With its mix of functionality, minimalism, and culture, Stockholm constantly ranks highly on the list of the world’s coolest capital cities. The vast range of shops, bars, galleries and cafés is continually changing, and new places are always popping up to visit. At the same time, the classics live on and attract new generations of visitors year after year.
This stunning city teems with rich history, incredible sights, and unforgettable experiences, while remaining compact enough for you to see its highlights in a couple of days – perfect for a Europe long weekend trip. Here are some tips on what to do in Stockholm in 48 hours to ensure you get the most out of your stay.
Day 1 in Stockholm
Morning: Breakfast at Stora Bageriet and Vasa Museum
Breakfast has gone from being a home affair to an event that you eat out on the town. The range of trendy and niche breakfast places is perpetually growing, but some remain favourites every year.
Once an army bakery which supplied up to 60,000 loaves daily for over 300 years, Stora Bageriet has reopened its doors as a modern bakery, selling some of the best buns Stockholm has to offer. Whether you’re a sweet or savoury breakfast lover, this bakery serves an assortment of mouthwatering dishes in two cosy locations. After eating, head over to the Vasa Museum and explore the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship.
Afternoon: Vintage Shopping in SoFos
Take a bus ride to Södermalm, voted one of the trendiest districts in Europe by several international sites, and tour around the island’s vintage and second-hand shops. A good starting point on your hunt for unique and quirky objects is the area around Mariatorget and Hornsgatan, where there are both simple secondhand shops, such as Stadsmissionen and Myrorna and fancier vintage shops with carefully curated precious objects. Dive into the Mr Judit Fire Station, where you will find exciting furnishings and various inspirations for your home.
Evening: Dinner at Fotografiska
Wind down from your busy day with a peaceful evening visit to the Fotografiska Museum, home to world-class photography, incredible exhibitions, and rich culture. There you can also enjoy a waterside dinner and watch the sun set below the inlet as you savour a meal meticulously curated by star chef Paul Svensson. They’ve introduced a new culinary theme for 2026, ‘The Fifth Exhibition’, which changes seasonally, focusing on hyper-seasonal sustainability.
Day 2 in Stockholm
Morning: Gamla Stan, The Royal Palace, and Fika Break
Start day 2 by immersing yourself in the rich history and beauty of Stockholm. Take the bus or metro to Gamla Stan, the Old Town, where you can stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the colourful, centuries-old buildings. The main sights of Gamla Stan include Stortorget, the oldest square in Stockholm, and the Royal Palace, one of Europe’s largest palaces, which is the official residence of the Swedish monarch. Make sure you time your visit around 12.15 pm on weekdays (1.15 pm on Sundays and holidays) to see the changing of the guard ceremony. If you’re lucky enough to travel during the summer months, you’ll catch the daily ceremonies with a full parade and band.
After exploring the grandeur of the palace, it’s time for a classic Swedish experience: a Fika. This is more than just a coffee break; it’s a moment to pause, socialise, and enjoy a sweet treat. At the award-winning Café Pascal at Odenplan, you can treat yourself to a cup of fair-trade coffee of the highest quality, roasted by small coffee roasteries and praised by caffeine connoisseurs, as well as their famous cardamom buns and cinnamon buns.
Afternoon: Traditional Swedish Smörgås and ABBA The Museum
For a true taste of Sweden at lunchtime, seek out a smörgås, or ‘open-faced sandwich’. This Swedish delicacy is a work of art, typically featuring the highest quality cured meats, seafood, cheese, and fresh vegetables piled high on a single slice of dark rye bread. Head to Östermalms Saluhall, a beautifully preserved 19th-century food market, where several vendors offer exquisite versions of this national dish.
Next, head to Djurgården island, home to many of Stockholm’s best museums. A must-see is ABBA The Museum, a fully interactive experience dedicated to the iconic pop group. Relive the band’s meteoric rise, try on virtual stage costumes, and even record your own song in the recording studio. It’s a fun, nostalgic stop before you wind down for the evening.
Evening: River Cruise and Dinner at Hantverket
Stockholm isn’t called ‘Venice of the North’ for no reason; it sits atop 14 islands connected by bridges, blending history with modern innovation in abundant water and greenery. Discover the best of the city’s archipelago with a riverboat cruise before ending your 48-hour trip with dinner.
The experience of good craftsmanship is something that permeates the restaurant Hantverket, from its interior design to its dessert. The owner was once a carpenter, and this is especially noticeable in the meticulously decorated dining room with its rustic tables and beautiful wood panelling. Creative and playful appetisers with a Nordic basic tone are served here, including stewed macaroni with truffles and homemade lamb sausages. The seats at the bar are first-come, first-served – making them a good alternative if you have not had time to book in advance.
Where Is the Best View in Stockholm?
Once you’ve eaten your fill of smörgås and sweet buns and seen the best attractions the city has to offer, end the days, or the trip, gazing at its skyline. For the most breathtaking panorama of Stockholm, you have two excellent choices: Monteliusvägen or Skinnarviksberget.
Monteliusvägen is a charming 500-meter-long walking path that runs along the northern edge of Södermalm island. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to views of Lake Mälaren, Stockholm City Hall, and the Riddarholmen church spire in Gamla Stan. For a slightly more rugged and elevated experience, head to Skinnarviksberget. As the highest natural point in central Stockholm, this rocky outcrop offers a 360-degree, uninterrupted view over the city. It’s a popular spot for locals, particularly at sunset, and offers a more expansive vista encompassing Kungsholmen, Gamla Stan, and Djurgården. Bring a blanket and enjoy a true Swedish sunset picnic.
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