Tag Archives: Sweden

Things to do in Stockholm

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I was surprised and amazed by Stockholm, a city destination which deserves more attention. As we sat on the Norwegian Airlines flight, (a short 2 hour journey) I wondered why this enchanting city is not more popular… I can only think of two reasons: the climate is not tempting enough and the country is pricey, very.

The design and fashion focus is immediately obvious, buildings are ordered and smart and shops are filled with vibrant prints and cool quirky clothes. Everything is well organised and everyone is well dressed and stylish.

Stockholm is so fashionable you would expect to see the city featured on America’s next top model, as a fashion must see. It certainly feels more current and on trend than Paris, London and even New York… it is new, hip and exciting. With top tips from the Filippa K team, we had access to a privileged bank of knowledge.

There is a lot on offer, and I felt we only scratched the surface. Everything is conveniently close by, but if you are too tired to walk the public transport system is easy to navigate and quick; it is easy to avoid the expense of taxis.

To stay

Scandic Grand Central– this hotel may look like a bland chain from the logo and exterior, but inside it is one of the most magical and unique places I have ever stayed. With quirky details in every corner and a real sense of character, the accommodation will continue to surprise you. Luxurious amenities on site make it the perfect boutiquey venue for a weekend in Stockholm.

To eat

LUX Stockholm– A Michelin starred emporium of spectacularly intricate food, with a strong focus on Swedish ingredients and ideas.
PA & Co– a seriously stylish burger can be found here, the fashionista restaurant choice. Open 5pm onwards daily and always busy.
Nobis Caina – a lovely smart but relaxed Italian eatery in the glorious Nobis Hotel.
Nytorget Urban Deli – a trendy cafe in the heart of hip SoFo, a little overpriced but supercool.
Kafe Esaias – a great new cafe to snack at and people-watch. The Croque Monsieur is insanely good for lunch, or grab a Fika (a traditional Swedish bun) and coffee to go.

To drink

Nobis Gold Bar – beautiful people and even more beautiful drinks, all in sparkling gold surroundings. Opt for a glass of champagne or an expertly mixed cocktail.

To shop

Weekday – a selection of cool clothing at reasonable prices.
Happy Socks – a psychedelic selection of brightly patterned socks!
Mood Stockholm – a seriously stylish shopping centre offering fun places to shop, eat and drink.
Acne – the innovative Swedish designer with gorgeous garments to die for.
Filippa K – the leading Scandinavian fashion brand showcasing brilliant design and genius clothing.

To see

Boat tour of Archipelago – a boat tour is a must in this unique city, in under an hour you can learn a wealth of knowledge about the unique city of Stockholm.
Photographic Museum – the biggest Photography gallery in Europe, always has a good exhibition on. We saw the evocative work of artist Sally Mann.
Moderna Museet – tucked away, this modern museum offers the very best of contemporary art with intriguing shows. Watch out for the fabulous shop… I spent a fortune!

Since returning, my photos have already provoked the attention of several friends who are now considering weekends away in Stockholm. I only hope this interest continues – I urge you to consider this magical city as an option for a weekend away… I cannot think of another European city that has so much on offer and is as stylish and sophisticated.

TMM travelled with Norwegian Airlines and stayed at Scandic Grand Central Hotel.

Thanks to visitstockholm.com follow them on twitter for news and information, @visitswedenuk

Hot on the Highstreet Week 124

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I was strongly advised to visit the Weekday shop in Berlin when I spent three days there earlier in the year… but after over an hour trekking and searching round the less-than-welcoming Alexanderplatz we gave up, irritated, and tried to forget about our failed mission.

Last month, while in Stockholm, I stumbled across Weekday: a giant urban clothes store than sells itself as a progressive retail concept. A tad pretentious perhaps, but the creative fashion sold inside is bold and affordably priced, with a forward thinking attitude. The Weekday stores sell a variety of collections:  MTWTFSS Weekday, Cheap Monday, Weekday Vintage and Weekday collaboration –  a mixture of great garments that inspire customers to express their personalities. The store experience based on innovative display and the unique combination of products, are key features of Weekday.

We were overwhelmed by the choice and variety of the clothes on offer. Stockholm is an insanely expensive city and yet here the prices made sense, and were certainly cheaper than a London equivalent. I spotted a few baggy soft cotton t-shirts I particularly liked, but at Weekday it is the jeans and menswear that really excels. With an endless selection of Weekday and Cheap Monday jeans there is really a shape, pattern, material and fit for all. For essentials and party pieces Weekday seem to have it all covered… a kind of mix between designer edge and high street wearability.

So far Weekday stores can only be found in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. With the brand expanding all the time, maybe London will be next on the list.

Visit the website here.

http://www.weekday.com/

Scandic Grand Central Hotel, Bloggers Inn, Stockholm

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The Scandic Grand Central Hotel exceeded all my expectations… this is because the website does not do justice to this palace of design. Invited to review the fashionable city of Stockholm, this hotel was the ideal place to stay. Located within easy reach of the train station and temptingly close to the city’s shopping district, it is the perfect spot for young bohemians. The hotel, which only opened a year ago, occupies the fully renovated quarters of the 1885 Lundberg Palace. After three days in the vicinity, I was still discovering incredible details and quirky design features of this hotel.

With 391 rooms on offer in all shapes and sizes, there is something for everyone. The modern Scandinavian décor is dangerously cool and luxurious. The eclectic mix of artwork adds character and charm to every room, song lyrics are scribbled on canvases and photographs of local celebrities embellish the walls. Suites have record players, Wi-Fi is available everywhere and every other amenity you could hope for or need is politely organised and arranged in the room.

Appropriately the Grand Central has a super glam Bloggers Inn room dedicated to online journalists staying in the city of Stockholm. This is a perfect cost free offer for digital writers. The room which is surprisingly indulgent was designed with the help of Frida Ramstedt (of blog Trendenser) following the results of thorough market research. Every detail has been carefully tailored to suit the needs of a thoroughly modern blogger! The room comes equipped with an iPad, speakers, camera tripod, selected magazines and inspiring books. I spent the first hour playing with everything! Spacious and trendy it is a lovely place to hang out, with huge windows offering impressive views of the city and a comfy sofa and desk for convenience. The bathroom is slick and cleverly arranged with a powerful bath-shower and shiny new fittings.

When we weren’t enjoying our room, we visited the spa and sauna downstairs and relaxed in the gorgeous lobby. I was amazed by the hotel’s extras… a lovely bright and colourful coffee shop, several bars (where legendary cocktails are served) and two restaurants where guests can experience classic Swedish and contemporary dishes. My favourite things about this hotel though were those little particulars that I’m sure would go unnoticed by most, details that make this hotel simply unforgettable. For instance, downstairs a retro photo booth is available for guests to use and on the floor are specially designed carpets which point to different local attractions. In the evenings talented musicians and DJs entertain the guests with atmospheric sets. It seems the Scandic Grand Central has thought of everything.

I am not exaggerating when I say this hotel is one of the most stylish I have visited… recently it was the only hotel in the city to be nominated for the prestigious European Hotel Design Award. I wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else in Stockholm.

Visit the Scandic Grand Central website here for more information.

Thanks to visitstockholm.com follow them on twitter for news and information, @visitswedenuk