Hi, Since we may need to do these 2 walks on different days, can anyone tell me how long to allow for just the Gamla Stan walk, assuming no stops? Same question for the Modern City walk?
Also would love some recent restaurant recommendations in Stockholm.
Thank you!
I think a walk depends on what you want to see. I have used the app "GPSmyCity" and it worked great in Stockholm and several other cities. https://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/old-town-(gamla-stan)-walking-tour-6537.html
It's free if you use one of the standard walking routes. The paid version allows you to create personalized walks (pick and choose sights, etc). I was in Stockholm in September 2024 and ended up spending longer time in Gamla Stan than I had originally planned. I came across the "changing of the guard" by chance so stayed for that. And I also deviated from my walk to grab late lunch at a delish restaurant called Tradition. I highly recommend their Swedish Meatball dish. And the house wine was also really good! Lunch is cheaper and portion was large. https://www.restaurangtradition.se/
My hotel was near the main train station, and for my last dinner I ended up going to a restaurant called BASTA Åhléns which is on top (4th or 5th floor) of a shopping mall called Ahlens. It was recommended by my hotel and I was at first skeptical. The place turned out to be great! I took escalators all the way up to their dining area. There was a wait for tables. The place is a very lively Italian restaurant, with DJ, wonderful food at reasonable prices, and fantastic mixed drinks. I saw families with kids, older couples, and others around my age (mid-40s).
I was traveling alone and the place was packed on a Friday night. I ended up sitting at the bar because wait for table was long. Not a Swedish restaurant but I had my share of scandinavian food during my 10 days traveling. It was the most interesting situation leaving as the mall had closed. I had taken the escalators up to the restaurant. But to leave at night, they escort you through a back elevator. I ended up in this courtyard where the younger crowd hang out. I love these experiences when I travel - I felt like a "local" even though I was twice the age of people in there.
