Taking Stock of Stockholm

Locals like to call it the capital of Scandinavia, and they are probably right. Heres what to do and see in Stockholm.

stay

Theres a reason why royalty and politicians all stay in the Grand Hôtel when visiting Stockholm, and thats because it is old-school, European grand. Boasting three of the citys eight Michelin stars (a two star and a one star), the hotels food and beverage is unbeatable. Did we mention a great bar, too? The Cadier Bar is known for its high tea as well as being a great place for cocktails. Plus we lucked out and spotted a hot Swede: retired footballer Freddie Ljungberg was in the bar, and we are pretty sure he was winking at us. Grand Hôtel Stockholm, rooms start at 1700SEK a night. Södra Blasieholmshamnen 8, 111 48 Stockholm, +46 8 679 35 00, www.grandhotel.se

relax

Another reason not to leave the Grand Hôtel, its Nordic Spa (also known as Best. Spa. Ever.). Featuring a series of pools, steam rooms, and saunas made from Nordic wood and stone, the spa focuses on the Scandinavian traditions of hot and cold. Sit in an 80 degree sauna and then take a dip into a freezing cold pool. If youre feeling flush, we recommend the Arctic Detox massage (2390SEK) but even without a treatment, this place will make sure you leave relaxed but stressing about when youll be able to come back. Nordic Spa, Grand Hôtel Stockholm, Södra Blasieholmshamnen 8, 111 48 Stockholm, +46 8 679 35 75, www.grandhotel.se/en/explore/spa

shop

Åhléns is Swedens major department store, and even the small town locations are enviably cool. Its central Stockholm location, Åhléns City, is their flagship where you can expect to find some of the best Scandinavian fashion and homewares. And yes, we know you cant take glassware or sofas back in your suitcase, but you can browse and dream of what your apartment might look like if you lived closer by. Åhléns City, Klarabergsgatan 50, 101 29 Stockholm, +46 8 676 60 00, www.ahlens.se

eat and drink

We love the Soder neighbourhood (it means South) for its cool bars, restaurants, and shops, and one of our favourite hang outs was Morfar Ginko. Featuring a trendy bar area, a European restaurant (eat steak frites or classic Swedish hash browns) and an outdoor patio where you can actually smoke (there are some people who still do it in Europe), this is a great start to the evening, or a place to spend the whole night. Morfar Ginko, Swedenborgsgatan 13 11848 Stockholm, +46 8 641 13 40, www.morfarginko.se

see

While everyone has been raving about the new Abba Museum, we tried an alternative and opted for Fotografiska, Stockholms photography museum. While the Helmut Newton exhibition we saw might be over by the time you get there (it ends September 29th) the David LaChapelle show from November to March should be really good. After the exhibition, have a fika (a Swedish coffee break) on their outdoor patio with a view of Gamla Stan, Stockholms old town island. Fotografiska, Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 116 45 Stockholm, +46 8 50 900 500, http://fotografiska.eu

Alexandra Suhner Isenberg