While there is no shortage of fascinating, Swedish traditions, visitors from all over the world don’t simply travel to the Open City to learn about those, but also to experience expressions of foreign cultures in Stockholm – and should you be looking for exactly that, you’ve come to the right place…
The Swedish capital has long been a centre for trade while playing a major role in international affairs (after all, the Nobel prize is awarded here each year!). So whether you’re a bookworm with an interest in multiculturalism or you want to combine a bike ride around town with a few interesting sights, the below is for you!
Bino restaurant at Nobis Hotel is a delicious way to experience foreign cultures in Stockholm
There’s arguably no better way to get to know the world than to eat your way through it. At Bino restaurant, part of the five-starred, LGBTQ-friendly Nobis Hotel, the staff really believe in this creed, serving up many a meal inspired by Italian classics.
The mushroom risotto with truffle crème is a treat worthy of a Roman emperor while the arancini balls with black garlic aioli taste just like they would in Sicily, where the dish first originated. Amazingly, Bino’s cocktails are also named after and inspired by the world’s most fabulous destinations – Milan, Jalisco, Beijing and of course, Stockholm itself!
The Royal Palace serves as a statement to the Royal Family’s global relations
Want to see more of Italy while in the Open City? Head to the Royal Palace, where several, stunning Italian sculptures are on permanent display at Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities – but there’s more to discover, still…
In the palace’s treasury, visitors will find Royal regalia that tell the story of Sweden informed by the powers it has fought and sided with over the course of time. You could also visit the incredible State Rooms, and, in particular, Karl XI’s Gallery, which is often referred to as a small-scale version of Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, emulating French sophistication and artistry. Last but not least, changing exhibitions throughout the year shine a light on the role other countries have played in Swedish history, vice versa!
The Green Queen is a vegan-friendly way to imbibe foreign cultures in Stockholm
After any trip to a tourist attraction follows a meal, right? The Green Queen, a plant-based street food bar and café established by gay-run Mälarpaviljongen isn’t just a wonderful place for vegans to grab a bite to eat, but also a fabulous destination to experience foreign cultures in Stockholm…
Well, one culture, anyway: that of sun-kissed California! The Los Angeles-inspired eatery serves up healthy and scrumptious smoothies and snacks just like you’d know them from 90210, with super foods and protein-rich meals ruling supreme… though you’ll also find Asian Buddha bowls, Indian stews and Mexican quesadillas here!
Hotel Hellsten perhaps ranks as the most culturally eclectic hotel in town
Renowned amongst queer travellers as one of the Open City’s friendliest and most welcoming hotels, Hellsten isn’t just a fabulous place to stay, but also a truly interesting one: that’s because among the many decorative items on display across its public areas, you’ll find countless treasures from faraway countries.
A former anthropologist, Hellsten founder Per Hellsten has filled the hotel with artefacts and photos from his many travels that took him all over Asia and Africa. A true highlight is the popular Earth Bar, which transforms into an African Jazz Bar every second Saturday… if a night of music isn’t a fabulous way to experience foreign cultures in Stockholm, we don’t know what is!