All prices were accurate at the time (Feb 2019)
Sweden had been on my list for quite a while and was a place that I had constantly been told was an expensive place to travel. like most Scandinavian places I wasn’t too surprised. Though this wasn’t a reason to put me off and shouldn’t become a major factor in putting anyone off travelling to a destination – remember it’s what you make it, and there’s always cheaper and free alternatives to activities you want to do.
Travelling from the UK in winter to another cold destination doesn’t often excite many as a trip/holiday. However, after grabbing a great deal in Ryanair’s Black Friday sale (£10 return) for the weekend, this was not an offer I was willing to turn down. Plus it was a great opportunity to tick another new country and city off my list!
Once flights were secured it was time to find accommodation suitable for a night in a decent location. My go-to is booking.com for my accommodation as it gives me the flexibility of free cancellation while I continue browsing. It also allows me to research the right place to stay from the area, the distance of places to travel to and transport links nearby. As it was my first time in Sweden, this was extremely important. I chose Courtyard by Mariott Stockholm Kungsholmen which came to a total of £33 (making my trip total under £50 for flights and accommodation for the weekend!).
Top travel tip: purchase a two-day travel card. This can be used around the metro and buses while saving on taxis. Plus you can access different parts of Stockholm quicker.
Having a budget when travelling away for the weekend is important. It allows you to stay in control and not feel like you’ve overspent. The hotel was spacious, great location with access to the metro and a shopping mall nearby. Staff were extremely friendly and polite, the bedroom was large and beyond comfortable which is just what you want for a short-haul trip in the winter months.
When travelling for a short time, naturally you’ll be cautious to pack in as much as you can. Many tourist attractions will have altered visiting timings during the months of winter, so what can really be done in Sweden on a winter’s weekend?
Where to go?
- Forget Titanic, I was overly impressed with the Vasa Museum. It’s dedicated to the Vasa ship which capsized and sank in Stockholm in 1628. It wasn’t until 333 years later on the sea bed the ship was salvaged and today is the worlds best-preserved 17th-century ship. The most visited museum in Scandinavia. You can see the full scale of the ship and learn about its incredible history including the unknown people who were abroad the ship. Guided tours are available at set times. Entry is free for u18s and 150 SEK (£12) but we got lucky and managed free entry!
- Much like outside Buckingham palace, the Stockholm Palace have a daily changing of the guard. It’s the official residence of the monarch located on Stadsholmen, in Gamla stan.
- A key little secret which most people don’t know about me is the obsession I had for 80s music in my teens. Stretching from Queen to the famous Swedish band Abba, a trip to Abba Island and the iconic Abba museum is a must-do for any true music and ABBA fan.
Where to eat?
Sorry to all vegetarian and vegan lovers but this place is one for the books. If you’re looking to try something slightly outside of your comfort zone then Meatballs for the People is the place to go. With meatballs, a Swedish classic, here you get to chose the different type of meat with your meal. I also would recommend trying lingonberry while you’re there too, it’s non-alcoholic but refreshingly delicious.
Another cute restaurant is Älskade Traditioner, from the decor to the presentation of the food this is a comfort café-food in the finest way. Popular dishes are the waffles which are available in both sweet and savoury to please everyone. There’s a great retro vibe in this small cafe so try to pick a reasonable time to go as it can offend become fully packed as a locals favourite.
Read more of my travel adventures here.
All prices were accurate at the time (Feb 2019)