Most of my airline miles in the last year have been collected heading to the Venice of the North: Stockholm. The capital of Sweden has a lot more than fresh air and the picture-perfect lifestyle to offer. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip.
1. Take taxis with caution.
Taxis are seemingly the one thing in Sweden that isn’t regulated, resulting in staggeringly expensive fares if you happen upon the wrong one. Make sure to only take reliable companies, such as Taxi Stockholm, Taxikurir, or 020Taxi, when zipping around town.
2. Don't visit in July.
While July is a fantastic month weather-wise, it is also the month that all Swedes have left the city for their summer houses around the Stockholm archipelago. This includes the people who own restaurants and shops, which are often closed. Plan your trip for June or August instead: The weather is equally good, and the stores will be open.
3. Take advantage of nature in the city.
With some of the freshest air in Europe, Sweden is a fantastic place to revive your world-weary cells. Jump aboard one of the many ferries at the port and head out to the Archipelago, a series of islands extending 60 km (37 miles) east of the city, to enjoy either a quick dip in the water or a longer weekend getaway in a Swedish design cabin.
4. Bring the kids.
It seems like you can't move through Stockholm without tripping over a Bugaboo stroller or a tall, handsome father on paternity leave, with a babe in one arm and a cappuccino in the other. This makes Stockholm a wonderfully accepting place of small children—even those that scream—and with its many parks and city on the water combination, a great place for a family summer getaway. Take your kids to Skansen, the world's first open-air museum, which gives a fascinating overview of Swedish history and more importantly, houses the zoo full of native animals. Don’t miss Junibacken, a "magic house and Story Train" that takes you through the worlds of fictional characters like the Moomins and Pippi Longstocking.
5. Stop for coffee.
Fika is a Swedish institution: Taking place around 11 a.m. each day, it involves an excellent coffee (the Swedes make it strong and the fjord-fresh water makes it delicious) accompanied by a cinnamon or cardamom bun and a chit chat amongst friends or colleagues. Even if you're in a hurry to see everything on your must list, stopping for a fika will clear your head and make you feel like a local.
