Nyhavn
Copenhagen's enchanting 17th-century harbor where maritime history, literary legacy, and vibrant café culture converge.
Copenhagen's iconic 17th-century waterfront district, Nyhavn captivates visitors with its brightly colored historic townhouses lining a picturesque canal. Once a bustling port frequented by sailors and immortalized by Hans Christian Andersen, this atmospheric harbor now pulses with outdoor cafés, restaurants, and live music. Whether you're sipping coffee by the water, exploring wooden sailing ships, or embarking on a canal tour, Nyhavn embodies the perfect blend of Copenhagen's maritime heritage and contemporary charm.
A brief summary to Nyhavn
- K, Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1051, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during late spring through early autumn for the best outdoor café experience, when the weather is warmest and live jazz performances are most frequent. Winter offers a magical Christmas market atmosphere but with colder temperatures and larger crowds.
- Take a canal tour departing from Nyhavn's quay to experience Copenhagen's waterfront from the water, passing iconic sites like the Opera House, Christiansborg Palace, and The Little Mermaid statue.
- Arrive early in the morning or visit during off-peak hours to photograph the colorful buildings without crowds. The district becomes extremely congested during midday and afternoon, especially in summer.
- Explore the Hans Christian Andersen memorial plaques at Nos. 20, 67, and 18 to trace the fairytale author's life, or visit the Andersen-themed souvenir shop housed in No. 18.
- The Copenhagen Card provides discounted or free access to canal tours, museums, and public transportation, making it a worthwhile investment if you plan multiple activities in the city.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
Take the Copenhagen Metro to Kongens Nytorv Station, served by all four lines (M1, M2, M3, M4). The station is located at the far end of Kongens Nytorv square, approximately a 4-minute walk from the entrance to Nyhavn. Journey times from central Copenhagen typically range from 5 to 15 minutes depending on your starting point. Single tickets cost approximately 24–36 DKK (3–5 EUR) depending on zones traveled.
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Harbour Bus
Use the Copenhagen Harbour Buses, which operate four routes (901, 902, 903, 904) with a dedicated stop at the mouth of Nyhavn next to the Royal Playhouse. These scenic buses travel along Copenhagen's waterfront and offer an alternative to the metro. Journey times vary by route and starting point, typically 10–25 minutes. Single tickets cost approximately 24–36 DKK (3–5 EUR).
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Walking
Nyhavn is centrally located in Copenhagen's Indre By (Inner City) neighborhood and is accessible on foot from most central areas. From Tivoli Gardens, the walk takes approximately 15–20 minutes via pedestrian streets. From Strøget (the main shopping street), it's a 10–15 minute walk. The final approach involves cobblestone streets and is fully accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
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Water Taxi
Water taxis operate from various points along Copenhagen's canals and harbor. A water taxi journey to Nyhavn from nearby areas like Christianshavn takes approximately 5–10 minutes. Fares typically range from 50–150 DKK (7–20 EUR) depending on distance and operator. This option offers a scenic and memorable arrival.
Nyhavn location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Nyhavn
A Storied Gateway Between Sea and City
Nyhavn—meaning "New Haven"—was established by King Christian V between 1670 and 1675 as a strategic waterway connecting Copenhagen's harbor to Kongens Nytorv, the city's central square. The canal was dug by Danish soldiers and Swedish prisoners of war, transforming a marshy area into a vital commercial gateway. For centuries, this bustling port welcomed merchant ships from across the world, their crews unloading cargo and fishermen displaying their daily catch along the quays. The district quickly earned a reputation as a rough-and-tumble maritime hub, notorious for its taverns, alehouses, and the colorful characters who inhabited them.The Architecture of Time
The northern quay is lined with a striking row of brightly painted townhouses, predominantly built in the 17th and early 18th centuries. These pastel-hued gabled buildings—painted in shades of yellow, red, green, and orange—create one of Copenhagen's most photographed vistas. The oldest surviving structure, Nyhavn No. 9, dates to 1681 and remains remarkably unaltered, offering a tangible link to the district's earliest days. The southern side features more lavish mansions, including the elegant Charlottenborg Palace at the corner of Kongens Nytorv. Each building tells a story of Copenhagen's evolution, from functional warehouses to today's vibrant cafés and restaurants that preserve the facades while breathing new life into the interiors.Hans Christian Andersen's Literary Haven
Nyhavn holds profound significance in Danish cultural history as the home of the world-renowned fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen. The storyteller lived in three different addresses along the canal: No. 20 (1834–1838), where he penned his earliest tales including The Tinderbox, Little Claus and Big Claus, and The Princess and the Pea; No. 67 (1845–1864), where a memorial plaque now marks his residence; and No. 18, where he spent his final years. Andersen's presence transformed Nyhavn into a literary landmark, attracting intellectuals and artists who gathered in the harbor's cafés and taverns. His legacy remains woven into the district's identity, drawing literary pilgrims and curious visitors who walk the same cobblestones that inspired his imagination.From Seedy Port to Vibrant Promenade
By the mid-20th century, Nyhavn had fallen into decline, its maritime purpose diminished and its reputation tarnished. The transformation began in earnest during the 1960s when the Nyhavn Society was founded with the explicit goal of revitalizing the area. In 1977, the harbor was officially inaugurated as a veteran ship and museum harbor, celebrating its nautical heritage. The pivotal moment came in 1980 when the quay was pedestrianized, removing the parking area that had dominated the space and reclaiming it for public life. This decision proved transformative, allowing the district to reclaim its role as a gathering place for both locals and visitors.The Living Harbor Today
Today, Nyhavn pulses with energy, especially during warmer months when outdoor cafés spill onto the cobblestones and the air fills with the sounds of jazz and laughter. The canal harbors a collection of historic wooden sailing ships that serve as floating museums and reminders of Copenhagen's maritime past. Restaurants and bars line both quays, offering everything from traditional Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) to contemporary Nordic cuisine. In summer, the atmosphere is distinctly bohemian, with street musicians, pavement cafés, and the gentle lap of water against the quay. Winter brings its own magic: the annual Christmas market transforms the district into a festive wonderland, with decorated stalls, twinkling lights, and the warming aroma of gløgg (mulled wine) drifting through the air.A Canvas for Culture and Cinema
Nyhavn's photogenic qualities have made it a favorite filming location for international cinema since the 1950s. The district gained recent prominence in the 2015 drama film The Danish Girl, where its colorful facades provided the backdrop for pivotal scenes. Beyond cinema, Nyhavn serves as a cultural hub where canal tours depart regularly, offering visitors a unique perspective of Copenhagen's waterfront and iconic landmarks including Christiansborg Palace, Børsen, and the Opera House. The nearby Royal Danish Playhouse and Opera House further cement the area's status as a center of artistic and cultural life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.2 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
0.2 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
0.3 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
0.5 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Larsens Pl.
0.6 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Knippelsbro
0.6 km
Copper-topped towers, lifting roadway and harbor breezes make Knippelsbro a compact, characterful bridge linking historic Slotsholmen with canalside Christianshavn.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.6 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Copenhagen Opera House
0.6 km
An architectural landmark on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Opera House blends Scandinavian design with world-class performances and spectacular waterfront views.
Holmens Bro
0.7 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Børsen
0.7 km
Copenhagen's legendary Dragon Spire and Dutch Renaissance masterpiece—a 400-year-old trading hub bearing witness to centuries of Danish commerce.
Højbro Pl.
0.7 km
Maskinrummet is Skagen’s maritime museum and café, featuring historic marine engines, hands-on exhibits, and harbor-side atmosphere in Denmark’s northernmost town.
Christianshavn
0.7 km
Maritime charm meets modern cool in Copenhagen's most picturesque neighbourhood of coloured houses and idyllic canals.
Frederik VII
0.7 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
Agnete and the Merman Statue
0.7 km
Discover the Agnete and the Merman statue in Copenhagen, a stunning representation of love and Danish folklore by Højbro Bridge.
Højbro Plads
0.7 km
Explore Højbro Plads, a vibrant square in Copenhagen that beautifully blends history, culture, and lively atmosphere, perfect for tourists seeking adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.0 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
0.2 km
Historic Charlottenborg Palace transformed into one of Northern Europe’s leading contemporary art halls, blending bold exhibitions with Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv views.
Memorial Anchor
0.2 km
Explore one of Europe’s oldest zoos, home to over 3,000 animals, award-winning architecture, immersive habitats, conservation programs, and engaging family activities.
Copenhagen Amber Museum
0.2 km
A tiny 17th‑century townhouse on Kongens Nytorv where Baltic amber, ancient insects and Scandinavian craft turn deep time into a warm, golden museum experience.
The Playhouse
0.2 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
The Kissing Stairs
0.3 km
Stroll along Langelinie, Copenhagen’s bustling waterfront, where iconic statues, historic parkland, and sweeping harbor views create a quintessential maritime escape.
Bredgade 18
0.3 km
A quietly elegant address on Copenhagen’s grand Bredgade, surrounded by Frederiksstaden’s mansions, churches and design showrooms in the heart of the city.
Hey Captain
0.3 km
Experience the heart of Hillerød at Fisketorvet, where shopping, dining, and culture converge in a historic market square.
Ofelia Plads
0.3 km
A UNESCO-listed Renaissance fortress where royal history, sea vistas, and Hamlet legends converge at the gateway between Denmark and Sweden.
The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s national theatre in two acts: a gilded 19th‑century Old Stage on Kongens Nytorv and a bold modern playhouse rising directly above the harbour waters.
Kongens Nytorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s grand royal square, where theatres, palaces, luxury hotels and metro lines meet above a lively, ever-changing city stage.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.3 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Havnepromenade
0.3 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.3 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
Indre By
0.4 km
A storied sanctuary in Nørrebro, Assistens Cemetery blends tranquil nature, remarkable history, and the celebrated graves of Danish luminaries.
Essential places to dine
Skipperkroen
0.1 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Khun Juk
0.1 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
Cap Horn
0.1 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
0.2 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
à terre
0.3 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
Goldfinch
0.3 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Aoc
0.4 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Barr
0.4 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Marchal
0.4 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Bistro Royal
0.4 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Den Lille Fede
0.4 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Restaurant Vita
0.4 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Llama
0.4 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
King Hans Cellar
0.4 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Frank
0.4 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
0.1 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
0.1 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Zane
0.2 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.4 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
The Wilde Shop
0.4 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Magasin du Nord
0.4 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Viking Souvenirs
0.4 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
0.4 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
0.4 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
Storm - design art fashion
0.6 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
ILLUM
0.6 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Danish Souvenirs
0.7 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
0.7 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brønnum
0.3 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Aloha Beach Bar
0.5 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Bar Deco
0.5 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Balthazar
0.5 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
1105
0.5 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Eiffel bar
0.7 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
The Moose
0.7 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Charlie's Bar
0.7 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
K-Bar
0.7 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Ved Stranden
0.7 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
Trykbar
0.7 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
The Dubliner
0.8 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
Black Swan
0.8 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
Bo-Bi Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
0.5 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
Mini Bar
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
The Zoo
0.6 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Culture Box
0.8 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Operaen
0.9 km
Compact harbourfront nightclub near Copenhagen’s modern opera house, mixing DJ-driven beats, local crowds and late-night energy by the inner-city waterfront.
Chateau Motel
1.1 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Hive
1.1 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Rumors
1.2 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Mirror
1.2 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Miami Bar
1.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Arch
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
La Terraza
1.3 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Mirage
1.3 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Club Mambo
1.3 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Dorsia
1.3 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
