Stockholm
The day we arrived in Stockholm it was cold. Well, cold for the likes of us - a group from the Caribbean. This statement might seem a bit odd considering I am writing about a Scandinavian city. But honestly, we were having the best streak of luck in terms of weather conditions on our Baltic tour. Though it was the beginning of June, most of my luggage included sweaters, thick socks and even gloves. Research had indicated that the beginning of summer was still a chilly period in the North.
Honestly I think we had one day of bad weather in Copenhagen, of which I was travelling and the rest of the group was unfortunately stuck in rain jackets on a tour boat. Nevertheless, day 2 of the trip marked the beginning of the amazing summer weather. In St. Petersburg, Russia, I was walking around in a sleeveless summer dress and in Tallinn, Estonia, it was so warm my jeans were a nuisance. So when we finally arrived in Stockholm and I had to wear my coat I was somewhat taken aback. Luckily this was a one day occurrence – as these pictures attest.
Stockholm is a beautiful city with very distinct neighborhoods. I loved the waterfront and the boat tours, but also the Ice Bar and the Absolute Vodka Museum (when in Rome….). People are friendly, the food is superb and the city is comfortable enough to walk through all day. Taxi’s are not, at least in 2013, too expensive – and when your feet hurt no ride is too costly for comfort. We toured the Vasa Museum, enjoyed the summer food market and brought home quite few Swedish design accessories for the kitchen. Mostly though, we ate. Though Danish restaurants are featured in magazines and books more often, at least to my knowledge, I found the restaurants and overall food experience in Stockholm more delightful. I must note, that we did not dine at Noma while in Copenhagen – and that may, or may not, have influenced my thinking.
We stayed in Stockholm for 3 days. We could have easily stayed another week and explored the outskirts and the archipelago. Next time we will. I am sure we will head there again in the future.
Where to stay
Hotel Skeppsholmen | Berns Hotel | Hotel Villa Kallhagen | Miss Clara by Nobis | Nobis Hotel | Radisson Blu Strand | Ett Hem |
What to do
Where to eat
Picture taken during one of our boat tours around the city. The water looks lovely - but you can chill a champagne bottle in it. The sun however, made is delightfully warm on the boat. If we could have gone around round we would have.
I am not certain at which restaurant this picture was taken. It is highly likely that it is at Mathias Dahlgren. We opted for the Food Bar - the more casual version of the two restaurants by this group. The food, simply amazing. Each bite is filled with an immense combination of tastes and surprises. The details, are everywhere, which make the whole experience increasingly better.
We bought these in Tallinn, we bought them again in Stockholm. These are deliciously roasted nuts with some type of secret spice combination. This was at a food market event in the middle of the city we accidentally found - you can't plan everything. At the market we also bought a special type of roasted coffee beans by Stockholm Roast.
The ice bar is one of those must do touristy things in Stockholm. Even if you prefer not to do any cliche touristy stuff - this must be on your list of things to experience. It is fun. It is cold. And we laughed so much. These are vodka cranberry shots - which would normally warm you up a bit, but not here. We stayed in the hotel, Nordic C Hotel, where this bar is located and thus it was unavoidable that we visit. And I am glad we did.