Tirpitz Museum, Blåvand
A bunker-turned–“invisible museum” buried in the dunes, Tirpitz blends cutting-edge design, wartime history and North Sea stories in one striking coastal complex.
Sunk discreetly into the dunes near Blåvand, Tirpitz Museum transforms an unfinished German WWII bunker into a striking, light-filled cultural complex. Designed by Danish architects BIG, the “invisible museum” explores the Atlantic Wall, 20,000 years of Denmark’s west coast history and Denmark’s largest amber collection, all linked by a dramatic concrete bunker you can walk through via underground passages.
A brief summary to Tirpitz Museum
- Tirpitzvej 1, Blåvand, 6857, DK
- +4575220877
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- 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 2–3 hours to explore all four exhibition areas and the original bunker, especially if you want to use the full audioguide experience.
- Bring a light layer: the underground galleries are climate-controlled and can feel cool compared to the often windy, sun-exposed dunes outside.
- If you are sensitive to sound or immersive effects, be aware that some exhibitions use dramatic audio and lighting; keeping the audioguide volume low helps.
- Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby dunes and lighthouse for coastal views that complement the stories told inside the museum.
- Families with young children should seek out the dedicated kids’ elements in the West Coast Stories and Army of Concrete sections to keep them engaged.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Esbjerg
From Esbjerg, Tirpitz is roughly a 40–45 minute drive through the Varde area to Blåvand. Expect paved regional roads with moderate traffic, busiest in summer. Parking is available in designated museum car parks; parking along nearby roads is restricted and can incur fines. Fuel costs for the return trip will typically be in the range of 80–150 DKK depending on vehicle size and prices.
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Bus from Varde or Esbjerg
Regional buses connect Varde and Esbjerg with the Blåvand area, usually involving a change in Varde if starting from Esbjerg. Travel time is typically 60–90 minutes depending on route and season. Services run more frequently in summer and less often on winter weekends, so checking current timetables in advance is important. A one-way adult ticket generally costs around 40–80 DKK, with discounts for children and travel cards.
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Bicycle from Blåvand center
From central Blåvand, Tirpitz lies within an easy cycling distance on mostly flat terrain with local roads and paths used by holidaymakers. The ride usually takes around 10–20 minutes each way at a relaxed pace. Be prepared for strong coastal winds and occasional rain showers; carrying a waterproof layer is advisable. Bicycles can be parked in designated areas near the museum entrance at no extra cost.
Tirpitz Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Tirpitz Museum
A hidden museum beneath the dunes
Tirpitz Museum lies almost invisible in the sandy landscape just outside Blåvand, its low concrete lines and glass walls buried into the dunes. Rather than dominating the scenery, the complex appears as a series of sharp cuts in the heath, leading you gently down into a sheltered central courtyard. From here, four broad corridors open into underground galleries, creating the sense of entering a secret world concealed beneath the coastal sand. Despite being mostly below ground, the museum feels surprisingly bright and open. Floor‑to‑ceiling glass brings natural light into the interiors, and the architecture plays with long perspectives and generous ceiling heights. The design by Bjarke Ingels Group deliberately contrasts the weight of war fortifications with calm, airy spaces, so you move from windswept dunes into a tranquil, almost meditative environment.From Atlantic Wall stronghold to cultural landmark
At the heart of the site stands the massive Tirpitz bunker, started by German forces in 1944 as part of the Atlantic Wall defensive system guarding the approaches to Esbjerg. The concrete shell, built to hold huge naval guns, was never completed before the war ended, and for decades it sat abandoned among the dunes. Eventually it was opened as a small bunker museum, telling the story of coastal defenses and occupation along Denmark’s west coast. In the 2010s the vision broadened dramatically. A major redesign buried a new 2,500‑plus square metre museum complex alongside the old bunker, connecting old and new via an underground tunnel. Today you can walk directly from refined exhibition halls into the raw, echoing bunker, still marked by narrow passageways, thick concrete walls and steel remnants. The journey links strategic wartime planning with the quiet coastal landscape that surrounds it today.Exhibitions that bring history to life
Inside, three permanent exhibitions and a large gallery for temporary shows fill the four wings around the courtyard. “An Army of Concrete” focuses on the Atlantic Wall, mixing immersive scenography, soundscapes and personal stories from soldiers, workers and local residents. Models, projections and objects explain how the bunkers were built, what life was like inside them and how they reshaped the coastline. “West Coast Stories” zooms out, tracing roughly 20,000 years of life along Denmark’s west coast, from Ice Age landscapes and early settlements to fishing communities, storms and shipwrecks. Interactive elements, tactile displays and a cinematic 4D show are designed to engage children as much as adults, making complex time spans feel tangible and immediate.Nordic gold and treasures from the sea
A third main exhibition, often referred to as “Gold of the Sea,” is dedicated to amber, sometimes called Nordic gold. Denmark’s largest amber collection is displayed here, ranging from tiny prehistoric insects trapped in resin to elaborate carved pieces and modern jewellery. Creative installations, including dramatic lighting and playful large‑scale amber forms, highlight how these glowing stones have fascinated people from the Stone Age to the present. The sea theme runs subtly throughout the museum, from references to wrecks and lifeboat rescues to displays about shifting sands and currents. Together, the galleries connect military history, natural forces and human stories, showing how this stretch of coastline has always been both a barrier and a lifeline.An architecture of lightness beside a heavy bunker
One of the most striking aspects of Tirpitz is the dialogue between architecture and landscape. The four gallery volumes are arranged around a sunken square, with long concrete roofs cantilevering far over glass facades, creating deep shade yet preserving expansive views. From the dunes above, the museum almost disappears, leaving the original bunker as the lone visible object on the horizon. Inside, rotating wall elements and flexible gallery layouts allow spaces to change while maintaining clear circulation. The materials palette is deliberately restrained: raw concrete, glass, steel and warm touches of wood and textiles. This simplicity lets sound, light and projected imagery become central elements in the storytelling, and reinforces the feeling of a quiet refuge carved out of sand and concrete.A family‑friendly, full‑day coastal stop
Tirpitz is designed as an all‑ages experience. Audioguides in multiple languages are included with admission and are integrated into most exhibits, guiding you through stories at your own pace. Children’s zones, hands‑on installations and hidden rooms keep younger visitors engaged, while the bunker and war narratives appeal to history enthusiasts. A café overlooking the courtyard serves meals and snacks, making it easy to break up your visit, and a substantial shop offers books, design objects and amber pieces linked to the themes of the museum. Combined with nearby dunes, beaches, bunkers and the Blåvand lighthouse, Tirpitz works well as the cultural anchor of a wider day out on Denmark’s wild west coast.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hjerting Badehotel
11.8 km
Picturesque sandy beach blending serene sea views, lush forests, and family-friendly facilities just minutes from Aarhus city center.
Fanø Tourist Office
18.6 km
Centrally located on Fanø, the Tourist Office is the ideal starting point for discovering authentic island charm, local culture, and practical travel advice.
Fanø Krogaard
18.6 km
Experience the timeless charm of Fanø Krogaard, a historic inn blending Nordic cuisine, island tradition, and warm hospitality in the heart of Nordby harbour.
Fano Bed and Boats
18.6 km
Charming seaside bed & breakfast and boat rental in Nordby, Fanø—offering cozy rooms and authentic maritime experiences on Denmark’s storied North Sea island.
Begravet bunker
18.8 km
A preserved German WWII bunker revealing the hidden lives of occupation soldiers beneath Danish soil.
FanøFærgen, Esbjerg
19.6 km
Compact harbor terminal in Esbjerg serving the fast 12‑minute Fanø ferry, linking mainland bustle with island calm in the Wadden Sea UNESCO landscape.
Denmark
19.9 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’s urban beach escape, offering sandy shores, a classic pier, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views right at the city’s edge.
Esbjerg Water Tower
19.9 km
Historic red-brick water tower on a Bronze Age mound overlooking Esbjerg’s harbour, blending medieval-inspired architecture with the story of a young, ambitious port city.
Vadehavskysten
20.0 km
An iconic copper bridge tower turned cultural gem, offering harbor panoramas, intimate events, and a taste of Copenhagen’s creative spirit on Knippelsbro.
Dronning Louise
20.0 km
Urban beachfront serenity meets Danish royal heritage at Marselisborg Strand, Aarhus’ favorite local escape for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls year-round.
Namaste Esbjerg
20.1 km
Marselisborg Strand is Aarhus’ vibrant urban beach, blending sandy coastline, tranquil bay views, and easy access to city highlights and lush forest parks.
Sønderho Church
29.0 km
An 18th‑century island church filled with Denmark’s largest flotilla of votive ships, anchoring Sønderho’s seafaring history in a tranquil Wadden Sea village.
Æ Kåver
29.2 km
Reborn wooden seamark on Fanø’s southern edge, Æ Kåver recalls 17th‑century seafaring in a wild Wadden Sea landscape of wind, sand and wide horizons.
Kammerslusen Ribe
39.6 km
Discover Copenhagen's Black Diamond: A fusion of modern architecture and cultural heritage on the waterfront.
Queen Dagmar of Bohemia
44.2 km
A contemplative statue on Ribe’s former castle hill, honouring the gentle 13th‑century Queen Dagmar where her life and legend became entwined with Denmark’s history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Denmark's westernmost point
6.4 km
Stand at the windswept edge of Jutland, where dunes, lighthouse and roaring North Sea mark the far western horizon of Denmark.
Skallingen Strand
8.0 km
Denmark's wild, unspoiled beach within a protected 2,000-hectare nature reserve—pristine solitude on the North Sea.
Gaia's Pynt
8.3 km
A quiet lakeside nook on Esbjerg’s western edge, Gaia’s Pynt pairs easy paths and open skies with reflective waters, birdlife and simple everyday nature.
Iron Age Settlement
9.6 km
Subtle traces of three Iron Age longhouses and ancient fields in Marbæk’s quiet forest, revealing 2,000 years of coastal farming history just north of Esbjerg.
Sjelborg Beach
10.4 km
A gentle, family-friendly stretch of sand on sheltered Ho Bay, where shallow waters, big skies and Wadden Sea tides create a quietly relaxing coastal escape.
Skallingen Ende
11.2 km
Remote tip of the Skallingen peninsula, where raw North Sea surf, wide tidal flats and protected Wadden Sea wildlife create a truly elemental coastal experience.
Hjerting Strand
11.9 km
A gently shelving Wadden Sea beach north of Esbjerg, where a long wooden promenade, shallow waters and wide skies create a relaxed slice of everyday coastal life.
Guldager Mølledam
14.1 km
Discover the peaceful twin lakes of Brillesøerne, a beloved nature reserve in Esbjerg V, ideal for strolling, birdwatching, and escaping into the heart of Danish greenery.
Sædding Mellem Fyr
15.8 km
A modest but historic leading light on Sædding’s shoreline, quietly recalling Esbjerg’s maritime navigation heritage beside the sands of the North Sea.
Strandgut - Strandfischerei Monument
16.2 km
A simple dune-side memorial where driftwood, sea wind and open sky recall Fanø’s hard-earned living from beach fishing and the gifts and losses of the North Sea.
Bunkers on Fanø
16.5 km
Concrete relics of the Atlantic Wall scattered across Fanø’s dunes and beaches, where stark wartime bunkers meet wide North Sea horizons.
Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet
16.5 km
Denmark’s museum of the sea, where Esbjerg’s fishing past, offshore present and North Sea wildlife come together in one immersive waterfront complex.
Men by the Sea
16.6 km
Four towering white figures gazing over the North Sea, Men by the Sea is Esbjerg’s unmissable coastal icon of humanity’s calm encounter with nature.
Brillesøerne
16.7 km
A pair of calm urban lakes in Esbjerg V, Brillesøerne offers easy paths, birdlife and open green space for tranquil walks and everyday nature escapes.
Museumsfyrskibet Horns Rev
16.8 km
Historic lightship turned museum at Esbjerg’s harbourfront, preserving the story of Horns Rev and life aboard a floating lighthouse on Denmark’s west coast.
Essential places to dine
Ho Kro
3.6 km
A refined yet welcoming country inn in the village of Ho, serving seasonal West Jutland gourmet cuisine with thoughtful wine pairings and real kro cosiness.
Ho Pub & Cafe
4.2 km
Casual golf-side gastropub in Ho with wide views over Ho Bay, serving simple café dishes, drinks and relaxed coastal vibes near Blåvand.
Restaurant Strandpavillonen
11.8 km
Gourmet Nordic cuisine overlooking the Wadden Sea at a historic Danish seaside hotel.
Billum Kro
12.4 km
Classic Danish inn near the North Sea and Wadden Sea, blending simple modern comforts, hearty traditional cuisine and easy access to western Jutland’s coastal landscapes.
Den Røde Okse
16.3 km
Long‑running Esbjerg restaurant and catering house serving classic Danish menus, festive banquets and sustainable “mad ud af huset” in warm, roomy surroundings.
Catering i Esbjerg
16.4 km
Experience authentic Danish cuisine in the heart of Esbjerg at Spisestuen.
Pelargoniehuset
17.7 km
Relaxed seaside restaurant on Fanø’s west coast, serving simple Danish comfort food and cakes just steps from dunes, golf course and the island’s broad North Sea beach.
Kellers Badehotel
17.8 km
Historic beachfront hotel on Fanø combining coastal Danish charm, gourmet dining, and immersive island hospitality with sweeping North Sea views and a storied heritage.
Sydvesten ApS
18.0 km
Harbour-side Danish seafood canteen turned local classic, serving hearty fish dishes and open sandwiches beside Esbjerg’s working fishing quay and marina.
Restaurant Parken I/S
18.3 km
Classic Danish cooking with park and lakeside views, combining bright modern interiors and a terrace that opens directly onto Esbjerg’s green Vognsbølparken.
Restaurant Plates Esbjerg
18.3 km
Sky-high Nordic dining and cocktails on Esbjerg’s 17th floor, where harbour panoramas meet shareable plates, seasonal flavours and an easygoing, modern buzz.
Jensens Bøfhus
18.4 km
Casual Danish steakhouse in Esbjerg Nord’s shopping district, serving crowd-pleasing grills, ribs and burgers in a relaxed, family-focused setting.
Cafe Nord
18.6 km
Harbourfront Danish home cooking on Fanø, serving traditional fish dishes, smørrebrød and cakes in a relaxed café-restaurant by the Nordby ferry.
Seaside Food
18.6 km
Fresh panini sandwiches with local seafood and island ingredients, served casual and quick by the Wadden Sea.
Konsulen nordby
18.6 km
Intimate, candlelit dining on Nordby’s historic main street, where simple Scandinavian comfort meets the relaxed rhythm of island life on Fanø.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
WestLys
2.5 km
A warm, candlelit hideaway on Blåvand’s main street, blending Danish hygge, coastal touches and thoughtful home accessories in an intimate, relaxed shop.
Fanø Lys
17.7 km
Candlelit hygge, local delicacies and island design come together at this cozy Fanø shop just behind the dunes of the North Sea.
Victoria's Palace
17.7 km
A cosy Nordic-style interiors and gift shop in the heart of Fanø Bad, where coastal charm and Scandinavian design meet just moments from the wide North Sea beach.
dansk Esbjerg
17.9 km
Curated Danish fashion and Nordic design in the heart of Esbjerg.
Gaveshop.nu
18.0 km
Curated corporate gifts delivered with elegance—where business appreciation meets thoughtful selection.
Esbjerg Storcenter
18.0 km
Spacious indoor shopping hub in northern Esbjerg, combining supermarkets, fashion, toys and cafés with plentiful free parking and easy, all-weather browsing.
KiDS Coolshop Esbjerg
18.1 km
A bright, family‑friendly toy universe inside Esbjerg Storcenter, packed with playful ideas, gifts and gadgets for children of all ages all year round.
SPAR
18.3 km
Fanø's reliable supermarket steps from the beach, serving locals and visitors daily.
GOLDSCHMIDT ART GALLERI
18.6 km
A small, intimate gallery on Nordby’s main street, Galleri Goldschmidt captures Fanø’s coastal light and village life in contemporary paintings steps from everyday island bustle.
Fanø keramik
18.6 km
Intimate island pottery studio on Nordby’s main street, where hand-thrown stoneware captures Fanø’s dunes, sea tones and understated Nordic everyday life.
Den lille Ravbutik
18.7 km
Cosy island amber shop on Fanø’s main street, blending Danish design with North Sea heritage in warm, well-priced jewelry and seaside-inspired keepsakes.
Fanø-Ring
18.7 km
A tiny Nordby shop where Denmark’s first sea mark is reimagined as a modern ring, turning Fanø’s maritime history into a wearable island keepsake.
Toves Gavebod
18.7 km
A tiny, time‑honoured gift shop on Nordby’s main street, filled with woven textiles, hornware and handmade pieces that capture the quiet craft spirit of Fanø.
AGAVANZA
18.7 km
Handcrafted Danish silver jewellery from Fanø, where minimalist design and subtle maritime inspiration create timeless pieces that carry the spirit of the North Sea.
Fru Sørensen
18.7 km
Intimate Nordby gift shop where Scandinavian design, cosy homewares and Fanø’s gentle maritime spirit come together on the island’s historic main street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Æ Huk Bar
3.0 km
Authentic Danish coastal bar where local fishermen and travelers gather in genuine North Sea hospitality.
Riverside Pub
15.3 km
Relaxed neighborhood pub in Ådalsparken, serving cold beer and cozy Danish hygge in a low-key, local setting west of central Esbjerg.
Pub Bibas i Esbjerg
15.8 km
A classic brown Danish bodega in Esbjerg’s Sædding centre, serving cold beer, local stories and unpretentious bar life from late morning until late evening.
Hjørnekroen
18.6 km
Cosy corner bar in Nordby where Fanø’s island life, live music nights and classic Danish bodega charm come together over draught beer and easy conversation.
Corners Pub
18.6 km
A cozy neighborhood pub where cold beers and warm hospitality define the Danish experience.
Horns Rev Bodega & Bar
18.7 km
A no-frills Danish bodega in central Esbjerg, where wood-panelled warmth, affordable drinks, and local camaraderie capture the city’s everyday pub culture.
Havkatten
19.0 km
Old-school Esbjerg harbour bar with 80s tunes, pool, darts and everyday prices, offering a relaxed window into the city’s down-to-earth nightlife.
Kabyssen
19.5 km
Fanø's cherished community bar serving authentic Danish island hospitality with live music and genuine warmth.
Dokken City Beach
19.7 km
A pocket of sand, deckchairs and drinks on Esbjerg Harbour, Dokken City Beach turns the working waterfront into a relaxed urban seaside escape.
Vinbaren
19.9 km
Intimate, dimly lit and disarmingly casual, Vinbaren is Esbjerg’s brown-bar style wine hangout for late-night chats, cheap pours and the occasional close-up concert.
HomeRun Esbjerg
19.9 km
Lively gastro sports bar above Esbjerg’s main square, with wall-to-wall screens, bar games, casual bites and late-night energy on weekends.
James Bond Esbjerg
20.0 km
Late-opening dance bar on Skolegade in Esbjerg, where a mature crowd sings along to classic hits and keeps the party going until early morning.
Pioner Bar Esbjerg
20.0 km
Late-night Esbjerg bar on Torvet with cheap cold beer, classic party hits from the ’80s to today, and a lively dance floor packed with locals and visitors.
Kasket Karl
20.0 km
Legendary Esbjerg pub on Skolegade, pouring beer and hosting darts, dice and laid‑back evenings since 1975 in a warmly lit, unpretentious setting.
Industrien
20.0 km
Historic Danish bar where 130+ years of tradition meets contemporary hospitality on Esbjerg's vibrant Skolegade.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
No.31 - Bar & Natklub
20.0 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub on Esbjerg’s Skolegade, blending late-night bar vibes, loud DJ sets and a youthful dance floor in the heart of the city.
NewsBar - Shakespeare Nightclub & Eventhouse
40.4 km
Ølgod's premier nightclub and event venue, where celebration and community connection meet.
Liglad Day & Nightlife
52.8 km
Compact late-night club on Grindsted’s main street, mixing local vibes, DJs and simple drinks for weekend nights that run into the early hours.
Romo Golf Links
57.0 km
Romo Golf Links offers an authentic coastal golf experience amid the windswept dunes and wild beauty of Rømø, blending challenging play with stunning North Sea views.
Crazy Daisy Vejen
61.3 km
High-energy disco club in central Vejen, bringing late-night music, dancing and big-city nightclub vibes to a compact South Jutland town.
Rotes Kliff
67.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Rotes Kliff in Sylt, a premier disco club and cocktail bar perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Fishi
68.0 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub in Vejen with loud beats, simple drinks and a friendly small-town crowd that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
P2 Champagne & Cocktail Tønder
81.4 km
Intimate champagne and cocktail lounge bringing late-night sparkle and city-style glamour to the historic heart of Tønder.
Al Capone
81.4 km
Tønder’s sole nightclub, Al Capone blends a rustic 1920s‑inspired mood, late‑night beats and strong drinks into an intimate speakeasy‑style party den.
Koldingtivet Engen
81.7 km
Compact Kolding disco where locals pack the dance floor, mainstream hits fill the speakers and late-night energy turns a modest venue into a full-bodied club night.
Fermaten
82.1 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.
Mindegade5
82.1 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Discoteque Tordenskiold
82.2 km
Kolding's legendary two-floor discotheque and cultural institution since 1973.
Murphy's Pub
82.3 km
Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.
Bart
82.3 km
Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly