Under $100: Malmo

The post-industrial city of Malmo reinvented itself in recent years as a dynamic urban center built on cultural diversity and sustainable development, as one of Northern Europe’s most eco-friendly cities. Malmo is the capital and largest city of the Swedish county of Scania and is the third-largest city in Sweden, after Stockholm and Gothenburg. The city is home to historic buildings, beautiful parks and an outstanding culinary culture due to its rich diversity, all of which can easily be enjoyed on a budget.

A visit to Malmo is not complete without a visit to Malmo Museer, the largest museum in southern Sweden, located on Malmöhusvägen in the heart of the city in a beautiful park-like setting. Experience everything from the Nordic region’s oldest surviving Renaissance castle to marine life and submarines. The museum’s permanent exhibitions focus on history, natural history, technology and seafaring, and it can all be seen for less than $5.

Spend some time exploring the charming Little Square in the center of the city, home to old houses, cozy pubs, quaint shops and restaurants. The timber-framed buildings in Germany inspired the Square’s picturesque architecture and inexpensive taverns and restaurants offer blankets and outdoor heat lamps, so you can sit outside and enjoy a cheap bite even when it’s chilly.

Malmo is home to several expansive gardens and parks. Slottstradgarden and Kungsparken are great for picnics, and visitors and locals alike go to sit by the water, take in the views, trees and flowers or to go for a bike ride.

For no cost, you can see some of the oldest parts of the city, built between 1300 and 1600. The oldest building in the city, Sankt Petri Church, was built in the early 14^th century in Baltic Gothic.

Southwest of the harbor area is Ribersborg beach, a man-made shallow beach, stretching along the coast. Despite the city’s chilly climate, the beach is a popular spot for locals on nicer days, and the long boardwalk at The Western Harbour is a popular spot in the summers with great swimming, shopping and dining.

For a traditional Swedish culinary experience, enjoy a meal at Atmosfar, a classier neighborhood restaurant that changes its menu regularly. Dishes cost around $14, so this restaurant would be more of a treat if you’re looking for a nice meal or romantic date.

Restaurang Två Krögare is a cheaper, cozier spot serving authentic comfort food for less than $10.

The general rule of thumb for eating on the cheap in Malmo is to choose cafés over restaurants. Kao’s specializes in meat-free meals and Lilla Kafferosteriet does classic Swedish snacks and budget-friendly breakfasts. It’s also always a good idea to seek out Nordic street food, from takeaway lunches to sweet treats. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or CouchSurfing and have access to a kitchen, grab some cheap groceries at Lidl, Netto and Willy’s.

Getting around the city is a breeze. The Oresund Line trains cross the Oresund Bridge every 20 minutes, connecting Malmo to Copenhagen and the Copenhagen Airport. The city boasts 250 miles of bike paths and roughly 40 percent of all commuting is done by bicycle, and the city also offers an extensive, affordable bus network.