So you only have 30 hours in Stockholm, and you need to figure out what to do? Luckily, I've been there, done that and can share some insights on how to make the most of your time.
When I passed through Stockholm for 30 hours, I had just come from London and decided to swing by Sweden's capital city before heading back to New York. I realize 30 hours is not nearly enough time to discover a place, but sometimes I am okay getting a taste of a city until I'm able to return for a longer stay.
Here's roughly what my 30-hour itinerary looked like:
11 a.m. – Landed at the Arlanda airport. Hello, Sweden!
12 p.m. – Arrived in Stockholm's city center via the Arlanda Express and headed to Scandic Anglais, my hotel during my 30-hour stay. Scandic Anglais is perfectly located in the trendy neighborhood of Östermalm and is also the location of Jamie's Italian, the first Jamie Oliver restaurant in Sweden.
1 p.m. – Ate lunch — a tarte flambée with apple, cabbage and salami — at Speceriet, sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred Gastrologik (though not as expensive). Speceriet has a very minimalist yet warm vibe that is perfect for a casually intimate meal.
3 p.m. – Visited the Vasa Museum, home of the world's only preserved 17th century ship. This is one of the most unique museums I've ever been to, and to see the actual Vasa ship in person is overwhelming in the best way possible.
5 p.m. – Wandered Gamla Stan and its old town cobblestone pathways
6 p.m. – Enjoyed drinks with a view and a few thought-provoking exhibitions at Fotografiska, Stockholm's contemporary photography museum
8 p.m. – Grabbed Stockholm's version of street food from one of the city's most well-known vendors, Nystekt Stromming. On my plate: fried herring, dill mayonnaise, mashed potatoes, lingonberries, creme fraiche salad and crisp bread. Worth it.
10 p.m. – Strolled through Östermalm and enjoyed the neighborhood's vibrant night scene
12 a.m. – Good night! Went to bed
8 a.m. – Ate breakfast at the hotel's complimentary buffet (so many kinds of yogurt!)
9 a.m. – Walked around the neighborhood before heading over to Södermalm
10 a.m. – Channeled my inner Lisbeth Salander in Södermalm. And did some shopping.
11 a.m. – Chai latte break at one of Södermalm's cute and trendy cafes.
1 p.m. – Entered seafood heaven aka Östermalms Saluhall, where I tried the amazing toast skagen at Lisa Elmqvist and became obsessed with my new favorite Scandinavian treat, the Sarah Bernhardt cookie.
3 p.m. – Back on the Arlanda Express
4 p.m. – Arlanda Airport!
5 p.m. – Stockholm, it's been fun. Until next time!
A few more tips for Stockholm:
- Walk and ride as much as you can! Stockholm is an amazing city to explore on foot or a bike.
- Stockholm is an expensive city, so I recommend mixing and matching throughout your stay. For example, grocery shop or eat street food and then indulge in the occasional splurge meal.
- Visit the Nobel Museum! I got there too late and could only peak inside, but it's definitely on my list for my next visit.
- Keep an open mind, explore and have fun on your 30 hours in Stockholm!