Having a bunch of Swedish friends and family in Los Angeles, I was curious what Sweden had to offer. It was never at the top of my list and my excitement for the trip didn’t hold the same feelings I had when on the plane to the south of France, but let me tell you – Sweden blew away my expectations.
I spent a few days in Stockholm, exploring various parts of the city and eating some really great food.
I arrived to Stockholm late on a Tuesday and being tired from a long travel day, I checked into my hotel Blique by Nobis (they just opened last week), had some dinner + wine in the hotel lounge and called it a night.
A little about the hotel:
Blique by Nobis is a newly built hotel in Vasastan. The warehouse-converted hotel has a contemporary, fresh design. Aesthetics are on point and staff is very friendly. FYI: the hotel has windowless rooms so if you’re claustrophobic or just not into that be sure to book a different room. The hotel has two restaurants: Boketto (inspired by European and Asian food culture) and Arc, featuring Scandinavian seafood and Korean eats with a rooftop restaurant boasting stunning views of Stockholm. They have an outdoor bar if you’re interested in just drinks and they welcome guests not staying at the hotel as well.
The room had everything I needed for a pleasant stay – a comfortable bed, flat screen TV, spacious shower, and Byredo amenities.
The hotel is situated a little outside the city center but is well connected by various forms of transportation, or (if you’re up for it) a ½ hour walk.
I loved my stay at Blique and would definitely stay again when I return to Stockholm.
The next day was a day of exploring. I started off with a few hours of work at Espresso House and then we ventured to the city. First stop was Gamla Stan, which is where the Royal Palace is located as well as a ton of stores to browse.
I’m not much of a site seeing person so the Royal Palace and Nobel Prize museum was the extent of touristy things we did. We had coffee at the Grand Palace, which is GORG and has a beautiful spa if you’re looking for some relaxation. You can pay for a day pass to use the amenities (steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, pool and a relaxation room), but a massage costs just 20 SEK more, so personally I would go with the massage.
A short walk across the bridge is a town called Södermalm, which has a ‘hipster’ type vibe. We browsed through some shops and then headed back to Östermalm for drinks at Nobis hotel.
I had a cocktail served in a glass that looked like a grenade (LOL) and a delicious spicy margarita. Cocktails are creative and delicious and service is good. Highly recommend Nobis Hotel for after dinner drinks.
Drinks were followed by a stroll in Östermalm, which is the boujie part of Stockholm city (and my favorite, of course.)
The next day we got on a boat and toured Stockholm from the water. It was nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the views were beyond.
We worked up quite the appetite after a few hours on the boat and headed to Frantzén for a late lunch. Frantzén, located in the city center holds three Michelin stars and was hands down amazing. From innovative dishes, outstanding presentation and unparalleled service, the restaurant is a must do for any foodie.
There is so much to see in Stockholm, and with each little area boasting it’s own character, we spent the next few hours strolling the parts we hadn’t conquered yet, including a cute town called Skansen.
After our legs were sufficiently sore, we headed back to Blique for dinner and drinks at Arc, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant/bar with stunning views of the city. A few spritz and oysters later, the night easily became one for the books.
I didn’t think I would love Stockholm as much as I did and I plan to go back in a few years! Have you been to Stockholm? What are your must see’s and do’s?
Where to eat:
Arc- Blique by Nobis @bliquebynobis
Where to stay:
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