Stockholm is a city that truly embodies the essence of Scandinavia. With its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that Stockholm is often regarded as one of the most beautiful and welcoming cities in Europe.
Located on the east coast of Sweden, Stockholm is built on 14 islands connected by more than 50 bridges, giving the city a unique character that is sure to captivate visitors. The city’s Old Town, or Gamla Stan, is a beautiful maze of cobblestone streets and brightly coloured buildings, offering a glimpse into Stockholm’s rich history and heritage.
But Stockholm is much more than just a historic city. It is also a centre of innovation and creativity, with a thriving art and design scene that draws visitors from around the world. The city is home to numerous museums and galleries, showcasing everything from ancient Viking artefacts to contemporary art and design.
Stockholm is also a city of natural beauty, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear waters. The archipelago just outside the city is made up of thousands of islands, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and swimming.
And of course, no article about Stockholm would be complete without mentioning the city’s famous cuisine. Stockholm is known for its innovative and delicious food, with a wide range of restaurants and cafes offering everything from traditional Swedish fare to international cuisine.
But perhaps one of the best things about Stockholm is its people. The locals are friendly, welcoming, and always happy to share their city with visitors. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic landmarks, taking in its natural beauty, or simply relaxing in a cosy cafe, Stockholm is a city that will leave you feeling inspired and invigorated.
3 Days in Stockholm
Stockholm is a vibrant city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a variety of cultural experiences to enjoy. If you only have 3 days to spend in Stockholm, here is a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time.
Day 1
Start your first day in Stockholm by exploring the city’s Old Town, or Gamla Stan. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and take in the colourful buildings and historic architecture. Be sure to visit the Royal Palace and the Stockholm Cathedral, both located in the heart of Gamla Stan.
After lunch, head to the island of Djurgården, which is home to several of Stockholm’s top museums, including the Vasa Museum and the Skansen Open-Air Museum. The Vasa Museum houses a perfectly preserved 17th-century warship, while Skansen offers a glimpse into Sweden’s past with a collection of historic buildings, craftspeople, and animals.
In the evening, head to the trendy district of Södermalm for dinner and drinks. This area is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options.
Day 2
Begin your second day in Stockholm by taking a boat tour of the city’s archipelago. This is a great way to see Stockholm from a different perspective and to enjoy the city’s natural beauty. There are several boat tours available, ranging from short sightseeing trips to longer excursions.
After the boat tour, head to the island of Skeppsholmen, which is home to several of Stockholm’s top art museums, including the Moderna Museet and the Nationalmuseum. Both museums feature an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
In the evening, visit the district of Östermalm for dinner at one of its many fine dining restaurants. This area is known for its upscale shopping and dining options.
Day 3
Start your final day in Stockholm by visiting the trendy district of Norrmalm, which is home to several of the city’s top attractions, including the Stockholm City Hall, the Royal Opera House, and the Stockholm Concert Hall.
After lunch, head to the island of Kungsholmen to visit the City Hall, which is home to the Nobel Prize banquet. The City Hall offers guided tours and has a beautiful courtyard with stunning views of the city.
In the evening, visit the district of Gamla Stan once again, this time to experience the city’s traditional Swedish cuisine. There are several restaurants in the area that specialise in Swedish cuisine, including meatballs, herring, and traditional sweets like semla and kanelbullar.
Stockholm is a beautiful city with so much to offer, and while 3 days is not enough to see everything, this itinerary will give you a taste of Stockholm’s rich culture and history.
How to get to and around Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and is well connected to other major cities in Europe and around the world. There are several ways to get to Stockholm, including:
By Plane: Stockholm has two main airports, Arlanda Airport and Bromma Airport. Arlanda is the larger of the two and is located about 40 kilometres north of the city centre. It is well connected to the city by train, bus, and taxi. Bromma is located closer to the city and is primarily used for domestic flights and some European destinations.
By Train: Stockholm is well connected to other major cities in Sweden and Europe by train. The city has several train stations, including Stockholm Central Station, which is located in the heart of the city.
By Bus: Stockholm is also well connected to other cities in Sweden and Europe by bus. The city has several bus stations, including Cityterminalen, which is located in the city centre.
Once you arrive in Stockholm, there are several ways to get around the city:
Public Transportation: Stockholm has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and a subway system called the Tunnelbana (T-bana). You can purchase tickets at the station or through the SL app.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Stockholm, but they can be expensive. Make sure to use a licensed taxi company to avoid scams.
Bike: Stockholm is a bike-friendly city, with several bike rental companies available. Biking is a great way to explore the city and take in its beautiful scenery.
Walking: Stockholm is a relatively small city, and many of its top attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city and take in its unique architecture and charming streets.
Boat: Stockholm is built on 14 islands and is surrounded by water, so taking a boat tour or ferry is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are several boat tours and ferries available throughout the city.
Places to stay in Stockholm
Stockholm offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are a few options to consider when planning your stay in Stockholm:
For budget travellers, hostels are a great option. Generator Hostel Stockholm, located in the trendy district of Norrmalm, offers comfortable and affordable dormitory-style rooms, as well as private rooms for those who prefer more privacy. The hostel also has a bar, restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
For those looking for a mid-range option, the Hotel Birger Jarl, located in the heart of Stockholm’s business district, offers modern and stylish rooms at an affordable price. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness centre.
For those who prefer a more luxurious stay, the Grand Hotel Stockholm, located on the waterfront in the heart of the city, is a top choice. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, several on-site restaurants and bars, a spa, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
Another luxurious option is the Nobis Hotel Stockholm, located in a historic building in the heart of the city’s shopping district. The hotel features stylish and spacious rooms and suites, as well as several on-site restaurants and bars, a fitness centre, and a sauna.
For those who prefer a more unique experience, there are several boutique hotels in Stockholm. The Ett Hem Hotel, located in the fashionable district of Östermalm, offers a home-like atmosphere with comfortable and stylish rooms, as well as a beautiful garden and a cosy library.
No matter what your budget or preferences, there is a place to stay in Stockholm that will suit your needs. From budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels, Stockholm has a variety of options for visitors to choose from.
What and where to eat in Stockholm
Stockholm is a city with a vibrant food scene that offers a variety of traditional Swedish dishes as well as international cuisine. Here are some suggestions for what and where to eat in Stockholm:
Traditional Swedish Dishes
One of the most iconic Swedish dishes is meatballs with lingonberry jam and cream sauce, which you can find in many restaurants across the city. Other traditional dishes to try include smoked salmon, pickled herring, and pea soup with pancakes.
If you want to try traditional Swedish cuisine in a cosy and traditional setting, visit Restaurang Pelikan in Södermalm. This restaurant has been around since 1664 and serves classic Swedish dishes like meatballs, herring, and potato dumplings.
International Cuisine
Stockholm is a diverse city that offers a variety of international cuisine, including Asian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern food. One popular area for international cuisine is Hornstull in Södermalm, which is home to several restaurants and cafes that serve dishes from around the world.
If you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine, try Farang in Östermalm, which serves delicious Thai dishes in a modern and stylish setting. For Mediterranean food, visit Agrikultur in Vasastan, which focuses on local and seasonal ingredients and serves dishes like homemade pasta and grilled lamb.
Fika
Fika is a Swedish tradition that involves taking a break to enjoy coffee and a sweet treat. There are many cafes in Stockholm that serve delicious pastries and coffee, making it easy to indulge in this tradition.
One of the best places to experience fika is at Vete-Katten in Norrmalm, which has been around since 1928 and is famous for its traditional Swedish pastries like cinnamon buns and Princess cake. Another great option is Cafe Pascal in Vasastan, which serves organic coffee and homemade pastries in a cosy and stylish atmosphere.
Coworking in Stockholm
Stockholm is a city with a thriving startup and tech scene, making it a popular destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Here are some of the best coworking spaces in Stockholm:
- SUP46: SUP46 is a popular coworking space located in the heart of Stockholm’s tech hub. It offers flexible workspace options, including hot desks and private offices, as well as access to events and a community of like-minded professionals.
- Norrsken House: Norrsken House is a coworking space that focuses on social impact and sustainability. It offers a range of workspace options, including hot desks, private offices, and meeting rooms, as well as access to a community of social entrepreneurs and investors.
- Epicentre: Epicentre is a coworking space located in the trendy district of Östermalm. It offers a range of workspace options, including hot desks and private offices, as well as access to events and a community of entrepreneurs and innovators.
- Convendum: Convendum is a coworking space located in several locations throughout Stockholm. It offers a range of workspace options, including hot desks, private offices, and meeting rooms, as well as access to events and a community of professionals.
- The Park: The Park is a coworking space located in the heart of Stockholm’s financial district. It offers a range of workspace options, including hot desks and private offices, as well as access to events and a community of professionals in the finance and tech industries.
In summary, Stockholm offers a variety of coworking spaces for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re looking for a space that focuses on social impact, sustainability, or innovation, there is a coworking space in Stockholm that will suit your needs.