Budget Travel: This Underrated European Country Has Free Museums And Water Activities

When traveling to Europe, countries like England, France, Germany, and Spain are likely to come to mind first — with each offering its own unique experience. However, for those looking for an outstanding place to visit while on a budget, Denmark might be the perfect destination. Located in north-central Europe, the Scandinavian country of Denmark consists of the Jutland Peninsula and four hundred-plus islands. Interestingly, the country's capital of Copenhagen is actually located on two Danish islands: Zealand (Sjælland) and Amager.

When investigating ways to save money when flying, you'll likely find that travel to and from Denmark can actually be quite affordable — especially if you use certain tips for finding cheap flights in Europe. Once there, the DSB (Denmark's public transportation system) offers significant discounts for travelers through its Orange program. The further ahead of time that you book tickets, the more destinations are discounted. Plus, each paying adult can bring two children along for free, while those aged 12 to 15 only pay half of the adult ticket price. Denmark is also known for clean and affordable hostels, which offer dormitory-like rooms and, typically, a shared kitchen, lounge, and bathroom space. Most also include a bar, cafe, free WiFi, and a breakfast buffet. 

The Thorvaldsens Museum features the work of the brilliant sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen in a Greek architecture-styled building and is located in central Copenhagen on the island of Sjælland. It also contains Thorvaldsen's antiquities collection. On Wednesdays, the art museum is free to everyone, with seniors also free on Tuesdays. If that doesn't fit your schedule, the museum is quite affordable at 110 DKK per ticket or about $17.19. It's easy to spot, too, located right next door to the Christiansborg Palace. The palace is also available for tours through a variety of paid packages, but people can tour the 348-foot tower, which is the highest spot in Copenhagen — you can even see Sweden from the top – for free.

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen is free for tours on the last Wednesday of the month. There, you can browse paintings and sculptures from 19th and 20th century European artists like Gaugin, Rodin, and Van Gogh. Tickets normally cost 150 DKK for adults ($23.44) and 120 DKK for students under the age of 27 ($18.50) with people under 18 getting in for free. If you can't take advantage of a free Wednesday, book tickets online for a 10% discount. Also, the David Collection makes it easy with free admission all year long. This museum houses Islamic art, 17th-19th century treasures from Europe, and early modern Danish art.

By booking a GreenKayak in Copenhagen, or another participating city in Denmark — and agreeing to grab any litter you come across while traveling the waterways — you can enjoy the kayak for free. Visitors may also choose to swim in one of the country's harbour bathing facilities, available for free year-round. Or, for people who enjoy fishing, those under 18 or over 67 can do so for free, while a day pass costs 46 DKK ($7.18).

To truly enjoy budget travel, it's important to avoid making unnecessary purchases. For example, plenty of food and drink tours exist in Denmark, with companies happy to charge travelers for their expertise. However, researching ahead of time can allow you to find your own Danish hot spots. For example, locals in Denmark often eat at street food markets, especially in the cities, and travelers can find decent prices on traditional Danish dishes at these markets. If staying in Aarhus, for example, the permanent street market there serves food from more than 30 establishments, including open faced sandwiches known as smørrebrød. One of the fancier versions, stjerneskud, combines plaice, shrimp, and local caviar on rye bread. Tourists longing for a taste of home will be delighted to know that Denmark is also known for its hot dog stands.