Stockholm, You’re More than Just a Pretty Face

Dear Stockholm,

At the risk of being too forward and embarrassing myself, I fancied you from the moment I saw your photograph. So can you imagine my delight at discovering that you are just as beautiful on the inside, as you on the outside. It didn’t take long for me to realise you are so much more than just a pretty face.

The more I saw of you, the list of reasons why I liked you grew and grew. Even after returning home, I keep finding more reasons to appreciate you. Sometimes it’s just something I heard in passing, or something small I read.

Inevitably, I didn’t wait long to book another plane ticket to see you again. I questioned if I was being too impulsive, but life in the safe lane is usually too boring.

Admittedly, at the back of my mind, I worried whether we’d still have a spark. Would I like you as much as the first time? Am I running the risk of ruining my warm memories of you with another visit?

In the end I decided if we couldn’t get along, then maybe you were never really what I thought you were in the first place. But I needn’t have worried.

Upon return, you were just like how I remembered. Only this time you were shedding some layers and turning a beautiful shade of red, orange and brown: autumn had just begun.

I brought my friend Clara along to see you. Every girl secretly wants the approval of her bestie. Thankfully, you made quite an impression on her too.

Style and substance

It’s been fun getting know your different facets – and how you can so easily switch up your style. In Södermalm you look hot and rugged, but in Östermalm you can do all the stuff you need to do if you want to impress my mum.

Stockholm, you have so many qualities I admire. I love your many, many museums – located everywhere. You’ve got character and substance. Most of all, you care about people and the planet. That’s a massive turn-on.

Every year you hold the Noble prize ceremony and give recognition to those pushing the boundaries of modern thinking. You are a longtime supporter of equal rights – one of the first to introduce same-sex marriages and woman’s suffrage.

You have taken care of people fleeing countries of war, and you try to lead the way in human rights. While you can’t please everyone, you try your best to lead by example.

The knotted gun named Non-Violence sculpture by artist, Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd.

Scrumptious Stockholm

Have I told you how tasty you actually are? So scrumptious and fresh – and did I hear you say Fika?

You take pride in what’s local, sustainable and organically grown, and you like doing things the right way, even if that means taking longer, then so be it.

Hotorgshallen food market

Get fantastic vegetarian food at Hermans Vegetariska Restaurang.

Yummy deserts at Blå Porten

Stockholm throughout the seasons

I love you during spring as you emerge from hibernation, but summer is when you truly shine and everyone is out to enjoy you. And why wouldn’t they? Each day stretches into the next without a true sense of darkness taking hold, the sunlight never wanting to leave the night sky.

Exploration of your many islands and skerries occupies visitors and locals alike. They hop on and off boats, some go swimming while others just dip their toes in to relish the coolness of your waters.

There isn’t a right way or a wrong way to explore you, any direction is the right direction. However, there is a particular view I like to see you from and that’s from above.

When I climbed up the spiral staircase of the bell tower and saw you in much of your entirety, I couldn’t quite believe how spectacular you looked. Brimming with bridges, water and Baltic architecture. Although, I need to tell you to get rid of that mesh guard, I know it’s to protect people from falling down to a grizzly death but it spoils the view. I did manage to pretend it wasn’t there by peeping through the holes… but still…it’s ugly… get it removed.

For everything you are on the surface, you are possibly more intriguing below. I mean this literally – it’s not a dirty joke. One of my favourite things to do is to ride on your underground.

Exploring Stockholm

There’s a whole neighbourhood to explore down there. Well done claiming the title of the world’s longest exhibition, spanning over 90 stations. Once I discovered this colourful and quirky side to you, I had to see more so I spent hours and hours train hopping, crossing barriers and borders and taking photos to show people back home.

What I really should do is ask the London Transport Board to take a leave out of your book. LET’S BE LIKE STOCKHOLM! If they did up the ante, I think it would save tens of thousands of Londoners from depression. I’m not kidding.

The Rainbow inspired Stadion Station

I thought you looked the best at Solna and Stadion station, but I loved the messages and drawings you left for me to read at Östermalmstorg. Coincidentally, my dad said he remembered reading them in the 70s, all those years ago.

A quick visit to see you ended up lasting two years. You made him happy. It was the era of all that love, and although he finally left and rooted his life in England, he didn’t forget you.

So like father, like daughter, it was always going to be in my blood that I would like you Stockholm. You are certainly more than just a pretty face.

The inspirational drawings and people at Östermalmstorg station

Additional information

Where to stay in Stockholm

Here are a few of my recommendations on where to stay in Stockholm, covering various neighbourhoods and types of accommodations.

Hotel Skeppsholmen – For tranquility

• Location: Gröna gången 1, Skeppsholmen
• Description: I stayed here on my last trip to Stockholm and I loved it. Located on a peaceful island that’s still within walking to the city centre. This hotel offers a serene retreat with stylish rooms that focus on contemporary design and eco-friendly practices. The hotel has a superb bakery and is just a stone’s throw away from the Modern Art Museum.

Hotel Rival – For atmosphere

• Location: Mariatorget 3, Södermalm
• Description: I went inside here for a drink and was taken by the atmosphere which blends old-world theatre with luxury touches. If you love boutique hotels, this Hotel Rival is the one for you. Owned by ABBA’s Benny Andersson, this boutique hotel offers a vibrant atmosphere with individually designed rooms, a fantastic bistro, and a cocktail bar. It’s located in the trendy Södermalm district, known for its hipster vibe.

Do you share my love for Stockholm?