We are on our way to Tallinn, for the marathon, and decided a stopover in Stockholm was necessary as we’d not been there before. It was an absolute find – the most beautiful city, laid out across many islands with a modern vibe to it. Then there is the Old Town…. pure magic with its gorgeous buildings and yet a buzzy touch with bars, cafes and restaurants sprinkled around. We stayed in the Old Town, which was a great choice. The city is easy to navigate and has a lot to offer. Our stay was far too brief but now we know what we’ve been missing out on, we’ll return another time.
STAY
The Victory Hotel in Gamla Stan, the Old Town. The hotel is a historic, maritime themed boutique hotel in the heart of Gamla Stan, which exudes warmth. The hotel houses a unique antique collection and the location is exceptional.
The hotel breakfast is hearty fare with hot food, meats, breads, cheeses and fruit.
EAT & DRINK
Slingerbulten is located just around the corner from the hotel. Swedish Meatballs come with creamy mash and some pickled cucumber. Very local, very enjoyable.
Matgatan is another restaurant close by the hotel. Upstairs in a small area with around five tables.
Recommendation: Baked Salmon with Root Vegetables and the Bouillabaisse.
Pharmacia cocktail bar in the Old Town, one of the most famous cocktail bars in Stockholm.
Whilst I don’t recall names I can recommend the liquorice/violet and ‘smoked’ cocktails. Divine. Dave’s comes out with a lid and the waiter tells him to not leave it on any longer than 2mins, otherwise the smokiness will be overbearing. The bomb for cocktails.
You must partake in Fika, the are of taking coffee and a pastry, usually a Cinnamon Roll.
SEE & DO
The Old Town is a combination of tourist shops, lovely colourful architecture and restaurants, along with mandatory buildings such as churches and the Swedish Royal Palace.
The Hop On Hop Off bus is well worth doing in any city. The city tour is interesting and the bus covers a lot of ground. Stop in Östermalm and go to the markets. The produce and cafes are delightful.
The Ice Bar in the C Hotel has ice furniture and it’s a lot of fun. has ice furniture and it’s a lot of fun. The temp is -5 degrees and you are kitted out with ice-time ponchos and gloves. The entrance fee includes a drink and cocktails are served in an ice glass.
Ice worthy drinks are Peppermint Shnapps and Fireball.
The pedestrian mall is 8km in total and bustling on a Saturday evening.
Boat trip on the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal, runs between the areas of Skansen/Djurgarden and Ladugardsgardet and the scenery is gorgeous. A bike path runs around Djurgarden, full of people out walking, running and bike riding. You can rent a bike to ride around the park, although the track can get busy.
Hint: On the way home stop at the Sea Club, open to all. Located on the canal with soft lounges, drinks and eats. The plate of small prawns with rye goes well with a French Rose!
A Walking Tour around the Old Town is a superb idea. Many are free and you tip what you think the tour is worth. You get to see so many places you would never have discovered on your own, like very narrow alleyways!
Stockholm is a surprise in its beauty and stunning layout across so many islands. It is a place we could easily visit again, as is the rest of Sweden.
