Stockholm’s top concierges share their personal suggestions for the perfect day
Olow Frank
10am
Under the bridges of Stockholm If you are looking to see all of Stockholm from the water, this is the tour for you; a truly beautiful and memorable introduction to the Venice of the North. Boats leave in front of the Grand Hôtel and the tickets are purchased at the ticket office on the harbor.
12pm
Explore the Old Town Visit the ancient Old Town across the harbor from the Grand Hôtel. You can either explore on your own on foot, or simply ask the concierge to book you a private guide. The Old Town was founded in the 12th century and many of the houses are still the original 16th century constructions. When you are in the Old Town, do not miss: Storkyrkan — the church for Royal weddings and ceremonies Stortorget — where the Stockholm bloodbath took place in 1520 Mårten Trotzigs Alley — the narrowest alley, 90cm wide Brända Tomten — stop here to take a rest and enjoy the area.
1pm
The Royal Palace Take a guided tour of the Royal Palace, the official seat of the Swedish royal family which hosts many elaborate dinners. The palace is the largest in Europe, with more than 600 rooms divided over seven floors. The tour starts at 1pm and lasts for 45 minutes.
2pm
Lunch in the Old Town Stop at any of the many restaurants and cafés around Stortorget beside the Royal Palace for a relaxing lunch and drink. Mårten Trotzig, and Café Gråmunken are particularly good choices.
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3.30pm
Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde Waldemarsudde, originally the home of Prince Eugen, son of Oscar II (1865-1947), became state-owned after the Prince’s death in accordance with his will, and is now among the mostvisited art museums in Sweden. Prince Eugen was one of his generation’s foremost landscape painters and many of his bestknown works, including Molnet (the Cloud) and Det Gamla Slottet (The Old Castle), are part of the collections here.
5pm
Cadier Bar Rest and relax after a long day and perhaps enjoy a glass of crisp champagne at the Cadier Bar before going to dinner on the islands.
7pm
Dinner on the Fjäderholmarna Islands The boat leaves from Nybrokajen harbor behind the Grand Hôtel and will take you out to the small group of islands called Fjäderholmarna. Here you can enjoy a relaxing dinner of seafood and traditional Swedish fare at the incredible Fjäderholmarnas Krog restaurant overlooking the bay. Secure a reservation to truly enjoy this exclusive location away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The last boat leaves Fjäderholmarna at 10.30pm.
Sean Naughton
BEST TO VISIT
• Vasa Museum: This is the city’s number one attraction, featuring the only example in the world of a preserved 17th century battleship. The best way to visit the museum is by taking a private ferry to Djurgården, Stockholm’s royal park in the center of the city and the home of many of the nation’s finest museums and galleries.
• Östermalms Saluhall: This wonderful covered market dating from the 1880s has counters loaded with Swedish delicacies. Many visitors come here for a break from shopping in the nearby boutiques in the afternoon to enjoy a leisurely lunch or a glass of wine.
• Stockholm Archipelago: A network of 30,000 islands spanning out into the Baltic Sea and navigated by a series of narrow channels,visitors arrive here in summer to enjoy sailing in the calm waters, bathing in warm sheltered coves and exploring the multitude of beautiful islets. Chartering a private ferry or yacht is the perfect way to gain an exclusive appreciation of the archipelago’s unique beauty.
BEST SHOPPING
• Biblioteksgatan: Located in the ultra chic Östermalm region of Stockholm, this street runs from the central library to the exclusive party district of Stureplan and features some of the most luxurious fashion and retail stores in the capital.
• SoFo: ‘South of Folkungagatan’, this district covers the southerly blocks of Sodermalm island and is heavily influenced by bohemian culture. The streets are packed with interesting and creative shops specializing in clothing, design, jewelry and vintage; several fashion brands have their own stores here. The laid-back atmosphere of the area is complemented by scores of restaurants, cafés and galleries.
BEST RESTAURANTS
1: Mathias Dahlgren: The former proprietor of the acclaimed Bon Lloc, Mathias is the only Swede to ever win the prestigious Bocuse d’Or. He opened this restaurant in the Grand Hôtel to showcase his innovations in gourmet cuisine. Influenced by local and global ingredients and styles, his dishes provide exceptional experiences for the palate.
2: Fjäderholmarnas Krog: For a summer atmosphere this may be one of the best choices for travelers to Stockholm. The restaurant is arguably the closest in the archipelago to Stockholm and makes a pleasant sojourn during any trip into the region. The view overlooking the Stockholm harbor entrance is difficult to beat and many come on a summer evening to enjoy the modern menu with its connections both to the archipelago, and traditional Swedish cuisine.
3: Prinsen: At over 100 years old this specialist in Swedish cuisine is a Stockholm institution. Traditionally the haunt of the city’s artists, the walls are covered in paintings presented in lieu of payment by artists struggling to cover their bills over the restaurant’s long history. The restaurant draws significant influences from French brasserie cuisine, combining and interspersing these with Swedish classics.
