Week no. 26 / Stockholm guide no. 1
This was our first week in Stockholm, Sweden. We're staying just south of Södermalm, in an area called Årsta. It's pretty residential, but we purchased a season City Bike pass which makes it easy to get anywhere using the shared bike system.
no. 1 / Södermalm is the closest island to us and is full of shops, restaurants, parks, and cafés. The SoFo area is well known (see no. 4 below), but we've found some other great spots on the western side of the island, especially on Hornsgatan. If you love falafel, you must try Falafelbaren. We passed away the afternoon reading in nearby park, Mariatorget.
no. 2 / Moderna Museet, is the city's modern art museum. Entry to the collection is free (special exhbitions are extra). It's not huge, but it is also attached to the ArkDes, the architecture and design center (also free). I can't wait to revisit this place and spend more time drawing.
no. 3 / Fika is the Swedish coffee break with friends, co-workers, or family, often accompanied by pastries. So far, we've indulged in this practice at Kaferang, Café Saturnus (boasting the largest kanelbullar, Swedish cinnamon buns, in town), and Omayma. Kardemummabullar, buns with cardamom, are my favorite though.
no. 4 / The SoFo area of Sodermalm is considered everything south of Folkungagatan and east of Renstiernas gata. The last Thursday of each month is considered "SoFo Night," where shops stay open later with special events and drinks available (re: Art Walk). Surprisingly many of the shops were closed, but we had fun walking around regardless. Some shops in the area that I really love: Manos, Tambur, and Grandpa. Béton is also adorable if you have kids. I scored some clog sandals from Swedish Hasbeens' garage sale.
no. 5 / It was warm enough one of the days to indulge in some city swimming, something everyone in Stockholm also seems to take advantage of if the temperature is above 80. We went to the Langholmen island, where there is a nice beach. Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon there.
no. 6 / Our friends from Moscow are visiting this week and we spent one of our days together riding bikes and exploring Djurgården, another one of the islands in the middle of the city. We found Rosendals Garden, a biodynamic farm that has the loveliest café. It's well worth a trip to slow down and feel like you are in the countryside. It was especially inspiring for me to be able to draw the plethora of flora here.
no. 7 / Fotografiska is one of the best museums I have ever attended. It's entirely photography and boasts 20 exhibitions a year. I especially loved Evelyn Bencicova's exhibit, Merror. The museum also has a wonderful café/restaurant on the top floor with sweeping views of the city. Plan to spend plenty of time there if you can.
More to come of Stockholm next week!