72 Hours in Stockholm
Words by
Claudia Watson
21st January 2026
72 hours in Stockholm reveals a city rich in culture, history and style. From the winding cobbled streets of Gamla Stan to the vast archipelago on which the city is built, every corner offers a view, a story and an experience to be had. Whether you’re seeking a slow weekend of Scandinavian luxury or a deep dive into the city’s rich identity, our guide will set you up for a long weekend you’ll never forget.
One of the suites at Villa Dagmar.
Situated in the upscale neighbourhood of Östermalm, Villa Dagmar is a boutique hotel offering sophisticated luxury and culinary excellence. Its interiors balance traditional Scandinavian minimalism with modern charm, making for a relaxing and lavish stay. Guests of Villa Dagmar can enjoy the hotel’s Spirit and Retreat wellness centre, fitness suite, and restaurant, with its menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Niclas Jönsson. Just next door, guests will find one of the world’s top ten food markets, Östermalms Saluhall, home to fresh produce, gourmet dishes and the finest Swedish delicacies. Also within walking distance are an abundance of boutiques and premium stores, which the area is famed for.
Day 1
Take a stroll through Östermalm.
Begin the day with short stroll through charming Östermalm and over to Stora Bageriet, the home of what is rumoured to be the best bullar (buns) in all of Stockholm. And that’s quite the statement. You’ve not had a proper bun until you’ve been to Sweden. Whether you want to hit the ground running and grab one of their pastries to go or would prefer a slower start with one of their in-house breakfasts, Stora Bagieret is the perfect place to begin your trip.
Stockholm's Royal Palace.
Stockholm’s metro system is often referred to as the world’s longest art exhibition, with its 100 stations each boasting unique grandeur and flair. A fifteen-minute ride on Line 14 from your local metro station, Östermalmstorg, will have you in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historical heart. Here you’ll find a labyrinth of winding, medieval streets, peppered with Swedish gift shops, art galleries and cosy restaurants. For those who favour royalty over retail, Gama Stan is also the home of Kunglita Slottet, Sweden’s Royal Palace. Though the King and Queen call nearby Drottninghold Palace home, Kunglita Slottet is their official residence. Visitors can enjoy guided or self-led tours of The Royal Apartments, The Hall of State, the Treasury, the Royal Armoury and the medieval Tre Konor Museum, to name a few.
Traditional Swedish meatballs.
For lunch, visit Gyldenefreden, a traditional Swedish restaurant tucked away on one of Gamla Stan’s quieter streets. Enjoy classic dishes such as Swedish meatballs with lingonberry, pickled herring with fennel and wild boar sausages.
The Vasa Museum in winter.
Let your lunch settle with a scenic walk around Stockholm’s ström, a beautiful curving bay cradled by Gamla and Blasieholmen, which also leads you to your next destination, the Vasa Museum. When you enter the museum, centuries will fall away as you behold the breathtakingly well-preserved Vasa, a warship which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Learn about the ship’s architecture, hear the stories of those who perished along with it, and gain an unparalleled insight into 17th-century Swedish life.
The Vasa Ship. ©Anneli Karlsson, the Vasa Museum/SMTM.
In the evening, make the fifteen-minute walk from Villa Dagmar and enjoy dinner surrounded by candles, hanging foliage and earthy interiors. Restaurant Hantverket takes inspiration from Swedish home cooking and prides itself on making everything from scratch. Head Chef Stefan Ekengren and his team blend fine cuisine with skilled craftsmanship, making for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Day 2
Day two begins with minimalist interiors and maximum indulgence with a breakfast at Gast Café. Enjoy avocado on Danish rye, eggs Benedict with spicy hollandaise or pancakes with blood orange mascarpone - to name just a few of their delicious dishes - as you prepare for a morning out on Stockholm’s archipelago.
Stockholm by water.
A city at one with the water, the best way to see Stockholm is from the waves. A private cruise with Effortless will have you sailing past world-famous landmarks and marvelling at the city’s picturesque islands. With an experienced captain on hand to share their knowledge and insight, you’ll see Stockholm in all its glory.
After a morning on the water, a seafood lunch is in order. Set just back from the ström, Restaurant B.A.R. delivers fresh, seasonal seafood from its family-run and award-winning kitchen. Patrons can choose items from the menu, or get creative, with the restaurant encouraging guests to approach their fish tank and design their own plates all the way down to flavouring and preparation.
Infra-red sauna, a signature treatment at HEAT.
A trip to the spa is always good for the soul, and Sophia’s Lea’s inner-city sanctuary, HEAT, is the place to go for a full body reset after a busy morning. Her studio offers an abundance of rejuvenating treatments, including compression therapy, an infra-red sauna, ice baths, lymphatic drainage, and tissue sculpting massages – the perfect spot for those looking to explore the world of Scandinavian wellness.
Make the most of your time at Villa Dagmar by enjoying a meal in their highly acclaimed restaurant, overseen by renowned Chef Håkan Carlsson. The menu fuses Nordic and Mediterranean-inspired dishes alongside a carefully curated drinks menu to pair. For dessert, enjoy a slice of grand entertainment with a trip to the Royal Swedish Opera House. Originally founded by King Gustav III in 1773, the Opera House hosts performances of timeless classics, modern interpretations and world-class ballet and orchestral productions.
Day 3
Delicious cardamom buns can be bought from Svedjan Bager.
On your last day in Stockholm, it is only right that you begin with breakfast overlooking the best view in the city. Take the metro to Zinkensdamm, home to the highly renowned and award-winning Svedjan Bageri. With a cardamom bun in one hand and a rich coffee in the other, make the five-minute walk up to Skinnarviksberget, and enjoy your breakfast at the highest natural viewpoint in all of Stockholm.
Panoramic views of Skinnarviksberget.
After taking in the panoramic scenery, walk down the vibrant and bohemian district of Södermalm to explore its vintage shops, designer boutiques and array of art galleries. It is widely considered the coolest neighbourhood in the city and visitors should look out for designer sample sales, which often pop up.
For lunch, step foot into one of the city’s most dynamic and acclaimed bistros, Woodstockholm. With a themed menu that changes every two months, dishes are organic, innovative, and a delight to eat. The cosy, rustic interiors make for a calm and elegant vibe, in keeping with Stockholm’s signature sophistication.
On your final afternoon in the city, immerse yourself in Sweden’s art and design with a visit to the National Museum. Wander through the world’s largest collection of miniature paintings, admire ancient figures of mythology in The Sculpture Courtyard, and marvel at the exhibition halls housing centuries worth of decadent art, all set in a chronological timeline spanning the entire museum.
The food at Frantzén.
End your trip with an opulent meal at the crown jewel in Stockholm’s culinary scene, Frantzén. The restaurant is the only three Michelin-starred restaurant in the country and ranks within the top 50 restaurants in the world. Guests will enjoy a fixed tasting menu, created using the highest quality ingredients and drawing upon Nordic and Japanese flavours. The setting is intimate and exclusive. Simply put, there is nowhere more luxurious to end your weekend in the heart of Scandinavia.
