Top tips for a Stockholm city break
In the mood for an exciting weekend city break in Sweden? From island-hopping to shopping, open-air museums to top dining spots, read on to find out why Stockholm is the ideal place for your getaway.
Stockholm is beautiful whatever time of year you visit, but the Swedish capital is at its most magical when it wakes up after the long winter – when the sun is shining and people are venturing out to the cafés, parks, and outdoor restaurants. This is when Stockholm comes alive. Bursting with things to do, it can outshine the hippest and most charming cities.
Stockholm at a glance
There’s a reason Stockholm is called the Venice of the North. The city is built across 14 islands and the easiest way to travel between them is by ferry. Each district has its own style and charm and unique experiences to offer.
Get a breath of fresh air in the greenery of Djurgården, take a walk in trendy Södermalm or head east to Östermalm, for a spot of shopping at the city’s most exclusive stores.
Got kids in tow? There’s plenty to do if you’re travelling to Stockholm with kids.
In the heart of the city is the oldest district in Stockholm, Gamla Stan – one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval city centres, packed with charming, bustling alleyways and colourful buildings.
Stockholm offers endless possibilities when it comes to shopping, dining, and culture.
Our recommendations:
Fotografiska
This museum is one of the largest in the world for modern photography. It welcomes thousands of visitors and hosts four large exhibitions, plus twenty smaller exhibitions a year.
Tip: Don’t miss the café at the top where you can enjoy one of the best views in town.
Skansen
This open-air museum is situated on beautiful Djurgården island, and it’s a great place to visit if you’re taking a weekend break in Stockholm with children. Known as ‘Sweden in miniature’, it showcases five centuries of Swedish history. You can explore 150 traditional farms, dwellings, and workshops, including a glassblowers hut and bakery.
As you enter each building, actors dressed in traditional costumes provide a colourful account of the history of each craft and practice.
Whilst at Skansen, you can also visit Stockholm Zoo, which is home to a children’s petting zoo and two indoor aquariums.
When you get peckish, you can enjoy a picnic with a panoramic view of the Stockholm archipelago.
Gamla Stan
Founded in 1252, Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s oldest district. Full of medieval buildings and winding cobblestone alleys, it’s well worth a visit.
Both the Old Town and nearby Riddarholmen are pedestrianised, so you can easily travel on foot to the museums, cafés, and bars. You’ll also find some of Stockholm’s best shopping here.
Be sure to add a visit to one of the many beautiful churches to your itinerary. The most famous is Storkyrkan, the national church of Sweden, where Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden said ‘I do’ to Daniel Westling in 2010.
Stortorget Square
In the middle of Gamla Stan is Stortorget, the oldest square in the city. The world-renowned Köpmangatan, meaning “Merchant Street”, first described in ancient literature during the 1300s, runs from this square.
Tip: Want more ideas on things to see and do on your city break in Stockholm? GetYourGuide is packed with suggestions, from walking tours to boat cruises.
If you’re visiting Stockholm on a stag do, there are more ideas in our weekend away with the lad’s post.
Don’t forget, you’ll earn 5% CashPoints on all tours, activities, and entrance tickets when you book through GetYourGuide.
Where to stay in Stockholm:
The delightful Story Hotel Riddargatan is situated in the heart of Stockholm, near Östermalm’s Stureplan. The shopping favourite, NK as well and the Old Town are within a short walking distance.
Breakfast is included, and the trendy interior will inspire some cool Instagram posts.
The Nobis Hotel is a stylish, luxury hotel, ideally situated next to Norrmalmstorg, where you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, shops, nightclubs, and attractions.
Modern and budget-friendly Scandic Sjöfartshotellet is located on Södermalm island, just five minutes from the Old Town and the ferry to Djurgården.
Want more options? There are over 300 more here. And you’ll earn 5% CashPoints when you book!