Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej, Ærøskøbing
An unbroken line of pastel beach huts on Ærøskøbing’s Vesterstrand, where living seaside heritage, shallow emerald water and west‑facing sunsets meet on the sand.
Strung out along Ærøskøbing’s Vesterstrand, the colourful “Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej” are tiny wooden beach huts that have become one of Ærø’s most iconic sights. Dating back to the early 20th‑century bathing boom, these privately owned, heritage‑listed huts sit directly on the sand, without electricity or running water, framing shallow, emerald shallows and big sunset skies – part open‑air museum, part dreamy seaside backdrop.
A brief summary to Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
- Vestre Strandvej 1, 2, 5970, Ærøskøbing, 5970, DK
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in the evening for west‑facing sunsets; the light on the colourful hut facades is at its most atmospheric just before and after sunset.
- Remember that the huts are privately owned; enjoy them from the beach side and avoid using steps, terraces or porches unless clearly public.
- Pack swimming gear, a windproof layer and something to sit on, as the best spots for views and photos are simply on the open sand.
- If you plan to swim with children, use the shallow areas near the bathing jetty and keep an eye on changing wind and wave conditions.
- For photography, explore both close‑ups of individual huts and wider angles that include sky, sea and the long curve of the beach.
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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Ferry and local walk
Most visitors arrive on Ærø via the ferry to Ærøskøbing from Svendborg on Funen, a crossing that usually takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Foot passengers pay roughly 100–150 DKK one way depending on season, with higher prices for cars. From the ferry terminal it is an easy 10–20 minute walk on mostly flat terrain through town and down to Vestre Strandvej and the beach huts. The route is suitable for most people, but surfaces vary between cobbles and compacted sand near the shore.
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Car or taxi on Ærø
If you are driving on Ærø, reaching Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej from central Ærøskøbing typically takes 5–10 minutes including time to find parking near the marina or camping area. There is no dedicated parking directly among the huts, so expect a short walk over sand. Taxi services operate on the island, with short trips within the Ærøskøbing area usually costing in the region of 80–150 DKK depending on distance and time of day. In high summer spaces near the waterfront can fill up, so allow a little extra time.
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Bicycle from elsewhere on Ærø
Ærø is well suited to cycling, and the beach huts can be reached by bike from nearby villages using quiet paved roads. From the town of Marstal, the ride to Ærøskøbing typically takes 45–70 minutes each way at a leisurely pace, with some gentle hills but no demanding climbs. There is no fee to cycle, though renting a bike on the island usually costs around 100–150 DKK per day depending on style. Near Vestre Strandvej you can leave your bike close to the beach access points and continue a short distance on foot across the sand.
Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Hot Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
Colourful huts on Ærøskøbing’s sandy edge
Along Vesterstrand, just beyond the cobbled streets of Ærøskøbing, a ribbon of small wooden beach huts lines the sand in a cheerful parade of colour. Painted in soft pastels and bold primaries, each hut stands on its own leased plot, raised slightly above the beach with doors opening straight onto the Baltic Sea shallows. Their simple silhouettes and repeating rhythm create one of Denmark’s most recognisable coastal scenes, especially in the soft light of late afternoon. Despite their modest size – many are only a few square metres – the huts feel surprisingly individual. Some have neat little verandas facing the water, others simple steps leading down to the sand. Together they frame views across the bay towards Urehoved, where kite surfers sometimes carve across the horizon on breezy days, adding movement to this otherwise slow, timeless seascape.From bathing fashion to protected heritage
The first huts appeared here in the 1920s, when sea‑bathing culture spread across Denmark and coastal towns rushed to provide discreet changing spaces close to the water. Over time, families added their own touches and passed the huts down through generations, turning them into summer rituals as much as seaside shelters. In the 1960s, national authorities even considered demolishing them because they sit directly on the beach, but local determination ultimately prevailed and the huts survived. Today, more than seventy huts along Vesterstrand are recognised as worthy of preservation, protected by strict rules that aim to keep their appearance unchanged. No extensions, no extra storeys, no electricity or running water may be installed, and external details must stay within historical lines. This legal framework has frozen a slice of Ærø’s seaside past in place, so standing here you are looking at a living strand of cultural history rather than a modern reinterpretation.Life between dunes, jetty and shallow sea
The beach itself is as much a draw as the huts. Vesterstrand is sandy, gently shelving and famously child‑friendly, with calm, shallow water that warms quickly on sunny days. A bathing jetty projects into the emerald‑green shallows, giving easier access to slightly deeper water and offering a classic spot to sit and let your feet dangle above the sea. Behind you, low dunes and grassy patches form a natural buffer between beach and town, helping the huts feel secluded without feeling remote. In summer, the area becomes a quiet stage for everyday island life: children building sandcastles in front of “their” family hut, towels fluttering from simple wooden rails, and groups gathering around portable barbecues as the sun sinks. On windier days you may hear the low rush of waves and the slap of rigging from nearby boats, while rain transforms the colours of the huts into deeper, moodier tones against a silvery sea.Sunsets, storm protection and a changing coast
One of the great pleasures here is staying until evening. Vesterstrand faces west, and on clear days the huts are backlit by long, golden rays that turn their colours almost luminous. As the sun drops, silhouettes sharpen and the sea often becomes a band of molten orange, making this stretch of beach a favourite for photographers, wedding shoots and anyone seeking a quietly spectacular end to the day. Even outside peak season, the wide sky and open horizon make this a rewarding place to watch weather roll in. Yet the setting is not static. Over the last century, erosion and sea‑level rise have eaten away at the shoreline, bringing the waterline noticeably closer to the huts than when they were first built. Stone groynes placed south of the line of huts help trap sand and widen parts of the beach, buying time against the advancing sea. The same regulations that preserve the huts’ appearance also prevent modern reinforcements like higher foundations or large protective structures, making this a subtly fragile landscape where cultural heritage and coastal dynamics meet.Experiencing the huts with care and curiosity
Most huts are privately owned, so they are best appreciated from the outside, with a respectful distance to porches and personal belongings. The beach itself, however, is open for everyone: you can stroll the full length of the huts on firm sand, pausing to notice details like numbered doors, carefully chosen colour schemes and tiny nameplates hinting at family histories. Soft sand makes bare‑foot walking a pleasure in warm weather, while the relatively flat terrain remains manageable for many visitors. Facilities are simple and largely concentrated near the marina and campsite rather than among the huts themselves, reinforcing the sense that this is a place for unhurried, low‑key enjoyment rather than built‑up entertainment. Bring what you need for a few hours by the sea, linger for a swim, and let the understated charm of Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej work slowly rather than in a single dramatic moment.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
0.9 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærøfærgerne
1.0 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
1.0 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Hotel Ærøhus
1.0 km
Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.
Danish Island Weddings
1.2 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
På Torvet
1.2 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
1.3 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Rise Kirke
4.9 km
A quietly beautiful 12th‑century countryside church on Ærø, where whitewashed walls, historic graves and open fields tell the island’s rural and seafaring story.
Forladt skorsten
5.8 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Bregninge Kirke
6.0 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
8.9 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
20.7 km
A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Saint Nicolai's Church
22.2 km
Svendborg’s oldest church and a quiet seafaring sanctuary, where red-brick medieval walls and a calm, whitewashed interior meet just off lively Gerritsgade.
Hafenbune Mommark
23.1 km
Discover the laid-back maritime allure and coastal serenity of Hafenbune Mommark, a historic harbour hub on the southeast shores of scenic Als, Sønderjylland.
Holstenshuus
23.6 km
Discover Holstenshuus, a historic estate near Faaborg, Denmark, offering a serene Rococo garden, rich history dating back to 1314, and a tranquil escape into nature's beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Det Gamle Værft
1.0 km
A working harbor shipyard turned hands-on maritime hub, where traditional crafts, nautical style, and Ærø’s seafaring heritage come together by the quayside.
Ærø Jazzfestival
1.0 km
An intimate summer jazz festival in an old island shipyard, where harbour history, Nordic light and live music blend into long, atmospheric nights.
Flaske-Peters Samling
1.1 km
An intimate maritime museum in Ærøskøbing’s old poorhouse, filled with Flaske-Peter’s extraordinary ships in bottles and miniature seafaring worlds in glass.
Hammerich House • Aero Museum
1.2 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
1.2 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
1.2 km
Island-crafted single malt whisky with complete grain traceability and legendary local oak maturation.
Ærøskøbing Church
1.3 km
An 18th‑century island church with medieval roots, blue maritime pews and hanging model ships, offering a quiet window into Ærø’s seafaring soul.
Naturlegepladsen & shelters
1.9 km
A modest island playground and shelter spot on Ærø’s edge, blending simple outdoor fun, family-friendly space and back-to-basics overnight stays under open skies.
Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
4.1 km
Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.
Mindesten for Edvard Biering
4.3 km
A modest roadside memorial on Ærø, honouring district doctor Edvard Biering and offering a quiet glimpse into the island’s everyday history.
Ærø
4.4 km
Storybook streets, gentle Baltic seascapes and a quietly ambitious island community make Ærø a slow-travel haven in Denmark’s South Funen Archipelago.
Ærø Bryggeri
5.2 km
Craft beer, island heritage, and authentic Danish hospitality in a historic microbrewery.
Voderup Klint
5.6 km
Terraced coastal cliffs where Ice Age geology, open sea views and tranquil island farmland meet in one of Ærø’s most distinctive natural landscapes.
Ærø Flyveplads
5.9 km
A small grass airfield in Ærø’s countryside, where island tranquillity meets light aircraft, scenic flights and colourful community events under wide open skies.
Strandbyen Havn
6.2 km
Small, scenic marina and beachside hideaway on Ærø’s eastern tip, where simple harbour life, camping and open seascapes meet in a quietly charming setting.
Essential places to dine
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
0.9 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Kraut & Koala
1.0 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
1.0 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
1.1 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Landbogården
1.1 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
1.1 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Den Hemmelige Café
1.1 km
A cosy “secret” café hidden behind a shopfront in fairytale Ærøskøbing, serving quality coffee, home-baked cakes and light lunches wrapped in pure Danish hygge.
Hotel The Monica
1.1 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Badehotel Harmonien
1.2 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Cafe På Torvet
1.2 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Restaurant MUMM
1.2 km
Candlelit steaks, fresh Ærø fish and thoughtful vegetarian dishes served in a cosy, long-loved dining room on cobbled Søndergade in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Vindeballe Kro
4.1 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Dunkær Kro
5.6 km
Roadside inn, workers’ pub and countryside stop rolled into one, Dunkær Kro serves hearty Danish fare and local atmosphere on the quiet back roads of Ærø.
Restaurant Udsigten Marstal
8.4 km
Coastal Danish cuisine in a cosy seaside hotel setting, with sweeping views over the South Funen Archipelago from dining room, conservatory and terrace.
Hotel Udsigten Marstal
8.4 km
Laid-back waterfront hotel on Ærø where nearly every room faces the Baltic and Marstal’s maritime charm is just a shoreline stroll away.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Butik Stokrosen
0.9 km
Small, characterful shoe boutique in Ærøskøbing’s storybook streets, pairing practical island footwear with quietly elegant Scandinavian style.
Fabrek Pop Up
1.0 km
A small harbourfront pop-up in Ærøskøbing, blending Scandinavian design, cozy homeware and thoughtful gifts in a calm, contemporary setting by the sea.
Valk Inter Collection
1.0 km
Intimate Ærøskøbing jewelry studio and gift shop crafting refined, personal pieces in gold and silver amid the cobbled charm of historic Vestergade.
Søstærk Print & Papir
1.1 km
A tiny Ærøskøbing shop devoted to hand-printed stationery, fine pens and the quiet pleasure of handwritten letters and traditional craftsmanship.
Gyden 13
1.1 km
A cosy fashion accessories hideaway on a cobbled lane in Ærøskøbing, where retro-inspired pieces and Danish simplicity meet island charm and slow travel.
Ærø Glaskunst
1.1 km
Handmade glass art, island-inspired design and a cozy café nook, all tucked into a historic street in the heart of fairytale Ærøskøbing.
Shop
1.1 km
Atmospheric lifestyle and gift shop on Brogade in Ærøskøbing’s old town, blending traditional hardware-store roots with cozy Danish design and island-inspired finds.
Creutz Boghandel
1.1 km
A historic island bookshop where curated reads, quality toys, stationery and select wines meet old‑fashioned kiosk charm in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
LINEN BY KREBS Ærø
1.2 km
A cosy Ærøskøbing boutique where slow-fashion linen, Danish design and coastal essentials come together in a calm, carefully curated island setting.
stil & hygge
1.2 km
Curated Danish design and artisanal hygge in the heart of Ærøskøbing's creative quarter.
Ærøskøbing City Museum Kiosk & Bookstore
1.2 km
A cosy little museum shop in Ærøskøbing’s old sheriff’s house, pairing kiosk charm with curated books and souvenirs that tell the story of Ærø island.
Den Gamle Isenkram
1.2 km
Historic boutique blending Danish tradition with contemporary style in Ærøskøbing's charming heart.
Reloved with Other Stories
1.2 km
Sustainable vintage fashion in the heart of Denmark's most enchanting island town.
Red Cross Op Shop
1.2 km
Compact Red Cross thrift shop in Ærøskøbing’s cobbled Vestergade, offering second-hand clothing and small treasures that turn bargain hunting into humanitarian support.
Tøjshoppen
1.2 km
Practical island clothing and home textiles in the heart of Ærøskøbing’s cobbled old town, ideal for topping up your wardrobe or holiday cottage essentials.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Arrebo
1.0 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
8.5 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Skipperkroen
8.8 km
Cosy skipper’s bar in central Marstal, serving inexpensive drinks and simple fare in a relaxed, maritime small‑town atmosphere close to the harbour.
Foley's Pub
8.8 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
8.9 km
Cozy harborfront cocktail bar and woolly boutique in Marstal’s old ferry waiting room, blending inventive drinks, Nordic knitwear and intimate island atmosphere.
Bar & Café MF Egeskov
9.1 km
Cozy harborfront bar and café on Marstal’s working quay, blending maritime atmosphere, dockside views, and relaxed drinks in the spirit of Ærø’s seafaring life.
Rådhuskælderen
9.9 km
Cosy cellar bar in Søby’s former town hall, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere and a low‑key glimpse of everyday life on the island of Ærø.
Havnekiosken 6kanten
19.9 km
Quirky octagonal harbour kiosk turned cosy café-bar, serving simple Danish fare and cold beer with front-row views of Rudkøbing’s boats and Langelandsbroen.
Havnekiosken v/Ole Damgaard Hansen
19.9 km
A tiny historic kiosk-bar on Rudkøbing’s harbor front, serving simple drinks and snacks with big maritime views and the easy rhythm of island harbor life.
Dybendal
20.1 km
Easygoing local bar on Rudkøbing’s main square, blending billiards, darts and drinks with small‑town atmosphere and summer concerts on the cobbled Torvet.
Kompasset
20.2 km
Cozy village bar on South Funen offering Danish hygge, local drinks, and an authentic small-town atmosphere along the main road through Vester Skerninge.
Sukker
20.2 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
20.2 km
A classic Rudkøbing bodega where locals gather for cold beer, warm conversation, and an authentic slice of island everyday life from morning to late evening.
No. 10
20.4 km
Cozy, adults‑only lounge bar in a former butcher’s shop, serving Champagne, craft beer and cocktails with island hygge and a colourful courtyard in central Rudkøbing.
Skrumpklunk Institute
20.9 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar with a quirky name, Skrumpklunk Institute offers laid-back drinks, local colour and easygoing evenings in everyday Svendborg.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ommel
6.1 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
22.4 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Old Danish Pub
39.3 km
Central Sønderborg institution blending classic Danish pub ambiance, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere—perfect for experiencing Southern Denmark’s warmth and social life.
Kaizen ApS
39.4 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
39.5 km
Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.
Dance All Over
44.9 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
CLUB ZANZI
47.1 km
High‑energy waterfront nightclub bringing big‑city beats, flashing lights and late‑night dancing to the heart of coastal Nakskov.
Muzirkus
51.2 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
51.9 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
KJ's bodel
52.3 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Carlsens Kvarter
54.8 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
Den Brølende And
55.3 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
55.3 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
Dansebar Odense
55.4 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Grand Bar & Lounge
55.5 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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