I got hooked with the Ryanair frenzy last week and booked a flight to Esbjerg. I've got 5 days in the first week of December. I'm a female travelling on her own so nightlife is out. I enjoy architecture (to get the feel of a place) and cafe culture. I'm on a budget but the hostels appear to close the day before I get there! Should I just get the train to Copenhagen. Any ideas!

Go to Ribe, a medieval town half an hour by train from Esbjerg.

Being so close to the town of Ribe (The oldest and one of the most beautiful towns in Denmark) I would definitely go there. I remember my short stay a few years back and it was lovely. The town is very small and cosy and with many old buildings. My visit was in July, so I just don’t know how it will be in December. It may possibly be quite cold as for the always-blowing wind.

Hi<BR><BR>Aarhus (also served by Ryanair) is worth a visit. The Gamla By (old village) is fascinating and the city has good architecture.<BR><BR>The other attraction is Skaagen in the North of Jutland.<BR><BR>Peter<BR>

The skies will be gray, the wind will blow making it seem colder - but dress appropriately with gloves and walk about whichever Danish town you'll choose. Be sure to visit a church or cathedral- beautiful buildings - such history! City of Copenhagen accomadations can be somewhat pricey, but it is a wonderful walkable place.The trains are also easy to navigate. And, if you greet a Dane with a little Danish, and proceed in English - they will speak to you in English.

Take the ferry from Esbjerg to Fan&oslash;, an island with some old thatched houses (departures every 40 minutes, journey 12 minutes, return/round trip DKK 30, www.scandlines.dk).<BR><BR>Train to Ribe costs about 50 DKK for the 35 minutes trip.<BR><BR>There are InterCity trains to Copenhagen/K&oslash;benhavn H every two hours from 7.48 to 21.48, arriving exactly 3 hours later. Standard ticket single/one way DKK 267 (www.dsb.dk/indland/).<BR><BR>Esbjerg itself is one of the least attractive towns and cities in Denmark. The airport is a 15-minutes bus ride from the station (www.ryanair.com, click on Destinations).

&gt;&gt; I'm a female travelling on her own so nightlife is out &lt;&lt;<BR><BR>I can only guess why you've statied this but you shouldn't feel uncomfortable at night out by yourself in most Danish cities. On my first visit to Copenhagen I was amazed that there were so many women out alone after dark and I mentioned to the Concierge that there sure were a lot of prostitutes in Copenhagen. Oops!

Is it legal in Denmark?