Stockholm is one of the most popular Nordic destinations. This city also known as the Nordic Venice, formerly city of the Vikings, is a haven of peace along the water sprinkled with cinnamon.

The particularity of this capital is that it consists of 14 islands that reach each others through bridges. It’s a very nice and diverse town. It wasn’t a favourite for me, I preferred Budapest (Eastern town) however I’m still happy for having discovered it!

Stockholm is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods. Södermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Ostermalm, Djurgarden & Skepp Sholmen are the 6 must-sees. I will present you 3 :

The Gamla stan district

It’s the island of the historic center of Stockholm, certainly the first area to visit if you want to feel the history of the city. One of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval historic city centers in Europe. It’s easy to visit in an hour by foot. The warm colours of the houses and the narrow alleys of pavement reminded me of the villages in Andalusia. It’s on this island that you will find the charming Stortorget square where are the famous colourful typical houses.

Sodermalm

The trendy island of Stockholm! You will find designer boutiques, vintage shops, thrift shops, etc. This district is first of all appreciated for its relaxed & bohemian atmosphere as well as its good places to eat. Each establishment has its own style. I suggest you to visit the “Katarina” church as well as climbing up the hill where you will enjoy a magnificent view!

Norrmalm

Stockholm’s modern and vibrant city center, the ideal shopping district. It’s home to the largest stores in the city such as H&M, N&K, Louis Vuitton, Burberry etc. It’s in this dynamic area that you can find Stockholm Central Station. So this is the place where you will arrive if you take public transport from the airports.

Metro Stations

Stockholm’s is the longest art gallery in the world, making it a must-see place! It’s 110 kilometres long like a trip through a long underground museum. More than 150 artists have decorated more than 90 stations since 1950. Between sculptures, paintings, engravings & mosaics this place will charm you. I will present you my 3 favourite.

T-Centralen is Stockholm Central Station, many lines and subways pass through it. You will need to be patient to capture this wonder without the crowd. The artists have mainly decorated with beautiful blue and white branches.

Solna Centrum is blood-red, its store fronts offer all kinds of exhibitions out of the ordinary. This station is quite impressive with its colourful walls. The artists were inspired by the destruction of nature but also the rural exodus.

Radhuset reminds me of a natural cave with orange, ochre colours. I was searching for the Solna Centrum and I got there by mistake and it’s finally part of my favourites!

Get around Stockholm

You can visit Stockholm by foot of course but also by metro, tram, bus and tourist boat. By buying a transport ticket you will have access to all the different public transport mentioned above. There is of course the bike option as in every big city.

I have used everything! It enabled me to have many visions of this wonderful city and to limit the time wasted traveling from one place to another.

Where to eat and drink in Stockholm? 

Mahalo is certainly one of my favorite place to eat. I would highly recommend it to the creative and colourful cuisine lovers. They work mainly with organic raw materials and above all choose products from local small businesses. They have 3 restaurants: Hornsgatan & Odengatan in Södermalm and Roslagsgatan in Vasastan.

Bröd & Salt is a local chain of artisan bakeries located throughout Stockholm. They offer fresh products made of leaven and lactose free. In addition to fresh bread brioches and biscuits they also offer a selection of fresh salads, sandwiches, delicious pizzas but ESPECIALLY the best Kanelbulle ever!

The ice bar is one of the most unusual in Stockholm. This is the first ice bar that has been permanently opened in the world! It’s very cold and everything is made of ice. You will have a combination and gloves for the most sensitive to the cold.

Food trucks are becoming more common in Stockholm. They are perfect to eat quickly and cheaply unlike restaurants. They are often located near metro stations.

You absolutely have to try Kanelbulle during your visit in Stockholm! This is a cinnamon roll that equates to the French croissant. I love cinnamon and eastern bakeries but I can say that the Nordic ones have just charmed me!

The budget

Life is very expensive in Sweden, comparable to London and New York. However if you do a little research there is something for every budget. It’s quite easy to find cheaper accommodation further from the city and to use public transport or to have a sandwich instead of going to a restaurant.

The Swedish people

I was finally surprised to see how happy they were and how nice to live! I have rarely met such a welcoming and available population. Consequently feel free to ask them your way or advice.

I think their welcome adds an extra charm to this beautiful city.

I hope this city is on your bucket list! If you want to see more pictures and stories about my trip to Stockholm, I invite you to join me on Instagram.

Enjoy your visit !

Love,

Sandinourhands