Stockholm

Hey Hej! Stockholm, the capital of Sweden and a beautiful city composed of fourteen islands, offers a little something for everyone. Like most Scandinavian cities Stockholm is clean, progressive, friendly and full of opportunity to discover something new.

Stockholm has a great ferry system, making it easy to explore the surrounding islands.

Stockholm-Arlanda Airport is located 40km from the city centre. The Arlanda express train departs every 15 minutes and takes you to the city in 20 minutes.

EAT

Do as the Sweds do and enjoy a “fika” at a "fik". Basically, this means grabbing a coffee and a pastry at a local cafe.

Bageri Petrus No better way to start the day! Amazing coffee and pastries.

Greasy Spoon Great brunch spot.

Oaxen Krog Fine dining on the water. It’s sister restaurant, Oaxen Slip, is more casual experience. Reservations needed. Recommended by a friend.

Prinsen Traditional Swedish dishes served in a old style setting with wood-panelled interiors.

DRINK

Riche This brasserie is an easy choice for early evening drinks. Known for its extensive wine list.

Trädgården-dgården A popular outdoor summer club in Södermalm. Go early to avoid long queues.

PLAY

Djurgarden Explore the “green island” by bike.

Gamla Stan (Old Town) Wander around one of the most well-kept medieval parts of the city, enjoy the variety of shops and stop into a cozy cafe for a local treat. Don’t miss Stortorget, the main square.

Prästgatan A picturesque street with beautiful houses in the Old Town.

Sandhamn Take a day trip or overnight to this island two hours east of Stockholm. It is incredibly easy to fill an afternoon swimming in the Baltic and kayaking.

The Royal Palace Step back in time and visit the Stockholm palace. Check out the parade of soldiers and changing of the guard.

The Vasa Museum The only, preserved seventeenth-century ship in the world. Go early to avoid the crowds.

STAY

We recommend the central neighborhoods, especially Gamla Stan, Norrmalm and Östermalm.

Stockholm

São Paulo

This sprawling metropolis is Brazil’s financial hub and most populated city.

São Paulo is huge and its public metro system extensive. If you are comfortable navigating public transport systems in major cities, it will be a piece of cake. Pay by ride (like New York City’s subway) or for a longer visit pick up a Bilhete Único reloadable card.

As with any large city, pickpockets are common. Take care and keep belongings close.

EAT

Brazilian food is comforting, dynamic and delicious. A few “must-tries” include the sandwich de mortadela at the Municipal Market of São Paulo, feijoada (black bean stew with chorizo and pork), pão de queijo (baked cheese roll), bacalao croquettes (fried cod sticks) and Brazilian pizza.

The Liberdade neighborhood, or “Little Japan”, has loads of traditional Japanese eats and is home to Brazil’s largest Japanese population.

DRINK

Açaí berries Try mixed into fresh juices. Vendors are plentiful.

Cold beer Brazilians will tell you this is the only way it should be drank!

Cachaça A Brazilian liquor made from sugarcane. Try it in caipirinha, the national cocktail.

PLAY

Ibirapuera Park Run or ride bikes through São Paulo’s Central Park,.

Trianon Park This breath of fresh air is a small but beautiful park in the city center with trails, playgrounds and birds.

Vila Madalena Sweet neighborhood known for its hipsters, bohemian shops, good restaurants and bars.

São Paulo Museum of Art You can’t miss the large concrete building with imposing red pillars.

STAY

Stay in either Vila Madalena or the city center. We had a fine stay at the affordable, 3-star Hotel Ibis São Paulo Paulista in the center.

São Paulo