Sweden’s capital is by far Scandinavia’s most majestic, avant-garde and stimulating city, matching and outstripping anything Copenhagen and Oslo have to offer. Spread across seven main islands and dominated by peaceful canals and pristine urban parks it also commands one of the most spectacular settings of all the world’s principal cities. First impressions may conjure up ideas of a standoffish place, yet deep down is a vibrant capital blending fine regal architecture and abundant museums with contemporary, cutting-edge design and a pioneering nightlife scene frequented by some of Europe’s most beautiful and fashion conscious crowds.
There are two distinct sides to Stockholm’s tourist season, governed by the contrasting seasons. Pass by in summer - when the skies are blue and the sun shines for 18-hours a day - and mingle with the local fashion crowd who fill up the boutique shops and street side cafés across the water from the Gamla Stan. This is also the best time to head out to and experience the beauty of Stockholm’s famed Archipelago. As the winter months draw in the snow begins to fall and the city paints a different picture. Join the tourists jumping in and out of the +150 museums and galleries, wander the cosy Christmas markets and marvel at the locals showing off their ice-skating talents on the frozen canals. One thing to remember is that whatever the weather Stockholmers love to have fun and you’ll never be far away from finding a nightclub in which to party until the small hours.
Sweden, alike the rest of Scandinavia has a reputation for being an expensive tourist destination and similar to Oslo and Copenhagen, a visit to Stockholm will likely need to be planned and budgeted beforehand. That said, for every majestic hotel and fancy restaurant the city boasts a wealth of budget hotels suited to backpackers and easily affordable bars and cafés. Stockholm Cultural Sights
Stockholm is a city of grand and royal architecture scattered along the waterfronts and amidst the wonderful streets of Gamla Stan, the old town, making it a great place to explore hassle free on foot. Visitors find themselves drawn towards the elegant beauty of buildings such as the Stadtshuset (City Hall), Kungliga Slottet (RoyalPalace) and Drottningholms Slott. Those with a taste for museums and galleries are in for a treat as the city boasts over 150 spread evenly throughout. Be sure to check out Skansen, a superb open-air museum and zoo on Djurgarden, showcasing Sweden’s rural culture. Other popular museums include the Vasamuseet, Strindberg Museum and Historiska Museet. For something alternative check out Stockholm Metro, famed for its subway art and recognised as the longest gallery in the world. If thinking of hitting the museums it is worth buying a Stockholmskortet, a pass granting free public transport and free entrance into over 75 museums and attractions.
Sightseeing in Stockholm
Stockholm has a love for the outdoors, especially during the summer months when the sun shines until very late in the evening. The hour long Old Town Walkabout walking tour is a great way to get a feel of the city as are the canal tours of Stromma Canal Company, which take in the major waterfront sights. For those that simply want to relax the city is blessed with a number of large open parks and gardens, including the botanical gardens of Rosendals Tradgard and Humlegarden. For sporting events head to Globen, a large indoor arena hosting ice hockey, football and concerts and incorporating bars, restaurants and a shopping complex.
Stockholm Archipelago - Any local will tell you that a major asset of their city is the collection of 24,000 spectacularly picturesque islands and islets that sit only 1-hour from the centre. The best way to see the islands is on a Thousand Island Cruise offering coffee, lunch and dinner and allowing time to take a dip and explore the islands. For the more active traveller, kayaking tours provide a great alternative to seeing the archipelago.
Uppsala - Of visiting Stockholm on an extended stay then set aside some time to see Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth largest city and one of its most picturesque. With roots dating back to 1477, it is home to Scandinavia’s oldest university, the country’s biggest cathedral and most remarkable botanical garden.
Stockholm Festivals
Stockholm Early Music Festival - Superb musical events at the beginning of June focusing on classical music forms from the Renaissance, Baroque and Middle-age periods.
Stockholm Jazz Festival - June 2011 will welcome headline performances by Cassandra Wilson, LaGaylia Frazier and Niklas Barno.
Stockholm Pride - Scandinavia’s biggest gay pride festival takes place in July with a series of colourful parades and live concerts.
Midnattsloppet - Popular event combining a 10km night-run accompanied by a bundle of street performances and live music.
Stockholm Nightlife
At anytime of the year Stockholmers are up for a party, whether it is enjoying an open-air concert on a late summer evening or hitting the warm clubs on long winter nights. Head to Sodermalm for fashionable cocktail bars or Stureplan and Norrmalm to spot celebrities at the chic nightclubs. To plan ahead, check out the extensive listings at www.stockholmtown.com or www.musikfestivaler.se for live events.
Bars in Stockholm
Kvarnen - Old school Swedish beer hall in Sodermalm that doubles up as a lively DJ and dance bar.
Spy Bar - Iconic Stockholm DJ bar that attracts a fashion conscious yet unpretentious crowd.
The Dubliner - The best Irish bar in town constantly busy with a good mix of locals, students and expats.
Torget - This stylish restaurant-bar is both a popular gay hangout and a place to see some of Stockholm’s finest ladies.
Clubs in Stockholm
Berns Salonger - Landmark venue combining bars, nightclub, restaurant and hotel.
Debaser - Two venues offering the best in international pop and rock artists.
Nalen - The best spot in town for live jazz, swing and big band performances.
Tresexti - The 360 nightclub is a raucous party club with theme nights and a leaning towards house and techno.
White Room - Stylish club close to the Stureplan where you can dance all night long with the city’s beautiful people.
Theatres in Stockholm
Royal Swedish Opera - Sweden’s finest opera house hosting productions of Boheme, Don Pasquale and Coppelia. Guided tours are also worth checking out. Budget Hotels Stockholm
Skanstulls Hostel - Smart hostel situated close to the main shopping and nightlife zone. Tel (46) 8 6430204.
Stockholm Hostel - Modern hostel close to Central Station offering ensuite dorms and large kitchen and living areas. Tel (46) 701 565525. City Hostel - Popular hostel located close to the City Hall and Central Station. Tel (46) 841 00 3830
Midrange Hotels Stockholm
Queens Hotel - Charming midrange option housed in a 19thC property overlooking Drottninggatan and Olof Palmes. Tel (46) 8 249460.
Story Hotel - Trendy design hotel and bar on Riddargatan. Tel (46) 8 545 039 40.
Luxury Hotels Stockholm
Diplomat Hotel - Should the budget allow then check into one of the top floor suites affording views over the city’s finest avenue. Tel (46) 8 459 68 00.
Grand Hotel - Stockholm’s plushest hotel has oozed refined luxury since 1874. Tel (46) 8 679 35 00.
Rival Hotel - Excellent boutique hotel o Maria Square owned by ABBA’s Benny Anderson. Tel (46) 8 545 789 00.