Hold tight and get ready for some ABBA puns! Stockholm,Sweden’s capital has so much to offer, even in the depths of winter. From meatballs,to hipsters, to the classic ABBA experience, there is no time like the present to explore this fantastic city! So if you’re thinking of taking a trip to up to Sweden, here are my five tips for a super trouper stay in Stockholm.
Throw Yourself into the ABBA Fun
Stockholm, every ABBA fan’s dream! From ‘ABBA – The Museum’,to the Mamma Mia experience it’s true that in this city you can never have too much ABBA!
The ABBA Museum is a truly interactive experience! You can record your version of some of ABBA’s top hits, or perform on stage with a hologram of the band singing along with you! Just be prepared to relive the experience when you download your creations from the museum’s website…let’s just say not everyone is meant to be a star, and hearing your voice back screaming out Dancing Queen is a highly cringeworthy experience… but still a hell of a lot of fun!
If you are as ABBA crazy as me and my chicas then there is also the option of the Mamma Mia experience, a live cabaret show of sorts. The show is set in a Greek taverna, complete with a delicious menu of Mediterranean foods. Be warned though, unless you are planning a trip in July or August, the show is performed in Swedish (except for the songs, of course). This proved a surprise to us and made for a very funny evening of trying to figure out the plot of the show….However, even with this minor inconvenience the night was fantastic and highly entertaining! So be be sure to take a chance on this wonderfully eccentric ABBA experience!
Explore the Old Town, Camera in Hand
There is no better way to explore a new city than to take a stroll through the streets, taking in the atmosphere, architecture and the people around you!
Have a walk through the old town or Gamla Stan, its medieval architecture makes for some great photo opportunities. With the Stockholm Cathedral as well as the Royal Palace there is a lot of Swedish history to discovery. In the run up to Christmas we stumbled across a small Christmasmarket — the frost covered ground and clear blue skies were enough to get us into the Xmas spirit, even in mid-November.
Bring the Money, Money, Money!
One thing to remember is you will need a lot of money to get about in Stockholm! Alcohol is notoriously expensive in Sweden so be prepared to pay over a fiver for a simple pint of beer and more than £10 for a glass of wine…Public transport in the city is also pretty pricey so make sure you take into account all those little extras, such as getting to and from the airport, as well as public transport during your stay.
Not only is Stockholm a costly city, the city and country,is also largely cashless. Get ready to pay for most things with card. I certainly got few funny looks when I got my sorry wad of Swedish Krona out of my purse, ready to pay for the most expensive hot chocolate of my life, only to find out the café did not accept cash! It’s a good idea to get yourself a cash travel card to avoid any fees on foreign transactions on your usual debit or credit card!
Get Some Meatballs in Ya
If you love the humble Ikea meatball, well then you’re in for a treat in Stockholm! Think mash potato, creamy source, and a dollop of lingonberry jam. Make sure you sample this Swedish delicacy, because believe me, the real thing is one million times better than the Ikea version (although I would never turn down a plate Ikea meatballs, let’s make that clear!).
Cinnamon Buns are also a traditional food in the Scandinavian city, so make sure you get yourself to a bakery and have taste of this sweet treat!
Get Your Hipster On in Södermalm
Of course the mainstream ABBA appeal of Stockholm is only part of the city’s attraction. For all the hipsters out there, or those looking to maintain their Insta aesthetic explore the island of Södermalm. It’s known as the alternative area of the city. With a host of cafés and shops each catering to the hipster crowd, there will be no shortage of brunch plates and chai latte’s to feature on your social media platforms.
Check out the area of Hornstull the perfect place to find a cozy café, as well as some cool bars and clubs for evening entertainment…or check out the outdoor market (Hornstull Marknad) for vintage clothing, one of a kind deals, and a food truck scene for all you foodies out there!
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