We may receive a commission if you make purchases through affiliate links (at no extra cost to you). Read why our approach to travel is different.
The city which gave us ABBA, Alfred Nobel and the most prominent climate activist of the 21st century, Sweden’s coastal capital has always been ahead of the times. A wonderous mismatch of the old and the new, Stockholm is city break heaven.
Comprising 14 islands stretching out into the chilly waters of the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is a city of contrasts. Centuries old palaces are dwarfed by swanky skyscrapers, green powered ferries whisk you to visit Viking longships and Scandinavian sophistication blends seamlessly into global culture at every turn.
Although you can tick off Stockholm’s top attractions in one day, a weekend in Stockholm is the perfect amount of time to get beneath the city’s surface. You’ll have the chance to explore it’s finest museums, savor the best of Swedish cuisine and enjoy some of the best views any European capital has to offer.
Skip to...
When to Visit Stockholm
There’s never a bad time to visit Stockholm. Whether you arrive during in time for the long summer nights or chilly winter’s days, Stockholm is a city for all seasons. With a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities, this is a city to be enjoyed no matter the weather.
Summer is the warmest season, with temperatures averaging 20-25°C (68-77°F), and peak time for tourists. Given it’s northerly latitude, at the height of summer, you can expect 18 hours of daylight when darkness never truly falls.
Whilst summer is ideal for island hopping through Stockholm Archipelago, there’s something even more special about visiting in winter. It isn’t warm, that’s for sure, but compared to much of Scandinavia, Stockholm is comparatively tropical. Average temperatures never fall below -1°C (30°F) and a covering of snow does nothing except make the cityscape look even more stunning than it always does.
Getting to Stockholm
By land
Ideally positioned as a stepping stone between Scandinavia and Northern Europe, spending a weekend in Stockholm as part of a longer trip is a great idea. Combine Stockholm with Copenhagen, Helsinki and Oslo before heading across to the Baltics or northern Germany.
Ferries provided a relaxing connection between the Swedish capital, Helsinki, Tallinn and Turku. Alternatively, you can reach Stockholm by train from Berlin, Copenhagen and Oslo as well as all major cities across Sweden.
By air
Most travelers will arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN). Sweden’s biggest and busiest airport, it sees daily flights from across Scandinavia and Europe, along with several connections to North America, the Middle East and Asia. The Arlanda Express links Arlanda with central Stockholm. It’s not cheap, but the 18-minute journey time justifies the price tag. Slower, but more affordable, regional trains and express buses are also available.
Smaller Stockholm Skavsta (NYO) and Vasteras Airport (VST) are the city’s low-cost hubs. Served from destinations across Europe, it’s worth noting that they’re some distance from the city center. The only direct links are by coach, which take around 90 minutes.
Where to Stay in Stockholm
To maximise your time during a weekend in Stockholm, we recommend picking a hotel in the city center or Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town. Like the rest of Scandinavia, cheap hotels are few and far between, so it’s worth booking as far in advance as possible to take advantage of the best rates.
City Center
Sweden’s economic hub, central Stockholm is surprisingly laid back. With endless dining options, great transport connections and the best hotel bargains, the city center is an ideal base for your weekend in Stockholm.
Our top pick here is Hobo Hotel. A stone’s throw from the old town, Hobo’s rooftop terrace commands some of the best views in the city. In true Scandi-style, the rooms are minimalistic, but that doesn’t mean they’re lacking in modern comforts.
For a budget-friendly base for your weekend in Stockholm, look no further than Crystal Palace Hotel. The location is quiet, but the city’s best restaurants and museums are all within walking distance. For a little more luxury, Lilla Radmannen is one of Stockholm’s top modern boutiques.
Gamla Stan
Dating back to the 13th century, Stockholm’s picture-perfect old town occupies the island of Stadsholmen. With regal palaces galore and the Nobel Prize Museum on the doorstep, Gamla Stan is a history lover’s dream.
Our unequivocal favorite here has to be the Castle House Inn. A short walk from Stortorget, the old town’s main square, and within spitting distance of the Djurgarden ferry, this chocolate box hotel is one of the best located in Stockholm.
Finding a budget hotel in Gamla Stan is a little like searching for a hen’s tooth, but Hotell Skeppsbron is one exception. The rooms, whilst on the small side, are traditionally furnished, warm and inviting; the location is unbeatable. Old Town Stay Hotel is another great choice. True to its location, it retains its traditional charm without skimping on the modern conveniences.
Ultimate Weekend in Stockholm Itinerary
Day One
Morning – Regal Stockholm
Sweden is a country which takes coffee seriously, so kick off your weekend in Stockholm with a fresh brew from RC Café och Patisserie. Their coffee is amazing, although it’s hot chocolate they’re famous for. Whichever you settle on, don’t leave without sampling an extra-flaky, freshly baked Danish pastry.
Fuelled for a day of exploring, head for the waterfront and amble across Norrbro, an 18th century stone arch bridge to Gamla Stan. A wander through the cobbled passageways and grand squares of the old town is a highlight of any weekend in Stockholm.
Travel tip: To make the most of your morning in Gamla Stan, I love this walking tour with a local Stockholm resident. They’ll regale you with tales of Stockholm’s history whilst you soak up the atmosphere of its oldest district.
Although several bridges connect the mainland with Gamla Stan, Norrbro puts you right by the next stop on our weekend in Stockholm itinerary. The Royal Palace, completed in 1760, is still the official residence of the Swedish royal family.
The palace is open to visitors on guided tours only. As a working palace, opening hours vary and some areas, such as the Royal Apartments, may be closed during state visits and royal receptions. Check the latest opening times and book tickets in advance.
Having ticked off one of the most important buildings in Gamla Stan, head to its main square: Stortorget. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it’s flanked by historic buildings. The most impressive, the Stock Exchange Building, built in 1778 is now home to the Nobel Prize Museum. Open daily, it pays homage to Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel and the laureates awarded his prestigious prizes. I always recommend booking in advance to save time upon arrival.
Afternoon – All Things Swedish
Before leaving Gamla Stan, pause at Restaurant Tradition for the first taste of Swedish cooking on this weekend in Stockholm. The décor is deceptively modern, but the menu is as traditional as it gets. Their meatballs, with lingonberries and a cream sauce, are the star of the show. For something a little less heavy, go for their kroppkakor, classic Swedish pork dumplings with butter and lingonberries on the side.
Lunch complete, cross back to the mainland by way of Norrbro or the newer Strombron to get a view of the Royal Swedish Opera. The next stop on this weekend in Stockholm itinerary is the Nationalmuseum. Established in 1792, the museum holds the largest collection of fine art in the country. From Rembrandt to Johan Christian Dahl, over 500,000 pieces are on display, dating from the Middle Ages up to the early 20th century.
Evening – Life on the Water
Stockholm, with its 14 islands, is a city made by the sea. The best way to see, and understand it, is from the water. This evening, hop aboard a sightseeing cruise of the city’s waterways before dining at Goteborg (the restaurant, not the city). The menu offers a modern take on traditional Swedish fayre, with a focus on seafood, which is hardly a surprise given the stunning location overlooking the Sickla Canal.
As a slightly quirky alternative, propel yourself through the water on a canoe safari. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers, seals, ospreys and eagles before mooring on one of Stockholm’s islands for a waterside BBQ.
Day Two
Morning – Pop Culture
Berlin may be famous for Museum Island, but Stockholm has it’s own offering, and I’d go as far as to argue that it’s even better. Depending on where you’re staying, you can reach Djurgarden by road bridge or ferry. If you’ve booked one of our recommended hotels, taking the ferry to Allmanna Grand is the quickest option.
Kick off day two of your weekend Stockholm at Djurgarden’s most famous attraction: ABBA The Museum. Chronicling the rise to fame and worldwide success of Sweden’s most famous pop group, it tells the tale of Benny, Bjorn, Frida and Agnetha from long before Waterloo made them a household name. A highlight for 2025 showcases the group’s recent revival.
Travel tip: ABBA The Museum is one of the most visited attractions in Stockholm. It pays to book your entry slot in advance.
Visiting ABBA The Museum first is both a good idea and a bad one. Good because it’s, by a long way, the best museum in Stockholm and bad because it’s, by a long way, the best museum in Stockholm. You could quite easily find you’ve used up all that remains of your weekend in Stockholm when you finally walk out the door.
Afternoon – Stockholm’s Norse Heritage
If you haven’t, the next museum on your hit list should be the Viking Museum. Stockholm was one of the main trading cities in Sweden during the Viking era, thanks mainly to it’s coastal location. The museum holds a massive collection of Viking ships dating back to the 9th century, along with an array of artefacts uncovered in burial mounds.
Round off the afternoon of the final day of your weekend in Stockholm at Skansen. The oldest open-air museum in the world, Skansen is a homage to the Sweden of yesteryear. Walk through acres of landscaped gardens, designed to showcase the changes in Swedish horticulture across four centuries and explore homes and farmsteads dating back as far as the 14th century.
Highlights include Kryddboden, a reconstructed grocer’s shop, gold and silversmith workshops and street musicians. Skansen is also home to Stockholm’s zoo (including moose!), an aquarium and the Baltic Sea Science Center. Skansen is open daily and hours change with the seasons. It’s best to book your tickets in advance as this place gets busy, and is worth noting that the museum is cashless throughout.
Evening
For a memorable ending to your weekend in Stockholm, head to old-world Sturehof for dinner. One of the city’s most iconic restaurants, Sturehof serve traditional Swedish fayre fused with modern French influence. Their grilled anglerfish and fish au gratin are a seafood lover’s dream, and the steaks are sumptuous. The vegetarian menu is slightly limited, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality; the spinach and cheese pie is phenomenal.
Round off your evening at another Stockholm icon – the Icebar. You’ll be handed gloves and an ice cape on arrival, so don’t worry about the -5°C (23°F) temperatures. It feels far warmer than it looks, especially once you’ve got a drunk in your hand.
Share This Article
Traveling soon? Subscribe to The Insight below and get exclusive access to our personalized travel advice community via WhatsApp so you can ask all your burning travel questions.
Looking for the best comprehensive travel insurance? SafetyWing has you covered.
And for your eSIM in every country, there is only one option we recommend: Airalo.
Read more of our best insights from around the world
- The Ultimate Dublin 2 Day Itinerary for 2025
- Ultimate Weekend in Stockholm Itinerary for 2025
- 10 Day Cambodia Itinerary: Temples, Islands and Hidden Gems
- Traditional Bolivian Foods: 10 Typical Dishes You Must Try
- One Day in Bologna: Italy’s Most Underrated City
- 5 Best Restaurants in Kathmandu: A Local’s Guide
