Stockholm
I had the opportunity to make a few trips to Stockholm for work and instantly fell in love with this city! I cannot believe I didn’t visit this place sooner. Stockholm is a city made up of many islands, easily connected by bridges. If the 14 islands and surrounding water aren’t enough of a draw, the capital city has both culture and history as well as a modern edge. The love the Swedes have for the outdoors is clear from the layout of the city with water being the focal point. Be prepared to shop as the city’s fashion is also second to none.
The window to visit Stockholm is pretty small as winters are off limits due to the freezing temperatures and extreme lack of sun. Even when I visited in April, there was still snow on the ground. Summer is definitely the best time for a trip, so plan accordingly.
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s historic old town. It is understandably one of the most popular islands in Stockhom. Not only can you find the Nobel Prize Museum and the Royal Palace here, but you can also find many restaurants, shops and souvenir stores to keep you entertained. The colorful buildings and winding, cobblestone streets aren’t so bad either. Some of my favorite spots on this island were:
Tradition - a modern take on traditional Swedish cuisine. Try the famous Swedish meatballs
Barrels - burger and beer joint with an impressive selection of craft brews
Mister French - with seating options right along the harbor, this lively spot is perfect for happy hour
Hilda Hilda - small local store with fun textile prints all made in Sweden from organic cotton
Beyond Gamla Stan
There is so much more to see outside of Gamla Stan. Below are some places to explore which will take you to neighborhoods throughout the city so you can get the full Stockholm experience:
Tak - close to the business center of town, this hip Japanese restaurant has an outside terrace with 360 views. The area around Tak is perfect for shopping with many department stores nearby
Broms Karlaplan - located in the posh Östermalm neighborhood, this Scandinavian style spot is popular for brunch
Grandpa store and Granit were some of my favorite stores in the Södermalm neighborhood. This entire island, directly south of Gamla Stan, is full of trendy shops and cozy cafes, plus a bunch of beautiful parks! This area I’m referring to is also called Katarina-Sofia on google maps.
Rålambshovsparken - one of Stockholm’s many parks, located right along the water in Kungsholmen. The summer months bring food trucks and events, so check the calendar before you visit. Bring your suit as the water is so clean and clear, swimming here is common!
