August 2016
We had a 17-hour layover in Stockholm, and we decided to make the most out of it. We checked into our hotel near the airport after arriving at Arlanda Airport in the afternoon and went right back out to get on the Airport Express train(540 SEK r/t). We were in downtown Stockholm in 20 minutes.
The Old Town, Gamla Stan, was an easy walk from the train station. The rain came down off and on, but we did not mind walking around and taking in the views of the palace, city hall, churches, and monuments. Cars are not allowed in this area.
After getting over the initial sticker shock that is expected in a Scandinavian country, we walked into one of the restaurants filled with a lively crowd. Luckily, they found a table for us. A warm meal felt so right, and we were relaxed enough so that we could order drinks without looking at the price tag.
Thanks to the long northern daylight, we could still see more of the city as we walked back to the train station. For a short visit, we felt we got enough glimpses of the place. $60 Express Train ticket was worth it, we concluded.
About a year later in June of 2018, we did a Nordic cruise that stopped in Stockholm for a day. This time a local friend, Michelle, greeted us at the cruise terminal and took us around the city. We only used the public transportation system on this private tour.
The bus from the cruise port dropped us off at the bridge to the Djurgården island in southern Stockholm. We crossed the bridge to reach the Vasa Museum where we met up with Michelle’s husband, Carl. They picked this place as the starting point of our tour because even though Vasa itself is just a 17th-century warship that sunk in Stockholm harbor on its maiden voyage, the stories surrounding it shows so much of Swedish history and culture that has a deep root in seafaring. And you can see that Vasa was such a beautiful ship!
From the dock by the amusement park next to the museum, we hopped on a free ferry for Slussen, a stop right next to the Old Town, Gamla Stan. This was an amazing way to see Stockholm in all its waterway glory.
Gamla Stan introduced by locals was much more interesting for sure. For instance, we found out that the gift shop at the Palace was much more interesting than the palace itself. We all had a great time browsing and buying gifts. We were also introduced to a rooftop cafe of a nonprofit organization in the square where the Nobel Museum is. Michelle assured us that the Swedish desserts sold there are one of the best in town.
We walked around Gamla Stan stopping in churches and checking out alleyways. Then we went to the Swedish History Museum. We thought we were there for history, but, actually, we were having lunch at the museum restaurant. Great food reasonably priced.
Michelle declared that a tea and cookie time will be at their home, which was filled with interesting things and artworks they picked up at various places they lived as diplomats.
After getting back on the ship, we all agreed that there could not have been a better way of seeing and experiencing this glorious city of 1 million people!
Small Wide World 