From understanding Swedens different neighbourhoods to sniffing out the best attractions, newcomers have a lot to keep them busy. As an expat, it is your unspoken responsibility to get in touch with the local culture.
Out and about Stockholm
A great way to get an overview of the city is the Hop-On Hop-Off Stockholm bus. Yes, it's a terribly touristy thing to do. However, it will help you begin to navigate Stockholm's 14 islands. Navigating the 'Venice of the North' is a challenge at first.
You'll also be rewarded with some of the best views of the city. During summer months (May-August), you can buy an add-on boat tour to get a better perspective of the city from the water.
If you're more of a wander-around-and-get-lost type of explorer, renting a bike and taking to the streets is a great option ' and environmentally friendly! Stockholm has a well-developed network of bicycle paths and plenty of bike rental options. See transportation in Stockholm for more information [hyperlink to article 13].
Eating out in Stockholm
Once you've hopped around the city enough to work up a good appetite, it's time to track down some typical Swedish delicacies.
Here are some local favourites to look out for:
Meatballs: Now, we did say that Sweden isn't just meatballs and IKEA, but meatballs are a very important and famous part of Swedish history. Treat yourself to Stockholm's best meatballs at upscale restaurant Pelikan. If your budget doesn't quite stretch that far, maybe it's time to combine Swedish favourites and head to IKEA for an affordable dinner (by the way, Stockholm's IKEA is the biggest in the world, and there's a free bus from downtown).
Game meat: Reindeer and moose are traditional foods in Sweden. Appetisers often include cold-smoked reindeer, although many game meats are prepared as roasts. Tradition is an upscale restaurant serving Swedish favourites. Remember to book a table since the place is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Korv: Hot dogs in Stockholm aren't your traditional budget eat consisting of a tantalising greasy sausage tucked into warm, slightly soggy but still delicious bread. Stockholm has a number of korvkiosker' that serve sausages with delicious toppings and sometimes, other favourites like potato or tunnbröd (a type of Swedish flatbread) replace the typical bun.
If you're looking for variety, head to the hip Hötorgshallen between 10:00-18:00 for a choice of both local and international favourites. Still hungry? Find out more in our article about Gastronomy in Stockholm.
Take a stroll
Take a stroll through Södermalm to experience some less-touristy areas of the city. Södermalm, or Söder, is a great neighbourhood to find trendy cafés and cute little coffee shops with limited but always full outdoor seating. The locals love it here, and it's not hard to understand why.
Head to nearby Tantolunden to get away from the city lights and see some of Stockholm's most creative gardens. Depending on the season, you can see everything from picnics and swimming to downhill sledging. If you're not in the area, don't worry ' Stockholm has 11 beautiful green areas for you to explore.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
