A Weekend in Stockholm

A cultural note

No trip to Sweden’s capital would be complete without diving into a little history. Historiska and/or Nordiska will get you caught up on everything that’s happened since the Viking Age. A few steps from the latter you’ll find Vasa Museum, a must-visit in Stockholm. How often will you see a shipwreck inside of a building anyway?

For a museum experience of the modern world the incredible exhibits at Fotografiska always capture the current zeitgeist. I recommend breakfast, lunch or an afternoon fika (Swedish for coffee and cake break) at the expansive café, which boasts panoramic city views. 

Fun times can be had at Grona Lund, a typical amusement park that also features a killer summer 2022 concert lineup including The Pixies, Dua Lipa, Ziggy Marley and many more.

Shopping

One can find many big and small name shops in the area between Birger Jarlsgatan and Norrlandsgatan. I quite like the stroll along Biblioteksgatan and popping inside boutiques.

Nightlife

Geronimo's FGT (yes, that stands for exactly what you think it does) is located under Stampen, a rather historically significant jazz bar in Gamla Stan. Stay upstairs for quality live bands or head downstairs if you fancy Mexican cuisine served with DJ sets.

Espresso House: More or less Sweden’s Starbucks and they have (in my humble opinion) the best chocolate balls.

Fabrique (various locations): Serving delicious breads and healthy on-the-go snacks.

Gast Cafe: If you want to get off the beaten path this is a lovely spot on Rådmansgatan.

Il caffe: A local coffee shop that many Swedes like to stop by for their daily caffeine fix. 

The Veranda at the Grand Hotel: Perfect if you’re looking for a Sunday brunch buffet.

Urban Deli: A local hipster restaurant perfect to come to for brunch and linger in the food shop afterwards.

Sally Voltaire & Systrar: When shopping downtown take a lunch break here and load up on fresh, organic fare. 

Mälarpaviljongen: If visiting in spring or summer, a reservation here is a must. Condé Nast Traveler crowned it one of the ”Best Neighborhood Restaurants in the World,” after all.