The Backstory
Stockholm spreads across 14 islands in an archipelago resplendent with bridges, verdant parks, expansive Baltic views, and, more recently, cutting-edge restaurants. The narrow side streets of the medieval core, Gamla Stan—like the one on this month’s cover—are an ideal introduction to the city, showcasing its thirteenth-century roots in a well-groomed patchwork of Renaissance cathedrals and old merchant houses.
How to Get There
Nonstop flights depart for Stockholm’s Arlanda airport daily from Newark and Chicago, and the high-speed electric rail Arlanda Express leaves every 15 minutes for the city’s Central Station (tickets from $37). From here, it’s a pleasant ten-minute walk—or a $20 taxi ride—to Gamla Stan.
The 360
Our cover girl strolls down Själagårdsgatan—a typical Gamla Stan street with cozy boutiques and cafés in the snug rows of burnished town houses. Head a few blocks north to browse an eclectic mix of rare art books at Blå Älv AB (Bollhusgränd 8), before a cappuccino break at Kaffekoppen, a popular coffee house (Stortorget 20). The island is also home to grander attractions such as the Royal Palace. A five-minute walk from Kaffestuga, the Baroque seat of the Swedish monarchy offers the public a glimpse of the royal apartments and staterooms (admission, $22).
FYI She wears a top, skirt, and shoes, all by Salvatore Ferragamo. Hair and Makeup by Linda Gradin. Photograph by Gentl & Hyers
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