Medieval, Modern, Classic, Trendy: Stockholm in All Its Glory
I touched down in Stockholm from Helsinki on a quick Norwegian Airlines flight, and right away, something struck me—language. Swedish is a Germanic language, which means if you speak English (or even a bit of German), you can muddle through signs and menus without too much trouble. Finnish, on the other hand? That’s a different beast altogether. No shared roots with English, German, or any other familiar language—just a whole new alphabet soup of words that seem impossible to guess. Case in point: in Finland, “Miehet” means men, and “Naiset” means women. In Sweden? “Herrar” and “Damer.” Quite the contrast.
A First Taste of Cutting-Edge Sweden
The first real taste of Swedish efficiency? The Arlanda Express—the lightning-fast train from the airport to the city centre, whizzing through forests at nearly 185 km/h. Slick, quiet, and ruthlessly punctual. A real testament to the country’s top-tier infrastructure. As the train hummed along, I plugged in my earphones and listened to some Wilhelm Stenhammar—Sweden’s most celebrated composer. The perfect soundtrack for a sleek arrival.
Once in the city, I made my way to my Airbnb—hosted by Oskar, who turned out to be one of those effortlessly cool Swedes who make you feel right at home. With my bags dropped and a quick coffee in hand, I set out to explore the city’s islands—Gamla Stan, the charming medieval heart of Stockholm, alongside the lively districts of Katarina-Sofia, Norrmalm, Östermalm, and Vasastan. If I’d thought Stockholm was just a picturesque Scandinavian capital, I was about to be proven very wrong—this place had layers.
A Monarchy in Motion
Despite its ultra-modern edge, Stockholm remains proudly royal. You’ll find grandeur in its palaces, pageantry in the changing of the royal guard, and a firm grip on history at the Riksdagshuset (Parliament House). While I admired the regal displays, my personal highlight was the Nobel Prize Museum—a deep dive into the minds and discoveries that have shaped the world.
A little tip, though: if you ever visit, pray that no recent Nobel laureate is there giving a talk. Otherwise, you’re in for a long-winded account of their research, their struggles, their moment of revelation… “Without me, this discovery wouldn’t have been possible.” Alright, mate, we get it. As an antidote, I picked up some Samuel Beckett postcards from the gift shop—his absurdist humour felt like the perfect response to all the self-importance.
Seafood That’ll Ruin You for Life
Stockholm, like its Nordic neighbours, takes its seafood seriously. My friends insisted I try Sturehof, a classic spot in Östermalm, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. Think fresh shrimp, buttery salmon, and pickled herring done to perfection. But honestly? You can eat almost anywhere in this city and be guaranteed a great meal. Stockholm’s food scene is as sleek and high-quality as everything else here.
A City That Knows How to Handle Itself
One scene stuck with me from my trip—a demonstration by Afghan refugees outside the royal palace. Unfortunately, a group of neo-Nazis showed up, looking to provoke. Now, in some cities, that could have turned ugly fast. But Stockholm’s police? Impeccable. They moved in swiftly, calmly, and with total authority—one officer alone managing to disperse about a dozen agitators without breaking a sweat. A masterclass in de-escalation.
Events like these are a reminder of Europe’s growing tensions, but if you’re wondering whether Stockholm is safe—absolutely. Incidents like this are rare, and when they happen, they’re dealt with quickly and efficiently.
American, Imperial, and Unmistakably Swedish
Stockholm is a city of contrasts—medieval yet cutting-edge, classic yet effortlessly trendy. With its high standard of living, at times it feels surprisingly American—big roads, modern conveniences, and a love of efficiency. But then, in a blink, it shifts into old-world imperial Europe, with grand boulevards, majestic buildings, and a deep reverence for history.
One thing to note: Sweden doesn’t use the Euro—they’ve stuck with the Swedish krona (SEK). 100 kronor is roughly 12 Canadian dollars, but be warned—Sweden is going cashless fast. I walked into two bakeries and a café, only to be told cash was no longer accepted. If you’re visiting, make sure your card is ready to do all the heavy lifting.
The Sami and Their Craft
If you’re after souvenirs, you’ll find the usual suspects—plastic Viking helmets, slogan T-shirts, fridge magnets. But if you want something with real cultural value, seek out the beautifully crafted reindeer leather bracelets embroidered with silver thread, handmade by the Sami people—the indigenous community of northern Sweden. Just a heads-up: they were historically called “Lapps,” but that term is now considered offensive.
Final Verdict: Worth Every Penny
Did I like Stockholm? No—I loved it.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Would I recommend it? Without hesitation. Just make sure you’ve got a good budget—this city isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every krona.
In a few words: Modern, elegant, effortlessly cool.