TRAVELING IN EUROPE / STOCKHOLM: The city with the bridges!

Stockholm, a city built on the sea, the pearl of Scandinavia. Besides, it hasn't been characterized unfairly "Venice of the North". The capital with its numerous bridges, of which once took its name, as it means "City of the Bridges", the city with its beautiful cobbled streets, with the colourful buildings and the mysterious atmosphere. The city which, if is characterized by many people beautiful during the day, then, it is definitely magical at the night. Sweden's capital, world first in terms of quality of life, Stockholm meets every expectation of visitors, while providing an ideal environment for the residents.

THE ATTRACTIONS of the city present great historical and cultural interest. Starting from the heart of the city, Gamla Stan, we find the Palace of Stockholm (Kungliga Slottet), built in the 16th century, a very impressive building which worths a visit. Walking through we meet the Cathedral of Stockholm (Storkyrkan), then the Great Square (Stortorget) with the colourful, narrow houses that stand out for their particular architecture, the building of the Stock Exchange (Börshuset) and finally the German Church (Tyska Kyrkan) with the tall tower so named because of the origin of manufacturers. Next to Gamla Stan, the area Riddar Holmen, home to the Temple Riddarholm, stands out thanks to its beautiful appearance. From there, one can admire in the opposite bank, the City Hall, an impressive building. Then, walking Northern, we find the Parliament (Riksdagshuset), also a remarkable building whose architecture refers to a palace. Continuing the walk towards the area Blasie Holmen, we can see the National Opera, the Royal Dramatic Theatre (Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern) and just next to it, we can admire the view from the harbour with its luxurious yachts. Finally, just outside the city, we can visit the TelevisionTower (Kaknastornet) on top of which there's a terrace overlooking the beautiful capital.

THE MUSEUMS of the city are numerous and thus cover every wish of a visitor. The Museum of the Swedish warship Vasa (Vasamuseet), located in Djurgården, along with the Nordic Museum (Nordiska museet), offering a historical, ceremonial and cultural knowledge, not only of Stockholm but of the whole Scandinavia, thus forming the heart of the city's museums. Still, the Historical Museum (Historiska museet) and the National Museum (National museet) complete the review of the history of the area. In addition, the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna museet), the Nobel Museum (Nobel museet), the Museum of Photography (Fotografiska museet) and the Technical Museum (Tekniska museet), target at those looking for something more contemporary. These museums are both different from each other but all of them excellent.

THE AMUSEMENT PARK Djurgården, in the Eastern side of the city is probably one of the most important sights of the Swedish capital. This region also hosts the Park Skansen which was founded in 1891, which depicts the life in Sweden during the centuries with rigged original buildings which were collected from different regions of the country and restored, using authentic traditional costumes and other items. Indeed, talented actors impersonating throughout the daytime the local residents, like the baker and the maid, and takes visitors to the various buildings. The same area also houses the zoo of the city, home to a large number of animals, mainly Swedish, and if you're lucky you might be able to feed hungry squirrels who boldly climb on you, or even petting reindeer when they get close. The ticket for the park is single, but does not include the portion of tropical animals and museum of Biology, which is located outside of the park. Finally, from various points on the top of the park, you can admire the incredible view of the city.

ENTERTAINMENT in Stockholm does not bordered in clubs or in the, objective, very nice pubs. Visitors have the opportunity to watch some theatrical performances at the Opera or at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, if the dates coincide, they can also attend the Sweden Rock Festival or cruising around the city centre to admire the diamond of Scandinavia in the light of moon, to dine in one of the traditional restaurants in the streets of Gamla Stan or if they thirst for adrenaline, the best choice is the theme park Gröna Lund, where they will find fast roller coasters, free fall games etc. For younger guests, finally, the aquarium at Djurgården is the perfect choice for an enjoyable afternoon.

TIPS & USEFUL

1. The currency: of Sweden is the Swedish Krona. The best thing to do is to make currency in any of the exchange stores near the train station, so you will enjoy a better rate and will not have much waste. BE CAREFUL! At Skavsta Airport there is NOT any exchange store but you can withdraw money directly on Swedish Krona from ATMs.
2. To and from the airport: The cheapest way is to use the bus Flygbussarna. LINK: http://www.flygbussarna.se/en
3. Transportation: Public transport in Stockholm is too expensive and once as the city is small, you can walk among the main attractions so as to avoid to waste a fortune on the subway or tram. If you are not lovers of walking prefer daily or weekly cards instead of single tickets. Link: http://sl.se/en/Visitor/Tickets/Visitor-tickets/
4. Museum entrance fee: The admission to the most of the museums is quite expensive. Generally Stockholm is an expensive destination. So if you plan to visit several monuments a good solution is the Stockholm Card! Links: http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/stockholmcard/
5. Air tickets: Many low cost companies, like Ryan air and Wiz air, frequently flying directly to Stockholm. Link: www.ryanair.com. Links: http://www.ryanair.com/en , http://www.wizzair.com/
6. Διαμονή: Stockholm offers a wide variety of accommodation that can range from 10 euros per night (including hostels). Good deals can be found both in Booking and Venere, as well at Hostelworld. Links: http://www.booking.com/ , http://www.venere.com/ , http://www.hostelworld.com/
7. The climate: The climate of Stockholm is particularly cold, the most of the months the temperature is very low and there is snow. Before your trip be sure to check the weather conditions prevailing there.
8. People & language: Swedes are extremely hospitable people and the main concern for guests is to have a comfortable stay in their country. Most speak English and are very helpful.
9. Souvenirs: Souvenirs and other gifts can be purchased either from small shops in Gamla Stan or in the train station.
10. Sightseeing: There are free daily tours of the city centre. The tour guides are all professionals and offer a comprehensive view of the city. If you are completely satisfied, you can provide (optional) the amount you think fits, if not, there's no problem.. LINK: http://www.freetourstockholm.com/

...by Odysseas Karamitros!