Under $100: Bergen, Norway

Norway’s second-largest city and former capital has gone through something of a renaissance in recent years. With the addition of numerous exceptional restaurants, fantastic shopping opportunities and plenty of cultural and adventurous pursuits, Bergen is steadily becoming a bright beacon for tourists in Scandinavia. Spending a day here won’t be cheap, but with the right budget you can manage 24 hours for less than $100.

Begin with breakfast at Krok og Krinkel Bokcafè, a delightful café brimming with books and delicious baked treats. A small cake and coffee here will run you around $15.

One of the highlights of Bergen is the Bergenhus Fortress. This immense stronghold contains one of the oldest and most well-preserved castles in Norway and houses structures dating back to the 1240s. Entrance to walk around the grounds is free, as are the on-site museums detailing the history of the region.

Next, waltz over to the Market Square, the economic hub of Bergen where you’ll find plenty of wonderful trinkets and some great opportunities to sample bites of traditional foods. It’s also the perfect place to mingle with locals. You’ll probably end up dropping $20 for souvenirs and snacks. The nearby fish market also holds one of the best restaurants in Bergen.

For lunch, make a pit stop at Anne Madam for some of its famous reindeer meatballs, or try a sampling from its popular tapas bar. Set aside $20 for a meal here.

In the afternoon you can freely absorb the sites by taking a stroll through the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, where you’ll find dozens of studios and boutique shops set amongst brightly colored, wooden merchant houses. From there, make your way to the Fløyfjell tramway and take a trip to the peak for superb views of the city.

Finally, for dinner you’ll want to treat yourself to a scrumptious meal at Bryggeloftet & Stuene along the historic harbor. Stunning views, a laidback atmosphere and reasonably priced burgers or vegetarian pasta make it ideal for many travelers. You’ll spend roughly $30 to eat here.