While Copenhagen will vehemently disagree, Stockholm is hands-down Scandinavia’s most photogenic capital. Spread across 14 islands with a population of more than 30,000 in its archipelago, the stunning Swedish capital is a heady mix of innovation (the hottest startup and gaming scene outside Silicon Valley), sustainability (think recycling in every context, including clothes), vibrant music scene (world’s third-largest exporter of pop music), and outdoor living at the first sliver of sunlight.
Forget long-held stereotypes of tall blondes eating Swedish meatballs while driving Volvos to IKEA. Today’s Stockholm is richly diverse. Find classic cobblestones and earth-toned buildings in historic Gamla stan (Old Town). Bike through flower gardens and parks on lush Djurgården. Wander around eclectic Södermalm, chic Kungsholmen and bohemian Hornstull for eclectic shopping, fusion restaurants and cool indie nightclubs. Hobnob with the elite in Michelin-starred restaurants and upscale clubs in glitzy Östermalm.
Stockholm is incredibly walkable, making it easy to wander its picturesque streets. There is more than enough to fill a weekend, from the historic to the hipster; here’s where to start.
For more Stockholm inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife and things to do.
In this guide:
How to spend your weekend
Day one: morning
Rent a bike and explore the city’s greenest island Djurgården, the former Royal Game Park that is now home to museums and lush parks – or, board the Djurgårdsfärjan for a scenic ten-minute ferry ride from Slussen to Djurgården instead. Once on the island, head straight to Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum and sanctuary for Nordic wildlife such as forest reindeer, brown bears, wolverines and moose.
Stroll or cycle over to the Vasa Museum to marvel at the impressive 17th-century Viking ship (Vasa), which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged in its entirety. Stop by the gargantuan Nordiska Museet (Nordic Museum) to learn about Scandinavian culture spanning 500 years, or become a dancing queen at ABBA The Museum, celebrating the iconic Swedish pop group.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Rosendals Trädgård Kafé and bakery set amidst greenhouses, rose gardens and apple orchards on Djurgården. Try the dagens rätt (daily lunch special), there’s usually a meat, fish and veggie option, though the menu changes weekly. Think slow-braised organic veal or wild Arctic char with couscous.
Head over to the National Museum, home to more than 16,000 paintings and sculptures, including works by Swedish artists Carl Larsson and Ernst Josephson. Take the free 20-minute tour of its must-see treasures and collections, included in your ticket price, before relaxing with a coffee and cinnamon bun at its restaurant.
For more contemporary work, head over to Fotografiska. Here, you’ll find rotating exhibits from world-renowned photographers; past exhibitions have featured the likes of Annie Leibovitz and Anton Corbijn, as well as a retrospective collection celebrating 50 years of hip hop.
Late
For golden evening light, take the scenic cliff-edge route along Monteliusvägen for gorgeous views of lake Mälaren, Riddarholmen and Gamla stan for photo opportunities. Then stroll down pedestrian drag Götgatan, people-watching along the way, as you head to classic Swedish restaurant Kvarnen, which has been running since 1908. Start with the traditional SOS, which stands for smör, ost och sill or herring, cheese and butter, its main ingredients, then order the traditional homemade meatballs in gravy with lingonberry.
Next, head over to the waterfront Hornstull Strand to find the iconic watering hole and rock club Debaser. This legendary venue brings in both local and international acts and offers a dancing floor at Debaser Klubben every weekend. Sip cocktails such as No. 13 Baby (tequila, triple sec, grapefruit, lime and agave) at its adjoining Bar Brooklyn.
Day two: morning
Stroll down Drottninggatan to Stockholm’s medieval old town, Gamla stan, filled with camel-yellow, burnt sienna and blush red Dutch-style gabled rowhouses. Wander its cobble-stoned streets, pick up Swedish souvenirs such as the Dala Horse and enjoy hot chocolate at cosy cafe Chokladkoppen located in the main square, Stortorget. Before leaving, stop into the Nobel Prize Museum next door to learn about the prize, the laureates and their achievements through the decades.
Visit Stockholm’s narrowest alley, Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, measuring 90 centimetres across, for the mandatory photo ops. Then dash over to nearby Kungliga slottet (the Royal Palace) for the Changing of the Guard, where parades of royal blue uniforms line up in formation, sometimes on horseback or accompanied by a marching band, too. Daily at 12:15pm (1:15pm on Sundays).
Afternoon
Head two streets over for lunch at Restaurang Tradition. Don’t miss the kroppkakor, potato dumplings filled with pork or mushrooms and served with browned butter and lingonberries.
Head to Stromkajen and hop on a leisurely two-hour boat ride through the city’s canals, under bridges, and through the lock that connects the Baltic Sea to lake Mälaren. From the water, you’ll understand why Stockholm is picture-perfect as you glide past its islands.
Afterwards, fika like a local – meaning to socialise over coffee and pastries – at legendary Vete-Katten, which has been running since 1928. Try a kardemummabulle (cardamom bun), or, during the winter months, ask for a semla (an almond paste and whipped cream-filled bun).
Night
For dinner, opt for seafood at Restaurang B.A.R., where you can pick your own lobster or choose the catch of the day. For vegetarians and vegans, Verte offers palate-friendly meatballs, dumplings and pastas.
Take the tunnelbana, the Stockholm Metro, to T-centralen and stroll to Hotel At Six. Head to its vibrant rooftop bar, Stockholm Under Stjärnorna, to mingle with the city’s chicest over cocktails while bobbing to DJs spinning music. ICEBAR Stockholm (two blocks away) is perfect for an Arctic-style nightcap. You’ll don an ice suit and sip cocktails named after Stockholm’s archipelago islands, such as posh “Lidingö”, a prosecco and raspberry mix, or sailor’s paradise Sandhamn, vodka, lingonberry and lime.
When to go
With over sixteen hours of daylight, Stockholm is best enjoyed during summer. From island hopping and hiking to swimming in bays (bathing suit optional) and retreating to summer cottages, the city slows down. Spring is welcomed with bonfire rituals, known as Walpurgis Night or Valborg in Swedish) and June means celebrating Midsummer, the annual Swedish ritual of dancing around maypoles wearing wreaths of wildflowers. Many businesses and fancy restaurants shut down all of July to observe Swedish work-life balance.
Autumn’s nippy weather is perfect for intimate fika dates, while November and December bring magical Christmas markets, festive lights, and cosy atmospheres.
Where to stay
Luxury living
The Grand Hôtel is set right across from the Royal Palace and the harbour Strömkajen, which is probably the ideal location in central Stockholm. World-class museums, including the Modern Museum, high-end shopping such as fashion district Bibliotekstan and beautiful walks across Stockholm’s many bridges are right on the doorstep.
Read our full review here.
Boutique beauty
The chic Villa Dagmar hotel in the upmarket Östermalm neighbourhood is a destination in itself, thanks to its superb Mediterranean fusion restaurant, cosy wine bar, distinctive courtyard and cool concept store. Inspired by an Italian villa in Capri, this little slice of the Med in northern Europe is a blissful escape in Stockholm.
Read our full review here.
Budget bolthole
Blique by Nobis is a haven for trend-conscious urban travellers who appreciate design, art, architecture and food. It was originally designed by Swedish architect Sigurd Lewerentz as a warehouse and is loaded with cultural heritage. There’s also a rooftop bar, two restaurants and a cinema room.
Read our full review here.
How to get there and how to get around
Several airlines fly direct from the UK to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (SAS) in less than three hours, including British Airways, Norwegian Airlines and Scandinavian Airlines. From the airport, it’s a 45-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute Arlanda Express train ride to town – although the cheapest options would be to catch the airport buses Flygbussarna and Flixbus.
Once in town, public transport is efficient and punctual. Avoid taxis. They are ridiculously expensive and known for fleecing tourists. Try Uber or Bolt instead.
Know before you go
Essential information
British Embassy: Skarpögatan 6; 115 93 Stockholm. 0046 8 671 30 00; gov.uk/british-embassy-stockholm
Emergency services: 112 for emergencies; 114 14 for non-urgent matters; 1177 for medical advice.
Tourist office: Visit Stockholm is excellent. The main info desk is found in the airport’s arrivals halls at Terminal 5 (open daily 6:30am to 6:30pm), and at the Central Station 9am to 7pm (3pm on weekends).
The basics
- Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)
- Telegraph code from abroad: +46
- Time difference: GMT +1 hour
- Travel time from London: 2.5 hours direct flight
Local laws and etiquette
Tipping is not required. Stockholm is mostly cashless. Even public toilets accept credit cards. Many businesses use a number dispenser for queuing.
Accessibility
Adequate ramps, accessible facilities and wheelchair-friendly activities. If pushing a pram, you ride public buses for free.
About our expert
Lola Akinmade Åkerström
Lola Akinmade Åkerström moved to Stockholm in 2009 for love and the famed Swedish work-life balance. Since settling in the Swedish capital, Lola has become the bestselling author of several books, including LAGOM - Swedish Secret of Living Well.