So, here it is…finally: part two of my travel story in Stockholm. The trip itself was made a few months ago, due to a busy work and home-schedule the second part arrived a bit later than planned. However, since this part focuses on shopping and style, so the places I mention can be visited all year round…
What’s typical
When planning to visit Sweden’s capital there are several hotspots you can read about in loads of travel guides and brochures. One of these is Gamla Stan (the old town). Although several of its streets are quite touristic, I really think it’s worth visiting. Just follow your curiosity and wander. If some streets seem a bit too busy, take a turn and you’ll discover new ones. The Stora Nygatan for instance is a long street with interesting clothing stores, jewelry with a twist and eating venues (they have a Ben&Jerry’s ! for instance).
If you’re into sweets, especially artisanally made ones with cool packaging, do visit the Polkagris shop (picture with polkagris above). You can find the shop at Lilla Nygatan 10.
*tip: the Swedish word for sweets is godis (wonder why I remember that one so well…)
Acting Cool
This doesn’t concern the temperature, but a trendy and cool part of town called Södermalm.
Södermalm is home to well known shops such as Acne (jeans,sweaters,coats,…) and Stutterheim (high quality raincoats).You can also visit small, independent shops such as Caroline Hjerpe’s jewellery shop, which sells beautiful rings, bracelets, earrings with a pure and modern design.
I got off the tube or Tunnelbana at Medborgarplatsen and walked to åsögatan . From there I wandered to the rest of Södermalm. The Stutterheim and Caroline Hjerpe shop can be found at åsögatan. Another interesting place in this street is Söders café. They have the definition of Fika written on the window, the staff is very friendly and enthusiastic. It was so warm in July that the guy behind the counter greeted me with “welcome to the sauna”. However,one can also choose to sit outside and enjoy the sun.I had a bagel with smoked salmon,dill and a zest of lemon.
Watch your watch…
If you want to go on a shopping spree,you’ll find that opening hours between 10am and 6pm are quite common. However on saturday the shops tend to close earlier: at 4pm. So, watch your watch and be an early bird.
The Swedish Style
I like to ‘blend in’ while travelling, so I try to keep moments when I have to fold out my tourist map to a minimum (thank you smartphone). I find it interesting to experience some of the day-to-day things locals do. One of these experiences concerns sampling local treats for instance, you can read part 1 for more tips on this subject.
What I mean by ‘The Swedish Style’ is not only trying local specialities but also trying out the local look. Buns for instance: I noticed that several Swedish girls/women like a hassle-free style, and ‘wrapping’ your hair into a nice bun fits in with this idea. So I blowed out my fizzy frizzy hair and had a bun-moment (so comfortable).
And, coincidentally, in the photo above I happened to be wearing a t-shirt and trousers from a large Swedish clothing brand. ‘Blend in’ mission complete?
Safframé 