1 Slow Day Itinerary in Stockholm
What started as a diversion due to travel logistics, became a very enjoyable and relaxing slow day in Stockholm. After planning and spending 1 calm and satisfying day in Stockholm, I am so happy to share my itinerary for a slow day in the beautiful capital of Sweden. This itinerary prioritises taking it easy, shopping, food and a restful approach to visiting Stockholm in 1 day.
If you are more a visual person, I also shared a video on YouTube. In this video, you will see my choice for coffee shops, brunch and a traditional dinner place; you will also enjoy a walking tour of the city and the old town, Gamla Stan, going from the local Hötorget Flea Market to the views from up Katarinabergets.
Without any further ado, here is my itinerary suggestions for your slow day in Stockholm!
Hotel: Scandic Go, Upplandsgatan 4
When I look up for accommodation, especially when I have only a short amount of time in the place I am visiting, one of my first requirements is closeness to the main attractions; usually this means closeness to the old town or city centre. The second thing I look for is good value for money. Central locations are often a bit pricey but you can find cheaper options with good amenities. The hotel I chose for my 1 day in Stockholm was pretty affordable based on the average prices for the month of May which is considered high season here. Despite being a budget hotel, the design was very pretty and functional. We didn’t have a wardrobe or hangers in the bedroom but there were some convenient hooks. We also got a room with no window which was not ideal. However, the bathroom was spacious due to its shape.
Name: Scandic Go
Price: £205.04 for 2 night, 2 people
Address: Upplandsgatan 4, 111 23 Stockholm, Sweden
Breakfast: not included or offered. There is a snack bar and drinking still and sparkling water freely available
Reception is open 24/7 and staff was very helpful and welcoming
Below, you can find a few photos of the common area, but if you’d like to see more, check my YouTube video!
Coffee time: Café Pascal
Not far from the hotel, there is a very cosy coffee shop with really cool interiors and a variety of pastry and coffee choices. I loved the atmosphere. On the downside, using laptops is not always allowed, especially on weekends and specific peak times, so it might not be the best option for remote working.
Name: Café Pascal
Address: Norrtullsgatan 4, 113 29 Stockholm, Sweden
Price: I spent kr 106 (£8.45) for a cinnamon bun and a decaf cappuccino with oat milk
Enjoy the nature and lovely views from Observatorielunden
Just a few metres from Cafè Pascal, you can find Observatorielunden. This is a lush park which houses the observatory. However, you don't need to visit the observatory for views over the city since the park is already on a hill. You can enjoy a slow walk in the beautiful Scandinavian nature. If you go in Spring time, you will be surprised by the variety of flowers and sweet smells in the park. I was lucky enough to visit on a fantastic day of sun.
Hötorget Flea Market
At this point, you will be walking towards the historical island of Stockhom, Gamla Stan, and on your way there, you will pass through Hötorget. Hötorget is a vibrant city square and on Sundays it houses the Hötorget Flea Market. If you like old and unusual objects and books, this is the place for you. It is also your opportunity to observe Swedish people socialising and perusing around.
Have a nature walk in Kungsträdgården
You can get to Gamla Stan via different ways but I suggest you go through King's Garden (Kungsträdgården). This is a lovely little park, the oldest in central Stockholm. Events often take place here. When I visited, a big celebration for the Thai New Year was happening. There were a lot of stalls selling Thai foods and drinks and concerts and performances all day. This was a fun addition to my slow day in Stockholm!
Time to enjoy some waterfront views from Norrbro or Strömbron bridges
We are finally arriving to Gamla Stan, but before that, let’s stop on Norrbro or Strömbron bridges to enjoy some views of this beautiful waterfront area of Stockholm. Here is also the place where boat tours exploring the archipelago starts from. If you have enough time, I think going on go on one of those excursions is totally worthy it!
Brunch time! Österlånggatan 17
I did some research on brunch places in Stockholm and although there might be a few really good options, I am so happy with the choice to go to Österlånggatan 17. The decor of the place was absolutely gorgeous, lovely staff and the food was incredible. We went for Eggs Royale and for the first time, we have been served salmon eggs as decoration on top of the hollandaise sauce. It was absolutely divine!
Name: Österlånggatan 17
Address: Österlånggatan 17, 111 31 Stockholm, Sweden
Price: This place is on the expensive side but worth the price. We spent kr 645 (£51.38) for 2 Eggs Royale and 2 fresh orange juices.
History and picturesque alleyways: explore Gamla Stan and Stortorget
It’s finally time to explore one of the oldest and most iconic places in Stockholm: the Old Town, Gamla Stan. This area dates from the 13th century but most buildings are from the 1600s and 1700s. You will get lost in charming cobbled streets and cosy alleyways. This is also where you can explore some local shops showcasing Swedish hand-made pieces like the mesmerising art shop Darkoob. Stortorget is the main square and this is where you can find many historical buildings.
And now, get the views from up Katarinabergets!
A free experience not to miss is going up Katarinabergets and enjoy the views from up there. Up the hill, there is also a viewing platform. Accessing it is free and there are some food places where you can relax and spend some time at. Prepare for a windy visit!
Ice cream at SKEPPSBRO GLASS and enjoy some more waterfront views
At this point, you might feel a bit peckish but it might not be dinner time yet. Especially on a sunny day, it can be so nice to go back to the waterfront area and have an ice cream in Skeppsbro Glass.
Name: SKEPPSBRO GLASS
Address: Skeppsbron 19, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden
Price: Prices vary depending on the item you choose but I spent kr 110 (£8.77) for 2 small cups of ice cream (one with salty liquorice, which is a typical Scandinavian produce!)
Swedish dinner at Restaurang Tradition
There are many restaurants to choose from in Gamla Stan but they can get quite busy. You might need to queue for a while unless you reserve your place beforehand. We didn’t book our stay but we were lucky not to wait for too long to have dinner at Restaurang Tradition. This was such a good value for money kind of choice! Food was again, incredible and the interiors and staff amazing. It felt very luxurious, nonetheless at an affordable price.
Name: Restaurang Tradition
Address: Österlånggatan 1, 113 53 Stockholm, Sweden
Price: We spent kr 535 (£42.62) for 2 main traditional meals and a bottle of sparkling water. With our Swedish meatballs and potato dumplings, we got also Scandinavian Rye Muffins and knäckebröd (or crispbread). I highly recommend this place!
