Stockholm in the summer is simply a force of beauty to be reckoned with so if you want more out of your Scandi adventure than just Danishes, visiting the old town and bloody fringed blankets, then read on.
Most people who visit the Swedish capital have this idyllic vision of picking up local produce at a sweet, independent grocery store and then heading home and cooking up a delicious Scandinavian storm in the kitchen.
The reality of this dream is often overpriced food items that – lets be honest – dont actually taste much different from the products you can pick up from your local Aldi back home.
But Eataly Stockholm, Ostermalms Saluhall and Urban Deli wont let you down on this.
These trusty places will give you the truly authentic experience youre after.
Their produce is genuinely fresh, tastes beautiful and even just mooching about in these spots will leave you feeling like youve lived in Stockholm your whole life.
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Eataly Stockholm is a luxe food market hall of cheese, bread, fish, wine, beer, and ice cream, while Urban Deli reeks of Scandi hipsters – you wont mind so much, because their fruit and veg produce is that good and legit.
Ostermalms Saluhall meanwhile is more traditional, with a history that dates back to 1888.
Yes, the old town is very cute, and yes, hiring a bicycle complete with a wicker basket is the easiest and most pleasant way to see the city. And yes, OK, maybe those wooden swing seat things outside cafés are rather fun and great for the gram.
But, if you actually want to live outside the walls of social media and do something that the locals love, take a trip to Tantolunden beach in Hornstull.
When the city gets too hot for the people of Stockholm, this is the secret place they head to.
And its magic.
It used to be rough and ready, and not the sort of place youd want to be walking around in on your own after 7pm, but over the past couple of years, its been transformed into some kind of hipster heaven.
Its refreshingly trendy, without being try-hard.
While you can expect to see a lot of creatives in the area, the place is wonderfully inclusive to families, kids and elderly people. Theres a real sense of community here among people of all ages and backgrounds, which should always be celebrated.
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Also situated in the Tantolunden area is a huge, stunning park. In winter, it is used for sledding but in the summer people meet for swimming, sports and picnics.
Theres a playground, beach volleyball court, mini-golf, a frisbee golf course and an open-air theatre.
It is also home to more than 100 allotment plots, which have been cultivated since 1915.
Another undiscovered spot is the eco-friendly cafe/garden centre, Rosendals Tradgard.
Known for its biodynamic farming practices, Rosendals believes in the true Scandi farm to fork concept and the harvest of vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits are used in the garden café and woodfired bakery.
Visitors can enjoy lunch in the artisanal bakery or greenhouse café and take in the beautiful surroundings.
They also have a farm shop on site as well as a plant shop, which is well worth checking out.
This place makes some of our more popular garden centres in London look laughably amateur.
As with travelling around any capital, it can be mind-boggling to pick a restaurant as you do your research on the go and frantically scan TripAdvisor in search of a place thats worth investing your time and money in.
With so many options, youve got to choose wisely.
Ekstedt restaurant has no touristy gimmicks. It is an indulgence for any local in Stockholm, but one that will probably give you the best meal in Sweden.
In the restaurants toasty and inviting atmosphere, guests can watch the chefs work by the magnificent fire pit where orders are prepared.
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Staples of the Nordic diet, such as lingonberries, wild herbs, pine and wild mushrooms, are transformed as ancient traditions meet modern Swedish cuisine.
The wine list is just as unique and organic to match the natural flavours of the food.
Restaurants inside boats are also a huge favourite for Stockholm locals in the summer – theyve got the great weather and theyve got the pretty river, so they make the most of it by going for a dinner on a boat.
The boats are beautiful and there are lots of culinary experiences to enjoy.
Whether its a fine dining, dress-up experience you want, or a more chilled, fun party affair, there are hundreds of boats on the harbour accommodating your needs.
I have to say, nothing felt quite as chic as drinking a sparkling white wine on the river with the backdrop of Stockholms stunning architecture.
Where to stay in Stockholm and how to get there:
The Strand Stockholm Hotel is within walking distance of lots of local gems and is situated on the river – a major local hang out.
You see groups of people enjoying picnics here, sunbathing and hitting up the many delis, restaurants and bars along the riverfront.
Everything is on your doorstep, making it a great base to have your Scandi adventure.
If you want to venture out even further, the hotel is just a six minute walk to the nearest Metro station. Theres also easy access to the tram, buses and ferries, which are no more than a few metres away.
Prices start from £163 per person per night.
Norwegian flies to Stockholm up to five times daily from London Gatwick and theres free Wi-Fi on board.
Fares start from £44.90 one way.
(Top picture: Getty)
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