If you’re looking for the perfect weekend escape, look no further than Stockholm; the stunning capital of Sweden and the largest city in Scandanavia. I have amazing memories of spending time in this city. Stockholm had always been high on my bucket list. So when Sweden won Eurovision in 2015, I took the plunge and booked my first trip to the city. From this visit, my love affair for all things Swedish was born. With several visits under my belt now, I’ve created this guide to spending the perfect 2 days in Stockholm.
Stockholm is spread across 14 islands, which means the city has developed close relationship with the sea. There is a rich history of Baltic trade and maritime exploration. The city was once epicentre of the Swedish Empire and the Swedes ruled the waves of the Baltic sea.
Today the city of Sweden leads the world in very different ways but Stockholm is still the epicentre for all things Scandi. Music, tourism and design are the city’s main exports now. Sweden’s progressive stance on everything from environment to work-life balance is envied across the globe and Stockholm is the perfect place to immerse yourself in this forward thinking culture. I felt instantly at home among Stockholm’s locals who are very friendly and interested to hear what brought you to their beautiful city.
So what are you waiting for? An escape to Sweden awaits! Here’s how to spend the perfect two days in Stockholm
2 Days in Stockholm – Your Weekend Itinerary
Being completely honest, I’m not sure two days in Stockholm is enough. There are so many great things to see and do. Plus there’s a limit to how much food you can eat in two days – how will you be able to try all of Stockholm’s amazing restaurants in so short a time.
So I’m definitely an advocate for spending longer here when possible and even making a return visit (I have returned several times). That being said, 2 days or a weekend in Stockholm is enough time to dip your toe in the water and see most of the city’s sights.
The following itinerary for two days in Stockholm has been created with first time visitors in mind. Use this to create your own itinerary to make the most of your time in this awesome city.
I’ve grouped the sights together by location to make easier for you to walk between locations, but you can visit them in any order you like.
Day 1 – Historic Stockholm
Gamla Stan – Stockholm’s Old Town
Start your 2 days in Stockholm by exploring the Gamla Stan, which is Swedish for ‘Old Town’. This is the oldest part of Stockholm, so expect plenty of narrow streets, cobbles stones and colourful, historic buildings in this neighbourhood.
Many of these houses once belonged to Sweden’s most wealthy merchants. Today most of the buildings play host to small shops, selling everything from souvenirs to chic Swedish design. You’ll find some great cafes and restaurants hidden int he narrow streets, so it’s a great place for grabbing a coffee and pastry (the Swedes call this Fika and take it very seriously).
Stortoget is the grand public square at the centre of Gamla Stan. The square is best known for it’s iconic colourful buildings, restaurants in the summer and Christmas markets in the winter.
Don’t forget to take a walk around the edges of Gamla Stan. The neighbourhood is on a small island and, being at the centre of the city, you get some great views of the other Stockholm neighbourhoods from here.
Stockholm Royal Palace
If you have extra time, or you’re looking for an indoor activity on Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, head towards Stockholm’s Royal Palace. This is the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family. It’s a huge building and has over 1400 rooms. It’s essentially 3 museums within one ticket, each with a different entrance which can be a little confusing.
The Three Crowns museum tells the history of the Royal Palace, going back to the 13th century. It’s gives a great overview of the original castle which burnt to the ground in 1697.
The Royal Apartments are a series of sprawling, palatial rooms which are used for state functions. These chambers are brimming with resplendent decorations fit for a King and offer an amazing glimpse into the lives of royalty. The throne room is particularly majestic. Join one of the organised tours if you can as there’s a lot to see and not many signs to tell you what you’re looking at.
Don’t forget to take a look around the final museum which is the Treasury. It’s the smallest of the three museums and tucked away in the palace basement. Here you can see the Swedish Crown jewels, many of which are still used in ceremonies today.
With only 2 days in Stockholm, I’d be tempted to give the Royal Palace a miss, but it’s great for longer itineraries or if the weather is bad during your trip. You’ll need a couple of hours to look around all three museums.
Kungstradgarden
From the Royal Palace, head north across the Strombron Bridge to have a walk around the Kungstradgarden. This park used to be a private garden attached to Stockholm Palace. Kungstradgarden translates to the “Kings Garden”. The walls of the garden were demolished in the 1800s so the park is now open to the public.
The Kungstradgarden is now a popular meeting place for locals and a focal point for events in Stockholm, especially at weekends. The cafes which line the park are perfectly located for a relaxing coffee whilst watching the world pass by. In spring the park comes to life as the cherry trees blossom and transform into clouds of pink.
Strandvagen
Once you’ve explored the Kungstradgarden and the surrounding areas, it’s time to head towards Djurgarden. This is Stockholm’s museum district. Strandvagen is the waterside boulevard which will take you right up the Djurgarden, while skirting along the edge of Ostermalm. Historically the Strandvagen was a very prestigious area. You can see this today in the elaborately designed buildings which are home to foreign embassies and expensive hotels.
Even if you decide not to visit the museums on Djurgarden, this is a great place to walk. The waterside offers great views over the city. In the summer months, the jetties here become floating bars and if the weather is good this is a great spot for afternoon refreshments. In the winter, this section of water freezes over completely. This part of town looks amazing in the snow!
Day 1 – Djurgarden – Stockholm’s Museum District
In the west of Stockholm is Djurgarden. Very few people live on this island as it’s full of museums, historical buildings and monuments. You could easily spend more than your 2 days in Stockholm in this area, hopping between the various museums. My top recommendations for museums on Djurgarden are below, but you will likely find that you’ll need more than a 2 day itinerary for this area! So it will take some top notch prioritisation here if you only have a weekend in Stockholm.
Vasa Museet – Top Recommendation for Stockholm
I can’t recommend a visit to the Vasa Museet highly enough and should be a priority for your 2 days in Stockholm.
What is it? The Vasa is a Swedish Warship which sank in 1628, around 25 minutes after it launched. Vasa rested at the bottom of the sea for over 300 years before returning to the surface in the 1960s. Today the majesty of the Vasa has been restored to it’s formed glory. This museum tells the fascinating tale of life onboard, as well as a look at how the ship was salvaged and reassembled. You can also see the skeletons of the people who died when the Vasa sank.
The museum is quite rightly one of the most popular attractions in Stockholm.
You’ll need a couple of hours to see everything inside the museum. There are regular guided tours so be sure you join one of these if you can.
ABBA Museum – Perfect for Music Fans!
I was in my element inside the ABBA museum and it’s another top pick amonst the museums in Djurgarden. The museum is packed with interactive features which tell the story of ABBA, Sweden’s biggest musical export. Through the exhibit I followed their journey, from their humble beginnings as folk singers to becoming Eurovision winners and global superstars.
Through the interactive elements you can completely immerse yourself in the ABBA experience, recreating iconic album covers and joining a holographic version of the band on stage. Look out for the self-playing piano. It’s linked to Benny’s home piano so will tinkle when he is playing. There’s also a telephone which only the members of ABBA have the number to. So if it rings, answer it quickly!
There’s also a section dedicated to their flamboyant outfits and there are stacks of platinum records on display.
Skansen
Another extremely popular attraction is Skansen, the world’s oldest open air museum which also doubles as a zoo. Visitors flock here to experience life in Sweden before the industrial revolution. Skansen is over 130 years old and still attracts huge numbers of visitors to witness traditional Swedish life. The Christmas markets in Skansen are particularly popular with both tourists and locals.
You can easily spend a whole day inside Skansen, so if you only have 2 days in Stockholm, so this might be a good option for a return visit. Make sure to book plenty of time for this on your next trip to the city.
Day 2 – Modern Stockholm
Exploring Norrmalm
Today is all about modern Stockholm – and Sweden is a very progressive country so there’s plenty to see here. The itinerary for this day will focus on Norrmalm, which is the neighbourhood north of Gamla Stan. Another option, which isn’t covered in this post, is Sodermalm, one of Stockholm’s hipster neighbourhoods. As we’ve only got two days in Stockholm you may need to focus on exploring one of these areas rather than both.
Starting on Drottninggatan
Drottninggatan and the surrounding areas are the epicentre of life in Stockholm.
I’d suggest starting your day at the bottom of Drottninggatan, at the bridge to Gamla Stan, and gradually moving north; exploring the surrounding streets as you go. You’ll spot a lot of familiar brands in this area, but look closer and you’ll find the independent stores and Swedish brands too.
Sergels Torg
Sergels Torg is one of Stockholm’s largest public squares. You will pass the square when exploring Drottninggatan. There’s not much to see here other than a sunken plaza and a glass fountain, and most of the square is taken up by traffic. That being said, it’s a popular meeting place and Swedes will come here to demonstrate or celebrate a sporting victory.
Hotorget Area
Hotorget is a great corner of the city and a great addition to your 2 days in Stockholm. It’s a short walk from the Drotninggatan and very easy to access.
Hotorget Flea Market
Style and sustainability is a high priority for people in Stockholm who will spend hours looking for the perfect items for their homes. Many swedes prefer second hand items too as they are better for the environment. Hotorget Flea market is a great spot for second hand shopping. You will need to be in Stockholm at the weekend at to catch this as the Flea Market tends to be on a Sunday. There’s a fruit and vegetable market on other days.
Whilst the flea market is open, Hotorget fills with fresh produce, antiques, second hand books and vintage vinyl records. You’ll spot the locals browsing the market looking for antiques for their homes. They are very particular though so you’re more likely to see them browsing than buying. This is all part and parcel of Sweden’s lagom mindset where less means more and finding the perfect item is a priority.
Make sure your two days in Stockholm include a Sunday if you’d like to see the flea market in action.
Hotorgshallen Food Market
Hotorgshallen sits quietly in a corner of Hotorget and can be easy to miss. But that would be a mistake, because inside is one of Stockholm’s most popular food markets. The food is to die for. Inside the food hall, you will find foods from across the globe as well as a healthy selection of local produce. Amongst the food stalls are a number of casual restaurants. Grab a bite to eat whilst watching the locals browsing the market.
Given Stockholm’s close relationship with the sea, you’ll usually find plenty of fish on offer here. There are fishmongers, as well as restaurants serving fresh seafood.
Whatever you food preferences, be sure you add this to your weekend in Stockholm.
Mood Stockholm
If Swedish designers created shopping malls, they would would probably look like Mood Stockholm. It’s a quirky cluster of small shops and boutiques seperated by effortlessly stylish Swedish interiors. These stores sell almost everything but the fashion and interior design stores are particularly good.
It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for food. The variety is amazing. Head to 18|19 where you can sample the best pizza in Stockholm (2nd in Sweden). Alternatively dine in Boqueria, a dining experience designed around open plan foodhalls where your food is prepared before your eyes.
EAT Market offers excellent pan-Asian cuisine including ramen, sushi, sashimi and poke balls. Grab a seat by the kitchen and watch the chefs preparing your food while you wait. I left feeling very full. The food was amazing!
Where to stay in Stockholm?
Please note that I am an affiliate of Expedia and I will make a small commission on any bookings made through these links.
You’ve got 2 days in Stockholm so location is priority. Lengthy transfers to accommodation will only eat into your time. These are my top picks for accommodation in central Stockholm and will keep your transport time to a minimum.
Scandic Klara
Scandic Hotels are one of the biggest hotel chains in Scandinavia – so you’ll be in safe hands for your weekend in Stockholm. I couldn’t fault this hotel on price or location. It’s very close to Drotninggatan and Hotorget. It’s also less than 10 minutes walk from Stockholm Central train station and connections to airport. As well as a great location the price was very good (hotels can get pretty expensive in Sweden). There’s also a sauna at this hotel.
Grand Hotel
If you’ve got cash to burn and looking for a splurge, look no further than the Grand Hotel. With stunning waterside views towards the Royal Palace, this is the hotel of choice for international celebrities and world leaders.
Sheraton Stockholm
Lower in price but well located, the Sheraton Stockholm is a 3 minute walk into the Gamla Stan. It’s also a short walk from Central Station. Being part of an american chain however, some of the Swedish design quirks have been lost but your guaranteed a comfortable stay.
Scandic Grand Central
Another Scandic hotel, this one a New York inspired hotel with a generous helping of Swedish design. This hotel offers everything from windowless cabins to full suites so there is a room for all budgets. The hotel is close the Arlanda Express terminal which makes it super easy getting into the city from the airport by train, plus you don’t have to worry about carrying your luggage too far.
Generator Stockholm
Although I don’t often stay in hostels, I have stayed at the Generator in Copenhagen and was very pleased with the room. Generator offer private rooms in addition to dorm style accommodation which is great if you’re looking for a low budget and some privacy. The rooms here are clean and affordable. The hostel is located a little further away from the city centre than the hotels above but the prices are also much lower. If you’re travelling on a budget, the Generator chain is a no-brainer.
Shopping in Stockholm?
This is a great city for shopping and I’d recommend taking a look at the shops while you are here. But remember that Sweden is an expensive country and that you might spend more than when shopping elsewhere. Fortunately some of Sweden’s biggest brands are also available elsewhere in the world (H&M, Ikea, Happy Socks), so feel free to skip these stores and focus your time on the lesser known brands.
NK and Ahlens City are Stockholm’s biggest department stores. With all of your shopping options under a single roof, they’re a great option for escaping poor weather. They’re also a short walk from one another. NK is worth visiting in it’s own right. The shop’s Art Nouveau interiors are stunning!
Stock up on Byredo candles. This luxury candle and perfume company was founded in Stockholm in 2006. Visit the flagship store on Master Samuelsgatan to see the full range of products offering luxury with simple, high quality ingredients. The staff are very helpful and can support if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. You can also pick up Byredo products in department stores and at the airport.
Be inspired by Swedish design. Sweden is famous across the world for home designs. It might be tempting to visit Ikea, but you’ll find it very similar to the IKEAs at home. Instead hunt for the smaller independent stores. Designtorget is a favourite of mine with a store close to Sergels Torg.
Thank You For Reading “A Weekend in Stockhom”
So you now having everything you need for the perfect 2 days in Stockholm. I hope you enjoy visiting this city as much as I do. There are affiliate links in this post. This means that I recieve a small commission when you purchase an item or book a hotel room from my links. You are NOT charged any extra for this.
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