Stockholm – the capital of Sweden – has a sweet combo of historic charm and modern cool. Spread across 14 islands connected by bridges, it packs in stunning architecture, vibrant culture and unreal natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie or an outdoorsy type, Stockholm has something for everyone. Here’s what I got up to on my five-day city break to help you make the most of your visit…
Day 1 – arrival and first impressions
Our big Stockholm adventure started when we arrived at Arlanda Airport. We jumped on the Arlanda Express, a high-speed train that gets you to Stockholm Central Station in just 20 minutes. From there, it was a short walk to Freys, a cosy and convenient hotel right in the heart of the city. We checked in, then headed straight out to explore the local foodie scene. We started with a quick bite at MAX Burgers, a popular Swedish fast-food chain – nothing hits the spot after a flight like a burger and chips.
Then, we went for a stroll in the area around our hotel to get our bearing and soak up the city’s energy. We wanted to start our trip strong, so got ready for a night out at La Barra, a tapas bar that puts on events from 11.30pm. We went to one called Ladies Night Out, which had great cocktails, good music and immaculate vibes.
Day 2 – cultural sights and old-town charm
After a big night, we started the next morning with a much-needed, hearty breakfast at the hotel. We had a bit of an explore the day before, but it was time to get a proper look at Stockholm’s cultural scene. Our first stop was Fotografiska, a world-famous photography museum housed in a former industrial building. The panoramic art gallery is filled with loads of moving and impressive exhibitions, as well as having some seriously stunning views of the city.
Next, we went for a wander through Gamla Stan – AKA Stockholm’s Old Town. With its cobblestone streets, colourful buildings and historic landmarks like the Royal Palace, this area is a must-visit. Don’t miss the charming shops and cafés tucked down its narrow alleys. Another district worth heading to is
Södermalm, known for its vintage shops, arty boutiques and hipster aesthetic. We deffo worked up an appetite, so stopped for a late lunch at Mormors Dumplings, a cute spot that serves delish Asian dumplings with a Scandinavian twist.
We were recharged and ready to go out out all over again, so we decided to see more of what Stockholm’s nightlife has to offer. We started with cocktails at Cane Rum Society, a stylish Caribbean-themed bar with an impressive selection of rum-based drinks. After the warm up, we headed to Under Bron for a dance. This edgy club’s under a bridge, so you already know the vibes were there.
Day 3 – natural hike and a traditional dinner
Another morning, another big brekkie at the hotel. We made sure to fill up from the buffet as we were setting off for a nature hiking tour out of the city. It was the perf way to see Stockholm’s wilder side, with trails that take you through lush forests, past serene lakes and scenic viewpoints. We had a local guide who kept us on track and gave us lots of fascinating info, plus, we made lunch over a campfire which made us official explorers.
When we got back to the hotel, we took some time to chill and get ready for a big meal at Prinsen. This classic restaurant’s known for its traditional Swedish cuisine, AKA our dream dinner after we’d been out hiking in the forest in January. We tried lots of specialities like meatballs, herring and gravlax. We decided to take it easy after dinner, so we jumped on Voi scooters – a similar story to Lime Bikes – and zoomed back through the lit-up streets back to the hotel.
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Day 4 – sweet things and shopping
We stuck with a small breakfast on day four, as we were heading out on a Stockholm Food Tour to sample some of the city’s best treats. Our faves were Sweets by Camila for pastries, Komet for artisanal bread and Mahalo for healthy smoothie bowls. If you’re on the matcha hype like me, Matcha Ya is your go-to for matcha-infused drinks and desserts.
We needed to walk off our pastry coma, so we spent the afternoon strolling through the Domkyrkodistrikt area. This part of Stockholm is a shopper’s paradise – whether you’re just window shopping or here to splash the cash, you can browse stores like COS, Axel Ariosto, Zara and Ahlens. This is where you’ll find the iconic NK Shopping mall, with everything from high-end fashion to Scandinavian design.
We were about ready to eat again, so we headed to Asian Post Office, a trending pan-Asian restaurant we’d seen all over our socials. The concept is small plates, which is ideal because we wanted to try everything – honestly, we didn’t have a bad dish here.
We were flying home the next morning, so it was straight back to the hotel to pack and get ready to check out. I was sad to be leaving, but you best believe I’ll be coming back to find even more foodie spots… See ya next time, Stockholm!
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If @hadleyogarro’s trip sounds like a bit of you, have a look at our Stockholm holidays and you can find all their picks on our Insiders Hub.
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Author: @hadleyogarro
Last updated: 28/05/2025
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