This is My Stockholm

Beneath are some of the many highlights that should not be missed when in Stockholm. Other than that, make a point out of visiting the waterfront, whether it is by walking the many bridges (Västerbron should definitely be walked, offers a wonderful view of the city), daytrips to the archipelago, fishing outside of the parliament or swimming at one of the many downtown beaches. Stockholmers take pride in their city and the water is an essential part of the city life. And its clean! For instance, when Stockholm was a candidate for the Summer olympics 2004 all IOC delegates where offered a glass of, perfectly clean, downtown sea water. A bit salty of course but not harmful in the slightest..in what other downtown would you find this..?

Old Town (Gamla Stan) is a picturesque visit to old-time Sweden with its narrow streets, lovely cafes and leaning houses.

The island of Djurgården boosts enough activities to fill a week.

The Stockholmers own favorites of Södermalm and Långholmen should definitely be paid a visit.

Quick Tips:

Gamla Stan ("Old Town") is a must for every person coming to Stockholm. Give yourself time when going here and don’t get scared off by the hordes of tourists as you enter the main street Västerlånggatan. Take the time to walk the narrow sidestreets, there’s an overabundance of antique shops, cafes and ice cream parlours. Keep in mind though that anything in this part of town is 30-50% more expensive than anywhere else, this especially applies for dining. Don’t be surprised to pay 150-200 SEK (US 15-20) for a pizza.

Best Way To Get Around:

Try to avoid having a car when going to Stockholm. Parking is hard to find and expensive. (Not to mention the outrageous petrol costs that you will encounter anywhere in Sweden.) The city is best seen by foot, but if walking isn't your thing, there is an extensive subway and busnet. Taxi is decently priced when travelling within the city centre, leaving the city centre will however prove to be very expensive.

Always ask for the price before entering the taxi (should NEVER be more than US 10 downtown)-- most companies offer a set price and if they don't it is probably not an honest driver!!

This is a lovely cafe hidden away on the north side of Södermalm, 5 minute walk from Långholmen. It is set in the shrubs of trees and gardens, and the cafe is a little red cottage of that typical Swedish 19th-century style. The coffee and pastries are quite expensive, but it is well worth it. The name Lasse i Parken translates to Lasse (nickname for Lars) in the Park.

Visit the world biggest and oldest open-air museum of Skansen. Don't expect Walt Disney World but more a quiet and relaxing day. Here you'll find all the animals that are found in Sweden in their natural setting. There are also examples of Swedish housing throughout the centuries, a glassblower, etc. Plan for a day here. Skansen is perfect for the kids family but not restricted to only families. This is by far Swedens biggest tourist attraction but you'll soon find that most people visiting are the Swedes themselves. If you have kids they will love and adore the petting zoo with its kittens, bunnies, turtles, etc.

There are two entrances to Skansen. In the main entrance the price is quite steep, some US$5-10 depending on age and number of people in the group. Ask the bus/tram driver to drop you off at the back entrance where admission is free for kids and significantly cheaper for adults as well. The back entrance also boasts a cable car which will be greatly appreciated by the kids.

Gröna Lund is a 100-year old amusement park with rollercoaster, cotton candy, and everything else that goes with it. In the summertime, you’ll also find there being free concerts at Gröna Lund. Great names as Hendrix and The Beatles have played here and it is considered as an institution in the Swedish music scene. Gröna Lund is very expensive even by Swedish standards. You'll notice how many families bring a picnic and eat on the pier.

Two small beaches separated by Västerbron that are close to the Stockholmers hearts. Their prime location in downtown Stockholm makes it quite popular for people all ages.

Smedsuddsbadet has become a spot for the young and beautiful, but families are still welcome. A few hundred yards from Smedsuddsbadet, there's a playground for the kids, volleyball net, and a big recreation area. Very popular among sunbathers.

Långholmsbadet is a little bit smaller, a little bit calmer. Here it is possible to find some shade and quiet. Wonderful paths nearby. The two beaches are located opposite of each other and many brave souls attempt swimming between them. This is however not recommended.

Something most tourists don't get to see is one of the most beautiful spots in Stockholm -- Långholmen.

Långholmen is an old prison island located outside of Södermalm. Take the time to walk along the waterline which shouldn't take more than half a day with a couple of stops included. The Långholmsbadet (Långholmen Beach) is a favorite of the natives that I covered in another entry. You'll also find a discrete statue reminding us of the crash of a Swedish fighter jet on the island in the early nineties. With half a million people out to see it circling Stockholm, the pilot miraculously somehow managed to crash the plane without any casualties. Klippbadet is a small rocky beach that is just lovely. Due to its location though it is only direct sunshine before noon. Go into the shrugs and find your own place to sit down, you'll soon find sunbathers, both naked as dressed, wherever you go. On the west side of the island, past Långholmsbadet, there's a restaurant and playground. The playground is unlike anything you've ever seen before, but greatly appreciated by the kids.

But of course, the heart of Långholmen is the old prison. Now converted into a hotel and hostel its a big attraction. Tours of "Sweden's Alcatraz" are available. Långholmen was known as the toughest of prisons and this was also the site of the last execution in Sweden -- who could believe that when walking in this paradise?

And of course, the alcohol and drinking . . . Sweden has gotten a reputation of drunkeness and alcoholism. Is it true? To a certain extent, yes. It's a fact that Swedes drink the L-E-A-S-T in Europe, but when they do, there is no stopping. There is no such thing as too much once they begin and whiskey mixes with German beer and French Champagne. This helps to make Stockholm a great place for a party.

Except for the expensive drinks and beer (for a full night out, don't expect to spend less than US$200) -- there's also an admission fee for most places, even pubs. One rule that throws tourists for a loop is the drinking age. While you can buy alcohol in the store at 20 you can drink at pubs already at 18. HOWEVER, most clubs and pubs have age restrictions. They're quite unfair most of the time, 18/20 for girls and 25 for guys. A party trip to Stockholm is not complete without drinking your way up Götgatan. Start off by Slussen subwaystop on Södermalm and work yourself up towards Skanstull. And trust me, at the end of this, you'll have certainly spent more than US$200 . . .