How to Survive Visiting an Expensive City

Right before we left for Denmark, someone offhandedly mentioned that Scandinavian countries are uber expensive. I took note of this but honestly thought, I'm sure it's not that bad. I was wrong. London is an expensive city to live in, but imagine all the low end, cheap restaurants disappeared and all you were left with was the special occasion, fancy restaurants for 3 meals a day. That was what I found Copenhagen to be like. Not extortionate, but high enough to make a dent in the budget fast.  We quickly regrouped and found ways for some cost cutting corners. 

1. Look up free things to do

One of my favourite things about London is that many of the popular museums are free to visit, this usually isn't the case on the continent. However, I was pleased to discover there were several free things to see and do. Meaning we weren't forced to hand over our precious fortunes to visit or to just stand at the gate peering in. 

In Copenhagen we visited the Postal and Tele Museum (trust me, it was fantastic!), the Christianborg Palace Tower, Frilandsmuseet (historic village museum, again it was good, trust me), and one of the many beautiful parks.

Being a DJ at the Postal and Tele Museum

View from Christianborg Palace Tower

Clog maker at the Frilandsmuseet

2. Picnic alfresco when possible

This is harder to do with big meals or if you have to prepare too much, but making a visit to the local grocery store means a relatively cheap and healthy meal while enjoying the sun and fresh air. We were lucky enough to have a grocery store and beautiful park close to our hostel.

3. Head off the beaten track (walk vs. public transportation)

While traveling there is nothing more satisfying than mastering the local public transportation system. That said, however, you just can't see as much than when on foot. I love exploring my local neighbourhood when I arrive some place new. You are guaranteed to be tired after a full day of walking, but that probably means sleeping well no matter what kind of condition your bed for the night is.

4. Choose what to spend money on

It's impossible to not spend any money while traveling no matter how frugal, but seriously, where is the fun in that? If you consider the things you are spending your precious pounds on it will make them seem that much more special and valuable. Sacrifices might have to be made, but if it's something you've been dreaming about then it would not be a waste. 

Taking a canal boat tour was a great way to see the city

The Round Tower was expensive and I preferred it to the Christianborg Tower

5. Sharing is caring

We could not afford to stay anyway nice or private in this very pricey city. Even the hostel was more than I'd usually like to pay. We eventually found a 6 person shared room in a hostel close to the centre. The Generator Copenhagen was the best hostel I've ever been in with a shared room. I would definitely recommend it and stay there again. (Not a sponsored post!)

Fun travels!