Stockholm! We Love You….

I am not sure if it was the fact that it was our first foreign country and I was just so excited to be anywhere other than CA in the 100 plus heat or perhaps it was how clean it was.  Whatever the case I love Stockholm.  It was the minute we got off the plane such a welcoming country.  

Here is the skinny on Stockholm of course kid and nut case worry wart mom approved.

When we got off the plane from Oakland (10 hrs that my children did absolutely lovely since we took the 8pm flight they had their normal sleep time)arriving in Stockholm the next day.  We took the Arlanda express the train that takes you from airport into the heart of downtown Stockholm Such a good deal, it was around $35 for the whole family.  We were so surprised to see that it wasn’t a hundred plus degrees outside, in fact it was not only cold it was raining and had snowed the evening before we got there.  Can you say MY DREAMS came true?  I’ll say it!  I was so happy, even though we had no winter jackets or shoes.  I didn’t mind that we were going to have to buy a few articles just to not be in the dang CA heat.  And yes in April in CA it’s already 95-100.  Not in Stockholm pals.  They are in early spring in April when we arrived (OH HAPPY DAY)…….

The train was a 20 minute ride, so quick and convenient we had our bags right by us, it’s the commuter for those who work in Stockholm.  We had planned our hostel near the central train station so that we could just walk.  We were able to quickly (with the help of google maps) get out of the train and walk (in the rain) to our Hostel.  The hostel happened to be on the main drag of downtown Stockholm Drottninggatan.  It would be the same as the Union Square area.  Donny my husband being really pleased by my inexpensive and quaint hostel choice, already a good sign since I was so worried about not having what we needed and not having much Swedish language in my wheel house to ask for things.  

We stayed in a hostel with two bunk beds that had a kitchen, washer and dryer and showers.  Because we are minimal folks it is all we needed.  Located right on one of the main super popular streets, we were 2 blocks from groceries and shopping.  About a mile from the Castle and the river walk, and less than a mile to Nobel Peace Prize Museum and pretty much anything you wanted to see in Stockholm.  I am not going to bore you with details, but let you know what we experienced and loved.  And if you take my advice and stay in that area you will literally never have to drive, or even take a cab, you may take a ferry or even have a hop on hop off excursion but it is not needed, everything is walking distance.

Biggest Tip:

 Budget the amount you want to spend and take cash out.  The Swedish Krona is a very tricky currency.  IT IS NNNNNNOOOOOOTTT CHEAPER THERE, your money is worth more but items are pricier, restaurant visits are pricey.  Groceries are the way to go, and for souvenirs hit up the Flea markets.  We bought both girls shoes at H&M and we bought 5 coats at a amazing flea market and spent $20 US. YOUR WELCOME...

Flea markets are a whole bunch cleaner and aesthetically pleasing in Sweden mind you!

Flea Market views!

 For folks like us with 3 kiddos that want to travel and are out of our rooms more than in this was an amazing choice.  In most of Europe they price hotel rooms by amount of people normally.  It is not like here in the states where your room is that price regardless of how many you pack in.

Hostel:

We had two bunk beds in our private hostel room, because it was private it was $73 a night.  Still a killer deal for the location, and we got to use the washer and dryer which was a luxury.

Hostels By Nordic   https://www.expedia.com/Stockholm-Hotels-Hostels-By-Nordic.h11860606.Hotel-Information Drottninggatan 83, Stockholm, 111 60 Sweden

Groceries:

Coop

Our philosophy has always been while traveling breakfast and lunch at hotel and dinner out.  Some times we fudge the order, if we find ourselves still exploring than we can eat lunch out but then have dinner at hotel.  One meal out a day is a thrifty way for your pocketbook, and our well-being as our 3 are not the easiest to eat out with.  We get items such as oatmeal, soups, sandwich stuff and fruits at the grocery stores.  Often we even pack our lunch and eat as we explore a la picnic style. 

111 20 Stockholm
Sweden

Things to see:

The Royal Palace of Stockholm
We happened to be there during the Kings birthday so everyday there was festive things to see.  There was a parade and displays!

http://www.kungahuset.se/royalcourt/visittheroyalpalaces/theroyalpalace.4.396160511584257f218000138.html

The Nobel Peace Prize Museum
This is a must while visiting Stockholm with or without family.  You may shed a tear, and you for sure will walk out inspired.

http://www.nobelmuseum.se/en

Do you watch Vikings?  Then you are like me ya must see the VASA museum!  (I love Ragnar)!

http://www.vasamuseet.se/en

The Swedish History Museum
Absolutely amazing, so much to see for all ages.  

http://historiska.se/home/

 And lastly a must Stockholm see is them medieval village that is right on the other side of castle walking east down Drottninggatan right after the Nobel Peace Prize museum you will be engulfed in a precious neighborhood from the past.  Little cafes and tiny stacked Swedish homes, you feel like you are back in time.

I am sure there is a ton more to explore, that is why since Stockholm is the cheapest place to fly into Europe we will explore it again.  We were only there for four days to get used to the time change and get acclimated to being in foreign countries, but it is a place I would love to further explore since my Grandfather's family is Swedish.  And I have been obsessed with Scandinavian designs, fashion, and minimalist esthetics for many years.

Just a quick tip, you can literally fly from Oakland to Stockholm for as low as $100 each way, The Norwegian airlines is amazing.  They have the best deals if you stay on top of the sales.   

http://www.norwegian.com/us/ 

Once you are in Sweden, you can stay and carry on to all the amazing places you have always wanted to see for incredible prices.  The next leg of our Journey, the flight from Stockholm to Berlin was literally $76 for the whole family of 5!  NO JOKE PALS.  Once in Europe the possibilities are endless….

Next post is all about Germany!

Tread lightly

Mel