Stockholm: A Guide to the Charming Capital of Sweden

Spend a day getting lost walking through the city. The city is very walkable, so wear your comfy shoes and tour the city by foot. I recommend using a map of the city to find streets and landmarks.

Take a day trip to Sigtuna or Uppsala. I took a day trip to Sigtuna (via the subway and bus system) and it was well worth it. It's a cute Swedish town that just happens to be the oldest in the country. It features beautiful view of Lake Mälaren with church rune stones and old stone buildings from the early 1000s (yes, 1000s!) It’s a nice way to see Sweden about an hour outside Stockholm.

Catch the changing of the guard at the royal palace in Gamla Stan. You can visit the museum if you have time and want to learn more about the royal family, but the changing of the guard is a free way to experience the Swedish military parade at the royal armory. It’s definitely worth making time for.

Check out the Vasa Museum. Sweden's unsuccessful warship, The Vasa, spectacularly failed its maiden voyage, but was rescued from underwater and is very well preserved. You can get a glance of it up-close and see just how large it is. There’s a history of the ship, a short film, and plenty of exhibits. You can see the ship from several different angles. It's a very cool experience.

Visit the spa at Centralbadet in Drottninggatan. This is a relaxing way to enjoy the Nordic sauna/spa culture. There are hot and cold plunge pools, steam rooms, healing saunas, red light therapy, and a heated pool upstairs to lazily float or swim laps. The locker rooms are gender specific, but everything else is mixed company.

Experience a Stockholm sunset. I would recommend taking the time to walk up to either Skinnarviksberget or Monteliusvägen for incredible sunset views and panoramic views of Stockholm. Be aware that Skinnarviksberget is more of a hike to get to, and be careful in the winter—trails can be icy.

Visit Djurgarden, Stockholm's national park. This island is stunning and filled with activities. You can stroll around the island, visit a museum like the Nordic Museum or the open-air Skansen museum, grab food, and more. Gröna Lund, an amusement park that has fun events and carnival rides, is also on the island. You can’t miss it—there’s a beautiful gate that welcomes you.

Take an archipelago boat tour. There is no shortage of islands to visit in the Swedish Archipelago, and a boat tour can help you see them. You can plan day trips or half-day trips, or go for as long as you’d like. Vaxholm is one of the most popular, but head down to the Stromkäjen and Nybroplan docks (by the waterfront near Djurgarden) and you can pick the right island for the adventure you want.

Meatballs for the People: THE spot for Swedish meatballs. Located in Södermalm, the menu features a variety of different types of meatballs—moose, bear, reindeer, or less exotic types like chicken, pork, or beef. You will most certainly have to wait, but you won’t be disappointed you did.

Mister French: A luxury French dining experience that is well worth the splurge. Art Deco decor and incredible food make this the perfect spot for a date night or your special last-evening-in-Stockholm dinner.

Ekstedt: A Michelin-starred restaurant highlighting Nordic cuisine with a twist—all of the food is cooked over an open flame, with no electricity! It was a three-hour, multi-course experience with food and wine so good, it was unreal. I cannot recommend this enough.

The Hairy Pig: A pub-style restaurant in Gamla Stan where you can get classic Swedish cuisine that focuses on meats and tapas-style plates. Come hungry for sure—you’ll want to try a lot.

Portofino: A traditional Italian restaurant in the heart of Gamla Stan that serves traditional Italian-style dishes with a romantic atmosphere. I highly recommend the fettuccine Portofino with a glass of sauvignon blanc.

Lucy’s Flower Shop: An adorable speakeasy in an old flower shop (hidden behind an iron door—make sure to take the stairs down) with delicious cocktails and an easy ambiance. One of my favorite speakeasies.

Le Hibou: Located on top of the bank hotel, this spot has beautiful decor and an open balcony offering gorgeous views of the city. It's a great place to grab pre-dinner drinks so you can see the city lights go from day to night.

Fotografiska Cafe: A great spot for fika (Swedish coffee break) with beautiful views of Djurgarden and Stockholm. The coffee and sweets are good, and, if you have time, the museum is also worth a tour.

Cafe Pascal: An Instagram-worthy cafe in Sodermalm that has some of the most delicious coffee I’ve ever had and cinnamon buns I still dream about.