Not so much a trip report as random thoughts, observations and tips from my 4 days in Stockholm this summer.

▪ Illums Bolighus may be the world's best store for contemporary design.
▪ Great clothing sales in July.
▪ It really is way the hell up there. Take a sweater.
▪ Jumbo Stay: A jet converted into a hotel. Convenient if you're arriving late to, or departing early from, Arlandia Airport.
▪ Double-check your airport: there are two.
▪ It's true: they are pretty much all good-looking. Is it intentional that they share the same features as their flag?
▪ Mathias Dahlgren Matbaren: You still get the Michelin-rated food, but not the Michelin-rated price at this restaurant.
▪ "Hej hej!" (we're the Monkees!)
▪ Icebar: Because your drink will taste even better drunk from pure ice.
▪ Free, fresh tap water in every restaurant. Refreshing.
▪ For twenty bucks I want the top slice of bread for my shrimp sandwich.
▪ Vasa Museum: A museum about a sunk ship sounds pretty boring, but the story of its creation, destruction and resurrection is fascinating. Watch the film.
▪ Who knew Swedish men dressed so preppy? It looks good on them.
▪ Denmark is interesting and cool, Sweden is inviting and charming.

http://esmetravels.com

We really enjoyed our time in Stockholm. For a big city it really felt quaint and cozy to me.

I couldn't believe how long we spent in the Vasa Museum. Fascinating, especially the recreation of how the ship was originally painted.

Really enjoyed wandering around the antique shops in Gamla Stan. Found the largest collection of copper pots ever in one of them. Had the nicest visit with the shop owner while it poured buckets outside.

Glad you enjoyed your time there also.

Hi Michele --

I agree: the city has some charm to it. There's also something unique about the light that I can't describe.

I spent part of an afternoon sitting outside a bar in Gamla Stan nursing a beer and people-watching. It was endlessly entertaining, with the highlight being a woman who dragged her cat to the bar in a cat carrier on a luggage roller (across the cobblestones).

I forgot to mention the photography museum (Fotografiska), which had a Sally Mann exhibit (disturbing) and photos from past Olympics, including the story behind the image (fascinating).

Hah! I've written the most important tips for tourist!

I like your tips Esme. Spot on and to the point!

Thanks, cheapboxofwine. Enjoyed your Dane/Swedish men comparison on the Denmark thread.

Samanta_George: Thanks for sending my post TTT.