Stockholm trips and vacations

On your vacation to Stockholm, use the ferry service to spend a day exploring a handful of the 30,000 islands of the Stockholm Archipelago. Start at Stora Fjaderholmen for independent shops and brewpubs. Hop over to Vaxholm for the 16th-century fortress, then venture to Grinda for a walk, and maybe a swim, followed by a slice of Grinda loaf in a water-facing cafe.

Fika is more than just a local pastime, it’s an art form. The practice of slowing down over coffee, this Swedish ritual is easy to master on your trip to Stockholm. Head to Drop Coffee in stylish Sodermalm for some of the best roasts or indulge with ‘kanelbullar’ (cinnamon buns) at Vete-Katten, a fika hotspot since 1928.

Perched on an island in the middle of the city, 13th-century Gamla Stan (Old Town) is all cobblestone lanes, colored houses and inviting cafes. Attractions here include the Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral and the Nobel Museum. Need a breather from your sightseeing checklist? The area’s charming restaurant-lined squares offer coffee breaks aplenty.

Stockholm’s answer to Brooklyn, hipster Sodermalm (or Soder) is where you’ll find the city’s creatives in craft breweries, vintage boutiques and bohemian cafes. By day, head to Fjallgatan and Monteliusvagen for panoramic city views then ask locals for recs on the best nightlife spots after dark. With fewer crowds than nearby Gamla Stan, it’s one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Stockholm.

Good for: Vintage shops, craft beer, city views

Rub elbows with Stockholm’s glitterati in upscale Östermalm. Known for its fine dining scene, luxury boutiques and exclusive bars, it’s the best area to stay in Stockholm for a taste of the city’s high life. It’s not all style over substance, though. See a massive collection of Viking Age artifacts at the Historiska Museet or picnic in Humlegarden when the weather is fine.

Good for: Luxury shopping, fine dining, upscale clubs

Norrmalm is the city’s commercial center, packed with shops, restaurants and parks. The architecture here isn’t the most historic, but its many art galleries and museums make it one of the best areas to stay in Stockholm. Stop by the massive two-level Hotorgshallen food market for a pick-me-up after exploring the Royal Swedish Opera, the Dance Museum and the Nationalmuseum.

Good for: Nature, museums, family fun

Bringing little ones along on your vacation? You’ll find heaps of things to do with family in Stockholm. Meet furry friends at Skansen Zoo and play along with Pippi Longstocking at Junibacken, devoted to Swedish children’s literature. Spring and summer brings the rides (and views) of Grona Lund amusement park, located right on Djurgarden’s waterfront.

Shopping in Stockholm doesn’t just mean IKEA. The Swedish capital is teeming with markets, vintage boutiques and minimalist hubs. Looking for luxury? Head to the Nordiska Kompaniet shopping mall and window shop the high-end boutiques along Biblioteksgatan, known as the fashion district. If you’re bargain hunting during your vacation to Stockholm, visit the Hotorget Flea Market on a Sunday.

The green oasis of Djurgarden has some of Stockholm’s best museums and cultural attractions. Check out a 17th-century ship at the Vasa Museum and see Sweden through the ages at Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum. If music is more your tempo, sing your heart out at ABBA The Museum.

With microbreweries, innovative cocktail bars and lively clubs, the nightlife in Stockholm offers plenty to sing and ‘skol’ (toast) about. Head to Sodermalm for craft beer and a laid-back vibe or Stureplan for big clubs (with equally big price tags) and dance floors. The 24-hour trains on Friday and Saturday make your after-hours commute a cinch.

Michelin-star cuisine, ‘New Nordic’ pop-ups, and farm-to-table fare are all part of the sustainable food revolution in the Swedish capital. Go to Vasastan to sample what’s going on in some of the best restaurants in Stockholm. Due to its student population, Midsommarkransen has budget-friendly bites, while Gamla Stan has Den Gyldene Freden, one of the oldest restaurants in the world.

A smorgasbord of free things to do in Stockholm awaits. Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace, check out the apple orchards, vineyards and flowers in Rosendals Garden and learn about the Old Town with a free walking tour (just be sure to book in advance). There’s free admission to several museums too, the City Museum and the National Sports Museum included.