The Swedes, whose inherent style is rivaled only in Europe by the Parisians, are rightfully renowned for their effortless fashion and, of course, have the capital to live up to the brief. Stockholm consists of 14 islands in the Baltic Sea archipelago, with a cobbled medieval center built in the 13th century and continuously inhabited ever since. Many of the colorful buildings in the Old Town (or Old Town) were rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries, but they still have the quirky charm of a gingerbread house, perfect for strolling through its narrow streets, minarets and squares, preferably with a cardamom bun in hand.
Nicknamed “Venice of the North” for the city's many islets and canals, it may not be as sunny as Italy's Venice, but it's just as legendary and scenic. Here’s our guide to essentials for a weekend getaway in Stockholm…
friday night
Etter Helm
Once you arrive in Stockholm, head to your hotel, where you can choose one based on your personality and preferred neighborhood. Want to be an avant-garde trendsetter? Find Södermalm, which is super trendy even by Stockholm standards, especially Stockholm City Hotel. Built in the 1870s as a tribute to King Oscar I, the pale pink building was originally a refuge for wealthy widows, later became a school and lay dormant for several years. Some rooms have library books, and the minibar is more like a wine cellarthe first floor windows have enough voile to allow for privacy and observation of passers-by on the street outside.
Family master class Hagridchoose Etter Helmwhich translates to “at home,” and you’ll soon understand why. Although it has expanded into an equally historic building next door on a quiet residential street in Ostermalm, it has still managed to retain the feel of its cozy, cool Scandinavian friends' home, with a lounge where you can check in at a leisurely pace and choose a chilled champagne, a communal dining room in the kitchen, and comfortable, stylish rooms that you won't want to leave.
For a more affordable option, try nobbysblick Between Hagastaden and Vaasastaden; or if you want to participate in the cultural activities of Djurgården (Stockholm Museum Island), book your accommodation Backstage Hotel.
If staying at Etter HelmMeals may be family-style, gathered around the chef's table in the kitchen, or at a communal table in the lounge, savoring short courses scrawled on a blackboard. The second restaurant across the courtyard is a little more formal, with a larger menu and a bright atmosphere on weekends. Stockholm City Hotel There's also a lively, locally recognized bistro brought to you by the same team Babetteis an Italian restaurant beloved by Stockholm residents and interlopers alike, as well as the fine-dining restaurant Matsalen, located on the spiral staircase of the former church.
But for the ultimate understanding of Stockholm, head to an old-school institution SturhoffA classic seafood bistro in Östermalm where you can drink champagne and eat oysters with the staff after get off work. There is also a story Richie Phoenixperfect for a pre-dinner drink in the heart of Götgatan. If you want to mingle with stylish Swedes, go to No. 1 Haibin Avenue At the waterfront, join the Friday night crowds. If you have the energy or a tendency to party late at night, burns club is your best option, or you can also choose Asiatiska (the first Chinese restaurant in the city, opened in the 1940s), located in the lobby on a different floor of the Bernice Mall.
saturday morning
Stockholm City Hotel
New arrivals to Stockholm should immediately familiarize themselves with art Fikais a Swedish tradition that encourages coffee and cake at any given time of the day. Although breakfast is Stockholm City Hotel Might throw a wrench in the middle of your morning Fika Plan (especially on weekends, when brunch service lasts until 4 p.m., and the humble egg dish is replaced by 'nduja, whipped ricotta and hot honey on sourdough; or avocado and feta on rye and Boat), it’s best to be prepared for a coffee and bread pit stop in Stockholm. A stroll through the colorful yellow buildings of the Old Town leads to the vast Royal Palace complex. There are various cafes selling steamed buns on the main road, including Clans Cafe. Other favorites Fika Stops for a coffee and a bun (whether cardamom, cinnamon, saffron or cream) are available throughout the city, including Lillebros BadgeriHistorical chain Witt-Katenand Saturn Cafe.
Another option on Saturday morning is to visit national museumThe museum houses countless masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Degas and Goya, as well as works by local heroes Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn, as well as a particularly fine collection of 19th-century French works. The hotel's restaurant is one of the most popular in town, making it easy to plan lunch. Lidmar Hotel It's nearby, too – enjoy beachfront drinks on the patio when the sun shines, and a laid-back jazz brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Or for a quick and casual treat of a divine Stockholm hot dog – popular spots include Günters (66 Karlbergsvägen) and Brunos Corbar.
Saturday afternoon
Continue an afternoon of enlightenment modern museumIt has an impressive collection of modern art and eye-catching exhibitions, as well as a terrace where you can enjoy refreshments after a break.
Or shop to your heart's content (relatively speaking) in Östermalm, one of Stockholm's wealthiest neighbourhoods, with its many boutiques and the iconic Nordiska Kompaniet department store, built in 1902. and try to reinvent themselves as insouciant Scandinavians Jess concept store.
If your inner hipster wins over, spend an afternoon in Södermalm, Stockholm’s most creative district, with its dining and nightlife scene to match. You might see a tall, blond, handsome family member from one of Sweden's showbiz dynasties casually riding around on a bicycle – but calm down, Swedes don't get hysterical. You can spend hours here photographyBrowse the antique shops along Mariatorget, or pascal cafe.
saturday night
What's your next decision: culture or more food? If the former, go to Royal TheaterLocated in an Art Nouveau building in Nybroplan, there are five stages and a thousand performances every year, so you're sure to find something of interest. Or you can enjoy an evening at one of Stockholm's many famous restaurants, Astoria Brasserie (Cocktails, DJs and everything with fries) and Asia Post Office (for a perfectly seasoned sharing plate) which.
If you spend the afternoon in Sudmalm, stay for dinner. Locally loved restaurants are worth a visit, such as Niza Cafewhere a French-inspired menu might include anchovy toast, grilled halibut with confit tomatoes or white asparagus with radish and tarragon.
If the night is young (and you like jazz), head to Club Legend Faxing Enjoy music until late at Kungsgatan.
sunday morning
Before crossing the bridge to Djurgården (directly translated as “animal park”), you can visit Kmik On Strandvägen. The island was established as a royal hunting ground by King John III in 1579, and in addition to deer, elk and reindeer, the more exotic lions and bears also once inhabited the game park, although it is said that they were unable to survive the harsh Scandinavian winters. One of the lions, a gift from the King of Algeria to King Frederick I in 1731, has become a famous bad example of taxidermy and is on display at Gripholm CastleLocated one hour west of Mariefred.
Today you can choose to visit one of Djurgården's many museums. including a center entirely dedicated to the revered Swede and global icon Aba;this Vasa — A warship built in the 1620s, perfectly preserved after its sinking on its maiden voyage; spaces dedicated to alcoholic beverages, Vikings and shipwrecks; and an open-air Scanson museum. If the weather is too good to stay indoors, or there's nothing culturally interesting to you, you can wander around the forested island (there's a 10-kilometer trail to navigate). Afterwards, you can have lunch (or other Fikanaturally) in Rosendahl In Zolgarden.
sunday afternoon
Waxholm
In the winter, you might be content to enjoy another round in a cozy cafe Fika With charming company or a good book. Keep an eye on the royal family Opera House Cafe;Keep warm and comfortable paris city hallespecially wonderful during the Christmas period; or put on your boots and skate with the locals on the ice rink near Kungsträdgården or, if you're brave enough, on the frozen Baltic Sea.
The warmer months are prime time for day trips. Easily accessible from the city Ellery Beach House Lidingö island is where you want to find yourself on a sunny day. If the resort's many pools, sun loungers and saunas (there's even a pier for the able-bodied to swim in the Baltic Sea) aren't enough to keep you entertained, head to Mills Garden MuseumOnce the home of Swedish sculptor Carl Mills and his wife Olga, it is located on the other side of the island and has an attached sculpture park.
Other islands just a short flight from central Stockholm include the main hub of Vaxholm, about an hour's boat ride away, which has traditional pastel wooden houses, cute cafes and a 16th-century fortress. Fjäderholmarna (“Feather Islands”) is an equally charming island group 20 minutes away; Värmdö is home to the arts center Arti Pelag.
sunday night
Return to the city center to start your evening Nimes Bara cozy bar in Östermalm, then head to Jiji's Or more upscale sushi bar Delicious raw fish (thanks to the abundant archipelago). Japanese food is also available at: Mishu Mashuone Izakaya In the old arcade – or you can switch to Italian when date night is approved Sisio'sor indulge in carnivorous pleasures at a stylish steakhouse Noema.
need to know
transportation The main hub is Arlanda, about half an hour's drive north of the city and easily accessible. The Arlanda Express will take you to central Stockholm in 20 minutes, running every 10 to 15 minutes – from here you can take a taxi to your hotel or take the relevant metro.
travel Much of the Old Town and downtown are walkable, and app-hailed taxis are always available.
when to go Stockholm (and Sweden as a whole) is becoming more and more popular as the “cool vacation” trend is booming, which means the city can be packed with tourists even in January. If you want to explore the archipelago, it's best to wait until spring, when boat service resumes. Autumn arrives in August, and although winter can be dark and long, the comfort of candlelight will help make up for it.
what to buy For edible souvenirs, stock up on savory licorice, cinnamon and cardamom bread for the flight home. For cashmere, stop by soft goat;To buy denim, go to Janelica;For men’s clothing, Salman Amer Studio and roses and birth is your best choice. Bookworms will love a good nose around them Konsteig (especially architecture and art books) and paper cutting. For Scandi Interiors inspo please call the design store sekelskift Check the tiles, wallpaper and moldings carefully.
good to know There are more than 30,000 islands in the Stockholm archipelago, and ferry rides to ports further out in the Baltic Sea can take up to 6 hours. Although there are shorter day trips available in the warmer months, you'll need to spend more time than you would on a weekend to explore it properly.
read our Copenhagen Weekend Guideor discover more of our Sweden hotels
