KATIE WRIGHT GOES IN SEARCH OF AN AFFORDABLE TRIP TO STOCKHOLM
WHEN it comes to choosing a travel destination that offers maximum bang for your buck, Stockholm probably doesn’t feature high on the list. Like many Scandinavian cities, it has a reputation for being expensive. But there are plenty of ways to sample this stylish city without it costing an arm and a leg. Here are ways to enjoy Stockholm on the cheap...
1. USE THE FERRY
STOCKHOLM is part of a huge archipelago – more than 30,000 islands – and sailing around the harbour is one of the best ways to see the city.
But you don’t have to take a tourist-trap boat trip. The views are just as good if you jump on one of the public ferries connecting suburban islands like Nacka (a journey that takes about 35 minutes), where you can find 12 different nature reserves and some 18th century country estates. Download the SL app (sl.se) and you can buy mobile tickets. A single adult fare is around £4.
2. ISLAND HOP BY BIKE
LIKE many European capitals, Stockholm is extremely bikefriendly, with wide cycle lanes.
At Rent A Bike (rentabike.se), on the harbour front at Strandvagen 18, prices start at around £6 per hour or £32 for a day. Leaving the city centre, cycle over Djurgardsbron bridge to reach the Djurgarden, one of the city’s most beautiful islands, home to museums and a theme park.
But you don’t have to spend a penny to enjoy the tranquil parks, manicured gardens and views across the water.
3. PICNIC IN THE PARK
GOT the kids in tow? Stockholm has plenty of green spaces for them to run around in while grown-ups take a breather (and entry is free).
The Vasaparken in the Vasastan district has grassy slopes perfect for sunbathing and picnicking, plus an adventure playground.
4. LUNCH LIKE LOCALS
THE Gamla Stan area is always listed as a Stockholm must-see, and while the old town district is very pretty, with its narrow winding streets and traditional architecture, it’s also full of tourist-trap eateries. Instead, make a beeline for Nystekt Stromming at 4 Kornhamnstorg, a street food stall which doles out hearty portions of fried herring with all the trimmings – creamy mashed potato, pickles and coleslaw – for £7. It’s open daily until 9pm.
5. A STREET WITH A VIEW
YOU don’t have to reserve a table at a fancy rooftop bar to enjoy fabulous views over Stockholm. Head to Sodermalm (once a working class area, now full of hipster haunts) and the Fjallgatan viewpoint – aka ‘Stockholm’s balcony’ – for panoramic vistas.
6. FIND AFFORDABLE LUXURY
SUPREMELY stylish without being ostentatious, the Sparrow Hotel (thesparrow.se) offers relaxed, high-end vibes at an accessible price point.
Situated in the central Ostermalm area, it’s conveniently located for urban exploring. You’re just a 10-minute walk from Nybroviken bay, where ferries depart for the archipelago, and on the edge of the upscale Nybroplan district.
Rooms start from £132 per night.
7. DO A MUSEUM MARATHON
BOASTING a bevy of museums and galleries, Stockholm is a paradise for culture vultures. It might work out better value to invest in a Stockholm Pass (stockholmpass.com), which grants you entry to more than 60 major attractions for one, two or three days.
Whether you want to marvel at a salvaged sunken warship at the Vasa Museum, check out the photography exhibits at Fotografiska or trace the history of famous overachievers at the Nobel Prize Museum, passes start at £60 for an adult, plus you get free use of the Hop On Hop Off buses and boats – that’s worth £47 alone.