Stockholm, Sweden – a city where medieval streets intertwine with modernity, creating a tapestry of history, culture, and Scandinavian magic. Sweden made my list of the Top 5 Health Conscious European Countries as their culture was so wellness-forward. Stockholm is one of the pricier European destinations but Swedish culture itself is a reason to visit (not to mention the food!).
In this guide, I’ll cover what it’s like, things to do and see, where to stay, places to eat with gluten-free options, how to get around, and how long to stay.
What is Stockholm, Sweden like?
Nestled amidst the picturesque beauty of Scandinavia, Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a city that effortlessly blends rich history, modernity, and a touch of Nordic magic. The city is spread across 14 islands and has charming old neighborhoods with narrow cobblestone streets. There’s a ton of cute coffee shops and amazing shopping for both clothes and home goods.
Things to do and see in Stockholm
1. Stroll through Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan is the oldest neighborhood where you’ll find the famous Stortorget in the main square (the famous colorful townhouses). You can walk through this area and stop to take a fika. Here, you can also tour the royal palace.
2. Take a fika
Indulge in the Swedish tradition of taking a fika — where you sit with family, friends, or colleagues and get coffee or tea and a sweet treat. A direct translation of ‘fika’ is a coffee break in Swedish. However, it’s more about taking a pause from life and socializing. So find a cute cafe, and a cinnamon roll (they’re Swedish cuisine after all) and take a coffee break. The norm is to do this daily.
3. Experience local food halls
Stockholm has various food halls where you can shop for local, fresh food but also dine at. Our favorite was Odermalm Daily Hall, which was clearly a local favorite for lunch. Definitely pick up some groceries here.
4. Visit the IceBar at the IceHotel
For a unique adventure, step into the Ice Bar and immerse yourself in the cool atmosphere. It’s a chilly but memorable experience, complete with creatively crafted ice sculptures and refreshing drinks served in ice glasses.
5. Explore Sodermalm district
Sodermalm, a hip and vibrant district in Stockholm is also worth exploring by foot. Check out local markets, such as Saluhall, and discover hidden gems in this eclectic neighborhood, including my favorite restaurant: Meatballs For The People.
6. Go shopping
No visit to Stockholm is complete without a shopping spree as Swedes have amazing stores. From home decor to clothes, the Scandinavian style is one of my favorites. Also being home to H&M, you’ll find goodies you won’t at home —- like H&M home.
Where to stay in Stockholm
Our choice to stay in Gamla Stan proved to be ideal. The historic charm of the old town and its central location allowed us to easily access key attractions and explore the city on foot. While there aren’t exactly hotels in that area, there are Airbnbs to rent. This was the most affordable option as well! We liked having our own kitchen to cook some meals while we were there to save money.
Places to eat (Gluten-free options)
Meatballs for the People
This is a MUST VISIT. Obviously, no trip to Sweden is completed without ordering a plate of Swedish meatballs. Here, all meatballs are gluten-free AND they can be made from beef to moose or bear. Another amazing dish was their goulash. Meatballs are all handmade, organic, and made from high-quality, locally sourced meat. Best meal in Sweden hands down.
Body Buddy
A health food café with 100% gluten-free options. It was a great option for breakfast or lunch. They have gluten-free crisp bread available which is a part of Swedish cuisine.
Saka Sushi
You probably wouldn’t think of eating at a Japanese restaurant in Sweden but they have the freshest fish. At Saka, I ordered a seared salmon sushi roll with gluten-free soy sauce. We were super surprised at how good it was.
Fern and Fika
A cozy spot offering a variety of beverages and quick bites. I tried the chaga chai while catching up on work in a tranquil setting.
Odermalm Daily Hall
There’s a lot of places to choose from in the food hall. We dined at M Segar and devoured a plate of Swedish meatballs. The bustling hall also had fresh salmon and dill sauce to fresh seafood salads which looked amazing. We went back two more times.
Chokladkoppen
A perfect little cafe to take a fika. Located in Gamla Stan in one of the Stortorget ancient buildings! I ordered a real melted chocolate hot cocoa and my partner got a giant cinnamon bun.
Hot tip: If you’re looking for a gluten-free cinnamon bun, check out the freezer section at Coop.
How to get around Stockholm
Stockholm’s efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro, makes it easy to navigate the city. If you’re staying or exploring the old town such as Gamla Stan, walking is your best bet. We opted to walk pretty much everywhere, even in the snow, to check out the city. If you do visit during the colder seasons, make sure you have some sort of boots for traction.
How many days is enough in Stockholm, Sweden?
I recommend spending at least three to four days to fully immerse yourself in the city’s culture, history, and culinary delights. This allows for a relaxed exploration of each district and the opportunity to uncover hidden gems. However, a weekend could also suffice.
While I wouldn’t go out of my way to solely travel to Sweden, it’s a unique stop on a long-term European trip if you want to experience the Scandinavian way of life. Stockholm is a city that effortlessly combines history, culture, and modernity. A visit in the summer would likely open up more activities than we got to experience.
