golf Club, where generous Danish-inspired dishes meet wide green views and a calm North Zealand countryside setting.
Skovgrillen
11.8 km
Classic Danish grill bar near Frederiksborg’s forests, serving hearty burgers, flæskestegsburgers and the legendary Taxa burger at budget-friendly prices.
Restaurant Foqus
12.5 km
Danish comfort cuisine in a welcoming golf club setting where membership is never required.
Latini Hjørnet
12.6 km
Casual corner pizzeria and burgerhouse in suburban Hillerød, serving hearty pizzas, pastas and fast‑food favourites for easy eat‑in or takeaway meals.
Restaurant Ellegården
12.9 km
Cosy Danish familierestaurant in a historic country-house setting, serving set menus, hearty classics and unhurried dinners on the quiet outskirts of Hillerød.
Hong Kong Bistro & Grill
12.9 km
Unfussy Chinese‑Thai grill and wok spot in Hillerød serving hearty noodles, curries, steaks and spareribs in a simple, relaxed neighborhood setting.
Gl. Humlebæk Kro
13.0 km
Historic Danish kro since 1740, serving traditional smørrebrød and coastal hospitality.
Lpm Restauranter v/Lars Peter Mølvang
13.0 km
Contemporary Nordic dining in the heart of Hillerød, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Madonna Burgerbar
13.1 km
Hearty burgers, crispy fries and indulgent shakes in a no‑nonsense neighborhood burgerbar just beyond Helsingør’s historic streets.
Kao Gaeng
13.1 km
Unassuming neighbourhood Thai in Helsingør serving generous, flavour-packed curries and stir-fries, ideal for casual evening dinners or easy takeaway feasts.
Big Mamma Gastronomia
13.2 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.
Rabarbergaarden Slottet
13.2 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.
Royal Taste
13.4 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.
Patats Kebab & Grill
13.4 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Prøvestencentret
12.4 km
A practical, car-friendly shopping hub in Helsingør, ideal for everyday essentials, free parking and quick errands between more traditional North Zealand sights.
Kids Coolshop Helsingør
12.4 km
Expertly curated toys for every age, where playtime possibilities meet personalized service.
Kvickly
12.5 km
Spacious Danish supermarket and home goods store in Helsingør’s Prøvestenscentret, ideal for stocking up on groceries, picnic supplies and everyday essentials.
Dansk
13.4 km
North Zealand's largest discount clothing store offering family fashion at 40–80% savings.
Red Cross Op Shop
13.5 km
Hyggelig Røde Kors genbrugsbutik i Hillerøds hovedgade, hvor du finder billige fund til garderobe og hjem – og samtidig støtter lokalt og internationalt hjælpearbejde.
Lumi Op Shop
13.5 km
Cosy Hillerød charity thrift store and café where vintage furniture, second-hand finds and lakeside castle views meet to support meaningful mission projects.
Tingstedet
13.5 km
Curated vintage and retro treasures near Frederiksborg Castle since 1996.
Shoppen
13.6 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.
Boutique Munck
13.6 km
Intimate Scandinavian womenswear boutique in central Hillerød, blending curated Nordic fashion, warm styling advice and a relaxed, local neighborhood feel.
HL Mode Hillerød
13.6 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
13.6 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
13.6 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
13.7 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
13.7 km
Contemporary fashion boutique inside Hillerød’s covered Slotsarkaderne arcade, blending everyday Scandinavian style with a relaxed, browse-friendly atmosphere.
Men's Shop
13.7 km
A straightforward menswear stop inside Hillerød’s SlotsArkaderne mall, ideal for quick wardrobe updates during a castle-side shopping day in North Zealand.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kardusen
12.4 km
Casual wine bar in central Helsingør offering relaxed evenings and accessible pricing.
Gefion Bodega
13.1 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in Helsingør offering classic Danish bodega atmosphere, simple drinks and a relaxed glimpse into everyday local life.
12`er Pubben
13.1 km
Unpretentious neighborhood bodega in Helsingør with billiards, sports on TV and cold beers, offering an authentic slice of Danish local bar life.
Møllen
13.6 km
A welcoming Danish bodega in Hillerød's heart, where locals gather for drinks, snacks, and authentic social connection.
The Old Irish Pub
13.6 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
13.7 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
13.7 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
13.8 km
Old-school Hillerød pub opposite the station, with billiards, darts, dice games and live music nights in a laid‑back, locals-first atmosphere.
Joker Bar
14.0 km
Relaxed Danish bar offering casual drinks and friendly conversation in historic Helsingør.
Head/Foam
14.5 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.
Axelhus Udeservering
14.5 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.
Helsingør Musikteater
14.5 km
Historic theatre and bar hosting live concerts, exhibitions, and dinner events in central Elsinore.
Hold-An
14.6 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.
Axelhus
14.6 km
Casual bodega and burger bar in Helsingør's old town, open late on weekends with beer and Danish comfort food.
Pitten Sport Bar
14.6 km
Straightforward sports, cold beer and local Helsingør character in a relaxed neighbourhood bar just a short stroll from the harbour and historic centre.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Walther's grillkylling og svuppeklub
10.3 km
Intimate neighborhood nightclub in Helsingør with loud music, simple drinks, and a playful local vibe behind an unassuming facade on Rødegårdsvej.
Socialz
13.5 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.
Rustik
14.5 km
Helsingør's premier weekend nightclub with craft cocktails and high-energy dancing until dawn.
Retro
14.6 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.
Den Dansende Viking
33.0 km
High-energy suburban nightclub in Egedal Centret, serving packed dance floors, late-night DJ sets and budget-friendly drinks for party-focused weekends.
Afrobeat Palace Nightclub
39.5 km
Discover the energetic Afrobeat Palace Nightclub in Copenhagen, where music, dance, and multicultural vibes unite for an unforgettable nightlife experience.
SIGURD CPH
39.6 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.
RUST Natklub
41.0 km
Discover the pulsating heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at RUST Natklub, where eclectic beats and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable experience.
Falafelberg
41.0 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Frederiksberg at Falafelberg, a night club offering delicious falafel and electrifying music for an unforgettable experience.
Temple Bar
41.1 km
Discover the energetic vibe of Temple Bar in Nørrebro, Copenhagen, where great drinks and lively entertainment meet.
Culture Box
41.9 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Moon Club
41.9 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife of Copenhagen at Moon Club, where electrifying beats and vibrant energy create unforgettable nights.
Haven - Events
42.1 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at Haven, Frederiksberg's top night club, where music, dance, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.
Mirage
42.2 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Arch
42.2 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
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Fun-filled
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Myth & Legends
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
