Stockholm
Stockholm is a great entry-point into Scandinavia and pairs nicely with Copenhagen, Helsinki and Northern Sweden where many travelers go to see the Northern Lights. Nestled across 14 islands, this vibrant city is the perfect blend of modern innovation and historical charm. From its picturesque waterways and green spaces to its cutting-edge design and technology, Stockholm offers a unique experience for every visitor.
Stockholm is renowned for its clean, elegant design and architecture. Stroll through the city's neighborhoods to appreciate the seamless integration of modern and traditional Swedish design. Don't miss the iconic Gamla Stan (Old Town), with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic charm.
With its archipelago of over 30,000 islands, Stockholm is often referred to as the "Venice of the North." Embrace the city's maritime spirit by taking a boat tour through its waterways or exploring the archipelago on a day trip. Each island has its own unique character, offering a peaceful escape from the urban hustle.
Two of my favorite things about Stockholm are the sauna culture and “fika!” Saunas are an integral part of Swedish culture, and you'll find numerous opportunities to experience them in Stockholm, every hotel has a sauna and some even offer in-room saunas. Fika is the Swedish tradition of taking a coffee break with a sweet treat and the best part is it can happen anytime throughout your day. If you’re like me, you’ll be taking multiple fika breaks a day.
A few things to know about Stockholm before you go:
Stockholm has an excellent and efficient public transportation system, including ferries, buses, trams, and the subway (Tunnelbana). Consider purchasing an SL Access card for seamless travel on all public transport. This card can also be used for the archipelago ferries. Taxis can be expensive, so public transport is a convenient and cost-effective option.
Sweden is largely cashless and most places, including restaurants and shops, prefer card payments. Make sure to inform your bank about your travel dates so that you can use your credit or debit card without any issues. It's a good idea to have a small amount of Swedish currency (Swedish Krona) for tipping tour guides or small purchases. The USD to Krona exchange rate is very good, making Sweden an overall cost-effective destination for Americans.
English is widely spoken and you should be able to communicate comfortably in English, but learning a few basic Swedish phrases is always appreciated by the locals.
Stockholm is water-based town and the surrounding archipelago consists of 30,000 islands, most accessible via ferry. Visiting the outer islands is very common in the summer and makes for a great day trip while in the winter you can sit in the enclosed area of the ferry to keep warm while you’re transferring around.
Hotels
Stockholm is very walkable and all of the hotels aren’t spread out too much. Think Charleston and not NYC when it comes to walkability. There are many boutique hotels to choose from at affordable prices. Scandinavian design is the thread that ties them all together, but Ett Hem takes the cake for most beautiful and unique design.
Ett Hem - One of my favorite “hotels” in the world! It’s a converted home that’s now a luxury hotel with only 23 rooms. Good fit for well-traveled clients looking for more privacy and a unique experience.
Grand Hôtel Stockholm - The “grand dame” of Stockholm, they just celebrated their 150th anniversary. Amazing location with all the bells and whistles including multiple restaurants, spa, gym, connecting rooms, etc. great for groups and families who appreciate history and tradition.
Lydmar Hotel - Sister hotel to The Grand, only 46 rooms more contemporary design, unique art and rooms. Good fit for couples.
Hôtel Reisen, Hyatt Collection - For travelers who like to stick to major brand names looking for a budget-friendly option or to use points. Nice location, good views with a small gym and sauna area.
Smådalarö Gård Hotel & Spa - Great for an add-on stay to relax after spending a few nights in town. Accessible via car or boat transfer.
Activities
You can see all of the major museums and sights in just 2-3 days before moving on to the next leg of journey. As the capital of Sweden, Stockholm is home to several world-class museums, including the Vasa Museum, ABBA Museum, and the National Museum. Plan your itinerary to include some of these cultural attractions to get a deeper understanding of Sweden's history and contemporary culture. My favorite vacation I’ve ever done in any city is the cinnamon bun baking class with Linda from Vaxholms Bed & Breakfast, her home was so cozy and she was a fabulous hostess.
Cinnamon bun baking with Linda in Vaxholm
Private boating excursion through the archipelago with stops
Vasa Museum - Maritime museum showcasing the only almost fully intact 17th-century ship that has ever been salvaged.
Viking Museum - See Viking artifacts and learn the history of the Vikings from the 9th century.
ABBA Museum - The most fun museum! See many of the band’s original costumes, touring merchandise and even sing onstage in costume.
Shopping at Nordiska Kompaniet (luxury department store)
Shopping at Svenskt Tenn (design store)
Kayaking and biking (summer)
Christmas markets (November - December)