Our weekend in { STOCKHOLM }:

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.

The hotel has a clean, Scandi-chic look with soft lighting, warm colours plus lots of wood and marble. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with a soft Scandinavian palette and details like herringbone floors and custom lighting. Everything’s been done with care, but it never feels over-designed.

The highlight is the indoor courtyard, covered by a glass ceiling that brings in loads of natural light. This is where the restaurant is: green plants, patterned floors and a relaxed open space that work well for a slow breakfast or for dinner. The food is Mediterranean-inspired with a Nordic twist.

Photos: hotelvilladagmar.com

Down by the water in Hornstull, Slipen 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.

Matbaren is celebrated Swedish chef Mathias Dahlgren’s modern bistro and is inside Stockholm’s Grand Hôtel. Until recently it had a Michelin star and on our most recent visit, our second, it lived up to this standard. 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. The menu is built around medium-sized dishes using seasonal ingredients, so you can order several to share rather than following a set menu. The hot dog with yellow pea hummus, coriander and amba was a playful but surprisingly refined take on a classic, while a tempura-fried courgette flower came with creamy feta, smoky romesco and dried olives. We also loved the Chinese five-spice pork bun: soft, rich and full of flavour, with hoisin and a grilled soy emulsion cutting through the pork. There is a serious wine offering behind the relaxed format, with access to one of Sweden’s most extensive cellars.

Östermalms Foodhall is a classic lunch spot in Stockholm, 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.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Djurgården, Skroten Café & Skeppshandel is a laid-back waterside spot with lots of charm. We popped in for lunch after visitng the nearby ABBA Museum. Housed in an old boat workshop, the café has kept much of its original character: wooden beams, marine details, and shelves lined with nautical antiques and vintage finds. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpolished in the best way, with a mix of locals, cyclists and curious visitors stopping in. The menu is simple and homey: open sandwiches, homemade pastries, hearty soups and fresh seafood when it’s in season. On a sunny day, grab a seat outside by the jetty and watch the boats drift past.

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.

Set on scenic Strandvägen with views over the water, Svenskt Tenn is one of Stockholm’s most iconic design stores. It’s known for its bold, colourful prints and timeless furniture. Inside, the space feels more like a gallery than a shop. It has beautifully styled rooms filled with patterned textiles, glassware, lighting and statement home accessories. It’s a great place to pick up something unique or just to wander through for a dose of interiors inspiration. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth a visit for the design alone!

Acne Studios’ flagship store on Norrmalmstorg is set in a grand 19th-century building that has been restored to blend its original neoclassical features with the brand’s clean, modern aesthetic. Inside, you’ll find high ceilings, marble floors, and sculptural display tables.

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. 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. Well worth spending a couple of hours visiting.

For a more light-hearted and fun visit, The ABBA Museum follows the bands’ story from their early days through to Eurovision and beyond. It has loads of original costumes, videos and recordings. There are also interactive elements like karaoke booths and dance floors too, if you feel in the mood!

Fotografiska is Stockholm’s contemporary photography museum, housed in a striking red-brick building that once served as a customs house. Set along the waterfront in Södermalm, it’s known for its rotating exhibitions that showcase both established and emerging photographers. A fun way to get there is to take the boat that leaves the main harbour.

Photo: stockholm.fotografiska.com/en

On the top floor, you’ll find a restaurant that offers panoramic views over the water and back toward the city’s skyline. The space is open and airy, with large windows, warm wood accents and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere. The menu focuses on seasonal, largely plantbased dishes, with options for sustainably sourced fish and meat. It’s a great spot for a leisurely lunch after seeing an exhibition.

Gamla Stan is the old town area of Stockholm on its own small island and is a short bike ride from the city centre. Here, you’ll find the Royal Palace, narrow cobbled streets, colourful historic buildings and lots of traditional Swedish charm.

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. 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 areas one of Stockholm’s most relaxed and cool neighbourhood spots. It has plenty of cafés (See Pom & Flora in Cafés), vintage shops and boutiques (see Shop).

A quick boat ride from the city, Fjäderholmarna is a small and perfectly formed island that makes for an enjoyable half day trip as part of your weekend in Stockholm. Pop into Hantverksboden for handmade ceramics and Swedish homeware. In the Art Village you can see silversmithing at The Forge and glass blowing at Garage by the Sea.

Stop at Röda Villan for a coffee or a light lunch in their garden, which overlooks the water. There are lots of spots to sit and take in the view, and it’s surrounded by pine trees and small beaches (below right). The Harbor Bar at Fjäderholmarnas Krog is a great spot for a drink, with an outdoor deck overlooking the water.