Stockholm is home to many historic and beautiful buildings, but none more so than Central Station. Opened on July 18, 1871, this nearly 150 year-old station is still the first thing visitors see when arriving by the Arlanda Express train from the airport. When built, it was second only in size to the Royal Palace.

Inside Grand Central Station

The Arlanda Express Train that runs from the airport to the Central Station started operating in 1999. Back then, it must have seemed astounding as it’s still pretty amazing. Hop the train and 20 minutes later you’re at your destination! The countryside disappears in a blur as the train hits 200+ km per hour.

This video gives you an insider’s view of what you’ll see when your train arrives at the beautiful Central Station in Stockholm.

Your Stay in Stockholm

Whether it’s business or pleasure, though, taking you to Stockholm, we found the Radisson Blu Waterfront directly across the street from the the Central Station a perfect choice.

Radisson Blu Waterfront hotel in Stockholm.

Hotels are all about location — and the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm, couldn’t be any more convenient for vacationers or business travelers. In fact, the hotel is also right next to the Waterfront Congress Center where I was attending a conference on our visit.

If you judge a hotel at least in part by its service, as many frequent travelers do, then you’ll likely find as I did that it scores top marks. Staff always seemed to have lots of time to answer questions and give me directions. And of course this 4-star hotel met our needs on everything from linens to Internet.

David Aksomitis having some fun with the full length windows at the Radisson Blu Waterfront hotel in Stockholm.

As you can see from the photo above, the Radisson Blu has lots of full-length windows to take advantage of the views of the city and harbor. While David could stand and look down into nothingness from inside the glass, I sure couldn’t!

Other Needs

We always like to do the hop-on hop-off bus tours to get oriented to a new city. Luckily, there was a stop at Central Station, so we just had to cross the street.

Generally, being right across from Central Station means you’re just a few steps away from pretty well anything you might need. I like light breakfasts, so it was easy to grab bananas and grapes to keep in the room’s mini-bar, so I didn’t have to go out first thing in the morning.

Likewise with satisfying that craving for some fast food and a taste of home, since the Station has both McDonald’s and Burger King. And if you need to exchange some money, the Station has several options.

Asian food at the Wagamama Restaurant.

While we spent a lot of our time out exploring the city, so dined in various places, we did have a few meals at the Radisson Blu. The Wagamama Restaurant is just outside the hotel by a different entrance. It served tasty Asian food, although it was a little spicy for David.

Our last night, we just kicked back and relaxed after dropping our rental car a block down the street (very easy to get to) at Budget. Hertz is also just a couple of blocks away, but didn’t have any single-day rentals available when we needed the car. So, that evening, it was relaxing at the RBG Bar & Grill in the Radisson Blu with meat and cheese trays.

Meat plate at the RBG Bar & Grill in the Radisson Blu Waterfront Stockholm hotel.

Stay at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm

Address: Nils Ericsons Plan 4 111 64 Stockholm Sweden
Website: Radisson Blu

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