Stockholm City Break | Guide to a Fun Weekend in Sweden

When it comes to city breaks, Stockholm, the ‘capital of cool’, and of course Sweden, is one of the best places to visit. With its picturesque Old Town, lovely restaurants, beautiful archipelagos, and dazzling cultural venues, it certainly earned the title.

 It’s also home to IKEA, H&M, and Cos. Not to mention, a great spot for vodka too. 

With so much to do and see, one can easily spend a few days soaking in all that this city has to offer. To follow is a guide to ensure you make the most out of your Stockholm city break. This includes a few of my recommendations on things to do in this Scandinavian gem, how to get around, and more. 

City Break in Stockholm – All You Need to Know 

City Break Stockholm – Reasons to Visit

Situated on the Baltic Sea this stunning city is spread across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, each with its own distinct personality. Jam-packed with gorgeous parks, incredible restaurants, attractions, and remarkable museums, you’ll wish you had booked more than a two or three-day trip.

In the summertime, the archipelago city basks in the midnight sun. It’s a joy to wander and get lost among the historic streets and grand buildings. Here, Gustavian grandeur mixes so well with the modern architecture and minimalism we all know and love from Sweden.

Stockholm Sweden City Breaks – How to Get Around

One of the best ways to discover Stockholm’s many hidden gems is on foot. Much of the city is pedestrian-friendly, so you can expect to see plenty of locals and tourists walking around too. This is especially true for central Stockholm and the Old Town. 

Many of Stockholm’s major attractions lie within walking distance from the city center, making this a great and cost-effective way to explore. However, if you opt to walk, be sure to wear comfortable flat shoes. 

Public transportation in Stockholm is top-notch and also very useful for visiting attractions further away from the city center. It comprises the T-Banan or subway, trams, buses, regional trains, and taxis. There is also a boat shuttle service that runs between the islands. 

Note: To use the bus or train, you will need to get an SL Access Card as tickets cannot be purchased on board. 

City Break Sweden – Best Things to Do in Stockholm

From the city with its stunning architecture to the beautiful archipelagos, there is plenty to see and do in the Swedish capital. To ensure you make the most out of your days or weekend in Stockholm, here are some of the best activities, attractions, and more. 

Stroll the streets of Gamla Stan

One of the first things we did as soon as we’d dumped our bags at the hotel was to wander the winding, narrow cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan. The old town is the heart of Stockholm and one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe. Make sure to visit the Stortorget (Big Square), where you’ll find the iconic, insta-friendly colourful merchant houses.

The imposing royal palace Kungliga Slottet is a must-visit attraction in Stockholm city. With 608 rooms, it’s the world’s largest royal castle still in use for its original purpose. We were lucky enough to catch the changing of the guards too which takes place in the outer court.

Learn to Fika

What? Is this some new dance craze sweeping the country? Not quite. Fika is, however, a huge part of Swedish culture. It essentially means drinking coffee or tea with a sweet treat usually in the form of a pastry. 

We indulged in our first Fika at one of Stockholm’s most photographed café – Chokladkoppen. A gay-friendly café in the Old Town, it’s a convenient spot for taking a break from sightseeing.

True to its name, which I think translates as a chocolate cup, they’re famed for their hot chocolate, which is oh-so yummy and served in a big bowl.

Sail around the archipelago

One of the best things to do on your Stockholm city break is to go island hopping. Dubbed the Venice of the North due to its stunning architecture and abundance of water, Stockholm is part of an archipelago consisting of around 30,000 islands (give or take). 

I don’t think you can say you’ve had a city break in Stockholm if you don’t experience a boat or ferry ride to some of its beautiful islands.

Stromma offers many different tours, but we opted to do our own thing via their Cinderella boats. These are the everyday commuter boats. A welcome change from your groundhog journeys on the tube I can tell you.

Nothing beats a Kate Winslet moment and the Baltic breeze through your hair (or not in the case of Mr S).

The day was split between the charming island of Grinda and one of the furthest away, Sandhamn.

Book Now: Stockholm Archipelago Cruise with Guide

Admire a preserved 17th-century warship

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to museums in this city but if you’re going to choose one make it this one. Especially if you have mini-mes with you, it will blow their minds. The Vasa was a ship built so badly that it sank a mile from the dock.

With a King in love with the beauty of such a gargantuan ship (69 metres long and 48.8 metres tall) the engineers were too scared to tell him wouldn’t sail for long. So, on its maiden voyage in 1628, the top-heavy vessel tipped and sank, unfortunately with many of the crew on board.

333 years later it was pulled from the waters and due to the cold waters of the Baltic sea was remarkably preserved. You can see it in all its glory at the Vasa Museum. An incredible sight.

Book Now: Old Town, Djurgården Island & Vasa Museum

Step back in time at Skansen

Make your way to Skansen on the island of Djurgården and experience the Sweden of old in the world’s first open-air museum.

It’s a historic theme park, a bit of a tourist cliche but at the same time pretty cool. If you have kids, this is a guaranteed winner!

You can wander the village and pop into old-world stores showing how trade was done as well as see glass blowing and traditional food preparation methods.

The Nordic Zoo is based there too, so you can wow the kids with the bears, reindeer, and moose. My girls enjoyed a wonderful day at Skansen with their school friends who luckily were holidaying at the same time.

Book Now: Skansen Open-Air Museum Admission Ticket

Chill out with the trendsetters and hipsters of Södermalm 

A laid-back neighbourhood just across the bridge from Gamla stan is where all the cool kids hang out. This is the Stockholm version of Shoreditch known to the locals as SoFo and is a must for those keen on exploring.

You’ll find the streets alive with boutiques, record stores, art galleries, and stylish locals. You’ll also come across stores selling vegan leather goods, eco-friendly wares, and vintage clothing. If you’re traveling with kids, be on the lookout for the local park. This is a great spot for some afternoon fun. 

We enjoyed lunch at the hip restaurant Nytorget 6. I was sold on the deep-fried halloumi salad. There is also reindeer heart on the menu. On this occasion, I refrained from doing as the Scandinavians do.

For an easy way to explore this part of Stockholm, check out the walking tour below. 

Book Now: Bohemian Stockholm – Södermalm Island Walking Tour

Get your photographer geek on at Fotografiska

A must for all shutterbugs, this beautiful industrial building in the neighbourhood of Södermalm showcases Sweden’s best photography exhibitions.

Fotografiska isn’t too big, so it’s easy to fit into a busy sightseeing day in the area. There’s a great bar and restaurant on the top floor where you can capture some great views of the city during your Stockholm city break.

Book Now: Fotografiska Entrance Ticket

Indulge in Stockholm’s food scene

Stockholm is fast becoming Europe’s culinary capital with its ever-increasing Michelin-starred restaurants, Bib Gourmands (Michelin’s excellent but budget-friendly range), and a number of local Swedish classics. From succulent meatballs, hearty herring, and sweet cinnamon kanelbullar, even as a vegetarian, I found the most incredible restaurants to dine in.

For a family-friendly gastropub try The Flying Elk in Gamla Stan. The menu is inspired by a blend of Swedish culinary traditions and British pub culture. It’s the sister restaurant to the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Frantzén. Great to experience the famous restaurant’s cuisine but in a simpler, more relaxed, and purse-friendly way.

Book Now: Stockholm Culinary Tour

Book Now: Stockholm – The Nordic Food Walk

Go on a Stockholm Vegetarian or Vegan Food Tour

For an alternative culinary experience when taking city breaks to Stockholm, explore the city’s flavourful meatless options on a vegetarian or vegan food tour. His tour travels through the neighbourhood of Söndermalm, an exciting mix of neighbourhood delis and high-end restaurants. Here, stop by various establishments and taste some of the finest vegetarian dishes in the city. 

Book Now: Stockholm Vegetarian, Vegan, and Raw Food Tour

Switch off at Junibacken while the kids go nuts!

The magical fairy tale world of Astrid Lindgren comes alive at Junibacken on the island of Djurgården. Whilst you fika, the kids can immerse themselves in what is essentially a massive dolls house.

As well as showcasing well-loved Swedish children’s books through playful exhibits. The story train is central to the play centre. It’s a short ride that the kids found enchanting and the adults quite morbid. My girls love the stories of Pippi Longstocking, so were totally bowled over to see her world come alive.

There is also a great restaurant with lovely views across the waters, which is where you’ll find all the grateful adults hanging out.

Be wowed by the epic architecture

Some of the buildings in Stockholm date back to the 13th century or even earlier. Its historic buildings in the Old Town have been conserved largely due to Sweden’s neutrality in World War II.

Teeming with architectural treasures my eyes were alight with some of the most picturesque city scenery.

The Royal Palace, Tessin Palace, The Royal Dramatic Theatre, and the Riddarholmen church were my personal faves.

Book Now: Stockholm: Instagram Tour

Get a City Pass For Your Stockholm Weekend Break

There’s no denying Stockholm isn’t the cheapest place in the world to visit, but believe me it’s so worth it. Something which will help you on your travels and city break is the Stockholm Pass. 

It’s valid for 24, 48, 72, or 120 hours from the first time you use it. You can visit some of the city’s amazing museums and attractions, experience certain boat tours and have unlimited travel on the Hop On-Hop Off buses and boats. On a three-day pass, you can look at saving 1000 SEK (around £100), so worth it.

Book Now: Stockholm Pass

Stockholm Short Breaks With Kids?

Travelling with two kids I was also impressed with the family-friendly attitude of the city. It’s almost as if the city is built for them there is so much to do! Most of the sights and attractions are designed with kids in mind and nearly all are free for those under 18s. Across Sweden pram ramps are common, most shopping centres have nursing rooms and buses are also free for those with strollers. 

A Footnote On Stockholm City Breaks

If you’re seeking a weekend break, Stockholm is the place to be. The city boasts a charming atmosphere and offers plenty for visitors to enjoy. From exploring the Old Town to tasting the local cuisine, this wonderful destination is a must for anyone visiting Sweden. 

Have you ever had city breaks in Stockholm? If not, is it somewhere you would consider visiting with your family? For more great short-trip destinations, check out this guide on Ghent city breaks. 

Disclosure: The Stockholm Passes were complimentary via Visit Stockholm. However, all views, opinions and photos, unless otherwise stated are my own and remain a trademark of the Curious Pixie. This post contains affiliate links whereby I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. Thanks as always for your support! See my disclosure policy here.

PIN FOR LATER

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that earn me a small commission but come at no extra cost to you. Thanks as always for your support! See my disclosure policy here.