Your Guide to Stockholm—Where to Eat, Stay, and Shop in this Vibrant City

Consider this part two of our travel guide to the Nordic region. After a few weeks of traveling (and eating and drinking) CopenhagenI boarded the train to Stockholm and set off for another week of exploring, which was part of my solo trip this year. I fell in love with the Swedish capital instantly – strolling the cobblestone streets and being amazed at all the attractions around me. Lucky for you, I have compiled it all into this Stockholm city guide.

Despite being similar in many ways, Stockholm also felt very different from Copenhagen. The city was full of beautiful sights, great food, and amazing museums. I spent five days in Stockholm, and it was the perfect amount of time for a quiet long weekend. The Stockholm city guide below is based on my trip — which a local friend helped me curate — so you know it’s packed with goodness. If you’re visiting Sweden, consider this your go-to itinerary for a few days in Stockholm.

Your guide to the city of Stockholm

I have organized this itinerary by type of place and things to do for an extra-long weekend. I would recommend grouping places by neighborhood and what you find most interesting!

From countless amazing food joints to beautiful neighborhoods perfect for shopping and exploring, and gorgeous museums, this city has something for everyone.

What to know about a trip to Stockholm

When to visit

I was in Stockholm during the off-season, and many of my days were very cold and drizzly. Although I still had a good time and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere of the city, many people have commented on how beautiful Stockholm is in the summer. (So beautiful that it’s probably best to avoid the crowds – but that’s up to you to decide.)

how to get around

Stockholm has an extensive metro system that can get you to most places. However, I had to walk or take a bus almost everywhere. It was convenient and easy to navigate. Be sure to download and use SL App for your ticket.

Where to Stay: Stockholm Hotels

I spent my five days in Stockholm at the Hotel Ruth. The hotel was cute and just north of the city center. They have the best breakfast buffet every morning – perfect for longer stays. A local friend of mine also recommended the Sparrow Hotel, which is closer to the city center, if you like location.

Hotel Ruth // Surbrunnsgatan 38, Stockholm, Sweden 11348 | Website , Instagram

Sparrow Hotel // Birger Jarlsgatan 24, 114 34 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

Best Coffee Shop

There are many great places to get coffee in the city. Drop Coffee was my favorite, but keep in mind that many of the shops are small and not great for sitting in with a laptop. So head there for a coffee in the morning when you’re visiting.

Drop Coffee // Volmar Yxkullsgatan 10, Stockholm, Sweden 118 50 | Website , Instagram

Johan and Nystrom // Swedenborgsgatan 7, 118 48 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

Ferns and Fika // Långholmsgatan 11, 117 33 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

Best Bakery

It’s true, cardamom buns and semla are a must-try in Stockholm. There are plenty of bakeries to choose from, whether for a morning coffee or an afternoon fika experience. These are some of my favorites from my trip.

Krummel // Multiple Locations | Website , Instagram

Fabric // Multiple Locations | Website , Instagram

Lillebrors Bageri // Rörstrandsgatan 10, 113 40 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

Best Cafe

I loved all the cafes I visited, and you can’t help but pass by a cute place to eat something sweet. Whichever area you’re visiting, you’ll have plenty of cafes to choose from.

Cafe Pom and Flora // Multiple Locations | Website , Instagram

Banacado // Tegnergatan 6, 113 58 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

Gast // Rådmansgatan 57, 113 60 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

a la lo // Birger Jarlsgatan 77, 113 56 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

Cafe Pascal // Norrtullsgatan 4, 113 29 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

Best Restaurants

The food in Stockholm was amazing, and I am still dreaming about many of the meals I ate there. One of my favorite discoveries were all the lovely wine bars. Enjoying a glass and a delicious dish? Just like a dream.

Adam/Albin // Rådmansgatan 16, Stockholm, Sweden 11425 | Website , Instagram

Grus Grus // Karlbergsvägen 14, 113 27 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

Pandit // Tegnergatan 4, 113 58 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

Savoj // Roslagsgatan 43, 113 54 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

Deglabet // Upplandsgatan 9b, 111 23 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

Tige and Cecil // Brahegatan 4, 114 37 Stockholm, Sweden | Website , Instagram

things to do in stockholm

The city is what you make it. Whether you like to visit museums, shop, or just wander around different neighborhoods, there is something for everyone.

Check out the view from here Ivar Lowes Park,

Vasa Museum // Galarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden | Website

National Museum // Södra Bläsieholmshamnen 2, 111 48 Stockholm, Sweden | Website

Photography // Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 116 45 Stockholm, Sweden | Website

Walk around and shop Södermalm (often abbreviated as Söder), a vibrant neighbourhood south of the city centre.

Visit the city’s old town and palace Pot stain,