Looking for a European short break, with scenic views, great dining and culture too? A Stockholm short break has all this and more! Here’s our curated trip to the Scandi-chic city. For our complete, curated trip for a Stockholm short break, including an itinerary with links to hotels, restaurants and activities, see the full website page here.
Stay
Villa Dagmar sits in Östermalm, one of Stockholm’s most elegant neighbourhoods. It is the ideal place to stay for a weekend in Stockholm. You’re just around the corner from the famous Östermalms food hall, a five-minute walk to the waterfront and near plenty of independent shops and galleries. It’s a great base: central enough to walk most places, but with a quiet, sophisticated feel.

Dine
Down by the water in Hornstull, Slipen (below left and middle) is set in a converted ship repair workshop with big windows and an natutical feel. It was the first dinner we had during our weekend in Stockholm, having read about it in several magazines. It has concrete floors, exposed beams and a boat hanging from the celing. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and modern Swedish cooking, with lots of fish, pickles and local produce. The vibe is relaxed and local. It’s casual but well put-together.
Part of the Grand Hôtel and created by celebrated Swedish chef Mathias Dahlgren, Matbaren is a modern bistro with a Michelin star (below right). It strikes a nice balance between top-level cooking and a relaxed, open atmosphere. The space is smart but unfussy, with bar-style seating and an open kitchen that brings you right into the action. Dishes come as small plates, so you can try a few different things. The food is modern Nordic with global touches: clever, seasonal and beautifully made.

Do
Östermalms Foodhall is a classic lunch spot (below left), just opposite Villa Dagmar. Inside a beautiful red-brick hall, you’ll find a mix of long-standing stalls selling fresh seafood, charcuterie, bread, cakes and prepared dishes. It’s a good mix of tradition and new ideas, and there’s seating dotted throughout where you can stop for something simple and fresh. Lisa Elmqvist does great fish and shellfish. Or grab a quick open sandwich and a cinnamon bun if you’re pressed for time.
There are plenty of museums to keep you busy during a long weekend in Stockholm. One that is definitely worth a visit is the Vasa Museum. This is home to a 17th-century warship that sank on its first voyage and was recovered almost fully intact over 300 years later (below centre). The ship itself is huge and incredibly well-preserved, and the museum wraps around it so you can get a full sense of the scale. The story of how it was built, sank, and eventually raised is fascinating.
Södermalm sits just south of the city centre and has a more laid-back, creative feel than some of the more polished parts of town (below right). You can easily bike here from central Stockholm. There are plenty of cycle paths and the ride over the bridges gives you some great views. Once you’re in Södermalm, Nytorget is a good spot to head for. This small square in one of Stockholm’s most relaxed and likeable neighbourhood spots. It’s surrounded by cafés, vintage shops, bakeries and bars. The vibe is easy-going and creative.

Drink
The rooftop at the Bank Hotel, known as Le Hibou, is one of the best places in Stockholm for a drink with a view. It’s a smart, comfortable space with big glass doors that open out onto a terrace overlooking the city’s rooftops. You can settle in for a cocktail or a glass of wine and watch the light change over the buildings. It’s a relaxed, grown-up spot with just the right amount of buzz.

A Stockholm short break is the perfect Scandi-chic getaway. You get great food, good design and lots to do in a beautiful city set on the water. It is compact enough to walk and bike around, whilst still having plenty of places to dine, drink and explore some culture. For the full curated trip, including details of a boat ride to the cute little island of Fjäderholmarna, check out the website page here.
For other European short break ideas, see our selection of curated trips here.