Stockholm is slowly but surely warming up again and we’re finally seeing the sun for more than a few hours per day. And even if living here makes it slightly less exciting to write about, it’s without doubt also turning into a place that’s well worth visiting for a long weekend. Read on to find out where to eat, drink and sleep when in our neck of the woods.

WHERE TO STAY?

First things first: your home away from home. Our favourite is aptly named “Ett Hem” which translates into “a home”. And a (well-off) home is exactly what it feels like. Having opened in 2012 it already feels like its been lived in for ages, located in a beautiful 12-bedroom townhouse, decorated with an abundance of modern art and featuring a lovely garden.

During colder days you can curl up with a cup of tea in front of a fire in the sitting room, retreat into the library for a quiet read or enjoy a cocktail by the piano. There’s a gym if you feel working out during your holidays, and a marble hammam if you feel like a steam.

Read more about Ett Hem in one of our previous posts. If fully booked, check out Nobis, Berns or Grand Hotel.

WHERE TO EAT?

The food scene in Stockholm is getting more exciting by the minute. There’s a range of new exciting places to try out, and naturally some great classics too. If you’re looking for some traditional Swedish cuisine, head to good old Prinsen. The meatballs are perfect together with a glass of red wine – and make sure you mix the lingonberry with the gravy. It’s a match made in heaven. If they’re fully booked or you find it a bit old and stuffy, simply walk across the street to fellow institution Riche, which serves great toast skagen and is great for people watching.

Publico is an exciting and newly opened restaurant, part of the wider F12 group. The Peruvian and Mexican food is made for sharing, there’s not much personal space, and as the evening progresses and the music gets louder it’ll start feeling more like a nightclub than a restaurant. It’s the perfect place to spend your entire evening.

For something in between the two, try the excellent Matbaren. Awarded with a Michelin star it still remains casual and relaxed – making it one of our favourite restaurants in all of Stockholm. The Hirata Pork Buns are the best and excellent together with a glass of the ginger beer.

For the best burger in Stockholm pay Flippin Burgers a visit. Even if waiting times can be dreary (up to an hour for two) you won’t regret it.

WHERE TO SHOP?

Biblioteksstan, which is basically Biblioteksgatan plus surrounding streets, is a fairly new shopping district that dates back to 1885. It gathers a bunch of great brands in one small area and makes it feel like a smaller version of New York’s Soho. There’s no cars to hassle you as you browse local brands like Acne, Filippa K and Byredo as well as international behemoths such as Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton and COS. If you’re a watch nerd like us, you’ll find Patek Philippe, Rolex and Audemars Piguet here too. Restaurant Prinsen is right next door if you’re longing for those meatballs, and there’s a range of great cafés too.

If it’s raining, you’ll find the newly opened Mood Stockholm close by. It’s a galleria where you can gulp a glass of bubbly, get a quick bite to eat, or do some shopping – or all three at the same time! The concierge can take care of your pet or charge your phone whilst you browse some of the stores or enjoy a manicure with their beauty therapist.

For a more traditional shopping experience, head to Stockholm’s oldest and grandest department store, Nordiska Kompaniet – also right next door!

GOT MORE TIME?

If the sun is shining we suggest a nice long stroll in Djurgården, the national park of Stockholm, and a charming mix of parkland, forest and canals. It’s also home to several of the capitals main museums. Alternatively, hop on a boat and head out to the beautiful archipelago, a cluster of 30,000 islands, skerries and rocks spreading 80 km east from the city into the Baltic Sea.

Enjoy!