My Unfiltered Thoughts On Visiting Stockholm

[@camdendavid]

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[@matswinberg5045]

Refill of coffee is called "påtår" in Swedish and is standard. Bread is usually included in lunch.

[@urbansahlin1285]

Stockholm winters are best enjoyed on the Canary Islands 😜

[@camdendavid]

Hahhaha

[@chronic2023]

😂 Or Thailand.

[@PorcupinePunched]

What do you mean? I enjoy going from store to store for warmth in Stockholm in blizzard conditions. Don't you?

[@Kinuki1190]

I enjoyed your reflections of Stockholm! It´s very different during winter vs. Summer. It really DOES get dark and depressing, but you will see people getting out to jog or go iceskating at the lakes, for the very few hours its bright outside (We´re literally talking about 3-4 hours). It´s kinda of a must if you want to survive the winter mentally. Södermalm is a bit more hipster, but when it comes to buying an apartment there, it´s still extremely expensive. It´s just that alot of the swedish celebrities that are kinda on the more artsy side, will decide to live in that area. For a normal local, it´s not possible. When we first got the scooters, it was chaos, they were laying around everywhere. Now there´s strict rules for it and it´s working. Swedes are generally very respectful with rules and like things to be in order. There´s more of a community ideology and we are always adjusting to be respectful to others (Don´t take up too much space, lower your voice, clean up after yourself etc). It´s less of a "me, me me" and more of "Us" and "Think about the next person thats coming to enjoy this spot". You wouldn´t wanna sit down at a table that´s dirty and gross, with someones old dishes left on, so why would you leave the table like that when´re you´re finished with your meal. The price tag is high and it can get exhausting living here, but in general I do feel like you get alot for the money. Especially when it comes to public transport. You could literally get to any part of Stockholm with public transport and use it as much as you want. I buy the SL card that´s valid for an entire year and can visit all my friends and relatives, and get to work, just ride the tram/bus/metro/commuter trains and ferries unlimited. As much as you want. And, the SL metro is actually known for being the longest art gallery in the world. With just one SL-ticket you can visit all of the stations and learn more about them. They do free monthly walking guides, you just need a valid SL-ticket. We pay really high taxes, but we also see where the money goes (art, clean streets, education etc). Swedes are generally very well groomed and healthy, and it´s something we get alot of praise for from tourists. It´s just in our culture to try to live healthy and exercise. Dress nice and take care of what you were blessed with. Thats also why you won´t see swedes walking around in sweatpants or really chill clothing, we usually leave that at home or at the gym. Glad you enjoyed Stockholm, please come back during winter :)

[@camdendavid]

Thanks so much for sharing all this! Great insight and really appreciate you taking the time :)

[@johndewey6358]

Definitely, less of "me, me, me," and more of "us" kind of cultures are preferred. There is a lot we can learn from your culture. 😊

[@jessicabjork1087]

There is a swedish saying "there is no bad weather, only bad clothes" so you will se people out walking, running, biking in the winter time too 😊

[@camdendavid]

Love that haha

[@h06nort]

When a resturant closes depends which resturant you choose, there is ones that close later, like 22.00. Tip is to always look up when your choise of resturant will be closing beforehand. Because also they might close earlier that day depending on like which day in the week it is or if its a "holiday" (a so called red day in our calander) or just which address its on if it exist multiple ones. The more fastfood kind normally are open the longest, even almost 24 seven😊👍

[@hallvard74]

For Americans Stockholm is ultra cheap now compared to how it used to be ten years ago. Then the exchange rate was like 6 SEK for one USD now it is 10 SEK per USD.

[@bloomtwig76]

Is say the free bread is primarily a lunch thing, it's pretty standard that with lunch you get free salad and bread, but typically you could grab a piece of bread with your coffee

[@O.Shawabkeh]

When the passport officer asked me why did you come to Sweden? I swiftly answered "for walks!". It's a peaceful, quiet, and lovely city for long walks. The Vasa in itself is a good reason for those who loves history. Recommended also to visit the Nordic Museum, the Natural, Skansen, the War Museum, and an aristocrat's house which I don't remember its name.

[@camdendavid]

"For walks!" -- so true hahah! Thanks for the recommendations :)

[@bloomtwig76]

Van der Nootska palace? It's in what one was the dutch part of Södermalm. Could also be thinking of Riddarhuset?

[@O.Shawabkeh]

@@bloomtwig76 it's actually Hallwylska Museet, it's a beautiful aristocrat and well preserved house. Thank you for your suggestion though, I never heard of that one.

[@nicknack6042]

Public transportation is not a boring part to start with. It's one of my favorite parts of visiting new places, trying the transit. 😍

[@camdendavid]

YES (cheers of joy)!!!

[@larskarlsson9682]

if u visit Stockholm in like november.... its probably the darkest time with no snow to make it a little brigther, you should take the "Globen" elevator, and u can see the whole city glow from all windows... its really amazing

[@camdendavid]

I'll add it to my list for next time!

[@MiaH-j5j]

Södermalm have changed a lot, you used to find cheap basements/similar that you could rent as a studio/similar, now that's hard anywhere in the city since the demand for apartments is so high. It is a "inner-city-island" and as expensive as anywhere in the central, but it still has a great/fun feel to it. The artists have moved to the more southern suburbs (generally speaking), there are several areas that are blooming now/becoming really interesting.

[@camdendavid]

I appreciate you taking the time to outline that -- makes a lot of sense :)

[@reallivebluescat]

Gentrification

[@chronic2023]

Alexander Skarsgård and several other "kändisar" live in Södermalm.

[@bigjtq9176]

Please note that even your RFID prepared credit card ALSO work fine for single trips and each payment is valid ALL over the public transit system and is valid 75 MINUTES. That means that you pay approx $3,7USD for a trip but you can hop on/off buses, trams, subway, light rail, local trains as well as some boats/ferry's as many times as you want during a 75 minute period for that amount.. Nail salons is fairly new and is mostly due to larger groups of Asians coming to Sweden. Many of these nail salons are run by Asians from Thailand and China. To be honest, I don't see SOOO many Swedish locals using them (I can be wrong, just a observation).

[@camdendavid]

Thanks for this!

[@PorcupinePunched]

It's not just a Summer thing, people jog in the winter. On weekends in winter I see people with their ice skating gear walking to the lakes to go skate. I am new to Sweden myself. Since you've been to Stockholm in summer, imagine the reverse, sun for like 4 hours at peak winter.

[@andkristianwashisname-o]

The art is mostly on the Blue and the Red lines in the Stockholm Metro, for anyone who is interested. I live on the Green Line and there is barely any art there apart from Vällingby Station, which has a few pillars designed as cubic-shaped trees.

[@danvernier198]

Bread and salad that just lay around in a Café or Restaurant isn't free with any purchase they're included in the lunch menu. You aren't supposed to take them if you get a coffee and a pastry, just if you buy the set lunch deal.

[@camdendavid]

That makes sense -- thanks for clearing that up!

[@urbansahlin1285]

The scooters used to be a major mess a few years ago. Then the city imposed strict regulations which seem to work really well.

[@camdendavid]

Ah, good to know

[@JeremiahRios27]

I have always wanted to visit Stockholm Sweden 🇸🇪

[@camdendavid]

Hope you get to visit at some point soon!

[@alphayangdelete]

I’m headed there in 2 week and look forward to coming back to this video when I get back

[@camdendavid]

Hope you have a great time! Definitely come back and let me know your thoughts

[@h06nort]

If its nice to be here in the winter depends on our weather. It can look just like your romcom christmas time movies here. Aim to come here when we have sun and snow that is set on the ground and hasnt melted. And be prepared that the sun goes down by three in the afternoon. From three its night black haha.

[@maddyv]

I see your channel has just exploded in the last 5 months since I've subscribed to you. Congrats on that Camden! Clearly what you are doing is working well, but I was just curious why you also don't put on videos like "Places to see in XYZ?" I certainly look out for those videos a lot and it might help I think with your channel.

[@camdendavid]

Thank you!! Great question -- I've tried avoiding those types of videos because I feel like there's TONS of those out there. My goal is to make sure people walk away with logistical tips that will help enhance their travel experience (saving money, avoiding a tourist trap, staying in good area of town, discovering that local eatery, etc.). But I'm definitely open to experimenting with other types of videos (as long as they're still helpful). Is there anything specific you'd like to see in those "Places to see in XYZ," type of videos? I appreciate the support and look forward to having you in the community :)

[@maddyv]

@@camdendavid and you're videos are definitely very helpful in enhancing the trips. I look for the cliche "Best places to see" or "Top 10 places to see".

[@paulozavala3232]

As a rule! Sallad, bread, water sometimes juices and coffe and tea is free. Coffe refill is called påtår (å = toe whitout the t). In most places those things are included in the meal. But not always. Just ask.

[@camdendavid]

Thanks for this :)

[@thobrik]

You're right on the early dinners! That's a huge contrast when I as a swede go abroad. It's very different in the winters. In general I would say people become more introverted, and spend more time with family or their closest friend group. If you found Swedes to be reserved and quiet during your stay, that's taken up a notch further for sure. The winter can also be very beautiful in its own right, especially in the northern half of Sweden. If you're outdoorsy and like skiing, ice skating, hiking in the winter then it can be great. You're right that younger people are priced out of the inner city, in general. At least those who pay for themselves. There's rent control which means that rent in a flat in an old beautiful building can be very cheap but to get one on Södermalm for example might take 30 years. So yeah, that math doesn't work out. Still, the housing situation isn't AS bad as in some European cities (Amsterdam, looking at you), and nothing like Australia and Canada as I understand it. Regulation around electric scooters just got implemented so you timed your trip nicely! (: Many Stockholmers are for sure a bit vain and superficial when it comes to looks, both regards to clothes and their figure. Some people feel there's a pressure to dress a certain way, a very neutral and business casual style which to some people is beautiful, to some super boring. I watched your other video and I think you did a great job at finding places and especially walks that locals usually take. Great job on that!

[@camdendavid]

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a detailed/thoughtful comment! Much appreciated :)

[@_Wolfsbane_]

Södermalm has changed a lot in the last 10-20 years. It is unfortunately almost as pricey as all over the city. I grew up in Östermalm, which is the more posh are in town - that too has changed in the last 10-20 years, it's even more upper class for the city nowadays. "Cheap" living is provided outside the city, in the closer suburbs - but there is a shortage of living everywhere unfortunately. As for summer/winter it is like day and night. Litteraly. Late October - March is dark, rainy, cold, and dark. Without snow it is really, really dark for this far south in Sweden. The snow makes a big difference. Also, the water makes it colder than inland.

[@Beautiful_Doors_of_Sweden]

You can however find cheap apartments in Östermalm or in the city center. You just have to stand in a cue for a really really long time.

[@camdendavid]

Interesting. I appreciate you taking the time to share all that!

[@_Wolfsbane_]

@@Beautiful_Doors_of_Sweden true, you get one in time for retirement.

[@bengtolsson5436]

It is at a coffee shop that Swedes have small talk. Most often, you get refill att the cafe`.

[@halluciongen3000]

You’re spot on with the housing situation here, Södermalm is not affordable by any stretch of the imagination. The young people more artsy people tend to live just south of it in the different close by suburbs. We have an old meat packing district that is catering to that crowd. Kayaking on Långholmen is also really nice during summer! Långholmen is an island that hosts the old prison and the rest is basically just nature! Winter time is best enjoyed when we have lots of snow! Last year the ice was so thick people were having strolls on the ice in the inner city in the sunshine! We have lights on everywhere and it’s really cosy leading up to Christmas and a bit on aft the new year after that we kind of all wait for spring 😅 Saunas etc is cool too during winter. But honestly it’s a great place to live, I’m from here I love it here wouldn’t be anywhere else in Sweden just doesn’t compare!

[@camdendavid]

Thanks for taking the time to share all this :)

[@Amy-f3e]

Södermalm, 100 % gentrified. Or 150. I find it annoying nowadays. There is the rare parts Hornsgatan, which has some fragements of how it used be. In south I think the real Söder vibe near Farsta or Hökarängen or Gubbängen not pretty but the real Söder chill mentality. Also Skogskyrkogården beautiful. Up north Sundbyberg nice, has gotten genteified, but still cozy. Old Råsunda Solna is beautiful too. In city center, Hötorget is the best place to feel everyday Stockholmer, in my view. If weather is good, a strong coffee on the stairs of Operahuset. You find people from every part of society. Stockholm,not much culture, but is best bc of closeness to great outdoorsy stuff. Thanks for sharing thoughts! :)

[@Bleckman666]

@Amy-f3e Well put! I think parts of the"Red line" i.e. Midsommarkransen, Mälarhöjden, Fruängen has, at least to some degree, retained a more working class/honest/down-to-earth vibe. I'm born and bred on Södermalm (and have spent 53 years on this island as of 2024!) and I remember Hornstull (where I now live) from the early 1970s being a pretty run-down part of Södermalm (it was called "KnivSöder" ≈ "Knife-Southside" back then) Think of it as Gotham City but with better public service. I can occasionally miss it in a nostalgic way, but then again progress/development/urbanization... or - to quote "Q" in Skyfall - "The inevitability of time", always has its way with any attractive part of a major city.... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@matshjalmarsson3008]

Refill of coffee is usualy free, but sometimes it's charged with half the price. The Southside used to be working class and fairly cheap, but now it's hipster town.

[@sannaolsson9106]

The quietness is a Swedish thing in general lol

[@GuinevereKnight]

Södermalm = the southern malm (district), Norrmalm = the Northern malm, Östermalm = the Eastern malm, there is kind of a Western malm, that would be Kungsholmen. This is all districts/areas of inner city Sthlm. Djurgården is it's own thing, belonging to the King and Ganla stan = Old Town is where the original Stockholm was, before expanding to these 'malmar', and even further out in the suburbs that were the countryside not to long ago (malmarna were the countryside even further back for people in the city, Staden aka Gamla stan).

[@camdendavid]

Ahhh, thanks for sharing all that!

[@Bleckman666]

Gamla Stan is historically known as "Staden mellan broarna" (The city between the bridges), and the Malms all have their historic "Tulls" (tolls), i.e. Norrtull, Roslagstull, Vintertull, Danvikstull, Skanstull and Hornstull. These were the old medieval entry points to the city of Stockholm where you had to pay a fee to enter the city. Today they sort of live on in the saying that you are either born or you reside "innanför tullarna"/'inside the tolls' which I myself have done since 1971. We "Zero-Eights" pride ourselves being able to know that you always stand on the RIGHT of the escalator, always being aware on which side the subway platform is (so that you do NOT block the entry/exit side!) and locating the correct exit (or transfer routes) on the subway stations in the city core (using the Blue Line to access Vasagatan when arriving by the Red or Green Line). As any Stockholmer knows, our city goes deeper below ground than Kaknästornet goes above it!

[@indiehenry2004]

Hey love the video! 😊 would you go to Bergen in Norway next?

[@camdendavid]

I appreciate the support! I'll certainly add it to my list and try to schedule something in the near future :)

[@erikd6124]

"the metro stops themselves" made me think about the metro train slowing down and stopping by themselfs :P

[@camdendavid]

Hahahahhaah

[@johndewey6358]

Did they have any senior discounts?

[@gunlindblad5202]

The whole Stockholm area is very expensive when it comes to living, and artists are almost extinct species. The time to visit in the winter is just before christmas.

[@camdendavid]

Looking forward to visiting around that time :)

[@UnboundPromethean]

The scooters used to be a nuisance, I think the city just reduced the number available.

[@gunnarmedin4104]

Good public transport is more a European thing than only a Stockholm or “other few cities” thing.

[@camdendavid]

Agreed but Stockholm takes it to another level

[@Realwater23]

No more living for a month?

[@camdendavid]

Getting back to that :) Spent the last 3 months based in the Netherlands but took time to spend up in Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Paris. And lots of fun spots planned for the rest of the year!

[@Realwater23]

@@camdendavid Coming to AMS on Wed!

[@camdendavid]

@@Realwater23 Maybe I'll see you around!

[@Beautiful_Doors_of_Sweden]

@@camdendavid fun!

[@JaceVibe]

I really don't got what the big deal with this "fika culture" is. I mean, I'm from the Mediterranean and having coffee in the afternoon with a treat or a snack sounds pretty ordinary 🤷🏻

[@camdendavid]

Hahah that's fair. Fika culture really seemed to revolve around socializing within the community. Definitely some similarities but it was fun to be a part of :)

[@erik....]

I think the unique thing here in Sweden is that basically in all daytime jobs we usually have a fika-break for 15-20 minutes both around 9.30 and 14.30. I don't know many who go to cafés for a fika like the tourists.

[@Divig]

I think the only unique thing is that we have a word for it, and the tourist industry exploited the heck out of it.

[@matswinberg5045]

@@Divig Perhaps it is not as common in the US as it is in Europe ?

[@danvernier198]

Fika isn't just going to a café for afternoon tea though. It's always time for fika, not just in the afternoon. Pretty much every place of work, be it an office, a factory, a school or a shop will have a room dedicated to fika where employees can go hang out a few times a day for coffee and pastries.