Mark has spent many years travelling the world for work, often flying off to exciting destinations while I stayed behind, juggling full time work and raising our family.
Now, with our children grown up and the flexibility that comes from running my own business, I finally have the freedom to join him on some of these trips and start exploring more of this incredible world for myself.
In recent years, Mark’s ability to work remotely has opened up amazing opportunities for us to combine business with pleasure. We’ve spent time living and working in some incredible places, France, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, and Vietnam, to name just a few.
This time Marks destination was Stockholm so it was time to head off on our Stockholm City Break.
When it came to Stockholm, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Mark had visited before for work, but never as a tourist. This trip gave us the perfect chance to explore the city together, even though he did have to fit in a few workdays while we were there.
We flew to Stockholm from Heathrow with British Airways, a quick and easy flight taking just 2½ hours. Since we arrived late on a Friday evening, we opted to stay at the Radisson Blu at the airport for the night to make things easier.
The next morning, we made our way into central Stockholm by train and underground. Tickets were easy to buy from the ticket office just metres from our hotel. However, once through the gates, the signage was a little confusing and with all the train details in Swedish, it took a bit of guesswork to figure out which platform we needed. Thankfully, we got there in the end! The train took around 20 minutes, followed by a short underground journey. The total cost for two: SEK 380 (around £29).
Hilton Stockholm Slussen
We based ourselves at the Hilton Stockholm Slussen, which turned out to be the perfect location for sightseeing. We were upgraded on arrival, due to being Hilton honours members.
We were in a king executive room which came with a view (see photo above), daily breakfast, and access to the Executive Lounge. The room was large enough, a desk area, comfy large bed, well equipped bathroom with a shower over the bath (the sides on the bath were very high!) plenty of mirrors and lighting, bath robes, slippers, iron & board, hairdryer and toiletries. The room was serviced daily.
As we couldn’t check in until 3 PM, we left our bags at the hotel and set out to explore the city. The skies were blue but the air had a crisp chill, perfect for a long walk. We covered miles on foot, taking in the sights, including a visit to the Royal Palace.
We stopped for a much needed coffee and cake at Under Kastanjen, a charming little spot tucked away in the old town (SEK166 /£13). In Sweden, this delightful ritual is known as ‘fika’. A longstanding tradition that involves a hot drink, something sweet (usually a pastry) and time to unwind or catch up with a friend. I absolutely love this concept!
With so many cosy cafés dotted around Stockholm, you’re truly spoiled for choice. You could easily spend the whole day drinking and snacking your way through the city!
Hilton Executive Lounge
On our first night in Stockholm, we utilised the executive lounge before heading out for dinner. This is a great add on for members with the right status, or those in an Executive room when staying at a Hilton. It’s on the 2nd floor, which is keycard access only. During the day they have refreshments such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Then from 5-7pm, you have access to snacks including soup, sandwiches, cheese and biscuits, etc plus alcoholic beverages such as wines, beers and spirits.
Akkurat Restaurant
That evening we chose a restaurant just around the corner from the Hilton called Akkurat , a great spot if you’re into beer, whisky, hearty food, and live music. Although we missed the music that evening, the food, drinks, and service didn’t disappoint.
We were absolutely starving, so we went for the burgers, which came with generous portions and perfectly crispy chips. Everything was washed down with a cold beer or two. The perfect end to a long day of travel and sightseeing!
Cost for the two of us: SEK 778 (around £61). Well worth it for a relaxed and satisfying meal.
After a great night’s sleep, we headed down for breakfast at the Hilton. It’s buffet style and plentiful, ideal if you want to fill up for a day of sightseeing.
Vaxholm
We set out to explore more of this wonderful city, and decided to hop on a ferry from Slussen for a one hour journey to Vaxholm. The public ferries are one of the best ways to get around Stockholm. They’re frequent, affordable, and offer a completely different perspective of the city from the water.The system uses tap on, tap off contactless payment, and a single ticket (SEK 43 / approx. £3.30) gives you 75 minutes of travel time, allowing you to transfer between multiple ferries within that window.
Top tip: You can only buy one ticket per person per card/device, so if you’re travelling with someone else, make sure they have their own card or phone ready to tap too!
Once we arrived in Vaxholm, we had a little wander around. There isn’t a huge amount to do, but it was lovely to explore and take in how different the houses and buildings were compared to Slussen, much more traditional in style, with a quaint, small town feel.
Camilles Tradgard & Cafe
Mark had already completed a bit of research and led us to a hidden gem of a café called Camilles Trädgård & Café. You’d easily miss it if you were just passing by. It’s tucked away in someone’s home and feels more like visiting a friend than a business. In the colder months, you can sit inside (which we did), but you’ll need to take your shoes off at the door. It’s very cosy, with only a handful of tables, and the staff gave us such a warm welcome.
In the warmer months, there’s a lovely little garden space outside with more seating. I imagine it’s a gorgeous spot when the sun’s out. We ordered their homemade crumble pies. I had the apple, and Mark chose blueberry. Everything is home cooked, gluten free, and organic. We also had a coffee and a hot chocolate, and the total came to SEK196 (around £15).
We had a little chuckle at the eclectic mix of mugs. I am guessing that the owner has collected these over the years or perhaps been gifted by friends and regulars. Mark’s mug had pictures of Paris on it!
Despite the chilly, rainy weather, plus a bit of snow (which likely explained why it was so busy indoors), the whole place had such a cosy, homely feel. Even the bathroom added to the charm. It’s actually part of the owner’s home, complete with a sauna inside!
Horns Gatan Restaurant
After a full day of walking and sightseeing, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up before going out for dinner. That evening, we ate at Horns Gatan, a popular and lively restaurant. I’d definitely recommend booking a table in advance as it gets very busy.
We arrived a little early and started with a drink at their rooftop bar, which offers some lovely views over the city. It was a bit chilly when we visited in May, but still a great spot to take in the surroundings before dinner.
Inside, the atmosphere was welcoming, with an open kitchen, soft lighting, and attentive staff that made for a really enjoyable evening. We had the gravlax to start, which was fresh and beautifully presented. For mains, I went for the potato dumplings filled with cheese sauce, cavolo nero, hazelnuts, and red onions, all finished with a light foam. It was rich, full of flavour and filling. Mark chose the steak tartare, which he really enjoyed.
We each had a glass of wine, and the total bill came to SEK1116 (around £88), which we felt was great value for the quality and overall experience.
Skansen
We were up and out early the next morning, and when in Stockholm, a visit to Skansen is a must. It’s an open air museum, offering a wonderful mix of Swedish culture, history, and nature all in one place. Entry costs SEK285 (around £22) per person.
Skansen is home to historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and a small zoo. We were lucky enough to spot moose and a family of brown bears! It wasn’t too busy when we visited in May, a few school groups, but overall a quiet and easy going experience. Some of the attractions and cafés were closed, most likely due to it being out of season.
Verdict: Skansen is a lovely place for a stroll, especially out of season when it’s quieter. I imagine it gets much busier during peak times with families and school trips. We only spent a couple of hours there, but if you’re visiting with children, you could easily make a day of it, there’s plenty for little ones to see and do.
Just down the road from Skansen is the ABBA Museum. We didn’t go in, but if you’re a fan, it’s worth checking out while you’re in the area.
Afterwards, we hopped on the tram from just outside Skansen and headed back to the Old Town for a wander and to enjoy a drink in the sunshine before stopping for lunch.
Lisa Elmqvist Restaurant
We headed out for a late lunch at another restaurant Mark had found, Lisa Elmqvist. It’s both a seafood shop and a restaurant, and I’d highly recommend booking in advance, as it’s extremely popular. It’s located inside Östermalms Saluhall, a beautifully restored market hall filled with small eateries, bars, and stalls selling local produce like meat, fish, cheese, and much more.
We started with the gravlax, thick, silky slices of salmon that were absolutely delicious. For mains, I had the seafood risotto, which was packed with prawns and came in a very generous portion. Mark went for Turbot. Everything was beautifully cooked and full of flavour.
We enjoyed an aperitif followed by a lovely bottle of wine, all while people watching and soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. It made for a leisurely and memorable lunch. The total came to SEK1628 (around £127).
Verdict: Some might consider it pricey, but for a capital city and considering the quality of the produce, portion sizes, and excellent service, I’d say it was well worth it. Definitely one to add to your ‘places to eat in Stockholm’ list.
Exploring Solo in Stockholm
On the days when Mark was working, I had the opportunity to head out and explore the city on my own. As a solo female traveller, I felt completely safe and at ease. Stockholm has a relaxed, welcoming vibe, and everything is so clean, calm, and easy to navigate, perfect for exploring independently. Also, most people speak English, which helped, as my Swedish is nonexistent!
I spent time wandering through the Old Town, browsing shops, and visiting the Royal Palace, where I caught the changing of the guard, a lovely surprise as I wondered why there were lots of people hanging around, so I stayed and waited too and it was a real highlight of the day. I went to cafés and eateries, stopping for coffee, cake, and lunch at places like Brod & Salt (SEK108 / approx. £8.50) and Stora Bageriet (SEK191 / approx. £15), both great spots to stop and soak up the atmosphere.
One evening, I went out for dinner at a local Thai takeaway just around the corner from our hotel, Ja Thai Wok & Sushi. I ordered the prawn Pad Thai (SEK138 / approx. £11), which was delicious.
Although it’s mainly a takeaway, they had a seating area inside, so I grabbed a stool at the bar and enjoyed my meal while people watching. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring.
Kvarnen Restaurant
For our final night in Stockholm, we booked a table at Kvarnen, a well known spot for traditional Swedish food. It’s a popular restaurant with a lively atmosphere, so booking in advance is definitely recommended. The venue is big, and we were seated in the back bar area, which had a cosy, laid back feel.
Kvarnen prides itself on farm to table dining and offers a great selection of beers from local microbreweries. Naturally, I had to try the Swedish meatballs, served with creamy mashed potatoes, and they did not disappoint, a world apart from the mini versions you find at IKEA! Mark opted for the classic Swedish steak tartare, which he thoroughly enjoyed. We paired our meals with a large beer each. Total cost: SEK850 (approx. £67)
Verdict: A fantastic final meal in Stockholm. Great atmosphere, friendly service, and hearty, flavoursome food in generous portions. Definitely one to add to your list when visiting the city.
On our final day, we had a late check at the hotel which gave us a relaxed, stress free morning. We completed a last walk out in the sunshine, plus a coffee before we flew home on a late afternoon flight.
For our return to the airport, we took the Arlanda Express, which is a fast and convenient option. Tickets for two cost SEK 460 (around £36). If you buy from the machines at the station, which are located on the platform, there’s a discount for two travellers. Be sure to keep your ticket handy, as it will be checked once you’re on board.
Stockholm – A City Break to Remember: Our Final Verdict
Our Stockholm city break completely exceeded our expectations. The city is a wonderful mix that blends history, culture, nature, and modern living, with stunning water views and beautiful Scandinavian architecture. It’s stylish yet down to earth, peaceful but full of life, and incredibly easy to explore on foot, by ferry, or by tram.
This trip was special for us, as it marked another opportunity to blend work and leisure, something we’ve been lucky enough to do more of now that the children are grown up and my work is more flexible. While Mark fitted in a few workdays, we still managed to experience so much of what this beautiful city has to offer together.
From hearty traditional dishes at Kvarnen to elegant seafood at Lisa Elmqvist, and the hidden home comfort of Camille’s Café in Vaxholm, Stockholm’s food scene was a definite highlight. We enjoyed everything from casual takeaways to refined meals with wine, and although eating out can be expensive in the city, the quality, service, and portion sizes generally made it feel worth it.
The public transport system was efficient and easy to navigate once we got the hang of it, and getting around by ferry added a different perspective to our sightseeing. Our visit to Skansen offered a glimpse into Sweden’s heritage, and even just strolling around the city felt like an experience in itself.
Hilton Slussen
- Great location to explore on foot
- Close to public transport
- Executive Lounge access
- Generous breakfast buffet
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, solo, or with kids, Stockholm offers a great balance of culture, nature, food, and relaxation. It’s a city that feels welcoming and easy going, even in the chillier spring weather.
Yes, Stockholm can be expensive, but we felt the quality of food, service, and experience justified the prices. And with so much to see and do outdoors, or simply by strolling around, it’s easy to balance a few indulgent meals with low cost (or free) sightseeing. If you are trying to decide if a Stockholm city break is for you, our advice is just book it!