STOCKHOLM
GENERAL INFO:
Weather: lows in 50’s, highs in 70’s
Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)
Tipping: gratuity is often included, if not 5-10% is the general rule
Transportation: walk, bike, metro, uber
SEE + DO
Museums
Royal Palace of Stockholm (Kungahuset)
With more than 600 rooms, the Stockholm Royal Palace is one of the biggest in the world still used by a head of state: King Carl XVI Gustav. The Baroque palace houses the Royal Apartments, the Hall of State, the Apartments of the Orders of Chivalry, the Treasury, the Tre Kronor Museum, the Armoury and the fascinating Museum of Antiquities of Gustav III. The entrance fee includes a forty-five-minute guided tour.
Spritmuseum
The Museum of Spirits is dedicated to Sweden's complicated history with alcohol, mediated over the years by the state-run monopoly System Bolaget. Housed in two 18th century naval buildings, the museum overs the history, manufacture and consumption of all kinds of booze, holiday traditions, drinking songs, and food pairings. In addition to your ticket you can purchase a tasting kit to be sampled at specified points.
Vasa Museet
A true must-see, the Vasa Museet features the warship Vasa that sank 1628 and lay underwater for 333 years until salvaged and eventually displayed in the museum. Tip; start with the documentary in the small cinema.
Boat + Walking Tours
German Church, Gamla Stan
In 1565 the city council gave the German Guild Hall to the Finnish community, who enlarged and transformed it into a church, which they shared with the Germans until 1601 when the Finns were told to leave and the building took on the name of the German Church. The rich decoration dates from this period - not in particular the ebony pulpit and the splendid royal tribune designed by Tessin the Elder, himself a member of the parish.
Stockholm Archipelago
My top pick: a ferry trip out to the archipelago. The half-day trip is absolutely worth it for the stunning views and traditional lunch spots. Everyone has their favorite islands: Utö, Finnhamn and Sandhamn are always a good choice. If you end up visiting Värmdö, Artipelag, a modern art museum, is a must. The space opened on donation from BabyBjörn founders Björn and Lillemor Jakobson, and blends well into the pine tree-laden island. If you, be sure to check out the design shop, restaurants, exhibition gallery, and surrounding nature trails.
Skansen
Skansen is essentially a walking tour of historic manor houses and town houses from all over Sweden, in an elegant royal-park setting. Towards the end of the 19th century, scholar and folklorist Artur Hazelius rescued 150 outstanding traditional houses and placed them here among gardens and allées. Of special note: Skogaholm Manor, built in 1680, has superb Gustavian interiors with decorative pale gray paneled walls.
EAT + DRINK
Breakfast + Coffee
Breakfast: Broms Karlapan
Part restaurant, part deli, Broms offers a mix of Swedish dishes and international dishes in a seated setting or to-go. If you’re looking for a If the place is too crowded, Nytorget 6 is a great alternative.
Breakfast: Chokladkoppen
Chokladkoppen is a hole-in-the-wall cafe right in the old town’s main square. Go for the atmosphere - the terrace out from calls for prime people watching, and the tiny interior with low-beamed ceilings, yellow walls and edgy artwork is great for a rainy day.
Fika: Frabique
Do as the Swedes and enjoy a Fika - essentially a social coffee break - at one of the city’s favorite outposts. Fabrique is one - a chain of wood-fired bakeries (Söder location is the best). Tip: try a kardemummabullar, a more modern, cardamom-spiced, buttery version of a cinnamon bun. If you don’t find yourself near Frabrique, Tössebageriet is a great alternative.
Lunch
Garden:
Rosendals Trädgård
Rosendals Trädgård: part garden, part nursery, part cafe. Stop for a light, farm-to-table style lunch or fika at the cafe, located in one of the greenhouse buildings.
Lunch: The Flying Elk
For a fun, casual lunch, grab a table at gastropub Flying Elk, sister to michelin-starred Frantzén. The restaurant pulls some menu items from Frantzén, but serves them in a more approachable manner and simpler setting. While there, indulge in craft beers or follow lunch with a cocktail at the restaurant’s bar. If you’re not feeling too hungry, you can try some of the restaurant’s smaller dishes (paired with wine) next door at Gaston Wine Bar.
On the water: Mälarpaviljongen
If you don’t do the boat cruise, Mälarpaviljongen is a must of a sunny day. The waterside café (with a floating bar) is perfect for a meal and a good bottle of wine.
Dinner
Casual Nordic: Oaxen Slip
Recently relocated to Djurgården, in the heart of the town, Oaxen Slip is wonderful for a casual nordic dinner (or brunch), more laid back than sister restaurant Oaxen Krog. The restaurant is housed in an old boathouse, with window walls for great views.
Local: PA & Co
On a charming corner in Ostermalm, PA & Co is routinely packed with a friendly mix of local artists and writers as well as in-the-know visitors. The restaurant serves bistro classics like fried goat cheese salad and reportedly has one of the best bacon cheeseburgers in the city. Also excellent for brunch. Note: reservations are not accepted.
Omakase: Sushi Sho
Since opening in 2014, one-Michelin-starred Sushi Sho is a must-visit for sushi lovers visiting Stockholm. The omakase menu features local fish, like Swedish tuna and mackerel, among others.
Cocktails
Wine Bar: Gaston
For a later afternoon / early evening snack, Gaston Wine Bar is the place to go. Order bar snacks and small plates (all from next door neighbor Flying Elk) and have a sommelier guide you through a pairing.
Cocktails: Pharmarium
Located on the main square in Gamla Stan, Pharmarium creates high-end cocktails in a pharmacy-inspired space. Cocktails feature Swedish elements like licorice, cloudberry jam and birch and moss smoke in its concoctions, which can be paired with seasonal dishes for a full meal.
Post-Dinner Drinks: Morfar Ginko
If you want a (light) taste of Stockholm nightlife, Morfar Ginko is worth checking out. The industrial-chic bar and restaurant draws a hip crowd that comes to play Ping-Pong and dance to DJ sets.