Venere Travel Blog» Stockholm

Best Restaurants in Stockholm, Sweden

Anita Choudhary — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:08:44 +0000

No doubt, when discussing any of the Scandinavian countries, the main allure is always the cuisine and the tasty desserts that these nations are renowned for. Stockholm is no exception to the culinary rule and this is evidenced by the more than 1,500 restaurants that are to be found within the city limits alone. The restaurants here are not just a wide array of excellent culinary venues. Many of them are well-known throughout Europe. Several of the restaurants can be a bit pricey, but you will quickly discover that you don’t need to tip the server. It is customary to add a 12% service charge and a 21% service tax to your bill, so don’t worry about leaving any gratuities on your table.

Whether you are looking for a family venue or something more intimate and romantic, you are bound to find numerous choices to suit your needs as well as your culinary tastes. Naturally, being one of the larger cities, you have their version of what we would call “Restaurant Row” with multiple establishments clustered in a small area. However, wherever you venture within the Stockholm city limits, there is always a restaurant worth entering for great food. The following is a list of the best 4 that Stockholm has to offer both the locals and the international traveler.

1. Solliden

A group of various restaurants in Stockholm with a great family atmosphere. These are located near the Skansen Compound, as one of the restaurant clusters is called. This is the ideal way for families to enjoy a meal together with a variety of restaurants to choose from in the city. According to numerous travelers, Lisa Elmquist is touted as perhaps the best of the bunch.

2.Stadshuskällaren

One of the most famous eateries in Stockholm. This establishment features some of the best traditional Swedish cuisine that you will find anywhere in the city. Additionally, this is where the main meal is prepared for all the Nobel Prize nominees every year.

3. Operakallaren

If you’re looking for a mix of French and Scandinavian cuisine, then this is the place. This restaurant is a bit more luxurious than most, but the menu and the excellent serving staff make it all worth it. Additionally, were it not for the food and the staff, nothing would be able to upstage the ambiance and décor.

4. The Restaurangen

A unique dining experience combined with the most affordable pricing in the city. The dishes here are built around a variety of “tastes.” In other words, the meals are created using a certain spice or spices. Typically, you can select meals with 3, 5, or 7 “tastes”, and be sure that you compliment that selection with one of the fine wines off their extensive list.

Photo of Swedish meatballs by perago89

Top 5 Scandinavian Christmas Markets

Grace A. — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:00:08 +0000

Scandinavia is a collective name for Norway, Sweden and Denmark – the countries located in the Scandinavian Peninsula. Some reports also include Finland and Iceland in the list.

Originally a Viking region, Scandinavia slowly converted to Christianity around 1000 AD. With Christianity came the celebration of Christmas. Christmas is the time for celebration and prayer, for being thankful for God’s love. But beyond all religious and noble concerns it is also the time for decorating the house and the giving of gifts. Over years the colorful boxes under the sparkling Christmas tree has become the favorite Christmas tradition of most. Gifts mean shopping and shopping needs markets!

Scandinavia’s Christmas markets are some of the most beautiful and extensive Christmas markets anywhere in Europe. The Tivoli Garden in Copenhagen, Esplanade Park in Helsinki, the annual Christmas Markets in Oslo, the numerous Christmas markets in Stockholm and Santa Claus Village in Lapland are just a few examples.

1. Tivoli Garden in Copenhagen

Christmas in Tivoli is not a one day affair. It starts off in the beginning to mid November and continues until the thirtieth of December. This winter fairytale comes alive amidst more than five thousand meters of Christmas lights. Even the wind and snow nipping at the body under layers of coats cannot stop tourists and locals from flocking to the Tivoli Gardens where the annual Christmas celebration has become a family tradition. The Christmas tree stands high in front of the concert hall like the sparkling garnet on the necklace of lights around Tivoli Lake. More than seventy vendors set up stalls here during the Christmas festival, offering everything from decorations and gifts to food and drink. This year during Christmas there will be new rides like the Swing Carousel and Chinese lantern on offer at the Tivoli Garden. The Crazy Christmas Cabaret puts on a daily evening show at the Glass Hall. Almost a million shoppers make a beeline for the Christmas market in Tivoli every year. Though the market in Tivoli garden is the most famous in Denmark, the several other Christmas markets in the country give the tourist a flavor of the authentic Danish Christmas traditions. The Hans Christian Anderson Fair that is held in the city of Odense forces every visitor to take a trip back into childhood.

2. Esplanade Park in Helsinki

The St Thomas Christmas Market is held from the eighth of December until the twenty first every year at Esplanade Park in Helsinki. Being so close to the North Pole makes Helsinki look like a town straight out of the Christmas stories and fairy tales. Add to that the more than hundred and twenty stalls selling traditional Finnish Christmas treats and other gifts and handicrafts. Everything needed to put up a grand Christmas feeling at one’s own home is also available here. Among traditional Finnish foods to be found in the market are cream pastries and fried herrings. While the latter might be somewhat of an acquired taste, the cream pastries are going to fill the mouths and hearts of every one who eats them, with pure joy. Bigger items like skis and ice skates and great hats are also available at the St Thomas Market.

3. Oslo Christmas Markets

Like most of the Christian world, Oslo decks itself up in its best in December to celebrate the birth of Christ and to welcome the greatest gift giver of them all- Santa Claus. Numerous markets all over this capital city of Norway set the mood for the festivities. The City Hall Square holds an annual Christmas Market that is perfect for an evening out for both adults and children. Arts and crafts, presents, traditional Norwegian Christmas delicacies, and even drinks are all on offer here. The tents are beautifully lit giving the whole square a carnival-like atmosphere. The largest of these events is the Annual Christmas Fair held at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. This fair not only has numerous buying options it gives a glimpse into the history of Christmas celebration traditions in Norway. Another interesting market is the Designers’ Christmas market where Norwegian designers from all over the country come together to sell their creations. Everything from clothes and accessories to home decorations are available here.

4. Christmas markets in Stockholm

The Gröna Lund Christmas Market is widely considered to be Stockholm’s Tivoli Garden. Along with shops that sell everything Christmassy, are great rides, fun carousels, and an ice skating rink. The Street Designs and Handicrafts Christmas Market is the place to go to for quirky and imaginative Christmas gifts and food delicacies that come directly from the farmers market. The Drottningholm Palace Christmas Market is a short drive west of Central Stockholm and is held just outside the residence of the Swedish Royal Family. There is also an annual Christmas market at Stockholm’s most central park, the Kungsträdgården Christmas market.

5. Santa Claus Village in Lapland

If all of the best Scandinavian Christmas Markets do not infuse you with the Christmas spirit take a visit to the Santa Claus Village in Finland. Just eight kilometers from the Rovaniemi International airport at the crossing of the magical Arctic Circle lies Santa’s little village. Though there is no official Christmas market here the whole village is like a little shop of dreams. Other than buying Christmas merchandise a tourist can go on reindeer sleigh rides or try his hand at reindeer lassoing. The local people also invite guests to sample traditional Lapp cuisine.

So welcome to Scandinavia and happy Christmas shopping to you!

Photo of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland originally posted by Vivi___

Visit Stockholm by bike

Laura Rose Rysman — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:00:26 +0000

The sweet thrills of riding a bike through a new city are immense- checking out the locals, seeing the side streets, going beyond the common tourist destinations, learning the lay of the land, the unexpected discoveries- all make biking the best way to really experience the city you’re in.

Usually though, you can find yourself up against some intimidating and unfamiliar traffic. Stockholm, however, is every bike explorers dream town, no matter how timid a biker you may be. With miles of protected bike paths wrapping around the city’s many islands and cutting through every corner of town, you can take in a panoramic view of the city while cruising at your own pace.

Best Views from a Bike

No matter where you are in Stockholm, you’ll find plenty of easy and scenic bike paths to take, but be sure to take a spin around Sodermalm, the city’s island of young and vibrant activity. Connected to the rest of Stockholm by a few bridges, Sodermalm has bike paths that ring the entire island, taking you past gorgeous 19th century buildings in Stockholm’s characteristic orange, pink, yellow, and blue tones. Along the waterside trail are also rugged cliffs, a tiny village area that is over 400 years old, the dock area for the impressive giant cruise ships that sail to Finland, and a view of every side of Stockholm across the water. This is a great place to check out city life too, so take one of the paths off the water to see the sleek cafes, shops, bars, and people that make this the cradle of Scandinavian cool.

Beautiful Langholmen beckons with its rows of private boats on the water and endless forest. Be sure to cross the tiny bridge that connects this island to Sodermalm and check out the unadulterated green splendor the island offers. Treat yourself to a thirst-quenching pit-stop at the delightful Lasse I Parken restaurant, an oasis amidst the trees with a small dining room and a large tent outside where live bands play almost every day of the week.

On a bike, you can easily explore the most amazing aspect of Stockholm, nature in the city. Langholmen is a good place to start, but if you like trees, head over to Djurgarden as well. Both of these islands are difficult to reach by public transportation, but they are easy to reach by bike, and much more pleasant to enjoy once there. Djurgarden is huge island with only a few houses and a well-preserved old-fashioned amusement. The rest of the island is filled with the kind of improbably pure nature that makes you forget, really forget, that you are in the heart of a cosmopolitan capital city.

Since the bike lanes are mostly separated from traffic, you can feel at ease exploring the city’s more urban delights from your bike as well. Biking at night is no problem (although a backlight is definitely preferable), and you can then free yourself from taking a frighteningly expensive taxi. Save it for a frighteningly expensive cocktail, preferably at Gondolen in Sodermalm, and then enjoy the fresh ocean breeze on your face as you cruise home.

Get Yourself a Bike

Bikes are cheap and plentiful in Stockholm. For a longer stay, you can buy a new bike for just 1000kr. Used bikes are available at most bike shops for very little money, and best of all for tourists, Stockholm has copied Paris’ genius public bike plan, and has set up 64 hubs for Stockholm City Bikes where you can borrow a bike and return it to the closest station, all for next to nothing, as long as you sign up for a membership (ID required) at any SL (city transport) stations.

Photo of Stockholm City Bikes originally posted by leafar.

Idyllic Splendor in Haga Park, Stockholm

Laura Rose Rysman — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:00:09 +0000

Stockholm, Sweden is a city saturated by nature. Though the city’s modern-flared restaurants, narrow streets, and constant in-your-face hipness make this a cosmopolitan destination, you are never far from water clean enough to swim in and nearly uninhabited islands.

There is much to see of Stockholm’s green offerings, but on my short list is the beautiful Haga Park.It is considered the finest example of an ‘English’ park in Sweden, referring to the style which reflected the strict control of nature in the Baroque parks that predated them in the 18th century (think of Paris and it neat rows of square-cut trees). Haga Park was designed around rolling, verdant slopes of grass, with winding paths and thick areas of woods. The experience is one of absolute tranquility.Break up your quiet reverie with the many pavilions spread out through the park. There are great stops for kids and for curious or romantically spirited adults.

My first stop is always the Copper Tents, a curious collection of three large tent-shaped building, constructed of copper and painted in brilliant blue and gold to imitate old Turkish-style tents. These were a whim of King Gustav, built to house soldiers, and the whimsy remains. The inside has recently been beautifully redone and houses a café.Nearby is the fabulous Butterfly House, a greenhouse of tropical plants and tropical heat, where you can wander among numerous kinds of butterflies and several impossibly cute miniature quails.

There is a café here as well, with more extensive food options and an incredibly serene outdoor sitting area.If you keep strolling, you can reach the Temple of Echo, the king’s al fresco dining pavilion, and the Chinese Pavilion, built to show the king’s affection for China, which was considered an ideal society by many in the West in the 18th century. Also along the path are not one, but two castles to visit. The first , Gustav III’s Pavilion is a great example of Swedish architecture of the time and is open to visitors during the summer months.

The second, Haga Palace, was built later for the King’s children, and currently houses visiting dignitaries. It’s not open to non-dignitary visitors like myself, but it’s worth a look.Even if you skip all of the sights and activities of Haga Park, a stroll over its great field is truly awe-inspiring, and shouldn’t be missed. It offers a feeling that is usually impossible to come by in the cosmopolitan capital of Europe.Pick up a map of the park in any of the open pavilions, and come ready to stroll.Photo of Copper Tent in Haga Park, Stockholm, Sweden by Laura Rose Rysman

Where to find cheap bars in Stockholm

Travel Agony Aunt — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:00:19 +0000

Travel Agony Aunt received a question from a young budget-conscious traveler planning a trip to Stockholm, Sweden:

Dear Travel Agony Aunt, I’m off to Stockholm in a couple of weeks to go see a Coldplay gig. We’re mainly going to go and get drunk, however, I’ve heard that the beer is horrendously expensive. Can you advise me of any cheap bars/areas in which I can go and get drunk without re-mortgaging my house? Thanks!
Andy, age 33, from Milton Keynes, UK

Dear Andy,

I am so glad to see that we both share the same passion for Swedish Art and Stockholm’s cultural life. Well, I am just kidding. You should know that I am a very old lady who doesn’t even remember the last time she got drunk. But don’t misunderstand me, the reason is not because I was too “wasted” to remember, but simply because it was such a long time ago.

Getting back to your question, it might be very difficult to get drunk in Stockholm without a post-holiday “wallet hangover“. I have been told by my young nephews that “stag weekends” in Prague and “binge drinking parties” in Spain are getting more and more popular amongst young travelers, but I have never heard about Stockholm being a hot spot for “booze partying“. In fact, Sweden is not a cheap travel destination, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. Like in Finland and Norway, prices are high and beer, wine and spirit bottles can be purchased at Systembolaget retail stores only, the unique store venture – a government monopoly – allowed to sell alcoholic beverages throughout the country. That explains why in Southern Sweden many people are used to taking cheap ferry rides to Denmark – the only Scandinavian country with no alcohol monopoly – in order to buy alcoholic drinks.

Actually, if Stockholm is amongst European and American students’ favorites, it is mainly because of the very popular “Viking Booze Cruise“. Renowned for its wild-and-crazy party atmosphere, this cheap overnight cruise on a huge ship featuring Irish bar, cabaret bar, Viking buffet restaurant, sauna, casino, duty free shop, karaoke and movie theater, takes passengers from the Swedish capital city to Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia.

However, if you do not have sealegs and are not eager to spend the night partying on a cruise boat, go to The Dubliner. Located at Smålandsgatan 8, this Irish pub is probably one of the cheapest bars in Stockholm city center (or would I rather say “less pricey”?). The Dubliner offers good pub food as well as a vast selection of beers and ales in a friendly atmosphere. It is a great place to meet other tourist travelers, watch football games, or simply hang out with friends while enjoying a pint of beer (or more…). I also recommend you exploring the lively, trendy Södermalm neighborhood to look for more affordable places offering cheap booze in a fun atmosphere.

Do not forget to drink responsibly and always have a friend with you who knows his limits, in case you wouldn’t be able to get back to your hotel on your own!

Enjoy the Coldplay concert and travel safe.

Photo of empty drink originally posted by dyobmit

Vintage Shopping in Stockholm, Sweden

Laura Rose Rysman — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 10:00:20 +0000

While Stockholm Bondegatan area is home to many hot boutiques, including Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair and Grandpa, it is the vintage shops that originally made it a destination shopping area.

These stores offer a good selection for both men and women, including shoes and accessories, and many eras of the past are represented, but the sixties and seventies get the most floor space. These shops are very popular, and vintage has a big impact on Stockholm style.

Lisa Larsson

This store has been open for more than twenty years, and it remains the favorite of the most fashionable vintage seekers for a good reason- it has the best selection. A small space crammed with pieces mostly from the sixties, seventies, and eighties, it is easy to find something great. The clothes are well-chosen and fairly priced, and the store is always crowded even when the rest are empty. There are new designer shoes for sale in addition to a great vintage shoe selection, and fantastic accessories including men’s ties, unusual jewelry, and nice scarves.

Pakladeriat

A cute little store with a whimsical touch, decorated with vintage undergarments and child mannequins in costume, there are some great pieces to be found here. This is the best place to find your own pair of personality glasses, an important accessory in Stockholm. In the basement, there are vintage clothes from the 1700s up to the recent past, available to rent for parties and film shoots, with fascinating racks of clothes organized by era and every vintage accessory you could ever need, from lace veils to pineapple hats.

Repris

Repris is a kitschy ode to the past, with lots of super-high platforms on view and several prized pieces of band memorabilia for collectors, including a Beatles dress covered in the Fab Four’s faces, and a kooky wool Abba anorak from a ’79 tour. Along with colorful sixties gear, there’s a great selection of mod lamps and furniture. A huge selection of colorful leather jackets and a fun jewelry selection are the best buys.

Beyond Retro

This is the punkiest vintage store of all, catering to a younger crowd seeking a subversive, colorful look to distinguish them from the sleek black & white styles of Stockholm. The emphasis here is on vintage clothes that are nearly costumes- leotards, bustles, wigs, funny hats, and more- much more, because this is the biggest store in the area. It is a giant basement floor with endless racks of clothes organized by patterns and styles. This store prides itself on getting American vintage, and it shows in the jeans, cowboy shirts, and prints of the clothes.

Photo of vintage shoes by Laura Rose Rysman

4 family-friendly indoor activities in Stockholm

John Starcluster — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:23:40 +0000

Spring and summer is a truly magical time for a vacation in Stockholm, Sweden. Flowers and leaves and grass seemingly burst out of nowhere. It’s warm too, gentle and sweet most of the time. Hell, I even like those mild summer showers.

However, if you stay in Stockholm in the Autumn or Winter it’s a different story. And if you’re anything like me, an easily frozen person, without unlimited resources, and restless 7-year old, you could very well find yourself at a loss for finding fun and staying warm.

Here’s a shortlist of things I’ve discovered in my 16 years here:

1. Go swimming at Eriksdals Badet

This is an enormous facility located on thesouth of Stockholm – a 5 minute stroll from the Skanstull tube station. And this place is incredible, it’s got two Olympic size swimming pools, good for all of you lap takers and diving board daredevils, saunas, hot tubs, showers. However, between the two pools is where you’re going to spend most of your time – if you have children. I’m talking about the adventure park complete with short and long water slides, a whirlpool cave, shooting wall water, jacuzzi bubbles, a wading pool, and access to an outdoor pool. The outdoor pool is neat to swim to, you swim under a glass wall, and out into steaming water. My kid loves it! Circa cost: 35 kronor for children, 65 kronor for adults.

2. Discover Kulturhuset (The Culture House)

This is one of Stockholm’s best indoor features, a huge building with something for everyone. You’ve got an enormous children’s playroom, contemporary art on display, a great lunch/café place with cityscape views and terrace, places to read and talk, millions of CDs and movies to listen to or watch there. What’s more you have a great comic book library called Serietecket. Here you can find something cool to peruse, kick back on some beanbags and relax. Just try not to fall asleep! Kulturhuset is centrally located, a few minutes walk from the central station (T-centralen). Easy to find, cheap, and loads to discover.

3. Check out Högtorgshallen

This basement level market offers meats, cheeses, fish, spices, coffee, tea, and thousands of other tidbits. It is the most diverse market I’ve found in Stockholm, celebrating flavors and foods from all over the planet. Here you can browse for a few hours, sampling foods, talking food with the many different proprietors. I just love the feeling there, so diverse, and such a beautiful aroma – all those fresh foods! There are three or four street food vendors too, good, cheap food in a rich atmosphere (typically 35 to 55 kronor per person). Högtorgshallen is located in Stockholm city center, a five minute walk from T-centralen. It is also directly under Stockholm’s biggest multi-cinemas, called Filmstaden – another good place to warm up!

4. Eat at Kungshallen

From Högtorgshallen, this is located on the opposite side of Högtorgs plaza, 30 second walk. You take the escalator down into a large circular room. Here you’ve have 6 or 7 different restaurants: Asian wok/stir fry, Mexican, Indian, American BBQ, pizzas, various kebab and falafel dishes. As per the typical food court, you order and locate a seat. But if you’re like me and value flavor and de facto culture, Kungshallen is the perfect place – and fun to hear Swedes talk and interact to boot. This is an inexpensive and delicious experience, and fun food for kids too! An average dish costs: 50 to 100 kronor.

Good luck, and stay warm!

Photo of Stockholm house window originally posted by teamaskins