I lived in Stockholm for 2 1/2 years, and although I am English, my family and I found living there a lot easier than other foreign countries which have been graced by us.
If you plan to go on Holiday in Stockholm, then I can say, wise choice! Its a beautiful city with a lot of culture. But there are perhaps a few useful points that would be helpful to know, from my knowledge of living there.
Firstly, take a lot of money. The currency is Swedish Kroner, and things are expensive in Stockholm, compared to countries such as England or the USA.
There are a wide range of hotels to stay in. Such as the Sheraton, or the Embassy. However I would check each one out first, as prices vary.
There
are many things to see and do in Stockholm, however they vary from each season. It tends to be extremely cold in winter time, with snow often arriving around November. Please don't let the cold put you off, as with the snow around, and with appropriate warm clothing, the city is just as amazing, and I would personally say that the snow adds a certain sparkle. You can go ice skating for free in Kungstradgarden, and rent skates for 10- which is around a pound. Or you can go skating on the various lakes, as Stockholm is on an archipelogo, in which all the lslands are linked with beautiful bridges.
Other areas to visit are Gamla Stan which means "old town". This is a truly beautiful area. Lined with old buildings and small shops with crafts and antiques. Much appreciated by the middle-aged plus generations, but that doesn't stop younger generations from also enjoying it!
There are various other shopping centres, around the centre of town. Kungsgaten is the main street, in which the high quality and expensive shops are located. Such as NK.
Getting around in Stockholm is incredibly easy. The Metro, known as the Tunnel bana is widely used and extremely simple and tourist friendly. There are giant "T" signs marking each station. Many swedish residents will have swipe cards, in which they will use to pass metal gates. However, these are not economic for people who are purely visiting the city. Therefore, it is possible to buy "strips" which are long tickets with spaces, allowing several trips, which are made by the ticket person stamping it. Strips often cost around 70- which is around 7 or eight pounds. These are highly economic, and useful, allowing around 4 or 5 long trips. I used the T every day to get to School in Stockholm. The main stop is T-centralen, which is right in the centre of the city. It isn't a complecated system and the maps are easy to read.
Language is also not a problem at all in Stockholm. Most people in Stockholm speak English, as it is on the Swedish school curriculem, due to its high usefulness in international business. I never found anyone in Stockholm who did not speak a little English. Also,the standard of most swedes English, is extremely high, despite what they say!
There are also many many activities to do in the summer. Summers in Stockholm are often extremely hot in their height. Due to the archipelogo, you are surrounded by water in Stockholm, and its purity is something which the residents pride themselves on. There is the annual water festival, in which shows are put on, with fairs and stalls. Also, each summer, Grona Lund is open. Translated it means Green Land. It is a theme park with rollar coasters and various rides. You can get to it by travelling from a boat on the main harbour which costs around 50-. It is just to an island across the water and takes about 15 minutes.
There are also many museums to see, including the mighty impressive Vasa, with the giant sunken ship which was lifted out of the water many years later. A breath taking spectacle, and I reccomend it. There is also the viking museum and many others.
Most cinemas also play movies in English, or their original language, and have subtitles. It is the same on Swedish television, when concerning American or English programmes.
There are thousands of restaurants in Stockholms, although there are high prices to consider. The Hard Rock Cafe is often a lot of fun and has good quality food.
If you are planning to go to Stockholm, I hope you have a wonderful trip. Oh! And here are some easy words to remember: Thank you= "tack" Hello= "Hej" Good= "Bra" I don't speak Swedish = "Jag inte talar svenska" - the "J" in jag is pronounced as a "y" as all Js are. Do You speak English = ~"Talar du Engelska?"
There you have it. Have fun:-)
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Advantages: Wonderful, vibrant city with a lot to offer, summer or winter! Disadvantages: Very few, possibly difficult to get the most out of for a first time visit?
abbichicken 23.08.2006 (23.08.2006)
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Review of Stockholm in general
Advantages: Excellent day out assured during the Swedish holiday festivals Disadvantages: Can be a bit of a disappointment if there are no special events.
Alan_Smith 15.08.2005 (15.08.2005)
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Review of Skansen
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Oct 21st, 2000
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