In our regular series, we ask famous chefs and personalities to tell us all about 'their city'. From top tips on where to dine, to their personal haunts ranging from bakeries to book shops, we’ve got the inside track on the premier spots from the people who know their city best.
With Ridley Scott's Gladiator II having recently been released in cinemas, we caught up with Swedish actor Alexander Karim who plays the role of Ravi – a former gladiator and now a doctor to the gladiators at the Colosseum – and stars opposite Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington. With numerous credits across both Scandinavia and Hollywood, Alexander's work takes him across the world, but it's Sweden's capital city of Stockholm where he resides with his family most of the time and which he is proud to call his home. Read on for a whistle stop tour of his favourite haunts and hidden gems in his home city.
Where would you recommend for a romantic date?
I’d absolutely recommend Fotografiska [the recipient of a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable credentials], which is set within the Fotografiska Museum Stockholm. It’s so much more than just a great dining experience. Fantastic food is followed by a journey around whatever the museum has to offer at the moment, courtesy of some of the greatest work the world of photography has to offer.Are there any Stockholm restaurants you feel a personal connection to?
Operakällaren. I visited as a young man, at a time when I couldn’t even afford to use the restroom, but I loved the atmosphere. I was especially drawn to the chairs – to think of all the great figures through history that had planted themselves on those seats. Years later I was invited to an exclusive dinner there. Again, I admired the same chairs that I’d seen years earlier. The day after there was a knock at the door – two of the chairs had been gifted to me.
What’s your favourite area in Stockholm?
Kungsholmen, without a doubt. It’s right by the water and has of late seen a boom in restaurants and small, intimate wine bars. Lots of greenery makes it perfect for families and, for some reason, tourists haven’t quite found it yet, even though it’s within walking distance of the city centre. It's a little gem hidden in plain sight.What is your favourite theatre/cinema in Stockholm?
The Stockholm City Theatre. Apart from being one of the most visited theatres in the world, it’s the home of some of the most interesting stagings the country has to offer. I played the role of Will Shakespeare in a massive production of Shakespeare in Love here, which was a positive step forward for Swedish theatre in embracing colour blind casting.
Do you have a favourite Stockholm market?
Wijnjas Grosshandel, a little pearl tucked away in the heart of my beloved Kungsholmen. This indoor market is an absolute lovefest, selling cheese and charcuterie from all over the world – they even offer children a clothes peg to pinch shut their noses as they enter! You also need to make sure to ask the clerk for the recommended wine to go with whatever you have in your basket.Do you have a favourite Stockholm hotel?
Ett Hem. I wouldn’t even call it a hotel. It is, as the name implies, a home. The only thing I don’t enjoy about that place is leaving it.
Where do you go for peace and quiet?
To the water. Always to the water. There are lay-down benches with a sea view that don’t ever seem to mind stealing a whole afternoon from whoever plants themselves there. I can lose myself completely just staring out into the sea.If you had one day to show an out-of-towner around Stockholm, where would you take them?
Djurgården. I’d recommend them staying at the Backstage Hotel, right by ABBA The Museum. From there we’d go to Skansen, an outdoor museum of sorts, with houses that date back to the 1600s. It’s like taking a journey back in time. They also have autumn, spring and Christmas markets. I go there with my family at least once a month, all year around.Address Book
ABBA The Museum, Djurgårdsvägen 68, 115 21 StockholmFotografiska Museum Stockholm, Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 116 45 Stockholm
Skansen, Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm
Stockholm City Theatre, Sergels Torg Norrmalm, 111 57 Stockholm
Wijnjas Grosshandel, Bergsgatan 24, 112 23 Stockholm
Hero Image: Left © Marica Rosengărd, Right © 2024 Paramount Pictures
