Stockholm

When the last day of December comes knocking, I like to avoid sparkly attires and new year resolutions. Instead, I put together my annual travel bucket list with all the cities and countries I want to discover in the new year. Stockholm has always been high up on my list, so I was stoked to embark on a 5 day trip to the island dotted capital!

Famous for its impeccable interior design, polished aesthetics and high quality of life, Stockholm will not disappoint you. Residents ooze an approachable sense of confidence in a city where history meets a tranquil modernity. Historical buildings blend in with modern design shops and world class restaurants.

Where to stay (like a local)

When I travel, I like to avoid sleeping in the tourist areas where you will never find a local having dinner. If you feel exactly the same way, I am happy to share my travel wisdom! I stayed in a neighbourhood called Södermalm that was highly recommended by Swedish friends.This hip and quirky area is full of vintage shops, local bars, trendy restaurants and amazing coffe shops. It is also strategically located only a short walk away from the historical centre (Gamla Stan) the train, bus and ferry boat terminals. The extra bonus is the amazing view you get by walking from Södermalm to the old town!

First useful tip: Get your airbnb close to the Slussen Metro station. This will ensure that you are able to get all around the city in just a couple of minutes. You will also be walking distance from Götgatan a main street with shops, restaurants and bars.

Second useful tip: The best way to get around is to get a travel card. The blue “access” travel card will help you save money as a single ride is very expensive. The “access” card is also valid for ferry boats and buses going outside the city!

Third useful tip: If you like to grab a bottle of wine for dinner while you are doing groceries, you will thank me BIG TIME! In Stockholm, purchasing alcohol over 3.5% (aka beer) isn’t as simple as it is in the rest of Europe.The only way you can buy wine or any sort of liquor is at one of the state-run shops called Systembolaget. Check out their schedule as they usually close pretty early (18h probably the latest) and stay closed during holidays.

Where to hang (like a local)

When it is time for lunch, brunch or happy hour nobody wants to get ripped off at the tourist dining spots. After you are done exploring Södermalm take a walk to  Nytorget in the SOFO neighbourhood. The charming streets with Parisian style outdoor seating restaurants and coffee shops are the ideal spot for lunch and some local stores shopping. If you are lucky and the sun is out you can even have a picnic at the park and mingle with the locals.

Useful tip: Bars where to eat and drink in Södermalm: Indigo, Agrikultur and Paradiso Restaurant and Bar perfect for dinner as well as drinks! If you want to have dinner in one of the most beautiful restaurant is Morfar Ginko. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

What to see 

This is probably one of the cities with the largest concentration of museums that I have ever seen. It makes it hard  to pick especially if you also want to wander the streets and do other activities. The photography and modern art museum are my two favourites but if you are a history buff you should also swing by the Royal Palace!

The Fotografiska Museum is one of the most respected photography museums in Europe. The art work is carefully selected and beautifully displayed to give added value to your experience. I had the pleasure  to view the works of Ellen von Unwerth and Zanele Muholi. Both portray the essence of woman in their very own personal and unique manner. On a side note, you will also enjoy the very well furnished and tempting photography book shop.

Another Stockholm museum that you cannot miss is the Moderna Museet! This space has an incredible collection of paintings, sculptures, photography and modern art installations. Some of my favourites include works by Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Henri Matisse!

First useful tip: After the museum, take a walk on the Skeppsholmsbron bridge for a beautiful view of the city!

Second useful tip: Access to the museum is free on Fridays from 18.00 to 20.00. (You are very welcome!)

Where to go

if you are in the mood for something a little different and want to get away from the city, take a day trip to Vaxholm! This idyllic archipelago is just a half hour car drive from Stockholm and you can even use your travel card to ride the bus there!  Picturesque wooden houses will immerse you in the charming life of a small Swedish town.

Another option for a great day trip is to head out to Djurgården, a beautiful island just a short walk or boat ride away from the centre of Stockholm. The island has a botanical garden, numerous museums and even an amusement park! You can hang out at the harbour and enjoy a glass of wine with a beautiful view!

useful tip: You can use your public transportation travel card to take the ferry to go to the island! Go there in the afternoon and you might just be luck to enjoy a gorgeous sunset with a drink by the water!

That sums up my travel wisdom for Stockholm! Hope you enjoyed and don’t be shy to share your own comments, tips and ideas! Now, go buy that plane ticket already!