It’s a strange thing to reflect back and then write about my experience. If I was a real blogger, I should have written about my trip sooner. Probably during my trip so I could give you guys a blow by blow account. But that’s not my case. I try to live in the moment as much as I could, and hopefully, share whatever stories I would have.
That, and the fact that I had to get back into my real job and deal with real problems, personal or otherwise. So y’all are just gonna have to deal with my bad memory as I recount my trip.
My second time in Stockholm just confirmed the fact that it is my favorite Nordic city. Not for any specific reason other than I felt more at home in this city than its counterparts: Copenhagen, Oslo, Bergen, Helsinki, etc.
This time however, was more of an eye-opener. I was not looking at the city through rose-colored glasses anymore and my fantasy was not strong as the first time I was there. And still, I loved Stockholm. I was able to spend more time in the city and to top it off, celebrated New Year’s.
Navigating the cobblestone streets of the old town was easier. Along with family members, nostalgia accompanied me like a dear old friend. Leading my feet through familiar steps, and misleading them at times.
Vikings and Royals
Stockholm is the perfect balance of rough and refined, a city rich in history that dates back to the 8th century. From violent Norse history and viking ships, to the modern day royal palaces, I was able to travel back in time.
Old and New Town
Although Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan, is the most popular destination in the city, let’s not forget that the rest of Stockholm is as modern as can be.
Art Above and Under Ground
A city’s character is a big part of catching my interest. When you’ve traveled as much as I have, your level of standards change. As I have seen a lot of cities, I have the tendency to compare each one. And I’m not gonna lie, my standards level up every time.
What Stockholm has to offer for art lovers like me, is worthy of inclusion in the best art cities list. Not only does Stockholm have an amazing catalog of renowned museums like the Nationalmuseum, Moderna Museet and Fotografiska, but the city also showcases over 150 artists and their works underground.
Swedish Fika
During my first visit to Stockholm , I knew that I would love its city life, partially due to its big coffee culture. As a coffee lover, Sweden’s tradition – fika, which is basically a coffee and pastry break, proved to be a hit for me. The city alone is full of cafés and pastry shops in every corner, traditional, contemporary, creative and fusion. You name it, they have it.
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Jen is a Chicago-based traveler and creative. She is a full-time development & communications executive specializing in non-profit organizations. Originally from the East Coast, she created The Jetsetter as a place to share her travel stories and photos with friends and family. Now, it is a place for adventurers and dreamers. Its purpose is to inspire and encourage busy professionals to see the world and achieve a better work-life balance.
This is such an amazing article, I had recently seen the subways of Stockholm on IG and I cant wait to go!!
I have only been to Stockholm once and only for a few days, but it left quite an impression on me! The Old Town and the Vasa Museum were my favourites during my visit there!
Amazing city; I always consider Stockholm on the top of my list and Sweden as my second home…
Planning to visit it again this summer