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STOCKHOLM
Things to see and do in Stockholm
5 tourist spots - 2-days travel plan
Published on June 1, 2024
I kept hearing about how beautiful Stockholm is, so when I was planning a trip to Finnish Lapland, I thought I'd make a detour to visit this highly praised city.
In early December, Marco and I got to the city center from Arlanda Airport using the Arlanda Express, a quick and reliable train that links the city to the airport in under thirty minutes.
After we left our bags at a lovely hotel close to the station, we started walking to discover the city known as "the Venice of the North." It spans 14 islands interconnected by bridges and regular ferries.
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The Saluhall Market
During lunchtime, we headed to Saluhall, the covered market filled with various stalls. Among them, you can't miss the ones showcasing the freshest fish.
This market in the stylish Ostermalm district has a 130-year history. It features a unique style with a brick exterior and high ceilings inside, along with stalls that evoke the 1920s.
2 - GAMLA STAN
The Christmas markets at Stortorget square
Among the walkways in Gamla Stan
Let's keep exploring the small island that houses the historic center: Gamla Stan.
This place is mostly for pedestrians, with cobblestone streets and narrow, colorful buildings that appear to squeeze together to create space in the square.
Besides the government buildings (how can security guards stay still for hours in this cold?!?), the streets are packed with unique spots to pause for Fika (the beloved afternoon break of Swedes), trattorias to dine, or stores to purchase pricey Nordic-style souvenirs.
3 - Södermalm
City view from Södermalm hill
Walking up the streets of Södermalm
Södermalm is the third island that gets us excited with its stylish houses scattered among vintage and art stores.
We stroll along quiet streets lined with tall, neat buildings adorned with windows lacking curtains, even on the first floor, yet adorned with stylish Christmas decorations and gentle lighting.
But most importantly, from the high elevation of this island, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city center that is truly worth the uphill hike.
4 - The Vasa Museum
The next day is when you shouldn't miss the Vasa Museum.
The original galleon from 1628, which the Museum is named after, has been on display in a shed since 1990. It spent over 300 years on the seabed near Stockholm after sinking on its first voyage due to strong winds and water.
The Baltic Sea's low temperature and salinity have preserved the ship, keeping its structure almost entirely intact to this day.
Numerous artifacts and various materials retrieved from the sunken ship are currently showcased in museum display cases. The lovely wooden decorations still adhere to the ship's keel, devoid of their original colors, almost as if a piece of their essence was left behind at the ocean floor centuries ago.
The back of the ship
The outside of the Vasa Museum
The museum spans multiple mezzanines constructed to offer visitors views from various heights and the chance to wind around the ship as the tales of unlucky sailors and everyday individuals caught up in the tragedy come alive.
The recovery operations started in 1956 amid numerous uncertainties and risks and are thoroughly depicted and explained in the Museum's galleries.
5 - SKANSEN
Skansen, an open-air museum on a hill on Djurgården Island, features replicas of traditional Swedish houses from different regions, a zoo, a market, and dining spots.
In spite of the chilly dampness of the Swedish winter that seeped into our bones, we stood in line with kids and adults to go into a vibrant building that had caught our attention right away.
Inside, the kids, with tears in their pockets, placed their cherished, now unused pacifier into a compartment.
The pacifier made its way through a series of slides and small mills to reach a spacious and cozy area where cats reside permanently, taking on the role of guardians for the cherished object that children had recently parted with.
The brave child's diploma officially marked the occasion.
"A local tradition," a woman told us as she assisted us in understanding the descriptions written solely in Swedish.
Such a lovely tradition!
The system that delivers pacifiers to cats
Replica of the diploma given to kids at Skansen
Our Viking night venue
On our final night in Stockholm, we visited a spot in the city center that had a Viking vibe, complete with waiters dressed in traditional attire, reindeer skins strewn about, and entertainment showcasing ancient musical instruments.
We were greeted with a horn sound at the entrance, the cutlery had a vintage design, and the menu featured medieval dishes with reindeer, berries, and cider. Such a special night!
The chilly weather in early December didn't deter us from taking a stroll outside, walking along the shore by the docked boats.
We've attempted to etch into our memories the sight of those graceful and slim structures that no picture can truly capture, their flawless silhouette overlooking the ocean and the good vibes that this quiet and serene city can convey.
Practical information and helpful tips for Stockholm
Population: 984,000 individuals
The climate: cold and snowy winters and mild summers
Safety: There is a perceived sense of safety everywhere
Currency: used is the Swedish krona. Credit cards are widely accepted, even for access to public toilets
Entry requirements: identity card or passport
When to go: all year round. It's worth noting that in winter, it gets dark early, even in the early afternoon.
What to wear: in winter, it's important to wear warm clothes as it can be very cold and humid
How to move there: getting around is easy since all the tourist attractions are within walking distance
It takes about 20 minutes by a very frequent train from Arlanda Airport to the city center.
You can find tickets and timetables on the website www.arlandaexpress.com or buy them at the airport
Power outlets: similar to those in rest of Europe
Internet: wifi is widely spread
Souvenirs: replicas of Pippi Longstocking, Nordic home decor, Dala wooden horses
Cost for 2 days (medium range hotel): €500 per person, flights included
