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The Danish capital Copenhagen is not only home to the Royal Family and colorful waterfront buildings, but also to affordable experiences if you look hard enough. To squeeze the best of Copenhagen into a budget-friendly trip, consider this itinerary.

  1. Discover the city’s beauty by foot with a free walking tour via Sandemans. Though they are free, tipping is highly appreciated. The tours are daily from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the meeting point is at the Dragon Fountain in the City Hall Square.   

  2. Stroll down the colorful and vibrant Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s famous waterfront and entertainment district. The water’s edge is also an ideal place to pack a picnic.

  3. Educate yourself on history and art at museums such as the Thorvaldsens Museum, which is free on Wednesdays and the NY Carlsberg Glyptotek, which is free on Tuesdays.

  4. Appreciate the natural beauty at the King’s Gardens. This garden, sometimes referred to as Rosenborg Garden, is the oldest park in the heart of Copenhagen and has a nearby botanical garden boasting 13,000 species of plants and flowers. Admission is free.

  5. Unleash the foodie in you and experience a haven of delicious goods and spices at Torvehallerne, a grand market that offers over 60 stands covering everything from seafood to chocolate. Though it may be tempting to visit every stand, be sure to watch how many you go to!

  6. For those with kids, take them to see The Little Mermaid. It’s not the real mermaid, but the bronze statue, created by Edvard Eriksen, is still an impressive sculpture to see. The replica of the beautiful siren is located at the Langelinie promenade.

  7. Visit the “hipster” side of Copenhagen at Christianshavn, a part of Copenhagen known for its alternative and liberal lifestyle.

  8. Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Amalienborg Palace where Queen Margrethe II and the Danish Royal Family reside.

  9. Immerse yourself in books at the Royal Library located in Slotsholem. This library is made up of two sections: the original building and the new building that sits on the shores of the Copenhagen harbor.

  10. Pay your respects at the Assistens Cemetery where famous Danes such as Hans Christian Anderson and Søren Kierkegaard are laid to rest. Admission is free.

  11. Rent a bike and explore like the locals do. These bikes, available for four euros an hour, are high-tech and are perfect for discovering Copenhagen’s hidden gems.

  12. For a glorious view of the city, climb the tower at Christainborg Palace. Soaking up the beauty of the buildings can be done for free and will make for a memorable souvenir.

  13. A trip to Copenhagen isn’t complete without a visit to the famous amusement park and garden known as Tivoli Gardens. Admission for adults and children ages eight and older is about 17 euros.

  14. Window shop along Strøget, the main shopping street to get a taste of Danish design.

  15. Drink a refreshing beer at Eiffel Bar, a popular Copenhagen bodega that serves beer for under three euros!

  16. Dine at Nørrebro, a seafood kitchen specializing in Nordic dishes such as a fish burger and other fresh seafood eats. Most of the items on the menu are about 11 euros.

Though on a budget, exploring and having an exciting trip to Copenhagen can still be done. Take the time to spend your hard-earned money to explore the rest of the Nordic countries!

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