Stockholm, Sweden was never on my radar when we first started traveling. But since living in Europe for almost two years now, Sweden became one of those countries that was a “must visit.” And for good reason. From the Netherlands, Stockholm is easy to reach. Just a 90 minute flight out of our local Eindhoven Airport and you’re there — which is always a perk, especially when you’re traveling with young children [like we always are!].

When we planned our trip I knew little to nothing about Sweden, but shortly after looking into things to do and places to stay, it was apparent that I was going to love this trip.

Okay, okay. So Sweden is cool. So cool. But what’s all the hype about? What is there to do, see, eat, etc.? I’ve got you covered. Keep reading.

 

w h a t ‘ s   t o   l o v e .

S w e d e n ‘ s   u n i q u e n e s s . 

Stockholm is so unique because it’s made up for fourteen different islands and countless bridges that give you easy access from one island to the next. In fact, a lot of times I forgot that we had walked to a completely different island because Stockholm feels so connected. Stockholm has a unique charm about it too. There’s the hustle and bustle like any major city, but it’s also feels laid back and slow-paced at times.

Also, the food scene is amazing [if you’re into that!]. While Sweden is known for their Swedish meatballs, they do so many cuisines well. If there’s a new food trend, Stockholm is on top of it. Vegan, organic ice cream. Poke bowls. Food trucks. Tapas. And of course the Nordic cuisine. And they’re good at everything — at least everything we tasted!

 

f i k a .

Fika is a sacred ritual that many Swedish people participate in. You’ll see many cafés and coffee shops advertising a “Fika special” of some sort. Fika is an afternoon coffee and social break. It’s a time to take a break from the day, gather with friends, sip on some coffee or nibble on a pastry and just catch up. It makes so much sense, too. It keeps people connected with one another in a world that is becoming so disconnected. Something that I wish us Americans did too.

 

d a d d y    l e a v e .

After being in Stockholm for just one hour, I noticed something. I noticed how many dads there were with their young children [and without the mother – gasp!]. It was actually odd at first because I’m not used to seeing dads out and about with their young children, playing with them at the park, walking them in the stroller and even taking a stroll or sitting down at a café with their infant strapped to them. You just don’t see that anywhere. Except for Sweden, that is. I was so intrigued that I had to find out why there were so many “stay-at-home dads.” What I found out was so cool! New moms and dads can actually split a total of fourteen months of parental leave. And 80% of their salaries are paid out by the government. Here’s the kicker. Dads are required to spend two months of paternal leave with their baby on their own or else they don’t get paid and they don’t get the time off. It’s called “daddy leave” and it’s the best. Swedish fathers are actually expected to take this time off and it’s frowned upon if they don’t. Sigh, I wish the United States and other countries would adopt such an amazing program!

 

S t o c k h o l m ‘ s   a r c h i p e l a g o . 

An archipelago is a group, chain or cluster of islands — and Stockholm has a big one! Stockholm’s archipelago is made up of nearly 30,000 islands. And it’s actually pretty easy to explore. Just hop on a ferry and you have easy access to many of the inhabited islands. We took a trip to the island of Vaxholm which was just an hour ferry ride away.

 

w h e r e   t o   s t a y .

I highly recommend the Södermalm neighborhood. It’s a great hub when visiting Stockholm, especially if you want to see the different places that Stockholm has to offer. It has tons of great food and it’s an easy walk to the Old Town, to the port to catch a ferry, and to other neighborhoods and islands. Södermalm has a couple of the city’s best view points, too. Mariatorget Square is a lively hub in the Södermalm neighborhood where you can sit and enjoy the fountain, let your kids play at the park, people watch, or walk along Hornsgatan street for some great restaurants and shopping.

The Airbnb we stayed at was nothing short of amazing. We were in a quiet neighborhood in the heart of Södermalm. Our building was originally built in 1884 and our apartment was beautifully updated and trendy. It was literally a 30 second walk to cafés, coffee shops, bars and restaurants — and just a few minute walk to the grocery store, the subway station [which we didn’t up using], and the Mariatorget Square park that our toddler loved visiting daily.

As always, if you want more details about where we stayed, just let me know.

 

s t o c k h o l m ,   s w e d e n .

 

w h a t   t o   d o .

G a m l a   S t a n .

Also known as Old Town, Gamla Stan is probably one of the more touristy parts of Stockholm, but it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s one of the larger European medieval city centers and it’s pretty spectacular. It’s made up of narrow cobblestone streets, colorful unique architecture, tons of cafés, bars and restaurants. You have to go to Stortorget — the oldest square in Stockholm. It’s surrounded by some of the coolest architecture. I suggest you stop in for some coffee or a local Swedish beer and just take in the sights.

 

v a s a   m u s e u m .

I’m not a museum person, but this museum was different. The whole museum is centered around an enormous warship! The Vasa ship sank to the bottom of the Sea in Stockholm in 1628, and over 300 years later was “rescued,” and preserved. For good reason, the Vasa museum is the most visited museum in Scandinavia.

Anyone under 18 years old is free to enter, and adult tickets cost about $15 each. Definitely worth a visit!

 

e a t    t h e    S w e d i s h   m e a t b a l l s .

A visit to Sweden isn’t quite complete without eating the swedish meatballs. In fact, I think I had meatballs at least every day that we were there. Each restaurant makes them a little different, but the concept is the same. Delicious meatballs, slather in gravy, with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, lingonberry and pickled cucumbers. What’s not to love?

this meal was from Magasinet I Vaxholm.

 

t a k e    a   f e r r y   r i d e .

Traveling by ferry is quite easy in Stockholm. First you need to decide where you’re going [this website is helpful if you’re able to translate it to English], but then you just walk down to the port and wait in line to board the ferry. You don’t pay for your ticket until the boat has already disembarked which makes getting on and off the ferries quite seamless. Daily, the ferries go throughout the archipelago making a few stops at different islands along the way. We visited Vaxholm which was a cute, quaint island that we enjoyed exploring.

 

c h e c k   o u t   t h e   c i t y   v i e w s .

Monteliusvägen.

Day one, and still lugging our fifty-pound suitcase around town lead us to this beautiful Stockholm view point. We walked thorough Mariatorget Square and up a few sets of staircases [yes, still with our luggage!], and once we got to the top we were spoiled with this view!

This particular view point/area is called Monteliusvägen. There’s a walking path with wonderful views of Lake Mälaren, City Hall, and Gamla Stan across the water. Those unique black roofs are unlike anything I’ve seen before. Simply stunning.

 

Per Anders Fogelströms Terrass.

This viewpoint in Stockholm is about a 20 minute walk from the Södermalm neighborhood where we stayed. You get the view of the city as well as the inlet from the Baltic Sea. We watched sailors board and stock their ship. We watched enormous cruise ships head out to sea. We took in the breathtaking views of Stockholm’s unique black-roofed buildings. And we just stopped to enjoy the view. You should too.

 

w h e r e   w e   a t e .

Kalf & Hansen. 

lunch.

Södermalm neighborhood.

We stumbled upon this place right when we got to Stockholm. We were hungry and wanted something satisfying, healthy and Swedish. Because why come to Sweden without trying the local cuisine, right? When we saw this place I was instantly excited. 100% organic, Nordic fast food. Yep, organic fast food. You read right. We sat outside on the street and watched people go by as we gobbled up what was one of the best bites of food I had while in Sweden.

I honestly wasn’t sure what I was getting when I ordered it, but it ended up being an open-faced Swedish meatball sandwich. And it was heavenly. I wanted to go back there again for lunch another day, but we made a point to try out some other restaurants, too.

 

Petrus.

bakery.

Södermalm neighborhood.

This bakery is very well-known in the Södermalm neighborhood. And for good reason. We showed up as the bakery opened to find a line out the door. As we found a seat I told my husband to just get an assortment of things that we could try.

The croissants were delicious, but the cinnamon bun [top of the picture below] was out of this world! It was perfectly sweet, but not too sweet. It was buttery and delicious. The dough was almost gooey, just like a cinnamon roll should be. Let’s just say — I was a fan [even though I’m not a big “pastries for breakfast” person].

 

Magasinet I Vaxholm.

lunch.

island of Vaxholm.

I craved Swedish meatballs after day one in Sweden. So naturally we found another Swedish restaurant for lunch while we were visiting the island of Vaxholm. The food was delicious and the staff was super friendly.

And it was also a nice perk that we got a shady spot on the patio looking out at the water.

 

Stockholm’s Gastabud.

lunch or dinner.

Gamla Stan [old town].

We walked by this restaurant a few times while exploring Old Town. Each time, the seats were filled and people were outside waiting to get their turn. We looked it up on Trip Advisor and it turned out this place was a must-eat! It’s tiny with just a handful of seats, but it’s worth the wait if you have time. They don’t take reservations so you just have to show up early or wait your turn.

Surprise, surprise I ordered the Swedish meatballs yet again. And they were delicious, yet again. The menu is very small [which I prefer actually!]. And everything that came out of the kitchen looked divine. A must visit restaurant for sure!

 

Ramblas.

tapas.

Södermalm neighborhood.

This busy tapas restaurant was on our radar because it was close to our Airbnb in the Södermalm neighborhood, and it had good reviews. So we decided to try it. I’m not usually a big tapas fan, but this place was different. The menu wasn’t too big like most other tapas places which is always a plus for me. Bryce and I each ordered a few small tapas for ourselves [order the tacos if you get the chance, they are divine!]. And then we shared a full order of the paella. It was so yummy, filled with seafood and perfectly seasoned rice.

 

A bowl Poke Poke.

lunch.

Södermalm neighborhood.

We walked by this little café when were getting settled and doing some exploring of our neighborhood. I was practically drooling as we walked by and I saw people’s bowls filled with colorful veggies. I told Bryce that we had to eat here before we left. And we made it happen! The last meal in Stockholm was here at A Bowl Poke Poke. And it blew me away. It’s a tiny little place that’s decorated so cute. They also have some outdoor seating which I always prefer on a not-too-hot, sunny day.

The menu is small and in Swedish so I couldn’t read much. I asked for recommendations and the nice Swedish guy at the register said the Medi Bowl was a must-try. So I went for it. The bottom was a layer of black rice and lentils, topped with kale, beets, cucumbers, caramelized onions and the most delicious sauces that I can’t even describe. I think one may have been a roasted red pepper hummus. All I know is that this meal left me completely satisfied and oh so happy!

They are known for their tuna poke bowl, but I wanted to branch out. My husband ordered the salmon bowl and loved it.

 

Nostrano.

dinner.

Södermalm neighborhood.

This Italian restaurant came recommended by our Airbnb host. We made reservations in advance because it can be hard to get a seat with short notice. We both ordered pasta and it was fanatic! Like as good as you can get at some of the best restaurants we’ve eaten at in Italy. The pasta was clearly homemade — so fluffy and cooked perfectly. I got the pasta with broccoli and my husband ordered seafood pasta and they were both fantastic. I would highly recommend this place if you’re a fan of authentic Italian food.

 

 

And that’s all I have to share with you about Stockholm. I hope you enjoyed it.

I truly hope that someday your travels lead you to Stockholm. It’s a wonderful place full of happy people, delicious food and spectacular views. What more could you ask for?

 

xoxo,

Angela