Upcoming events in Stockholm

At Kunsträdgården during A taste of Stockholm

I was so excited about the links I found that I completely forgot the original plan, give you an update on what’s going on in Stockholm the upcoming weeks. To say the least, we have quite a lot of things happening but I’ll list my favorites:

26^th-27^th of May

Elitloppet

Some of the guests waiting for the race to start..

 One of the top 3 trotting races in the world, Sweden’s equivalent to Prix d’amerique or Hambletonian. Just 30 minutes away with buses leaving from central station I wouldn’t miss this for the world.

 

1^st-6^th of June 

A taste of Stockholm

A food festival in kungsträdgården where you can sample food from all over the world, have a glass of wine in the sun and enjoy smaller concerts. A great way to see Stockholm.

1^st-6^th of June 

At the starting point

Stockholm Culinary week

Just as it says, a culinary experience!

2^nd of June  

Stockholm Marathon

Doesn’t need an introduction does it?

6^th of June, 

Swedens national day!

A day to celebrate, enjoy the oncoming summer and have fun with family and friends.

Getting around Stockholm

When you are a temporary visitor in a city, transportation is essential to be able to explore it to its limits. First part is getting from the airport to town and depending on the airport you have a few different options

Arlanda

You essentially have three ways of getting from the airport to your destination. What might surprise you is that Taxi is usually the cheapest solution but it depends on how many you are, where you are going etc.

TAXI
Readily available outside the terminal at Arlanda they drive on fixed prices to any destination in central Stockholm. The prices vary a bit depending on the company but should all be around 470-500SEK and the price should be written on the outside of the car. Don't ever go by meter, the prices are fixed! If you are more than 4 persons you might want to consider preordering a large taxi that takes up to 8 people, ask your host to help you with this.

Arlanda express
The fastest and most environmental friendly way of getting to central Stockholm. It takes about 20 min to get to central station and the trains run all the time. Unfortunately it's expensive so usually it doesn't make sense if you are more then 2 persons but there are exceptions. Usually they have a weekend special where you can go 2 adults for less and a summer special where children go for free etc. Problem is that once you hit central station you will still probably want to take a taxi to your destination.. However, if you are going to Arlanda during rush hour, this is unbeatable! To see the current prices please check out their webpage where you can also buy tickets in advance: Arlanda express

Airport busses
The cheapest way of getting to central station. It takes quite a lot longer then a taxi due to all the stops and they don't run as often as the trains but is a cheap way of traveling. Again, you will however be dropped off at central station and have to make your way from there to your destination. For prices and schedule, check out their webpage: Airport busses


From Skavsta

First things first, Skavsta is quite a long way from Stockholm, despite what Ryan air says, so don't be surprised if the journey takes a while. From here I would only really recommend travelling by bus. A taxi is ridiculously expensive so this is a big no no if I were you.

Airport busses
The busses matches all arrivals/departures so you rarely have to wait for it. A good idea is to buy a 2 way ticket right away since it's cheaper and it saves you the hassle of doing it twice. For schedules, prices and more, check out theire webpage: Airport busses

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Around Stockholm

Public transportation in Stockholm is really good if you don't happen to be here during the winter when the occasional snowstorm brings everything to a stop.. It's run by SL and if you are here for a few days you can get a visitors pass that are good value. When you get a pass you can go on the commuter trains, the metro, all the busses and trams plus a few boats so it's a really good idea. SL has got a good visitor's page that you can reach from here: Public transportation in Stockholm

Stockholm City bikes or as they are more commonly known: "Alvedoncykel"
The advil bikes.. Yes, sponsored by the Swedish version of Advil, these bikes are readily available all over Stockholm. They are cheap, really smart way of getting around and good for the environment. Pick up a bike at one stand, drop it of at another, never have to worry about locking up your bike or where to store it at night. Join the movement! See their webpage for prices and more info: Stockholm City bikes

 

Highly recommended things to do in Stockholm

What is it that you are just not allowed to miss while you 

are in Stockholm? Well it naturally depends on season and how much time you have but we rate 10 things that you can't miss no matter when you are here or how little time you have:

1.Old town (Gamla stan)
The heart of Stockholm, where it all started and where much of it is kept. You can still walk on the same cobble stones that Axel von Fersen (Marie Antoinette’s lover) was killed upon, see the slop where the big blood bath took place. Eat at one of the many cafés located 16th century basements, admire the royal castle and see the changing of the guards.

2.Archipellago
Yes, we know you need some time to do really see the archipelago but there are ways to do it fast too if you are in a hurry. It's something amazing about the archipelago in Stockholm a sunny summer day, diving of the cliffs, fishing, sunbathing, sipping wine at one of the small harbors or challenging your friend to mini golf. Most of all, just see the beauty of it and enjoy! For a quick spell we recommend Fjäderholmarna and if you have a full day, don't miss Sandhamn, the real jewel of Stockholm’s archipelago!

3.City hall
This is where the Nobel prize celebrations are held. The Nobel prize was founded by Alfred Nobel, the guy who invented dynamite, and is one of the biggest events in Sweden each year. It's a full on week with ceremonies, speeches and it all ends with a large dinner at city hall! It holds the 3 crowns, the symbol of the Swedish hockey team amongst others and you can climb the tower to get a great view of Stockholm.

4.The ice bar
Ok yes, a lot of people will argue that it's not fair to put this on 4th place in Stockholm but we feel that it really tells a typical story of Sweden and it's a cool place! The entire thing is made out of ice, the bar, the glasses, the tables etc. They lend you a furry coat, gloves and hat so you can go in the summer and still be warm.

5.Boat sightseeing
This makes for a great way to see Stockholm, Venice of northern Europe. A few hours guided tour is an effective way to see many different places in Stockholm and it's a nice ride.

6.Dining
Comes naturally perhaps, but food is important in Swedish culture. We have a couple of places that we love that we will publish as soon as we can, but take time to dine, enjoy the Swedish specialties and it doesn’t have to be expensive! If you are staying in an apartment, try things like cloudberry jam, herring and crisp bread at home, no need to pay extra for that at a fancy restaurant or take the opportunity to eat many of the Swedish specialties at a local Brunch place.

7.Skansen
A large open air museum that hold a bit of everything from a small cute animal park where you can see wolfs, moose, bears and many other animals but also a place to visit the historic Sweden in miniature. If you happen to be here during one of the larger celebrations such as Lucia, midsummer, new year’s etc, then you can celebrate it traditionally in Skansen.

8.The Vasa museum
The only preserved 17th century ship in the world. Sank on its maiden journey in 1628, was brought back up in 1961. Situated on Djurgården this could easily be combined with Skansen and a mini boat ride from Slussen, makes for a full day.

9.Any sports event
Depending on season this might be Hockey or Football but you should take the opportunity to go see a game live. There are 3 football teams that are big in Stockholm, AIK, Djurgården and Hammarby and you can see the game schedule and by tickets at ticnet.

10.Walk
Sounds stupid, we know, but walk around Djurgården, stop at local cafés and enjoy the peace and quiet. Walk around Old town and soak in the atmosphere. Walk home a late summer night along the waterfronts of Stockholm, enjoy the 24hour daylight and feel the Nordic spirit. Stockholm is not big, you can walk almost everywhere and you should because it's simply the best way to get to know the city.

"Winter" in Hua hin

As you may have noticed, there has been a lot said about Stockholm lately. That's fine, there is heaps to do in Stockhlm, hence a lot to recommend. But as I usually spend December/January in Hua hin in our house there, I'd like to give you a taste of what a winter without snow can be like.

When people think of Thailand they usually think of Phuket or one of the many wonderful islands around it. Some think of Koh Phi phi, Koh Samui or Koh Pa-nga with its full moon parties. Some think of amazing dive waters or secluded beaches. Me, I think of Thailand as my second home. I think of getting out of the taxi after a long flight and then drive, entering our house. I think of the getting there late at night, eloping 1m of snow in Sweden to arrive at 25 degrees and going for the first swim in the pool. I think of the first morning, waking up and taking a couple of seconds to realize that it's not a dream. I'm actually there, in paradise.

When it comes to Hua hin, I am simply at ease. It's a town that can make anyone feel comfortable, no matter what age you are. It just has something to offer everyone. I'll share some of my personal favorites with you here, making it a tad bit easier for you if you are heading over!

 

Where to stay?

Well for me it’s easy, I obviously stay in our house (you can to, if we're not there!). But I think you should consider the location of your stay carefully when you decide to go. First, what are your needs, wants and budget? Do you want  a private pool or hotel breakfast? Do you want to stay at the beach or do you want to be able to relaxed dinner on your private terrace? Do you want to stay in town or are you ok to pay a tuk tuk around 150baht to get there, just to be able to enjoy not having to listen to the 24h traffic?

Absoluteapartment offers a wide range of places to accommodate most tastes. But we have our priorities set straight, our guests want private swimming pools mostly. They want to be able to have maid service, massage, meals etc a phone call away. And they want the comfort of a home away from home. To me that is what we are offering. No matter if you choose to rent one of our places or to rent from someone else, we do think a house is the best way to experience Hua hin!

Fishing- Catch and release

This is an expensive trait in Hua hin, god knows why, but it’s also fun and if you love a good struggle, do it! There are 2 main locations, depending on budget but check out Fishing lodge and Greenfield.

Hua hin Safari & Adventure Park

4WD, paint ball, elephants and much more. This is where I head out if I'm staying for a long time and need some excitement; I especially recommend a game of paintball with your friends, much more exciting than a round of golf.

Beaches

Main Hua hin beach: Big, lots of tourist and big hotels. Go horseback riding, relax, rent a kite board, and have fun!

Takiabi beach: More relaxed, less people and friendlier. This is where I'd go with children who aren't the youngest but not big enough to tackle the wind and waves at the main beach.

Military beach: Some Thais on vacation otherwise deserted. Private, cheaper, no hawking and no sun beds. Very nice!

Kao Tao (turtle beach): Small, clean secluded. A paradise if you are with small children!

Markets:

Several different, most famous is the Night market, in the center of Hua hin where they sell clothes, food and jewelry. Most is fake but quite descent quality! Fruit markets are scattered around town at different days, one is up by soi 114 and has good prices on anything that you can eat!  

Elephant riding

Heaps of places around town, most include a quite boring elephant show however..

Restaurants in Hua hin

Ahw, well, by now, if you have followed us for a while, you know that I'm fond of food. Hua hin is as well, lucky me! As usual when it comes to Thailand we are very keen on empathizing that you shouldn't miss out on the local markets, the local hawkers, the fruit carvers and all the rest of them. The best local food is usually found in the smallest most modest places, but there are exceptions.

Local, cheap and good

Not being fluent in Thai, I will try to describe the locations instead..

On your way to monkey mountain, at the very end of the main beach in Hua hin, you find a small and simple sea food tavern. Actually you will find lots of them, but to get to this one, walk on the beach and pick the last possible place. I dare say they serve the best seafood in Hua hin! Don't miss the crab!

The market at Soi 114, serves anything basically, cooked fresh, and lots of other things to buy to in terms of fresh fruit, sea food and deserts.

The market outside Grand hotel has lots of good half restaurants (egg hawkers with a few tables and chairs), some of the best sweet corn in Hua hin and much more.

If you walk the night market street from the beach and upwards, you get a large restaurant at the second intersection to the right. It looks kind of shabby but the food is excellent!

On the parallel street to petkhasem, next to the railroad, walk from the station towards the south and you'll find plenty of ok cheap restaurants filled with Europeans that spend the winter in Hua hin. One that stands out is Kim’s kitchen, they do excellent basic Thai food at outstanding prices and they deliver!

Up market but definitely worth it

Coco 51: At Soi 51, towards the beach, really really nice, good food, relaxing beautiful setting. Lie music during the evenings and good atmosphere.

Hilton: Roof top restaurant, very good, very pricy.

Brasserie de Paris: Naresdamri road, at the waterfront. Good food!!

Along Naresdamri road, towards Hilton you also have a little dock side restaurant, I wouldn't call it upmarket but it isn't cheap so it gets to be here anyway. However, it's really cozy, very relaxed, good place for children and the seafood is good!

Sofitel: Several restaurants, beautiful settings.

Marriott: Great for special occasions, their buffets at the beach for thanksgiving for example are stunning. Great service and so beautiful.

Above all of these I’d like to really stick my neck out and say Dusit. Their Monday all inclusive buffet could be the best in Thailand in terms of value for what you get. For 1200Baht you get not only the hotels selection of red, white and sparkling, but mainly a really good buffet that goes all the way and include anything from Fresh oysters and roe to different steaks and seafood. Do leave room for the large dessert section and then finish with a large cheese platter. A place that holds anything from a chocolate fountain to Oyster for 1200baht is excellent value!

Night life in Hua hin

In general one can say that Hua hin nightlife is quite calm and more focused on late night diners that continue until the wee hours but there are exceptions.

Sun set cocktails

Above all, literally, is Hilton. Take the elevator up to the sky bar, enjoy a cocktail while the sun sets over Hua hin. Great view in all directions, good service and perfect cocktails.

Sofitel, nice charming atmosphere, at the beach you can see the last of the sunbathers leave the beach while sipping a cool drink and having some nibbles of good Thai cuisine.

A bit later..

Depending on your type of scenery but Soi Binthabat is the definite bar mecka of Hua hin. Naturally there are lots of lady bars but this is simply the Thai scenery. A few places that are better than other according to us is the Irish bar O’Neil’s, good music, good atmosphere and descent food and beer selection. Hua hin Brewery has a relaxed outside seating area and a good nightclub inside. A must for the late crew but ok for the rest as well if you sit outside. El Murphy’s stand out when it comes to live music, their band is the best in town for sure, but come early they stop playing around midnight and tip heavily, they don't earn nearly as much as they should!

To get a good idea of where everything is, please use this Great map of Hua hin Bars that HHAD has created.

From then to today, the short version..

I grew up and started to accept the fact that eventually I would have to go home, I was still screaming silently though. With my family I got to see many countries, 1000 of beaches and met so many amazing people along the way. I loved every single day of it, but it was first when I started to travel by myself that I really became mesmerized by it.

I and 2 friends decided to go around the world when we finished our school. We worked every weekend, ever single afternoon, between final exams and school we managed to save up what we needed for tickets, insurance, all kinds of vaccinations and 6months abroad. 

Just the planning was endless hours of dreams, assumptions and hope entwined and brought down to earth by a tight budget. Even though we were well aware that millions had done the trip before us we felt like pioneers. 18, ready to concur the world!

Can't stop laughing when I think back at that first long 6 month trip. God the rookie mistakes we did! The ridiculous budget we had that made us sleep 3 in one bed most of the time, just to be able to stay away for a while longer. I was appalled that one of the girls ordered orange juice for breakfast. Budget people, budget! I may also mention that we booked our plane tickets so stupidly that we had to go on a bus for 60 hours to the airport because we decided to fly in and out from the same airport. We did this twice, first from Bangkok (had to head back from Bali to Bangkok to fly to Australia.. ) then from Sydney (yes, we made it to the far north just to get on the bus all the way back..). We also booked a month in California, in February, but only backed for sun and beaches. Walking around Beverly Hills, freezing equipped with every piece of clothing we had made up for a fun picture. Same in Mexico where we ventured in hopes that it would be warmer. It wasn't.. 

But we had fun, we were in a sense brand new, shiny and happy. We met so many people that I will never forget, some I'm still in contact with today, 12 years later. 

Coming back home after that trip I knew 3 things. I was in no way as grown up as I had thought, Stockholm was always going to be home and I would never stop traveling.