Travelling to Stockholm for a few days with your loved one? Pimp-up your stay in the capital of Scandinavia with 8 tips, not too cheesy but still charming!
1. Stroll around Gamla Stan at sunrise
Stockholm’s old town is a picturesque neighbourhood, perfect just to wander around, but it gets really crowded with tourists. Brace yourself and get up early. You can then enjoy the paved streets and traditional facades in peace. And be the only cute couple walking hands in hands.
Season note: In spring and summer, being there at sunrise time will be a real challenge (4.00 am anyone?), before 10.00am is still early enough!
2. Take a brunch cruise to the archipelago
Board a traditional ship from 1931, admire Stockholm from water and get a taste of what the archipelago looks like. I love this tour because it also combine a great brunch, which is great way to try lots of swedish specialties. It’s a 3h cruise and costs 450SEK, making it great value for money.
Make it happen: The boat leaves from Stranvägen at 12.00 on Saturday and Sunday. Book to avoid disappointment (visit the cruise ‘s website).
Season note: The cruise goes all year around, the view of the archipelago under snow and blue sky is magic!
3. Enjoy a promenade and picnic on Djugården island
Djugården is the green island of Stockholm. Difficult to get so much nature and still being in a capital! It’s the perfect place to escape the city buzz and enjoy a picnic en tête a tête. The 10km trail going around Djugården combines waterfront and canal promenade, farm and gardens, stunning residences and official buildings, as well as museums. You can walk or cycle. Why not trying a tandem?
Make it happen: To rent a bike count on 150 to 200sek for half a day, 400SEK for a day for a tandem.
Season note: You can cycle between April – October, the picnic will be enjoyable between June and September.
4. Relax in Centralbadet spa
After this exercise, why not treating yourself with half a day in a spa? You can easily spend 2-3 hours with your loved one relaxing between the pool (swimming in circle is a must in Sweden!), the sauna, jaccuzi, the hot and cold bath… I love Centralbadet, the baths opened in 1904 and restoration works managed to keep the old charm of the pool.
Make it happen: The entrance costs 220SEK everyday except on Saturdays (320SEK). It is also possible to book a massage.
Season note: Nice for all seasons but a must if you are visiting Stockholm in winter!
Credits: Centralbadet
5. Enjoy the sunset from Monteliusvägen
From Monteliusvägen you can enjoy one of the most romantic views of the city overlooking Gamla Stan and the City hall. Sit on a bench and enjoy the sunset over half of Stockholm.
Make it happen: You can take the subway to Slussen or Mariatorget.
Season note: All year around, but you will probably not sit for long in winter!
6. Impress with an unexpected dinner at BonBon.
Don’t juge the place by the location -next to a petrol station- if you are looking for a restaurant to surprise someone, this is the one to book! BonBon doesn’t have a menu: you get pressed with a variety of excellent dishes (tapas size) and get to choose if you would like to try it or not. One of my favorite restaurant in Stockholm.
Make it happen: Plan ahead, it’s a popular place: book on their website. For 2, consider a budget of ~1000SEK including drinks.
Little big explorations’ tip: share all dishes, you will be able to try them all (or almost).
7. Have a drink at Himlen
The restaurant-bar “Himlen” (cloud in Swedish) takes its name from its location. Take the elevator to the last floor of Skatteskrapan, one of the tallest buildings of central Stockholm (104m), and enjoy one of Stockholm’s best views with a great cocktail.
Make it happen: Subway Medborgarplatsen. Cocktails start at 120SEK
Little big explorations’ tip: You will feel more at your ease if you don’t wear sneakers.
8. Walk under the blossoming cherry trees on Kungsträdgården
The short phenomenon of blossoming cherry trees can also be appreciated in the capital of Scandinavia. The apparition of the cherry flowers mark the real beginning of the spring in Stockholm, and Swedes start hanging outside. Buy an ice cream and still on the stairs.
Make it happen: Subway Kungsträdgården
Season: Difficult to predict! Depending on how cold and long the winter is, between mid April and beginning of May. 26 April will be your best bet!
Disclaimer: I have no deal with any of the places mentioned above, these are my own tips gathered during my time in Stockholm.
Liked that post? You may want to check My 5 must do in Stockholm.
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