Stockholm

Introduction

Exploring Scandinavia has always been on my to-do list, and I was happy when a chance to visit Stockholm came up. My last trip to Norway went very well, so I was hoping Stockholm would be similar and it didn’t fail to deliver. I loved how the climate was the perfect temperature for peak summer, while the city itself was very green and pretty. I kind of felt like I had "Stockholm Syndrome" where I wanted to stay and didn't want to go home!

The easiest way to get around is by walking! Public transportation is easy and I recommend downloading the SL app. Buy tickets on the app and use your smartphone’s QR code to tap in/out. I only bought point-to-point tickets since I wasn’t using it a lot, but 39 SEK lets you transfer how many times you need to for 1.25 hours and is the cost of the ticket.

To get to/from the airport and the city center, the easiest way is the Arlanda Express, which is just a direct train that takes you downtown. It’s not cheap, so what I would recommend is taking the bus to Marsta station, and then taking the commuter rail to Stockholm Central. This way I described only costs as much as a regular bus ride (buying tickets using the method above), so it’s more cost efficient! However, this option might not appear on Google Maps so you’ll have to map the route individually.

Overall, I really liked Sweden and I’ll definitely be back soon!

Nature

Kungsträdgården - near the downtown core, cute to walk through.
Skinnarviksberget - this viewpoint is a little further out but well worth the voyage. You can get a great view of the city proper and City Hall. I only wish I stayed here longer and brought some snacks!
Humlegården
Vasaparken

food

K-märkt Bokcafé
Skeppsbro bageri - the pastry selection is solid and is a great place to sit and stop for a rest!
Hötorgshallen - small two-floor food hall/boutique store that is a good place to get a bite to eat.
Östermalms Food Hall - everything looks very good, but it will cost you an arm and a leg. You’re better off admiring the food and eating elsewhere. Still worth the visit though.

Attractions

Stockholm City Hall - you don’t necessarily have to tour the city hall but just walking around is nice enough!
IKEA (Kungens Kurva) - IKEA in Sweden hits differently and is worth the trek. Hit the food court for the cheapest meal in Stockholm. While you’re on the way, the nearby station has a fruit market (Skärholmens Frukt & Grönt) that sells fruit at reasonable prices!

Just passing by