Look, I’m Practically Swedish Now
Welcome to Stockholm, the city where you get all the New York and London vibes without the gridlock, crowds, or noise. Here, it’s pure Scandinavian coolness around every corner, and it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love at first sight.
Imagine this: grand historic buildings, endless cobblestone alleys, and water, water everywhere, because Stockholm is literally floating on 14 islands connected by over 50 bridges. It’s like Venice’s cooler cousin, where you’re just as likely to find yourself “island hopping” as strolling through beautifully designed neighborhoods.
Don’t be fooled by the winter chill, either—Stockholm may get cold, but the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The people here are friendly, cosmopolitan, and somehow charmingly relaxed. You’ll feel right at home in no time, but just be prepared for some serious exploring.
Exploring Stockholm’s OG Neighborhood: Gamla Stan
I kicked off my Stockholm journey in Gamla Stan—Stockholm’s “old town” nestled on the island of Stadsholmen. Gamla Stan is a blend of cobblestone streets, historic charm, and vibrant colors. And for a quick Swedish language tip, “Holmen” means islet, “Gamla” is old, and “Stan” is town. It’s an easy way to feel like you’re a local.
Back in 1250, King Birger Jarl picked this spot between the Baltic and Lake Mälaren as a trading hub, and the area has kept its energy and charm. The oldest square, Stortorget, is the perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere. It’s surrounded by cute cafes, gabled houses, and the Nobel Museum, making it an ideal place to relax with a coffee or learn a bit of history.
Make sure to visit Tyska kyrkan, the German Church, which stands at 96m and has its roots in the influence of the Hanseatic League, which once ruled the trade here. Next up is the Royal Palace—a sprawling 600+ rooms and patrolled by uniformed guards, giving it a regal yet approachable vibe.
The biggest surprise of the day? Running into Regina Lund, a multi-talented Swedish actress, singer, poet, and the voice of Gloria the hippo in Madagascar. She’s done it all, and meeting her was like experiencing a bit of Stockholm’s creative energy all wrapped up in one person.
Södermalm: Stockholm’s Rebel District
From Gamla Stan, I crossed the Slussen into Södermalm, Stockholm’s artsy, edgy district perched 50m above Lake Mälaren. This isn’t royal territory, nor is it the place for Bavarian vibes—this is the heart of Stockholm’s cool. Filled with students, artists, designers, and anyone with a creative spirit, Söder is a cultural melting pot.
Crime novel enthusiasts will feel right at home, as Södermalm served as the backdrop for Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy and Inspector Beck. Götgatan, the main street, is packed with hip boutiques, cozy pubs, and the Millennium series’ fictional editorial office, adding a touch of mystery to your coffee break.
For a fantastic view of Stockholm, head up Svartensgatan to Mosebacke torg, where you can take in all of Old Town from above. And if you’re into shopping, Hornsgatan is the place for unique finds and local treasures.
Södermalm isn’t just cool on the surface, though—Stockholm’s T-bana (subway) stations double as underground art galleries. The blue cave of Kungsträdgården, the fiery red walls of Stadion, and the futuristic designs at Tekniska Högskolan turn each station into a mini-exhibit that’s worth the ride.
In Södermalm, there’s no royalty, no castles, and certainly no Bavarian pretensions. It’s just Stockholm doing its thing, and in 2014, Vogue even named it the third coolest district in the world. And after spending time here, I can absolutely see why.
Whether you’re here for the history, the art, or just to soak up that laid-back Swedish vibe, Stockholm has a little something for everyone. And after exploring it all, I’m pretty sure I left a piece of my heart here.
