Visit the glistening waters of the capital of Scandinavia (Stockholm)

Member Name: kirlykird

Product:	Stockholm
Date:	11/01/09 (67 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful,easy to get around, cheap flights available

Disadvantages: can be pricey

I have visited Stockholm on a few occasions now. My husband lived there for a number of years and he loves the city. When we first met, he consistently told me about the city and it didn't take long before he took me there.
I have to stress, however, that my views on this beautiful city are spring & summer time ones as any visits to Sweden during Autumn/Winter are spent further north with family.

* What takes us to Stockholm?*

As mentioned my husbands love of the city, after my first visit, my love of the city, friends who live there and weddings.
It is never a bind to be going back to Stockholm. It is a beautiful and charming hotel full of history and culture with beautiful buildings and a mass of water. From the moment we land I get the buzz and excitement of returning to this city.
Sadly, our visits have never been for more than a few days at a time and so often I would love to have longer here. Maybe the fact that I have my own personal Swedish speaking guide who knows the area, customs and the workings of this city. Maybe this has helped with my fondness towards this city.

*Stockholm - an insight*

Stockholm is built across 14 islands and is often called the Venice of the North. With more foreign visitors than any other city in Scandinavia it is also considered to be the Capital of Scandinavia. Stockholm is situated at the point where the vast Lake Malaren flows into the Baltic Sea .
As water covers one third of the city area, the maritime life is an important aspect of the city. There are plenty of bridges, marinas and locks. The water is so clean that you can drink it and catch salmon in the middle of the city. The climate is very much conditioned by the sea winds, so even the warmest summer day will be contingent upon the sea breeze finding its way into the city streets.
It has one of Europe's best preserved medieval centres and this is Gamla Stan or Old town as we would say. Stockholm is s mall city where almost everything is in close distance to each other.

*Where to stay?*

There are many choices of accommodation in Sweden from hotels to hostels and are wide spread across the vast area of the city. There is something available for every budget though do not be surprised to find that this city can be more expensive than other European cities, however, please do not let this put you off visiting this beautiful city.
If your budget is high or you just fancy a luxury weekend away, a very nice hotel to stay in is the Radisson SAS Royal Viking. This is located on the water and is central to all of the shops areas and amenities of the city.
Even if your budget can't quite splash out this far, I would recommend finding accommodation near the city centre although if you do decide to stay further out, the transport system, especially the tube in Stockholm is fantastic. Expect it to be much quieter and cleaner than the London tube.

* Gamla Stan*

There are a lot of unique things to see when visiting the old town in Stockholm. The old town is the original Stockholm. If you can spare a few hours take the time to walk about the old town. The dominant building in the old city is the king's castle. The old town is the place to be if you want to experience the town's pulse. The area has Stockholm's biggest ranges of restaurants, tourist shops, studios and museums. There are many wonderful paths to walk in the old town. Relax in the afternoon in a pavement café in the town square. A recommended one would be Sundberg's konditori, maybe because it shares my surname or the fact that they make fantastic Mazarin cakes. In the evening, there are many romantic and cosy restaurants to choose from and there is a great variety of food styles to choose from.

*What to see in Stockholm*

There is plenty to see during a visit to Stockholm whether it be a visit to parks and gardens, museums or art galleries. The attractions that you must try to see are the royal castle, the old town , the cathedral and a pure necessity is a boat trip out on the water.
There is certainly a lot to see and do whilst in Stockholm and it is also a very child friendly city. One of the places that your little ones would be very interested in is a fun park names Grona Lund that sits on the water relatively close by to another family attraction, Skansen. Skansesn is a museum of modern and old Sweden along with a farm area and mini zoo. It is well worth a visit.

Overall, Stockholm is a wonderful and vibrant city that should be visited at least once in your life time. Before you visit, take time to research what is available and what you would like to see whilst there. Plan your journey and make the most of your trip.

My last tip is if you are visiting during the warmer months, get yourselves up to Mosebacke. In my opinion, this has to be the best bar in Stockholm. It is open air, has live bands, food stalls and has the best views over the city especially at night when the city is lit up and the lights are glistening across the water. Beautiful.

Summary: A must visit city during your lifetime!