How to Spend a Weekend in Stockholm

Stockholm is a great town for Christmas markets, which start here in November and run through December 23. Many of them are one- or two-day pop-up events. The most traditional Christmas market in Stockholm takes place in the colorful Old Town. This market offers crafts, ceramics, art, caramels, and mulled wine to put you firmly in the holiday spirit.

The Stockholm Subway system calls itself the world's longest art exhibit. Under Stockholm, you’ll find 110 kilometers of art-covered walls. Each station has its own character, with murals and statues to beautify daily commutes. So forget Uber and be sure to get around by subway.

When you come up from underground, hit the water. Take a boat tour of the Stockholm Archipelago. You have multiple boat tour options in Stockholm, from private yacht to commuter ferries. The boat tours are a great way to take in some fresh air and sail past Stockholm’s many idyllic islands.

The most Instagrammable views of Stockholm are to be had from an area called Monteliusvagen. From this elevated point, you get a bird’s-eye view of the picturesque Gamla Stan neighborhood. Weather permitting, it’s also a nice place for a picnic.

The prettiest little patch of green in central Stockholm is Berzelii Park. Right next to it, you’ll find the historic and opulent Berns Hotel. Be sure to go inside to gaze at this gorgeous building and enjoy a cocktail. (The hotel opened in 1863 and now doubles as a nightclub and concert venue!)

Much like Copenhagen, Stockholm is a great city for home furniture and décor shopping. Some favorite design shops include Designtorget, Afro Art (imported African textiles in brilliant colors and prints), Asplund, and Design House Stockholm. A street called Drottninggatan is Stockholm’s main shopping thoroughfare and you’ll find both independently owned design shops and international chains here.

When you’re done taking pictures all over this photogenic town, go visit Fotografiska, a world-class photography museum that explores the art form and its history.

You gotta have meatballs when you’re in Sweden, and Meatballs for the People is the place for meatball variety—including moose and vegetarian options!

Traditional Swedish food also includes seafood like herring and smoked salmon. A great place to experience seafood dishes is Restaurant Tradition in Gamla Stan.

The Swedes are very big on sandwiches, and the best place to experience a proper Swedish sandwich is Dubbla Deli. Stop here for a grab-and-go lunch.

I don’t know how or why this happened, but they really know what to do with a potato in this part of the world. In Sweden, potato dishes to try include roasted Hasselbackspotatis, potato salad, and potatispuré (mashed potatoes). Your best bet to experience some fine Swedish potato-craft is Restaurang Hasselbacken.