Let’s go: here you eat, sleep, and drink in Stockholm
I've got the taste down. The taste of Scandinavia, that is. Last week I gave you the best tips in Copenhagen and now it's time for my other Scandinavian favorite. Although I'm a fan of all of Scandinavia, really. From the beautiful nature to the cities and of course the Scandinavian fashion: I love it. So if you're wondering what to do in Stockholm (and what not to do), where to eat, drink, sleep; this personal tour guide has everything lined up for you. Except for the Swedish language, I really don't have that down, but you have Google Translate for that.
What you want to do in Stockholm
Visit Gamla Stan. Literally translated, this means ‘old town’, so that already gives a hint that this is the historical center of Stockholm. In fact, it is one of the largest medieval hearts of Europe. It's really nice to walk through, as it's quite a photogenic whole with narrow streets, nice cafés, and shops.
Take the boat to the island of Djurgården. Here you'll also find the famous Vasa Museum, which is a sunken warship. Furthermore, this is a green island: ideal if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. Do keep in mind that dining options here are quite expensive (even by Scandinavian standards), as there is no supermarket on the island.
Go cycling. Oh yes, bring out the Dutch in you and grab your steel horse. It's really fun to cycle in Stockholm and this way you can see as much of the city as possible. You can cycle a mapped route or just go on an adventure yourself, it just depends on how much time you have. With all the bridges and alleys, a bike tour is an absolute must.
The Södermalm district. One of the trendiest neighborhoods in Stockholm, so it certainly shouldn't be missing from these tips. Recommended both during the day and in the evening. During the day for the shops or galleries, in the evening for the nice cafés where you want to grab a drink. Or a bite to eat, because here you'll also find many nice restaurants.
Go market wandering. Yesss, I always find that so much fun in other cities. Just wandering around the markets. The most famous and also one of the best, if you ask me, is Hornstulls Marknad. Food trucks, knick-knacks, art, second-hand clothing... You'll find it here. Every Sunday between April and October. Also, in Södermalm, there's a farmers market every Saturday between August and October.
Hotspots in Stockholm
Okay, let me make something clear: a visit to Stockholm is of course not complete without Swedish meatballs. Unless you're vegetarian, of course (then I challenge you to find the best veggie variant). And those meatballs, you eat them here. The entire menu revolves around the infamous meatball, so expect many surprising (and yes, delicious) combinations. Open for lunch and dinner.
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Nytorgsgatan 30
You'll find this hotspot in Stockholm on the island of Djurgården. It has really become a concept in Stockholm and is definitely a treat for vegetarians. Only open for lunch, fresh vegetables, lots of greenery and plants around you: it's really enjoyable here.
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Rosendalsvägen 38
Images often say it all just a bit better than words (especially when it comes to food and drink), so definitely check their Instagram it out. You want to go here, right? A ton of different G&Ts, super tender burgers, hotdogs... Yes, especially for the carnivores (and G&T lovers). Only open for dinner, but a drink at the bar is also recommended.
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Mälartorget 15
When in Stockholm... I go for Mexican food. Well, for when the Swedish meatballs really get on your nerves. They have two locations in Stockholm, so definitely check if there's one near you and go here for an extensive lunch or an early dinner (because they're not open late). Apparently, they have the absolute best tacos in the whole city, but first, I need to try out the full competition.
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Östgötagatan 12 & Barnhusgatan 2
Okay, we've covered the hotspot in Stockholm for meat lovers, now for the one for vegetarians. Not necessarily trendy, but very tasty. During lunch, they have a buffet for a fixed price, and on weekends you can choose: buffet or à la carte. I would personally recommend the lunch, but that's also because I really love a long meal.
Fjällgatan 23B
And I would like to have that long meal here, for example. I think the interior is really cool and the dishes are a (haute cuisine) treat. They have a changing menu, focusing on Scandinavian vegetables and seafood. From carnivores to vegetarians, this is the hotspot for seafood lovers. My mouth is already watering.
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Västmannagatan 69
The name doesn't exactly scream ‘fine dining’, nor does the interior, but you can really eat well here. And drink too, by the way. Surprisingly, you actually get those fine dining dishes right in front of you, as you probably won't see them coming. Highly recommended for a fun night out.
Folkungagatan 128
If you're more into a classic setting, then you're in the right place here. Start with a drink at the beautiful bar. And dress to impress, okay? Even though it all looks quite chic, the atmosphere is not particularly stiff. They also don't have stiff, classic dishes on the menu. For example, there are spring rolls or tacos. Of course, at level 2.0.
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Norrlandsgatan 24
WINE. Yes, you didn't think a list of hotspots would be complete without mentioning a wine bar, did you? No, exactly. Do you love dining late (and thus wine)? Great: here you can order the entire menu until midnight. That's a bit different than knocking on the Maccie at half past eleven, right? Because knocking, you do here, as they don't take reservations. Just drop by, you won’t regret it.
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Brahegatan 4
Last but certainly not least: this fine dining vegan hotspot in Stockholm. Not just vegan by the way, they call it the lacto-ovo-vegetarian cuisine themselves. Yes, exactly, yes, that is in my opinion just the same as the vegetarian as we know it, but this sounds much more interesting of course. This spot is located in the Grand Hôtel, where restaurant Matbaren is also situated. You might expect a very fancy place here, but it’s not that bad. And, plus point: shared dining, the ultimate remedy for choice stress that I often suffer from.
Södra Blasieholmshamnen 6
These are the best hotels in Stockholm
Super conveniently located, namely right next to the Central Station. It is run by a family, the breakfast buffet is top-notch and the sauna is free. Oh yes, there is also a bar that serves over three hundred Belgian beers. Not bad, right?
Bryggargatan 12
Clearly not run by a small family, because it is a gigantic building where this hotel is located, but super beautiful, in the Norrmalm district. Furthermore, the hotel is equipped with all luxury: a good restaurant, a gym, café and even a garage. And a laundry service, for when you want your favorite outfit clean again.
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Hötorget 13-15
Also very centrally located, so ideal for a shorter stay in Stockholm. The hotel has 101 rooms, quite large, but feels very cozy. This might also be because it is spread over two buildings (both dating from the 18th century). Funny: you can book rooms here without rooms. Hmm… Furthermore, you definitely want to have a glass of wine in the bar.
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Birger Jarlsgatan 24
Very trendy hotel, with – if you’re lucky – a very nice view from your room. For the fit girls and boys among us, they have a gym that is open 24 hours a day. The brunch on weekends is a must-try, the cocktails and punch absolutely too. You can drink those on the outdoor terrace. Additionally, they often have live bands in the lounge bar. You get it: you won’t get bored at this hotel.
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Brunkebergstorg 6
Image: Instagram @sparrowhotelstockholm @lillaegokrog @theflyingelk
