How to Spend a Weekend in Stockholm

Stockholm is one of Europe’s most exciting destinations and a prime spot for history and arts and culture lovers. Even if you only have a weekend in Stockholm to take it all in, take a look at this travel itinerary with ideas for spending 2 or 3 days in Stockholm and how to see all the best the city has to offer.

Friday Evening

When you arrive on Friday, you’ll have 72 hours in Stockholm. Have dinner at Adam/Albin, a high-end restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and a rotating menu of seasonal ingredients. You could also try Tennstopet, a historic space serving dishes like steamed cod with poached egg. Tennstopet is close to one of Stockholm’s nightlife areas, Odenplan, so you can head out for drinks after.

One of the best places to take in Stockholm’s nightlife is Hell’s Kitchen, a Roman renaissance-inspired nightclub with polished service. The nightclub has table service and eclectic decor as well as drink offerings that elevate the city’s nightlife scene.

If you’re eager to see the sights of the city, many of the museums stay open late for exhibits and events. You could spend some time in places like Bonniers Konsthall, the Army Museum, the Medieval Museum, and the Nobel Prize Museum after dark and take your time enjoying them without a crowd.

Saturday Morning

On Saturday morning, you’ll have 48 hours remaining in Stockholm. Start with breakfast at Oaxen Slip, a bistro-style restaurant with a terrace by the canal and a range of seafood and vegetarian breakfast fare. For a unique dining experience, try S/S Stockholm, a ship with breakfast and brunch sailing tours where you can eat while you see the city’s famous landmarks.

After eating, visit the Royal Palace and museums to take a tour of the opulent interior and see historic artifacts of the Swedish monarchy. You could also see Stockholm City Hall, a national romantic building with stunning architecture, or Skansen, an open-air museum with farmsteads and a zoo that reflect the region’s agricultural past.

For lunch, stop by Green Rabbit for baked goods and a wide selection of sandwiches that range from classic to unique. You’ll also like Siggesta Gård, a farm restaurant with homegrown foods and fresh, hearty dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

Saturday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, take a few hours to explore Drottningholm Palace, a 17th-century royal castle with vast formal gardens. The palace is the private residence of the Swedish royal family and hosts visitor tours. For a quirkier experience, visit ABBA the Museum to see artifacts and memorabilia of the beloved musical group.

On Saturday night in Stockholm, you can experience the best of the city’s nightlife. Start with dinner at Lilla Ego, a unique restaurant with a casual atmosphere and inspired dishes like matjes herring, algae-pickled ling, and fallow deer. For drinks, visit Grus Grus for European wines and delicious small plates using Mediterranean flavors and local produce.

After dinner, visit Surefcompagniet, a large club that’s legendary in Europe. It features 4 halls and 2 levels surrounding an atrium with different bars and dance floors for different musical genres. You might also like Café Opera, a historic venue with a stylish atmosphere and frequent parties and events.

Sunday Morning

On Sunday morning in Stockholm, you’ll have 24 hours left for sightseeing. Have breakfast while overlooking Gamla Stan at Fåfängen. The charming breakfast spot has classic dishes like eggs benedict and smoked salmon. Nybrogatan 38 is a fashionable restaurant with cozy seating and unusual delicacies that you may enjoy.

If you’re bringing the kids, Gröna Lund is the perfect place to give them some fun. The amusement park has an array of fun games and rides for little ones. You could also take them to Junibacken, a children’s literature fun park and theater with kid-friendly events and activities.

For more adult-focused sightseeing, visit the Moderna Museet to see its extensive 20th-century art collection, or explore the Nordiska Museet to learn about Swedish cultural history.

For lunch, visit Hotel Rival’s restaurant for a wide selection of fruits, meats, breads, and breakfast baked goods. You could also visit Broms Karlaplan, a bistro with international cuisine and dishes like tuna tacos and mango and avocado salads.

Sunday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, head underground to see the subterranean art gallery. Nearly 100 subway stations make up the long art gallery with vibrant paintings, sculptures, and mosaics that follow different themes and movements. Be sure to bring your camera for Solna Centrum on the blue line, which has a dramatic art installation depicting the gates of hell. All you need to do to see the gallery is to purchase a metro ticket.

On Sunday night in Stockholm, get your night started with dinner at Agrikultur, a locally focused restaurant with foods that have been foraged, raised, fermented, handpicked, or brewed. There’s also Babette, a restaurant with creative small dishes for sharing and a high-end wine list.

For a classy night out, visit Riche, a chic club designed after the Parisian Café Riche. The bar is modern and functional, but it reflects the decor of Paris in the 1930s with modern artwork. It’s a relaxing scene with fine wines and food, as well as a range of cocktails.

Ready for the perfect weekend getaway?

Now that you have a weekend itinerary for an exciting trip to Stockholm, it’s time to start planning your adventure. Discover other itineraries for Stockholm and take a look at deals on Stockholm vacations on Expedia to save on your trip!