Stockholm, Sweden exceeded our expectations plus more! From the friendly people to the beautiful architecture, the Swedish have life down! We timed our July trip perfectly – during the summer and a couple weeks before all the locals left for their standard 4 week summer holiday. Since it stays light outside till almost 11pm, the Swedish take advantage and enjoy company, drinks and food outdoors. Public docks are filled with outdoor furniture along with DJs. Coming from a town revolving around boats, the water and summer – We have to say my southern California beach town can learn a few things from the Swedish. And this is why…..
Transportation:
If you are coming from Arlanda (ARN) airport, the best way to get to the city is the Arlanda Express. It’s a 20 minute train ride from the airport and drops you right off in the center of town – Centralstation. The cost is 280 sek which beats a taxi that will cost you triple.
Sleep:
Nobis Hotel, an SPG Hotel & Member of Design Hotels
We highly recommend staying at the Nobis Hotel due to its location, comfort, staff and amenities. Housed in two striking 19th Century building on Stockholm’s finest square, Nobis Hotel combines tradition with a contemporary Scandinavian aesthetic. The room itself was lovely – clean, spacious and the perfect place to sleep after a long day of touring. The location of the hotel couldn’t be better- walking distance to everything! The bar and restaurant onsite is highly recommended, but unfortunately there was no time to check them out. More reason to come back!
If there is only one museum you can see in Stockholm, let it be the Vasa Museum. The Vasa ship capsized and sank in Stockholm 1628 and today it’s the world’s only preserved 17th century ship and the most visited museum in Scandinavia.
Is the Stockholm’s original city centre and consists of Stadsholmen island and the islets of Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen and Strömsborg. The Old Town dates from the 13th century but most buildings are from the 17- and 1800s. It’s a glorious labyrinth of charming cobbled streets, alleyways, colorful town houses and meeting squares reflecting north German architecture. While strolling the streets, you will stumble upon the Stockholm Cathedral (The Great Church), The Nobel Museum and Riddarholm Church (the burial church of the Swedish monarchs) Also, be sure to check out the Royal Palace, you might even see the changing of the guard.
If you are in Sweden during the summer months, a boat cruise on the archipelago is well worth the money. A three hour cruise will cost you around SEK 270, which seems minimal for the beautiful sites you will see and the commentary that is talked about along the way. Most of the boat cruises have a bar and restaurant on board. We booked the tour through the Strömma on the S/S Stockholm, a ship built in 1931. After taking this tour, we are convinced that our next family trip will involve renting a house on the archipelago! (hint, hint mom and dad!)
The streets of Södermalm is relaxed, creative and trendy, especially in the SoFo area. This neighborhood offers a myriad of vintage stores, eclectic shops, Swedish fashion, galleries and design stores, mixed with an abundance of places to eat and drink. If you have time, make sure to walk through this neighborhood to check out why Vogue named this the coolest neighborhoods.
Though we didn’t get a chance to visit this attraction, we would highly recommend visiting one of Sweden’s most famous buildings, City Hall. It is famous for its grand ceremonial halls and unique art pieces and is the venue of the Nobel Prize banquet held on 10th of December each year. It also houses offices for 200 people including the Municipal Council.
Since from 1888, people in Stockholm and tourists from far and wide are inspired by the cuisine at the Ostermalm Saluhall. To celebrate another 128, the Hall is being renovated and expanded, but not to worry there is a temporary hall right next door. Surprisingly, it didn’t seem temporary – it was was fully functioning with cool build-outs. After strolling the aisles,Lisa Elmqvist Fish, Seafood, Delicatessen & Restaurant seemed like the perfect choice. And it was the best lunch this trip in Stockholm. Meet a lovely family while eating my shrimp salad and enjoyed some delicious wine. Needless to say, it wasn’t an hour lunch break…more like two! Cheers.
You won’t miss this restaurant…there will be people hanging out on the patio with a DJ spinning during the summer months. Don’t let that intimate you – the food is really good too! The space has a bold gold & silver ceiling, that showcases Modern Swedish cuisine. We stopped hear for a light dinner on the first night and enjoyed the lobster appetizer. Everything looked delicious on the menu, particularly the chicken – yes the chicken! Be sure to check out Standvagen 1 when in Stockholm!
This elegant restaurant has a European-focused menu, plus a cool bar & a stylish inner courtyard. Designed by Spanish interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, Nosh and Chow offer cuisine spanning the four corners of the globe that is forever changing with the season. Our order – the grilled tuna wasabi-spiced edamame puree, fried rice balls, asian salad, coriander, sesame, cashew nuts. It was spectacular and satisfying. The fried rice balls were a perfect compliment to the edamame puree. Nothing on the plate was over-powerful, it was a well balanced plate. As for the drinks – the wine and cocktail list is fabulous. Nobody will walk out hungry or thirsty here!
Are you ready to FIKA? One of our favorite place that we enjoyed our fika was Cafe Saturnus. Not only is there coffee great, they are known for their cinnamon buns (kanelbulle). Be sure to stop here!
OTHER SPOTS WE WOULD LIKE TO CHECK OUT NEXT TIME WE ARE IN STOCKHOLM:
After dining at Nosh and Chow, be sure to head up the stairs to Coco. With a cosy and friendly milieu, relaxed DJ sets and opening hours from early afternoon, until late night — this is the place to be and be seen! As the sun goes down, the music gets louder and the people start moving. If the weather permits, the sliding glass roof will open and you can see the sunset at 10:30 at night! It’s not if you stay past midnight you will see the stars. If you are visiting on the non-summer months there is a speakeasy that is open! Patio is closed…
Berns is a unique, well-preserved 1860’s Art Noveau entertainment palace, so if you are looking for a fun night out be sure to stop here for some dancing!
If you are looking to enjoy a glass of rosé near the seaside, stop by Mister French. Attracting a young crowd, this bar/ restaurant is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoying the bright evenings and nights. If you are looking for a meal, Mister French focuses on seafood and is high recommended from locals.
If you are in the Södermalm, stop by this venue to check out the views. As a venue for concerts, shows and entertainment this outdoor space also has a restaurant and bars. We checked this spot out during the day for the views and a beer. Can’t validate the nightlife.
Sodra Teatern
T.W.O. 
Beautiful photos of your time there. I’m ready for fika every morning. Hope I’m using that word right.
Thank you!! Yes, you did fika right!!! heheh – the coffee there is amazing!!!!