Looking for the romance of Paris or Venice without the crowds? Could the Swedish capital Stockholm be the answer? The Swedish capital Stockholm is made up of 14 islands connected by over 50 bridges that give it a unique, if at times confusing, architectural appeal.
The old town, Gamla Stan, is made up of small cobblestone streets with buildings in red, orange and vanilla.
Stockholm is one of a number of Scandinavian cities that has earned the title of the “Venice of the North”, due to the famous Djurgarden canal that snakes through the city.
1.3 million people live in the greater Stockholm area. Average temperatures in Stockholm range from a pretty chilly -2C in January, to a pleasant (but still chilly) 18C in July, so think carefully on what time of year you visit.
Below we have compiled a brief but informative guide to the main aspects of this most interesting of cities.
The accommodation in Stockholm
The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel is a popular choice for families, couples and businesses professionals. The hotel is close to the central station and has views of the lake and the old town from the front. It is situated next to the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre. The Radisson Blu chain has 6 hotels in Stockholm, each one has facilities to accommodate all ages. Radisson Blu Royal Park Hotel is located by the Haga Park & Bay just outside of the centre with luxury rooms and dining.
If you’re looking for budget accommodation, the Vandrarhem af Chapman is perfect. From £26 a night, the hotel is situated in a renovated sailing ship with two-bed and four-bed rooms available as well as dormitories.
The nightlife in Stockholm
Alcohol is not sold to anyone under the age of 20 in Sweden, so keep this in mind if you are planning any big nights out and you are under-20, or happen to be lucky enough to look as if you are under-20: take ID with you at all times. Entertainment options are plentiful in Stockholm and there are many bars, pubs and clubs, too, with music ranging from jazz to ‘techno’.
As with much of Scandinavia, drinks can be expensive across the capital.
If you want luxury, head to the glamorous Stureplan part of the city. Spy Bar lies in the heart of Stureplan and is Stockholm’s most famous nightclub with business professionals, media figures and national celebrities all frequent visitors.
Those seeking somewhere with a more laid back atmosphere might wish to try the Stampen Jazz Pub. The popular venue has a great mixture of live music with a 1960’s pub vibe. If you don’t want live music to drown out your conversations, Morfar Ginko could be the bar for you. The popular bar features an open courtyard in the summer months and a DJ working the tracks in the loft above.
The food in Stockholm
Sweden is probably most famous for ABBA, IKEA and Sven Goran Eriksson, but the country also brought the Smorgasbord to the world’s attention. The smorgasbord, or “open sandwich”, is a Swedish version of Tapas with several tasty dining options.
Recently there has been a surge in high-class restaurants popping up all over Stockholm.
If you want some authentic local cuisine then try Stockholm’s famous indoor food market that has been around for over a century. The Ostermalms Saluhall sells fish, seafood, meat and locally produced Swedish cheese. It is surrounded with busy cafés and restaurants.
Le Rouge has been called “one of the stars of Stockholm’s fine dining scenes” by chef Jamie Oliver. If you are looking for a meal with a touch of luxury, this place is probably your best bet.
Café Saturnus is also a particularly popular café. It serves up baguettes, pastries and highly praised coffees as well as the typically Swedish Kanelbullar (cinnamon bun). The café is situated in the Eriksbergsgatan region.
