Under $100: Malmö, Sweden

Sweden’s third-largest city sits on the southwestern coast of the Scandinavian country, just a bridge away from the Danish capital city of Copenhagen. Not only is Malmö hundreds of miles away from the larger cities on the peninsula, but it’s worlds away in terms of diversity, culture and state of mind.

Start the day with a stroll through one of Malmö’s tranquil parks. Walking paths in Kungsparken take wanderers past tulip beds, antique windmills and picturesque lakes, as well as across a moat to Malmö Castle (Malmöhus Slott). Pildammsparken is a bit further out of the way but won’t be as crowded, unless there is a concert at the amphitheater.

Swedes take a fika in the late morning or afternoon, a practice that involves stepping into a cozy café for a cup of coffee and a pastry of some kind, typically a cinnamon roll.  Brod Och Vanner is a prime place to engage in this ritual with a plate of homemade breads.

Bibliophiles and lovers of architecture should visit the Malmö City Library, one of the city’s most awe-inspiring buildings where a casual lunch can be enjoyed at the library’s café.

The cobbled avenues of Sodergatan Street beckon shoppers, art admirers and those looking for a few Instagram-worthy snaps for their feed. Before dinner, spend a few photogenic moments in Lilla torget (“Little Square”) where bars advertise happy hours and people-watching is an endless activity.

After a day of sightseeing in the expansive city, grab a seat at Bullen (Tva Krograre) for a couple pints of local beer and Swedish favorites like meatballs, cold smoked salmon with wasabi cream and a selection of fresh fish dishes.