By Scott Hartbeck
From TravelPulse
Scandinavia is a sensational travel region, with a unique combination of quintessential European appeal and distinct northern character. Often overlooked due to the logistics of heading north and perceived expense (more on that later), the region is perfect for escaping the crowds and the oppressive heat that much of Europe experiences, especially in summer.
Stockholm makes a strong case for being Scandinavia’s most exciting city, and the following list of things to know before visiting should set you up for a successful trip with a mix of practical advice and personal recommendations that your author wholeheartedly stands behind after a recent visit.
The City Has an Island Identity
One of the foremost pieces of information you need to know about Stockholm is that while most European capitals can be described as a patchwork of neighborhoods, Stockholm is a collection of islands. No matter where you go, you'll always be within a stone’s throw of water, and this pleasant fact is likely to leave a lasting impression on you long after you leave.Gamla Stan Is Great (But ... )
Gamla Stan is the name of Stockholm’s atmospheric old town, and you’re probably going to spend a decent amount of time there because it’s home to the Royal Palace, The Nobel Prize Museum, The Stockholm Cathedral, and the swoon-worthy pastel facades of Stortorget Square. But it’s also very crowded and can be a bit, well, tacky in parts. With that said, take an early morning or late night stroll through the district to have some of its most romantic alleyways and cobbled streets all to yourself, and you'll see Gamla Stan in its best light, and probably love every minute of it.Sodermalm Is Super Cool
To be clear, Stockholm is home to a dozen districts worth exploring, each one offering a distinct slice of Swedish city life. But if you can make it to only one, make it Sodermalm, the large island south of Gamla Stan. The classic tale of “working-class district turns trendy” definitely applies here, with rooftop bars hanging out where factory workers once toiled and resided. From the vintage shops hiding in back streets full of interesting architecture to the bustling bars on Folkungagatan and Gotgatan streets, this district fizzes with fun.Another reason to love Sodermalm? The views. No trip here is complete until you’ve savored the Stockholm skyline from one of the many viewpoints in the district. On my first morning, I went to the Monteliusvagen walking path, and gazing upon Gamla Stan and the surrounding water served as the perfect opening ceremony. Trust me, you'll be pinching yourself that you are actually in Stockholm.
The Vasa Museum Deserves Its Reputation
What happens to a Swedish warship when it sinks on its maiden voyage in the 1600s and sits on the seafloor for centuries? Luckily for us, not a ton. The ship in question was the Vasa, and it was preserved by the cool local waters before being raised—nearly fully intact—in the 1960s. After a restoration project was complete, a shed-like museum was built around the Vasa, and now you can see the ship in all its glory while learning about the life and times of its crew and compatriots. Often touted as the No. 1 attraction in the city, I’m happy to report it lives up to the hype.Cash Is No Longer King
Do they accept cards in Stockholm? Oh yeah, they do. I didn’t even see a Swedish note the entire time. If you’re nostalgic for paper money, feel free to hit up an ATM and keep a few on you, but you won’t need it. Be aware though that on some public transportation, travelers have to provide their own distinct payment card.You Will Meet Great Meatballs
It’s not a myth: Meatballs are a big thing in Sweden, and I found a great mix of quality and cool vibes at Meatballs for the People. Pick your meat (everything from classic beef and pork to chicken, reindeer, and vegan), and soon you'll have a ball feasting on a plate full of meatballs, mashed potato, and zingy lingonberries. Wash it down with a local craft brew or a chilled shot of aquavit, Sweden’s favorite liquor. Speaking of craft beer ...Omnipollo Is Awesome
One of Europe’s elite craft outfits, Omnipollo owns a collection of bars around the city, all shrines to creative brewing. Located on a side street in Sodermalm, Omnipollos Hatt serves a selection of their best beers alongside epic pizza and sides. Who knows, you might end up going three times like I did.It’s Not as Pricey as People Say
Let me start by saying that Stockholm will never be considered a budget-friendly or “cheap” destination, but I’m telling you, the sticker shock that previously prevailed there seems to be gone. Whether Sweden has gotten cheaper or other countries such as the United States and the UK have gotten more expensive is a question for someone else, but when I was there recently, prices seemed in line with most European cities. A couple of slices of locally loved Princess cake and two refillable coffees at the famed bakery Vete-Katten? $19-something. A sit-down meal with a couple of drinks at hip fried chicken spot Bird? $90. You get the drift. Normal big-city pricing, nothing zany.The Metro Stations Are Marvelous
You don’t have to be a content creator to get excited about the paint splashed over certain stations on the Stockholm Metro. Keep your eyes peeled and you never know what you might see!
Just one of the striking Metro stations in Stockholm. Julia Hartbeck/TravelPulse/TNS
You Don’t Have to Take the Arlanda Express
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if there’s an express train from an airport, then it must be the best way to get into the city. In the case of Stockholm, there are plenty of options besides the pricey Arlanda Express to get from the airport to the city center. If you’re in a hurry, by all means, jump on because the Arlanda Express takes off every 15 minutes and will get you to the airport in only 20 minutes. But be aware that there are less frequent local trains that travel the same route (some even get you there as quickly) and buses that take a little bit longer, but both will save you some krona.Lunch With Lisa Will Be Lovely
The undisputed star of the Ostermalm Market Hall, Lisa Elmquist started as a seafood stall on the harbor nearly a century ago but has now blossomed into so much more. Linger over a long lunch full of fresh shellfish and great wine and you'll leave Stockholm in love with this iconic brand.Coffee Culture Rules
The Swedes love their coffee, and you'll find batch-brewed filter java poured everywhere in Stockholm. From department store cafes to coffee shops, it is usually quality stuff—and usually refillable quality stuff. After a morning of sightseeing, there’s no better way to spend an hour or so in the afternoon than by putting your feet up and enjoying a few cups with a cinnamon bun or cake on the side. After all, it’s the Swedish way.Visiting the Archipelago Is Essential (but Do Your Homework)
A boat departs for the Stockholm archipelago in Stockholm, Sweden. Scott Hartbeck/TravelPulse/TNS
Remember that tidbit about Stockholm proper being a collection of islands? Well, just wait until you see what’s waiting for you in the Stockholm Archipelago, which fans out from the city and contains thousands of rocky, sandy, and forested islands. Frequent ferries shuttle travelers and locals between the isles, which range from the close-in Fjaderholmarna, where I enjoyed sunset drinks under the summer sun at Rokeriet restaurant, to honeypot Vaxholm and distant Sandham, the latter offering Martha’s Vineyard vibes.
Find your dream island, then dedicate a little time to finding out the details of the ferry schedule, so you don’t have to sprint for (and miss) a ferry at the last minute like I did.
You Should Stop for Supermarket Sweets
You will walk past a decent-sized supermarket at some point in your trip. Make sure to stop in and swing through the candy aisle because you are in for a treat in more ways than one. Swedes adore their sweets, and it’s common for them to fill huge bags of self-serve goodies. So why not join the locals in this unique custom?You’ll Leave the City Singing
If you don’t automatically associate Stockholm with music, you will after a visit. The most famous musical export is ABBA, and the iconic band has helped create an enthralling experience for fans at the ABBA Museum, located on leafy Djurgarden Island. Whether you’re a huge fan or not, there’s no doubt that ABBA had a huge impact on pop culture, and you'll probably walk out tapping your toes. But that’s just the start. Stockholm is also the city of Avicii, and you can trace the life story of one of EDM’s most influential music makers at the Avicii Experience.Like many other great European cities, Stockholm is home to great jazz clubs, with the quirky Stampen leading the way with its combination of knick-knacks on the wall and ace acts taking the stage such as The Beat From Palookaville, which rocked the house the night I was in attendance.
If you’re anything like me, you'll be humming a mash-up of 1970s pop, 2010s dance, and classic ska for weeks after you say goodbye to Stockholm.
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