Stockholm- I Mys this place :)
Lotsa water, boats, smooth vibe
👀 First Impressions
Interesting fact about Stockholm and Swedes: they don’t like to look at you. Sit next to someone at a bar or restaurant and they’ll pretend not to notice you — not because they’re rude, but because it’s a sign of respect. They call it Swedish modesty, but honestly… it’s kinda weird.
That said, they’re calm, kind, quietly happy people — like there’s something zen in the water. They have this word “Mys”, which means comfort, friendliness, and coziness (the Dutch would say Gezellig, the Danes call it Hygge). It’s real — and you feel it.
Stockholm is a really clean, walkable (and flat!) city, and sits right on the water with an awesome old neighborhood, Gamla Stan. We had a relaxed long weekend — just walking, eating, and soaking it all in. I even got one of my favorite pics ever sitting outside a bar with a cold Swedish beer. 🍺 Only downside, this place is not cheap- all you read about it being super pricy is true, believe it.
⚡ The Buzz Factor
We were there in the spring — still cold, but the city was smooth on top, bubbling a bit under the surface. People filled the cafes and bars, even wrapped in blankets. One observation that holds true of the cold places I've been-life goes on. Rainy, cold, whatever, when you live in it, you just ignore it and go out to dinner, go shopping, do whatever. In the US, if its a crappy weather day, we tend to stay in, cancel plans etc.. My experience with places that REALLY have bad weather is, they just keep going- I guess it makes sense, as stated- life goes on, even in the rain, even in -20 degree weather.
Gamla Stan (Old Town) is worth a wander — cobblestones, colorful buildings, and about a hundred souvenir shops selling the same shot glasses you’ve seen in every European city (I swear one cartel owns them all).
The city’s very spread out, so while it’s walkable, wear your runners — we hit 30K steps in two days. Stockholm feels crisp and organized, with a kind of quiet pride — like a kid who’s always on their best behavior and gets an extra cookie for it. 🇸🇪🍪
old building
🏨 Where We Stayed
Clarion Hotel Sign – clean, modern, and right next to the train station (prime location). There’s a nice bar downstairs and a spa — we booked massages right after arrival. Unfortunately, the bar won the pregame, and I promptly passed out mid-massage. 😴
Still, I felt amazing afterward and would totally stay there again. Not cheap (nothing in Stockholm is), but fair value for the convenience and quality.
🎨 Fun Stuff to Do
Vasa Museum – a must. The story is wild: this giant warship launched in 1628 with huge fanfare — and sank before it even left the harbor. Poorly designed, too top-heavy. It sat preserved underwater for nearly 400 years, and today it’s 95% original. Eerie, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Viking Museum – meh, 6.5/10. Some stories and artifacts but felt thin for the name. If you’re a big Viking fan, Copenhagen’s exhibits are much better.
Bay Tour – skip it unless it includes drinks. Compared to an Amsterdam canal cruise, this one’s scenic but a bit dull.
Things We Missed (but should’ve done):
ABBA Museum 🎤
Paradox Museum 🌀
Bike Tour 🚴♂️ – would’ve been great; the weather scared us off, but the city’s made for it.
🍴 The Bite Test
Great day for a beer in Gamla Stan
We kept food simple — mostly hotel breakfasts (which are always solid in the Nordics).
Our standout meal:
🍽️ Stockholm Gästabud (Gamla Stan) – small, authentic, and worth the wait. Real Swedish dishes (yes, including reindeer), cozy and close quarters, but the atmosphere was top-tier.
🍸 Bars: we just wandered and popped into what looked good — no bad experiences. Skip the Ice Bar though… it’s basically the Madame Tussauds of drinking experiences. ❄️🙄
🚋 The Getting-Around Bit
Stockholm’s public transport is clean, easy, and runs everywhere. We took the train from the airport, then walked or used trams the rest of the time. You can explore most of the city on foot — just expect long walks. (Our Apple Watches were begging for mercy.) 🥾
💎 Hidden Gems – My Favs
The Vasa Museum – not really hidden, but it’s one of my favorite museums ever. If you like real old stuff, this is the relic — a 400-year-old wooden ship, almost perfectly preserved. Incredible.
Stockholm Gästabud – a small gem for authentic Swedish comfort food in a warm, pubby setting.
Overrated: 🚫 Boat Tours. Too many options, not much to see. Unless you’re obsessed with marinas and modern condos, skip it. And any Ice Bar unless I’m in the North Pole, is not worth the time.
