-->
Before moving to Copenhagen last summer, I
spent almost a year in one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen:
Stockholm. Stockholm is the pearl of the North Sea, the capital of Scandinavia
and its regal beauty is unforgettable. Classical majestic buildings perfectly
merge with new architecture and nature giving birth to a unique scenario. Sunny
and green during summer, when the sun is up for almost 18 hours each day, on
the other hand mysterious and regal in the cold snowy winter, when Christmas lights
are able to melt even the coldest heart.
Stockolm is comprised of 14 islands and its
very center is Gamla Stan, the old city.
This tiny island has a heart shape, and it is actually the heart of the
city. Here you can find small old
streets and medieval houses together with old fashioned shops. During the night
it is lightened only by the yellow light of old lanterns, earing the echo to footfalls in the meandering streets can be quite
scary J. Best place:
Stockholm is famous for the so called “kanelbullar” but try to look for a small
restaurant in Stotorget called Chokladkoppen located in
the center of Gamla Stan. Ask for the chocolate cake, and believe me, this will
be the best one you have ever tried.
Stotorget and Christmas Markets
Foreshortening of Gamla Stan
Just above the heart of the city, here we
find Norrmalm, the commercial center of Stockholm.
The area is full of shopping centers and design boutiques, nightclubs and
restaurant. If what you need is a unique Swedish shopping experience, what you
need is an afternoon to NK, the best place to go shopping in Stockholm. Then
you just need to cross the street for a romantic ice-skating evening in Kungstradgarden.
Do not miss the opportunity to see a ballet at the amazing Opera, there are a
lot of student discount and you can see a stunning performance for less than 10
euro.
Summer in
Kungstradgarden
Sergels Torg and Christmas Decorations
Another
unforgettable area of Stockholm is the
green island of Djurgården & Skeppsholmen. This island is just a short walk
from the city center, connected by a tramline. Here there are the best museum
and attractions, an amusement park and amenus surroundings where the city melts
in the Nordic waters. Skansen museum is one of the best attractions. You will find old Scandinavian villages
recreations and animals from all over the Nordic countries in the biggest
open-air museum. If you’re up for a delicious cup of coffee, I suggest the
romantic Helin Voltaire.
Helin Voltaire cafè
Roses Garden in Skansen
Reindeer sunbathing in Skanes Museum
Östermalm
is the posh part of the city, where rich people and celebrities live. The
beautiful palaces are reflected on the
waters of the west shore. It is also a shopper paradise but the heart of the
area is without any doubt Stureplan. Around this square there are the best club
and bar of Scandinavia and Spy bar, Pure and Sturekompagniet are on top of the
list.
Last
but not the least, the southern island of Södermalm, the urban soul of the
city. Here the underground culture has taken precedence over the Swedish elegance,
giving the city a new
spirit. Trendy and fashionable bar and clubs come to life in this colorful
environment. To visit the Fotografiska museum is a must, and save some time to
enjoy a cup of coffee in its café on the top floor, to experience a different
view of the city.
Quick tips:
A cafè: Flickorna Heline Voltaire, the
most romantic place on the planet.
A place: Skansen Museum
The best thing to do in Stockholm is to
get lost between the tiny medieval street of Gamla stan, the romantic paths
near the water, walking the thousand of bridges while the sun is slowly going
down in the Sea. You know what they say: “getting lost is the only way to find
something impossible to find”.