With stunning architecture, brilliant shopping and knockout nightlife, Stockholm is perfect for a long weekend break. The areas you want to explore – Östermalm, Södermalm and everything in between – are super close to each other, so you can stroll around swigging coffee, exploring the city and tucking into plenty of cinnamon buns on the way.
The main tourists sites are all lovely and as you would expect, busy. My favourite was the Museum of Modern Art. It’s a wonderful walk across the bridge from Östermalm, a swanky neighbourhood full of brash brands and plenty of killer restaurants, to the little island where you’ll find the museum. You get spectacular views of the Royal Palace and mellow pastel coloured buildings that line the shores of Gamla Stan Island on the way. The museum has a really interesting free exhibition that has an incredible selection of pieces from different contemporary artists. For a more authentic take on the city, it’s worth getting lost in the boho-chic neighbourhood of Södermalm. I loved this part of Stockholm with its independent clothes shops, heavenly homeware stores, bustling bars and cracking little restaurants. Here are my favourite places to eat, drink and be merry across the city.
Prinsen
With crisp linen covered tables, wood paneled walls, an eclectic art collection and a menu of mouth water Swedish classics; I rather loved the well-heeled vibe of this swish Stockholm institution. It reminded me in some way of The Ivy in London, which can only ever be a good thing. Choose from generous plates of meatballs with tart lingonberries or veal wallenbergare, a sort of light veal burger. It’s full on food and they have a cracking wine list.
Eataly
Located in an old cinema on Biblioteksgatan – one of the main shopping streets in Stockholm where you can take your pick of fancy brands like J.Lindeberg and Aesop – this epic dining destination is perfect for a quick lunch on the go. The main room has been beautifully restored, retaining the original theatre balcony, stunning vaulted ceiling and two magnificent chandeliers. Choose from pizza, pasta, seafood or sarnies, and grab a glass of bubbles whilst your there. It would be rude not to.
Tak
Straddling two buildings in the city centre, this sprawling roof top bar is excellent for a few afternoon drinks. Whizz up in the lift and enjoy some of the best views of the city from either side of the bar, a funky tech-house soundtrack and a very hipster crowd.
Sempre Espresso Bar
This cool café is a great place to have a quick espresso mid-shop – it’s minutes from Mood department store and the bustling boutiques that line Biblioteksgatan Street. It’s got Italian flare written all over it, so swap out your second espresso for an Aperol Spritz and make sure you try one of their pistachio cannolis. They are utterly divine.
Robin Delselius
When the fabulous Rachel Khoo recommends a coffee shop you know it’s going to be good – If you haven’t already seen her new book The Little Swedish Kitchen, defiantly check it out. Well, this cute café is the perfect spot for fika – Swedish coffee o’clock, where you need to settle down for a chat with a mug of coffee and a cinnamon bun. I do what I’m told.
Urban Deli
This decadent diner has it all; a lovely grocery store, restaurant and bar. Settle in for brunch and enjoy plates of smoked salmon and poached eggs, pulled brisket with home made baked beans and their insane vegan burger. Get yourself a Mimosa or spicy bloody Mary and dust off the cobwebs from the night before. It’s so chilled out and a great place to settle in for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon.
Saluhall
This roaring food hall has found a temporary home just around the corner from the original site, which is getting a facelift after 130 years of trading. It’s packed with different restaurants from Middle Eastern food at Beirut Cafe to sensational seafood at Lisa Elmqvist. It’s buzzing from dust till dawn, so there’s plenty of time to get well acquainted with it.
Woodstockholm
What started out as a Scandi-cool furniture shop has grown into a slick little brasserie that’s open in the evening for dinner. The minimalist interiors are as paired back as the food, which is all made with incredible seasonal produce. The autumn menu looked like roasted cauliflower with shaved truffle, pan-fried cod with chanterelles and reindeer tartar. A feast from the north or what?
