Stockholm: Pride, History & Archipelago Adventures

Villa Dagmar is your home base for this trip. It’s a boutique hotel in the heart of Östermalm, just steps from Stockholm’s most prestigious shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks. Fun fact: The cozy hotel is connected to a food hall, which offers a variety of culinary experiences under one roof, from casual bites to gourmet meals. The rooms are individually designed, blending Scandinavian elegance with modern comforts.

Start your mornings with a delicious breakfast, where the cardamom rolls are a must-try, a sweet, spiced Swedish classic. So good! For ultimate relaxation, book a private sauna appointment at the hotel’s Dagmar Spirit & Retreat, where holistic health and beauty treatments await.

Check in at Villa Dagmar and explore the area around the hotel. Especially during Pride week, head to Slakthusområdet, Stockholm’s answer to New York’s Meatpacking District. Once a bustling meat market, this area has transformed into the city’s hottest entertainment and nightlife hub. By day, enjoy unique experiences like Stockholm Roast for artisanal coffee or SkyView, a panoramic elevator offering sweeping views of southern Stockholm. Toast your arrival with drinks as you take in the vibrant atmosphere.

Enjoy dinner at Solen, a wonderful restaurant by Michelin-starred Swedish duo Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman. The menu draws inspiration from sunnier parts of the world, like the Mediterranean and South America, with fire playing a central role—many dishes are roasted, grilled, or smoked over open flames. The restaurant’s centerpiece is a large fire pit, adding warmth and drama to the dining experience.

Afterwards, return to your hotel to rest up for the adventures ahead.

Start your day with breakfast in bed or downstairs for the full spread at the hotel, then head to the Royal Palace. The Palace is the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden and boasts over 600 rooms, including the Hall of State with Queen Kristina’s silver throne. The queer-focused tour that runs year-round highlights the LGBTQ+ history of the Swedish monarchy, including Queen Kristina’s rumored relationships and the modern representation in shows like The Young Royals.

Then, join a guided walking tour of Gamla Stan (Old Town), where narrow streets and historic buildings tell the story of Stockholm’s 13th-century origins. Stop for fika (a Swedish coffee-and-cake break) at Chokladkoppen, the first business in Stockholm to proudly fly the rainbow flag back in 1997. Try their famous hot chocolate or a classic cinnamon bun as you soak in the atmosphere of this LGBTQ+ landmark.

Then, walk to Södermalm, Stockholm’s trendiest neighborhood. Known as the “Brooklyn of Stockholm,” this area is packed with dive bars, concept eateries, vintage shops, and street art. For lunch, head to Hellstens Glashus. This restaurant is set in a stunning glass building with floor-to-ceiling windows and a unique seven-meter glass facade. The menu features modern Swedish cuisine, and the exposed bedrock floor adds a touch of natural drama to the dining experience.

Then, visit the infamous lesbian “sisters” statue and see the locations where Stieg Larsson set his Millennium Trilogy, including The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Don’t miss the SoFo district, home to cult stores like Sneakersnstuff and Beyond Retro.

End the day with a cocktail at Tjoget, one of the world’s best bars. Try their signature Piccadilly Circus, a riff on a Negroni with tomato water and roasted coconut. Bartender’s kiss.

After breakfast, make your way to ABBA The Museum. Step into the world of one of Sweden’s most iconic pop groups, where you can sing karaoke in Polar Studios, dance in an ABBA music video, and even try on their legendary costumes.

After, take a short walk to the Vasa Museum, home to the world’s only intact 17th-century warship. The Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged over 300 years later, offering a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s maritime history.

Later, take the ferry to Skeppsholmen Island for lunch at Hotel Skeppsholmen. This LGBTQ+-owned and -operated hotel—affiliated with Design Hotels—is a peaceful retreat in the middle of Stockholm, with a historic building dating back to 1699. The waterfront restaurant serves modern, eco-friendly cuisine with stunning views of the harbor. The meatballs are a must-try!

In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Haga Gustav III Pavilion, a neoclassical retreat commissioned by King Gustav III in the late 18th century. The pavilion’s beautifully preserved interiors and tranquil parkland surroundings make it one of Stockholm’s most captivating historical gems.

In the evening, check out The Hills, a brasserie and bar in the lively neighborhood of Götgatsbacken, Södermalm. The menu features French food with Scandinavian influences, and the wine list includes organic selections from around the world.

End the night with gay nightlife at Secret Garden or Sidetrack, two of Stockholm’s most iconic LGBTQ+ bars.

Today is all about Stockholm Pride, one of the world’s most inclusive and vibrant celebrations.

Make your way to Cafe Klotet for a Pride brunch. This cultural hub offers rustic, heartwarming dishes and an impressive wine selection. I opted for the schnitzel and a Bloody Mary, and it was the perfect combo. The atmosphere is as creative as the menu, making it the perfect spot to fuel up before the festivities.

Then, watch or join the Pride Parade just downstairs. The parade route ends at Skeppsbron, near Cafe Klotet, but you can join earlier to march alongside participants. At the end, everyone is welcome to actually join the parade and walk with it. So much fun!

For dinner, head to Meno Male, a cozy Italian restaurant in Stockholm known for its authentic Neapolitan pizza. The wood-fired pizzas here are outstanding, with classics like margherita and creative toppings that highlight seasonal ingredients. The intimate atmosphere and warm service make it a perfect spot for a relaxed yet delicious meal.

Later in the evening, head to one of the many Pride parties to dance your little hearts out.

Today is all about escaping Stockholm and immersing yourself in the Stockholm Archipelago (and curing any Pride party-related aches and pains with the fresh air over the water).

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the boat pier on Strandvägen, then board your private yacht for a day of adventure. The archipelago is a world of 30,000 islands, offering stunning nature, local food, and exciting activities.

First, meet Lina by the Bay on Ingarö Island, where she’ll teach you how to bake Swedish cinnamon buns over an open fire. Ingarö is known for its peaceful forests, rocky shores, and sparkling coastal waters—a perfect escape from the city.

Next, travel to Idöborg, a privately owned island with cozy cottages, a beachside restaurant (Strandbaren), and activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. Here, you can partake in a Swedish sauna and swim ritual, a quintessential Scandinavian experience, after you enjoy a fabulous lunch at the restaurant.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Nacka and head to Hotel J, an oasis between Stockholm and the archipelago. The hotel offers Scandinavian design, wellness activities, and stunning views of the city’s harbor entrance. There, enjoy a farewell dinner with a sampler of a traditional Swedish crayfish party (kräftskiva). This summertime celebration includes novelty paper hats, lanterns, and bibs, along with aquavit and traditional drinking songs (snapsvisa).
Then, soak in Stockholm by night one last time on your drive back to the hotel.