Three days in Stockholm and how to spend them

One of the world’s most beautiful capital cities, Stockholm spreads across 14 islands where the Baltic Sea meets Sweden’s fourth-largest lake, Mälaren. This strategic and scenic location has shaped the city’s history and culture, and inspired countless artists, writers and musicians.

Stockholm’s distinctive neighborhoods, abundant parks and gorgeous views make it a delight for walkers, though it’s also easy to get around using the city’s efficient public transportation. With scores of interesting museums and other attractions to choose from, you’ll never be bored. If you have 72 hours in this lovely Nordic city, we’ve mapped out an easy and breezy itinerary suggesting some ways you can spend your days.

Day 1: Start from the heart of the Old Town

Morning at Gamla Stan: If there’s one must-see destination in Stockholm, it’s Gamla Stan (the Old Town), which occupies an island in the heart of the city. A compact warren of cobblestone streets and squares lined with narrow houses painted in warm reds and gold, this picturesque neighborhood is perfect for wandering. At Gamla Stan, you can find the Swedish Royal Palace, the official residence of Sweden’s royal family. It’s one of the largest palaces in Europe.

Lunch at Basta!: Located on the top floor of the Åhléns department store, Basta! is a colorful restaurant that serves authentic Italian food and has a popular Capri-inspired rooftop terrace with outstanding views.

Post-lunch swim: If you don’t live in a place where you cool down in a public body of water in the city center on a whim, you can do so here. On a warm summer day, all that water surrounding Stockholm looks particularly inviting. Fortunately, both Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea are so clean you can swim right in the city center. There are sandy beaches at Tanto Strandbad and Smedsuddsbadet, smooth rocks at Fredhällsbadet and a bit of both on Långholmen.

Day 2: Explore Södermalm, a district and island in Stockholm

Morning at Fotografiska: Housed in a former customs house along the Södermalm waterfront, Fotografiska presents a shifting array of exhibitions by renowned and emerging photographers from around the world, working in an eclectic range of styles. Fotografiska doesn’t hold selling shows and its aim is purely to inspire, enthrall and engage visitors through photography. The museum’s popular restaurant serves creative cuisine with an emphasis on sustainability and spectacular views.

Afternoon retail therapy: Make a point to shop at these stores now that you’re on Södermalm. There’s so much more to Swedish design than IKEA. Swedish designer Gudrun Sjödén makes comfortable, flowing women’s clothing in vibrant colors and bold patterns. Her stores also carry housewares in equally striking styles. With three locations in Stockholm, Designtorget carries a fun assortment of housewares, gadgets, accessories and decorative items by established and emerging Swedish designers.

Dinner at Dirty Taco: Experimenting with flavors from around the world, this unassuming-looking little restaurant on Södermalm serves up delicious tortillas with innovative ingredients from sustainable Swedish farms.

Day 3: Take in the great outdoors at Djurgården

Morning biking or walking on Djurgården: Easy access to nature is an essential part of Stockholm’s identity and a huge part of its charm. The large island of Djurgården is home to many of Stockholm’s top museums, as well as abundant parkland with trails. Rental bikes are available by the Djurgården Bridge. Worthwhile stops include Prince Eugen’s Waldermarsudde, which has an art museum and parklike grounds with views and Rosendals Trädgård, an organic garden with a café. Dig into their salad, soups, sandwiches and pastries amid charming greenhouses.

Afternoon at Skansen: On the same island of Djurgården, head to its center to visit Skansen. The world’s oldest open-air museum has more than 150 historic buildings of cultural significance, brought from all over Sweden, as well as a zoo with Nordic animals. Skansen is also a great place to experience traditional celebrations of major holidays such as Midsummer and St. Lucia Day.

Dinner at Animo: After a day in the great outdoors, end the day on a high note with a rewarding meal without the stuffy setting. The fine-dining restaurant with an unpretentious vibe, Animo, lives up to its name, which means soul in Esperanto. Though not huge, the menu is diverse and flavorful, as are the creative cocktails.

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