Affordable Europe: Copenhagen

Cobbled streets, a sleek new subway system, some of the top restaurants in Scandinavia and that ubiquitous Nordic sense of style: It all adds up to a highly attractive — and costly — vacation spot. Yet even though this city of Renaissance castles and classic modern design routinely ranks among the 10 priciest places in the world, a recent crop of wallet-friendly hot spots and some enduring gratis experiences mean more mileage for your kroners.

Where to Eat Cheaply

For haute cuisine, the city's best kroner-to-quality ratio is Copenhagen Food Consulting (Abel Cathrines Gade 7; 45-3313-6060). A haven of minimalist Scandinavian style in the trendy Vesterbro district, the two-year-old upscale restaurant (known by the locals as Cofoco) offers a seasonal three-course menu of modern Danish-French dishes for 225 kroner (about $37, at 6.3 kroner to the dollar). Offerings might include cod with apple and mint or duck with yogurt, beets and horseradish. Its bargains have made Cofoco a popular cult address, so book in advance. Or hit the streets for a hot dog, the sidewalk specialty of Copenhagen. Sold from pushcarts labeled "Polser," the tube steaks come thick or thin, grilled or boiled, and topped with dried onions, sweet pickles and tangy remoulade sauce, generally about 20 kroner.

Best Things to Do Free

A number of top museums permanently abolished entry fees in January, including the National Museum (Ny Vestergade 10; 45-3313-4411), and the National Gallery (Solvgade 48-50; 45-3374-8494), a vast space stocked with European art since 1300 (though special exhibitions can have a fee). Also, circle Wednesday on your calendar: Showcasing cutting-edge creations, the Danish Design Center (27 H.C. Andersens Boulevard, 45-3369-3369) is free on Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. Also free on Wednesday (and on Sunday) is the New Carlsberg Museum (Dantes Plads 7; 45-3341-8141) across the street. The collection includes French Impressionist painting and ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian art. But it is closed for renovation from May 1 to June 27. \

Best Money-Saving Tip

Exploring the bicycle-friendly Danish capital on two wheels is a breeze thanks to 2,000 free bikes the city provides from April through November at 110 racks around town. Simply slide a 20-kroner coin into the slot on the front of the bike to release it from the rack. The coin will be returned when the bike is replaced. More details at www.bycyklen.dk.

(πηγή: www.iht.com, 23/4/2007)