Stockholm, Sweden

Why Go?

Spread across 14 islands and situated where the waters of Lake Mälaren meet the Baltic Sea, Stockholm’s charm immediately puts you at ease. Brick façades line the cobbled, narrow streets of the Old Town, Gamla stan, contrasting with the modern city centre, and the island of Södermalm is a treasure trove for vintage shopping enthusiasts. Above all, and everywhere you go, there is always time for fika.

When to Go?

Stockholm enjoys mild winters but daylight is fleeting. Summer is the season to enjoy the long hours of sunshine and to celebrate Midsummer Eve in the countryside together with the Swedes. Midsummer Eve and Day are held on the Friday and Saturday closest to June 24th.

How?

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is the largest airport in Sweden and is located about 35 kilometres north of Stockholm.

There are several options when it comes to transport into the city and all are frequent and fast. During peak periods, airport buses depart from terminals 5, 4, and 2 every 10 minutes and travel time to Stockholm Cityterminalen is approximately 45 minutes.

Commuter trains depart from Arlanda Central Station and deliver you to Stockholm Central Station in 38 minutes, but the fastest option is the Arlanda Express train – a mere 20 minutes and you’re in the heart of the city.

See

What better way to see a city on the water than from the water? A boat tour departing from Strömkajen will pass some of the most well-known attractions and offer a unique vantage point of Stockholm’s city skyline.

Fotografiska is a museum and forum for photography which aims “to engage and inspire a dialogue on photography via exhibitions, seminars, and courses.” Curating four major exhibitions per year and many more minor exhibitions, Fotografiska is on the cutting edge of contemporary photography.

Open-air museum Skansen, located on the island of Djurgården, will take you through centuries of Swedish history. There is a small bakery at Skansen where you can watch the bakers at work and savour their famous cinnamon buns.

Eat and Drink

Urban Deli feels genuine, is always full of locals, and they keep their mouthwatering lunch menu fresh by changing it on a weekly basis.

Open Monday to Saturday, deciding where and what to eat at Östermalms Saluhall will never be an easy decision – everything looks amazing. Among the market stalls are several restaurants, bars, and cafés, making it the perfect place to either stay for lunch or pick up tasty treats to enjoy at home.

For traditional Swedish cuisine, look no further than Pelikan. This restaurant attracts an eclectic group of diners who all have at least one thing in common – a love for home-style Swedish cooking.

Berns, overlooking Berzelii Park, is home to the Red Room, a setting in August Strindberg’s novel of the same name. The opulent red and gold tones and high ceilings make this a decadent spot to down a few drinks with friends.

Sleep

Those travelling on a budget will appreciate some of the friendlier prices at the Old Town Lodge in the Old City of Stockholm, Gamla stan. Its central location and proximity to the city’s attractions make it a great weekend base.

Story Hotels mix “a rough industrial feel with lush, warm colours and materials” and two locations in Stockholm ensure that you won’t return from your city break without a few stories to tell.

Clarion Hotel in Stockholm is an excellent choice not only for its convenient location on Södermalm but for the decadent Sunday brunches with a beautiful view.

Here are additional options for where to stay in Stockholm.

  City Travel Guide, Stockholm, Sweden, What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay