Sarah relaxes at Copenhagen's Viking Bar. Photo: Derek Van Gorder

We were very pleased to update our Copenhagen hotel reviews yesterday, adding several new budget hotel picks, and refreshing our existing listings. Sarah Silbert, our “listings guru” in the New York office, visited Copenhagen last month to tackle the job. We sat down with her this morning to learn more about her trip.

As a first-time visitor to Copenhagen, what did you find surprising about the city?

I didn’t think it would be so compact! All the main attractions are roughly in the same area, so it’s very easy to cover the city on foot.

Did you walk everywhere?

Nearly. I never needed to take public transportation, aside from getting into the city from the airport. I would have loved to rent a bike, but the weather was pretty miserable and rainy so I opted out.

Did you find Copenhagen easy to visit for budget travelers?

With a bit of effort, it can be. Hotel rates themselves are probably the biggest expense, though there are certainly deals to be had. Dining can be reasonably cheap if you forgo touristy restaurants (especially around Tivoli and Nyhavn) for meals at the pizza and kebab joints popular with the locals.

Mmmmm… Pizza and kebabs. Did you have any memorable meals?

In an effort to keep expenses down, I ate meal after meal of falafel schawarma sandwiches. With good reason, too—they’re delicious and cost around DKK 20 (about $4). After my last day of visiting hotels, however, I did splurge on some tasty Japanese fare at Kung Fu Izakaya Bar in Vesterbro.

You deserved it, after visiting dozens of hotels in the city. Which hotel was your favorite?

It’s a tough call, but the Avenue Hotel in Frederiksberg won me over with its lovely rooms and warm hospitality. Hotel Alexandra, which boasts guestrooms outfitted with the work of famed Danish designers, is a close second. However, these are just two of many hotels boasting sleek Danish design and central locations.

Where did you stay?

I stayed at the Absalon Hotel. I had booked a room at the Absalon Annex (which I reviewed), but upon arrival was upgraded to a room at the hotel’s three-star sister property.

Really? Did they know you were reviewing them?

No! Of course not. I told them during check out–and then asked to see a bunch of rooms!

—

Thanks for the great job, Sarah. To read her work, check out her Copenhagen hotel reviews and city guide articles.

Popularity: 5% [?]

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen. Photo by StePagna.

By Sarah Silbert–

Today, I take off for a 20 day-trip to Europe. Aside from visits to Berlin, Helsinki, and Stockholm, I’ll be updating EuroCheapo’s Copenhagen guide. I’m really thrilled to visit this Scandinavian capital.

There are many reasons I’m excited to visit Copenhagen: the smorrebrod, the bicycling, the Danish design! But I’m particularly looking forward to stopping by the Little Mermaid for a visit. The iconic statue is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, and, with a harbor-side location, it’s absolutely free.

The Little Mermaid: A brief history

It’s well known that the Little Mermaid is inspired by famous Dane Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale of the same name. It’s lesser known that the statue has a colorful history full of dynamite and decapitation. Here are some fun facts about the statue, or “den lille havfrue,” as she’s called in Danish.

The statue was commissioned in 1909 by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of the famous Carlsberg brewery. The sculptor Edvard Eriksen created the statue from bronze, using both his wife and the ballerina Ellen Price as models.

The statue was completed and presented to the public on August 23, 1913. Danes celebrate her birthday every year on this day.

The Little Mermaid is surprisingly small: she stands only 65 inches tall and weighs just 385 pounds.

Vandals and hoaxes!

As the first of many acts of vandalism witnessed by the Little Mermaid, a bra and underwear were painted onto her on April 28, 1963. Her hair was also painted red. (Prescient thinking—this was years before Disney’s red-headed ”The Little Mermaid” was released!)

The poor Mermaid’s head was sawed off on April 24, 1964 by artists affiliated with the revolutionary Situationist movement.

On September 11, 2003, the Little Mermaid was blasted off her rock, apparently with dynamite.

On March 3, 2007, the statue was yet again covered in paint—this time pink.

The statue was found draped in a Muslim dress and hijab on May 20, 2008.

The Little Mermaid has had company since September, 2006. A “genetically modified” version of the statue was created as part of the sculpture group Genetically Modified Paradise and sits just a few hundred meters away from the original.

The Little Mermaid seems to be sitting safe and pretty for now, but she will be making waves in China in 2010, when she travels to the World EXPO in Shanghai.

Getting there: How close can you get?

The statue is located in the Copenhagen harbor at Langelinie 1. Take Bus 26 to Langelinie.

I’m all set to sidle up to the statue for a snapshot. So Cheapos, how close do you think I can get to the Little Mermaid? Tom said I should pack a swimsuit if I really want to get a photo right next to her. I’m not sure I’m ready to brave the water with the cold Copenhagen temperatures, so perhaps I’ll have to settle for some tricky camera angles!

Popularity: 6% [?]

The view from here...photo by Alex Robertson Textor

By Alex Robertson Textor—Two weeks in the Nordic countries visiting friends in familiar cities and discovering new territory required me to rely heavily on airplanes as well as trains to get around.

I took five flights during my trip: Stockholm to Helsinki; Helsinki to Copenhagen; Copenhagen to the Faroe Islands; Faroe Islands to Copenhagen; and Copenhagen to Stockholm. All but the final of these flights was unavoidable, scheduling-wise. During the last stretch I badly wanted to take the train, but logistics and pricing got in the way.

All in all, the packed itinerary yielded four airlines I’d never encountered before—one regional airline, two legacy airlines, and one low-cost airline. Here are my reviews.

Flight #1: Stockholm to Helsinki
Airline: Blue1

SAS subsidiary Blue1 is a regional airline with a dense route map covering Finland. The total experience is pretty humdrum. Notable dimensions of the experience included the offer of little candies from a basket at the close of the flight and a good in-flight magazine, which featured interesting articles on Helsinki allotment gardens and a  unique lighthouse accommodation along the Finnish coast. There was a free drink service but no snack is served on board.

Cost of one-way ticket: 739 SEK (about $95) purchased on the Swedish version of the SAS site.

On-time? No. 45-minute delay.

Flight rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Flight #2: Helsinki to Copenhagen
Airline: Finnair

This Finnish legacy carrier runs a seriously well-designed ship, which has earned kudos for its routes to Asia and its overall brand. Of note was the rack of free newspapers on offer to guests—I plumped for Helsinki’s Swedish-language Hufvudstadsbladet—and the plush blue seats. Snack service consisted of a cheese and cucumber sandwich, a small cup of concentrated orange juice, and a tiny Mars candy. The in-flight magazine contained thoughtful stories on the Finnish town of Rauma, the Japanese lust for vintage Finnish design, and Finland’s Valamo Monastery, the only Orthodox monastery in the Nordic countries.

Cost of one-way ticket: $111, purchased through Orbitz.com.

On-time? Yes.

Flight rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Flight #3: Copenhagen to the Faroe Islands (roundtrip)
Airline: Atlantic Airways

This air carrier faces no competition on its routes, which in high season connect the Faroe Islands’ Vagar international airport with Denmark, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and the UK. The airline, sadly, lacked personality. A snack was served in a big paper bag. It consisted of a bland ciabatta sandwich and a single wrapped Fazer mint. The in-flight magazine is very glossy. Perks of note: Danish and Faroese newspapers draped over seats and the drinks cart, which materializes with unexpected regularity and dispenses hard liquor free of charge. Bummer of note:  A stopped-up toilet on the Copenhagen-Faroes route.

Cost of roundtrip ticket: $404, purchased on the Atlantic Airways Web site.

On-time? Yes.

Flight rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Flight #4: Copenhagen to Stockholm
Airline: Norwegian Air

Norwegian Air Shuttle—these days more often referred to as “Norwegian”—is a quietly successful airline. Branded as a budget airline, Norwegian indeed offers some very reasonable advance fares. Norwegian doesn’t destroy passengers with arbitrary charges, either. With other European low-cost airlines charging for all sorts of things like checking in at the airport and checked baggage, Norwegian’s free 20 kg baggage allotment felt like a gift. Nothing on board is free, of course. The in-flight magazine is written in uneven English, though it contained a few items of note: a short article suggesting that passengers use their mobile telephones to check in for flights, DJ Rune Lindbaek’s tips for Oslo visits, and an overview of Swedish landscape architect Ulf Nordfjell’s oeuvre.

Cost of one-way ticket: €44 (about $62), purchased on wegolo.

On-time? Yes.

Flight rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About the author: Alex Robertson Textor is Editor-at-Large at EuroCheapo. He has written travel stories for the New York Post, New York Times, and Rough Guides, among other publications, and he also maintains Spendthrift Shoestring, a blog on budget travel and culture.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Photo of smorrebrod courtesy of ilmungo

Note: Today’s post comes courtesy of Wandering Cheapo Mogens Petersen, who lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Copenhagen has for years been a top-notch gourmet capital in Northern Europe with high priced, multi-Michelin starred restaurants rising up as fast as you can say, “The Little Mermaid.” But, the bills at these places can be staggering, often more than €150-200 for a meal.

Cheapo-gourmets have no fear. Here are a few local secrets - and budget eats - to keep you satiated:

Hit the streets!

A new concept has literally ‘hit the streets’ of Copenhagen: mobile street food. Several bikes and mopeds today circuit the busiest thoroughfares offering affordable and satisfying food. A local favorite is “fish-to-go,” run by French chef Bernard Chesneau. Here you’ll find delicious and homemade seafood dishes, served and prepared out of his own camper.

If you get it to-go: Try the tasty fish cakes with tartar sauce  (1 for €2.75, €3 for €6.75) or the fish of the day (€8). Fish to-go is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM.

National cuisine - for less!

While you’re eating your way through Copenhagen why not stop for some Danish national cuisine? Small businesses are scattered around Copenhagen selling smørrebrød (open-faced rye-bread sandwiches), at varying prices. Expect to spend  12 to 30 kroners (€.60 to €4), depending on which take-away joint you pick.

For good value, I recommend the traditional Frederiksberg Smørrebrød, on Gl. Kongevej. Ask for a ”stjerneskud”: two fried fish topped with lettuce, mayo, shrimp and caviar (€5) or the “tatar”: raw minced beef with capers, onions, horseradish, and a raw egg yolk (€7).

Coffee on-the-go!

The Danes are among the most coffee-coveting people in the world, and wandering around our pretty streets you’ll notice one café after the other. Though prices in City (Midtown) can get as high as 52 kroner (€7) for a latte, cheap gourmet coffee is available nearby.

Try Ole Skram, or “the espressoman,” as he calls himself. He has equipped his personal bicycle with a gas-driven espresso machine and rides the streets of City each day selling low-priced gourmet coffee. You can typically track him down around Nørreport station, Østerport Station, and along Strøget. He charges around 20 kroners (€2.50) for a latte.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Christmas market in Brussels, Belgium-photo by Ipoh 7

‘Tis the season to visit the European Christmas markets, Cheapos!

The Christmas Market Tradition

Europe’s holiday market tradition began in Germany and Austria. Today, many well-known markets, like those in Nuremberg and Munich, draw record crowds. Heck, there’s even a company that specializes in European Christmas market tours around the holidays.

The most popular markets can still be found in Germany and Austria, but cities in our other countries, like Copenhagen, Denmark and Prague, Czech Republic, throw their own festive fairs. Markets typically open during the last week of November and remain open until the day after Christmas.

Here’s a very merry round-up of the most notable Christmas markets In Europe. If you happen to be nearby, we recommend a browse-through.

Salzburg

The annual “adventmarkt,” filled with stalls, good eats, and more, takes place in Julius-Raab Platz. Check out the fantastical “Christkindlmarkt” web site for more info, or simply visit the Salzburg Tourism Info site here.

Vienna

Mozart’s main stomping ground is the veritable creme de la creme for Christmas market gurus. Fairs are open in multiple locations and feature live DJ music, petting zoos, gospel choirs, and authentic handicrafts. Visit the Vienna Tourism Board for info, dates, and directions to the markets.

Munich

Another mother lode when it comes to Christmas markets in Europe, the Munich Advent “markt” is expansive, boasting concerts, traditional food, and free historical tours of the market. The tourism board has more info, including how to get there, and where to park if you’re arriving by car. (Anyone who wants to offer their own caption for the photo that appears on this page, please pass it on. “Nordic vikings attack unsuspecting child at Munich Christmas market“?)

Berlin

Whether you like your markets authentic or chock full of special effects, Berlin’s the place to be if only for the number and sheer size of some of its markets. Most notably, the market in Potsdamer Platz, titled ”WinterMagic,” features a 4,000 square-foot outdoor space with a Ferris wheel, Legoland structure for kids to play in, and more. A comprehensive list of all markets can be found here.

Bonus: Download a FREE PDF history of the markets here, or watch this YouTube video for more info on the tradition of the German Christmas market. You can also visit the ‘markt’ section of the Berlin Tourism site for more info (in German only).

Copenhagen

The largest market can be found in Tivoli Gardens and has become an infamous go-to spot for getting into the spirit. Here, elves in full costume bounce among revelers and the light displays -orchestrated by the lead designer for Tiffany & Co - hang overhead. Games, ornaments, and much more are available. Check out the “Visit Copenhagen” site for info on this and many more Copenhagen markets. 

Brussels

This year, the Christmas market kicks off in Place St. Catherine. Ice skating is available. Be sure to buy some chocolates, and don’t forget to stop to see Manneken Pis in full Santa regalia. The “Visit Belgium” site has more info.

Prague

The Czech city really does it up with major fests in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Smaller fairs occur elsewhere throughout the holidays. Check out the “Prague Experience” site for info, dates, and more.

Stay tuned this week as we take you through the European Christmas market circuit in daily photo montages.

Tell us: And, if you’ve been to a holiday market in Europe, tell us about it! What was it like? What did you buy or sample?

Happy Holidays, Cheapos!

Popularity: 25% [?]

A German train pulls into station. Photo by Francois Roche. 

It is that time of year when many travellers start sketching out their plans for 2009 trips to Europe. And for travel within Europe, many of the continent’s budget airlines will unveil their summer 2009 schedules in the coming weeks. Book early for the best discounts.

Plan ahead: Rail travel for next year

Rail travelers can still take a while refining their travel plans for summer 2009, for although many of the schedules are now becoming available, tickets do not generally go on sale until two to four months prior to travel.

The extension of the Europa-Spezial scheme to encompass many more countries means that canny travellers can now plan long treks across Europe with rail fares that greatly undercut even the lowest air fares.

Europa-Spezial: Great value for money

Europa-Spezial fares can be booked online at the German Railways website. Tickets generally go on sale 90 days prior to travel, so bookings can already be made for January 2009.

Choose your trains carefully and you can travel from Budapest to Cologne for just €39 one way - and you can include stopovers on the way (each for a maximum of 48 hours). We chose a Budapest - Prague - Berlin - Cologne routing, with en route stops for two nights in both Prague and Berlin, and found plenty of availability for mid-January 2009 at the lead-in €39 fare.

Other gems there for the taking are €29 one-way from Hamburg to Vienna (via Prague), €39 from Paris or Copenhagen to any station in Germany, and a €39 fare that will take you from any station in Belgium or the Netherlands to Basel on the Swiss border or to Salzburg in Austria.

First class options: Worth considering, even for Cheapos

If the lowest fare for your selected route is already sold out, you can still buy a Europa-Spezial ticket, but it will be priced at a higher tariff tier (e.g. €49, €69, and up). Europa-Spezial fares are also available for first class, and these are really worth checking.

Berlin to Vienna (either direct or with a one or two night stopover in Dresden) for €49 first class sounds almost too good to be true. If you find little availability for Europa-Spezial fares in second class, just have a look to see if the cheapest first class option is still available. First class sells out less quickly, and we have found many examples of journeys where remaining first class availability is cheaper than heavily-booked second class.

The great thing about these Europa-Spezial fares is that, subject to availability at the time of booking, you really can use them on the fast express services. The only real snag is that you must commit yourself to date and time of travel, but at such rock bottom fares that is scarcely a burden.

The new Europa-Spezial fares, along with long-standing promotions like discounted TGV fares in France, might really tip the balance as you weigh up whether it is worth buying a rail pass for 2009.

This article is by Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries, who together edit hidden europe magazine, which explores people, places and communities across Europe. Every issue of hidden europe includes a lot of tips on budget travel, especially by rail.

Popularity: 100% [?]

A bar in Paris. Photo by Bart Hoevenaars

October 28—With the US presidential election only days away, candidates aren’t the only ones scrambling to organize their schedules. Americans living and traveling abroad are also figuring out where to go next Tuesday night to watch the results come in.

We’ve heard from several wandering Cheapos about their election night plans, many of which include meeting up with other Americans to throw back (several) beers with patriotic gusto.

Listed below are a few suggestions for election night viewing parties in Paris, London, Rome,  Amsterdam, and Berlin, among other cities.

AMSTERDAM

US Election Party hosted by Amsterdam American Business Club:  An all-night event taking place at the Hilton Hotel Amsterdam, including panel discussions with Dutch and American politicians, snacks and an early morning breakfast.  Tickets required.  Apollolaan 138, 1077 BG Amsterdam.

Boom Chicago Election Night Party:  A wild and crazy evening of comedy and poll watching at this central Amsterdam laugh-house.  Tickets are required (and you might bump into EuroCheapo staffer Christopher Franco if you go!).  Leidseplein 12, 1017 PT Amsterdam.  Tel: +31 20 53 07300.

Molly Malone’s Irish Pub:  Just looking for a big bar with a giant TV?  Look no further.  Free entry.  Oudezijds Kolk 9, 1012 AL Amsterdam.  Tel: +31 20 6241150.

ATHENS

Democrats Abroad Greece: Election Night Party at the Athens Hilton, 9 pm until dawn, with a buffet, music, and video. Ambassador Speckhard is scheduled to speak. Contact pressofficer@democratsabroad.org for details.

BARCELONA

Democrats Abroad: Election Watch Party from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Luz de Gas, Sala B, calle Muntaner 246. Contact pressofficer@democratsabroad.org for details.

Hillary, our budget travel pal from from Less Than A Shoestring, emailed us the following update for election parties in Berlin:

“There are two big open events in Berlin: one at the Amerika Haus starts in the early evening and goes only till 1 a.m.; the second starts at 10:30 p.m. and goes till the race is called, with Democrats Abroad Berlin at Babylon (Mitte). The former is free (but reservations only, and they’re totally booked); the second is 3.50 euros in advance, 5 euros at the door (but also likely to sell out quickly).”

BRUSSELS

The Renaissance Brussels Hotel is hosting an election event, sponsored by the American Club of Brussels amd The Bulletin.

BUDAPEST

From BC: I’ve called AmCham, the embassy, and a few companies. There isn’t another party that I can find. However, I’ve also called a few sports bars and Champs will play the elections on its TVs starting at 10:45 (after the champions league match). The bar technically closes at 1am but I hope it will remain open if there is a crowd. A few of us will be at Champs at 10:45. Just ask the bartenders what table is the US election party.

COPENHAGEN

The US Embassy and AmCham are having an event at the Marriott. It’s only from 10pm to 2am, so all the results won’t be in by the time the event is over. Info is at http://amcham.dk/events.php?sec=events&id=249

The American Expats in Copenhagen Meet Up is hosting a party at Cafe Globon, too - http://www.meetup.com/american-27/calendar/9059973/.

The social democratic party have election nights in all major towns in Denmark. The Facebook site for the Copenhagen event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=43546658752

DUBLIN

The Button Factory is having a party, which is now sold out.

Democrats Abroad Ireland will be hosting an Election Night party at Cafe en Seine on Dawson Street in Dublin. Contact pressofficer@democratsabroad.org for details.

FLORENCE

Democrats Abroad: Watch Night Party from 6 p.m. – 4 a.m., at Saschall. There will also be a Victory Party for Thursday, November 6, 8:30 - late (location tbd). Contact pressofficer@democratsabroad.org for details.

LONDON

Yates Wine Bar:  Billing itself as “the biggest bi-partisan election night party in London,” the Yates Wine Bar in Leicester Square is open through 4 AM GMT and is providing coverage via CNN and FOX.  There’s a buffet and drink vouchers, but tickets are required.  Yates’s Wine Bar, Leicester Square, London.

MADRID

Democtat’s Abroad Election Watch Party (11 p.m until early morning): Círculo de Bellas Artes; Calle Alcalá 42. Madrid (metro: Banco de España). Live music, dancing, live election returns coverage. Contact pressofficer@democratsabroad.org for details.

MUNICH

Democrats Abroad: Election Night Party at Bushing Garden. Program: 7:00-10:00pm; Dinner for early guests with a special “Obama Menu” and a music program. From 9:00pm-till sunrise, there will be a party with music and dancing. Contact pressofficer@democratsabroad.org for details.

PARIS

“La Nuit Americaine” All-night event organized by the City Hall of the 3rd Arrondissement to “explore and understand the United States,” while tuning in to election results. (They’ll even be screening “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Crash,” and “Vertigo” before serving breakfast!).  Free entry.  Mairie de 3eme, Salle Odette Pilpoul, 2 rue Eugene Spuller, 75003, Paris.  Tel:  +33 15 30 17503.   

Americans Abroad for Obama Party: 11:30 p.m.  Free entry. Palais Maillot, 2, Place de La Porte Maillot, Paris. 

Harry’s Bar New York:  What better place to soak up election drama than at the bar that created the Bloody Mary? Harry’s also hosts a famous expat straw poll.  Free entry.  5 rue Daunou 2nd Mº Opéra, Paris, 75002.

PRAGUE

“Democrats in Prague”: Election Night Watch Parties in two locations, The Globe Bookstore and Jama Restaurant. Contact pressofficer@democratsabroad.org for details.

ROME

American International Club of Rome:  A bi-partisan, bi-lingual extravaganza at the Parco dei Principi Hotel Conference Center.  Political commentary and speakers sprawled across 4 convention halls.  Tickets required. Via G. Frescobaldi, 5, Rome.  

From Roman correspondent Annie Shapero:

“Democrats Abroad” Party in Termini Station: The group is throwing a party from 1 AM - 5 AM in Rome’s main train station (exact location will be emailed). The catered event includes an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and American-style coffee. The event costs €20 (€15 for food, and €5 for the group). For more information email events.rome@democratsabroad.it.

STOCKHOLM

All-night election watch with dinner, discussions and entertainment at the Scandic Hotel Anglais, Humlegårdsgatan 23, Stockholm, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Contact pressofficer@democratsabroad.org for details.

VIENNA

The Democrats Abroad are having a party in the 19th District, the Lion Rampant Pub, Billrothstrasse 16: http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/default/files/DAAElectionNight2008.pdf

Tell Us

Do you plan to watch the elections from abroad? Tell us about it. And please list any other parties you know about below!

Editor’s Note: We have listed several Democratic-leaning events above. Most of this information has been provided by Democrats Abroad. Find more information, including more parties, on their website. We have looked hard for Republican events as well, but to no avail. If you know of any, please let us know.

Popularity: 27% [?]

Stylish coffee cups for about $20 from Illums Bolighus

The designers of Denmark are renowned for their sleek and refined ideas. Bringing home some Danish wares can help you spice up your interior decor, from dressing up the bedroom to simplifying the kitchen.

Although some pieces of Danish ingenuity can be very pricey, many smaller, easy-to-pack items won’t cost all of your kroners. Modest vases, picture frames, and jewelry boxes travel well, and are useful and stylish souvenirs.

Danish house wares: Tasteful and practical

Take a trip to the Danish Design Center and the fancy shops on Amagertorv for inspiration, then head over to Magasin du Nord, Scandanavia’s first department store, at Kongens Nytorv 13. There you will find similar kitchenware and home furnishings available for much less.

If you’re planning to enjoy low-priced meals from the grocery store or will be picnicking in the Ørsteds Parken, why not dress it up with some trendy utensils? Collapsible cups and bowls and two-in-one salt and pepper shakers are simply elegant, and will be a hit back home. These pieces can be found for DKK 100 (about US $20).

While you’re at it…

Keep some Danish kroner. Hearts, swirls, and depictions of lions and crowns surrounded by a curvy typeface make for creative coinage. Not only is the fancy money fun to hand out to friends, but you can save it for your next trip. Danes have repeatedly rejected the adoption of the euro, although the government is still committed to its eventual adoption.

Also see: Our list of recommended budget hotels in Copenhagen.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Things can get pricy pretty quickly in Copenhagen, but you can still grab some wheels for free. The city’s free bike program, called “Bycyklen Kobenhavn,” was a pioneer in the urban bike program phenomenon. The city provides 1,300 free bicycles to anyone to zip around the city center.

The program is popular with visitors and residents alike, doubles as a rehabilitation program for locals, and is environmentally progressive. (The city even gave a city bike to Bill Clinton, when he visited in 1997.) In short, the program is just another example of why the Danes are so cool.

It’s a straight-forward system:

1) Find your way to one of the city’s 125 bike parking areas. They’re all located in the city center.

2) Leave a small deposit (a DKK 20 coin, worth about $3) and ride off with your bike.

3) Stay in the city center. The bikes are easy to identify, and you might get some looks if you’re outside the central zone. According to the official website, “If you ride on a city bike outside the zone, you might get fined by the police.” Also, remember not to ride on any of the city’s pedestrian-only streets (you can walk the bike, however).

4) When you’re finished, return the bike to one of the 125 bike parking areas, whereupon you’ll get back your deposit.

The free-bike zone.

For more information on the program, visit the city’s official website for the free bike program.

So simple.

Popularity: 20% [?]

Denmark, home to Hans Christian Andersen and all those friendly, tall—and it must be said—great Danes, was recently proclaimed the happiest place on earth. In a number of population studies, pollsters asked residents to rate their level of happiness and other factors, and it seems the Danes have a real twist for felicity.

All this happiness, in spite of high taxes and hefty price tags? After all, according to the Big Mac Index, a Happy Meal must cost at least $5 in Copenhagen! Yet we agree: Denmark is a happy (and happening) place!

Here are five of our favorite and free ways to boost your serotonin in Copenhagen:

1) Get cultured

In 2006, the National Museum and the Statens Museum of Kunst became free to the public. And, every Wednesday, a number of other major museums and galleries open their doors without a charge. We suggest the Tøjhusmuseet, where the relics of the Royal Danish Arsenal are housed, and the Hirschsprungske and Ordrupgaard Collections, two museums with some of the best French and Danish art from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. For more info and to browse current exhibitions, go to the Copenhagen Tourism’s art museum page.

2) Park yourself

Copenhagen has some of the most expansive and pretty parks in Europe. Retreats like Orsteds Park, Frederiksberg Garden or Vondelpark are free to enter and stroll. Both have incredible sculptures and fountains and a host of traveling street performers. We also recommend the Botanical Gardens.

3) Get thee to church

Seriously, not only are Copenhagen’s many religious establishments architectural marvels, but they’re free to visit, and often host free concerts. Some charge a nominal fee for truly spectacular shows, like the Danish boys choir Christmas concert at the Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke), founded in 1209.

4) Grab a bike without paying

Yes, it’s that easy. You see a bike. You need a bike? You take the bike and ride it. A minimal deposit (about $3) gets returned when you bring the bike back to any number of designated spots. The promotion runs annually from May 1st to December 15th. More info can be found here.

5) See the statues

Go for a walk near the Copenhagen harbor, and spend some time gazing at the Little Mermaid. (She can’t charge you a krone to check out her scales.) Near City Hall, visit with Hans Christian Andersen. Later, walk the stone path at the Thorvaldsens museum in Slotsholmen.

Whatever you do, take lots of photos… or take brochures. After all, they’re free!

Popularity: 13% [?]