leavesofapple

If you like to walk around with a guide "London Walks" is great. We tried several walks (St Paul´s, Kensington and others), all excellent. Knowledgeable guides, interesting itinerarys. You get to see places you would not have found on your own. And you don´t have to make reservatiions and pay in advance, just turn up.

http://www.walks.com/

And for afternoon tea I really recommend the Orangerie at Kensington Palace.

Wonderful ambiance.

http://www.orangerykensingtonpalace.co.uk/afternoon-tea/

February. The darker it is the better it is, therefore February is to prefer. End of march might be on the limit if you are unlucky.

Agree!

I grew up in the north of Sweden.

February will be colder and with more darkness and snow, but if the northern light is what you want to see cold and darkness is what you need.

We need a hotel for one night before flying home so need to stash our bags for the day and then have fairly easy access to the airport for an early flight. Suggestions appreciated.

The hotels around the central station are convenient for travel to the airport. The Nordic C and The Nordic Light are both nice hotels, just outside the entrance/exit to Arlanda Express. Royal Viking is another good hotel in the area. I can also recommend Frey´s across and two minutes walk from the station. Also just across from the central station are Hotel Terminus and the new Scandic Continental. I haven´t tried the last two but both are four star hotels.

The area is also convenient for shopping and sightseeing.

By countryside. I mean getting away from Stockholm and seeing what Sweden is like outside of town. I am sure there is more to Sweden than Stockholm proper and that is what I crave. We have plans to do the tourist things in town like Vasa etc. In Amsterdam we took a drive outside and saw the beauty of the country and not just buildings.

You could take a train to Uppsala about 40 mins from Stockholm. Uppsala is a charming and historic town and you can see the countryside from the train.

http://www.destinationuppsala.se/en/

Or go to Drottningholms slott (Drottningholm Palace).

How much would you recommend tipping a taxi driver in Stockholm or is the gratuity included in the fare?

Gratuity is included everywhere. You can tip a taxi driver or in a restaurant if the service is above standard or for extra service such as help with heavy luggage, but usually just small amounts. Far from the 20 %, or more, expected in the US.

We are leaving later this week for a 10-day cruise in Baltic? Should we carry bug repellent? I have no idea if there are Nordic mosquitoes. Thanks!

There are mosquitoes. They can be quite bad in shaded, wooded areas and close to standing water. Usually not much of a problem in cities and by the coast (where it´s windy).

No zika virus.

Is anyone on the 13 night Ultimate scandanivan cruise on Royal Caribbean with 3 nights in St. Petersburg; starts in Stockholm and ends up in Copenhagen?

 

Want to find out what St. Petersburg excursions you are planning. The cruise line has a 3 day package only offered online that will not be available on the ship.

 

Want to hear comments from previous sails on Royal's shore excursions for this specific port.

We did the three day package last summer. A very efficient way to see a lot in a short time.

Help!

 

We arrive by ship at 9:50AM and fly at 4:10PM. Is it feasible to do some touring before we head to the airport? Or is that just cutting things too close?

 

Frank in sunny and warm SBA:cool:

You could, for example, go to the Central station, leave your luggage there and then just walk to Stadshuset, have a look at the beautiful views and walk back in an hour or so. Or walk/take the metro to the Old Town (Gamla Stan) and walk around for a couple of hours. Gamla Stan would also be a good place to shop for souvenirs.

From the Central station Arlanda Express is the fastest (20 min) but most expensive way to travel to Arlanda.

Another suggestion, if you want to stay in the city, is the charming Hallwylska museet.

hallwylskamuseet.se

Hi there,

We are taking a city tour in Stockholm that will include time in the old town district-Gamla Stan. I am wondering how much time one could spend there, is it very small or quite extensive? If we decide to break from the tour there to spend more time shopping would it be expensive to taxi back to the port, Stadsgarden? Are there any must try foods or unique souvenirs to watch for?

Thanks so much!

It´s very extensive. Lots of shops, cafes and restaurants. And the Royal Castle is situated at one end. There are several mueseum in the castle and just the castle alone could take hours.

Many tourists want to see the state apartements, but I would recommend the Treasury and "Museum Tre Kronor" where you can view the oldest remaining parts of the castle, after entering through a 5 m thick defensive wall.

In Gamla Stan don´t just walk along most popular street, Västerlånggatan. It also has the most tourists. Österlånggatan has more interesting shops and is quieter and feels more genuine.

Hi,

 

I am looking for a mid-range restaurant, either in Gamla Stan or close to T-Centralen, so we cna have a pre-boarding cruise dinner for members of our roll call.

Any suggestion?

 

Thanks

Bistro Bestick on Bryggaregatan is nice. Five minutes walk from T-Centralen. How many will there be in your party? The bistro is a small(ish) place.

http://www.bistrobestick.se

The area around the central station is convenient for shopping, sightseeing and travel to the airport. It´s not the most charming area in the city but there are lots of nice hotels. You can walk from the station to the Old Town in 15 minutes.

There are several hotels in Gamla Stan itself. I haven´t tried any of them but have a look at http://www.bookings.com or some other site. You can select an area of search, such as Gamla Stan. It IS a níce part of the city.

The area around the Central Station isn´t as nice of course but it is convenient with lots of hotels and good travel links.

Arlanda Express is public transport but could be the best way if you are staying at one of the hotels just outside the exit from the Central Station (Nordic C, Nordic Light, Royal Viking, and there are others). It's really easy to get to and on/off the trains, it's the fastest way from Arlanda.

Arlanda Express is faster (20 min) if you stay at one of the hotels close to the Central station. And there are several nice ones just steps/minutes away.

Yes! The Vasa is a must see!

I have tried Frey´s and Adlon, both nice hotels. Also Nordic C, just outside the exit from Arlanda Express, and Royal Viking, just outside the Central Station. With Frey´s and Adlon yoy have a couple of minutes walk from Arlanda Express/Central Station.

A link for some suggestions, in english.

http://www.thelocal.se/20140219/eight-classic-swedish-desserts-to-die-for

I hope something will fit your taste buds.

The Arlanda Express train (20 min ARN - central station) is fast and convenient. Lots of hotels in the area when you arrive. Nordic C hotel and Nordic Light hotel are situated right outside the exit from Arlanda Express. And lots of others within just minutes walk from the exit.

There are lots of hotels around the central station. In the city centre and (walking distance to Old Town and shopping) and convenient if you arrive by bus or train from ARN.